An agreement to allow the use of technology during NCAA football games has been reached by the NCAA Football Rules Committee during a four-day meeting in Orlando, Florida. The meeting purposed an enhancement of student-athlete safety and the use of electronic devices by coaching staffs.
This would not be the first time the NCAA has allowed the use of technology during sporting events. Both coaches and players in men and women soccer teams are permitted the use of electronic devices. Players can even wear a device throughout a match to collect data.
Get The Latest Sports Tech News In Your Inbox!
Although football players will not be using the electronic devices during the game, coaches will be able to provide their players information on how to improve their game with tablets. The devices are only allowed in the press box and locked room. It is prohibited on the sideline, the team area and on the field. While using a tablet in the locker room, players can see replays from the first half. The acceptance of devices in the locker room and press box will officially weed out the old school use of pen and paper.
The Surface Pro 3 is already being used on the NFL sidelines. Coaches and players can easily determine what is working versus what is not. If all is approved next month to allow the use of technological devices during NCAA football games, there could be a future with the freedom to use devices on the sideline. The use of devices on the sideline could be beneficial to both players and coaches. There will be easy access to the playbook and players will be able to receive immediate feedback from previous plays.
The NCAA Football Rules Committed also voted to expand the authority of the instant replay official during their meeting. Now the instant replay official has the responsibility to review all aspect of targeting fouls. They will be able to stop the game and create targeting fouls during certain situations, as well as watch for forcible contact to the head. The added duty of the instant replay official is to ensure better protection of student-athletes.
The proposed ideas from the committed must be approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel on March 8 before being implemented during the 2016 season.