MISD coaches felt they were at a disadvantage when Mansfield ISD football teams faced Oklahoma schools in “border brawls” in 2018, 2019 and 2021. Opponents were allowed to use technology on the sideline, but the UIL did not allow its schools to use technology at all, even in the press box.
“It's definitely an advantage. It was a concern when we played there,” Mansfield coach Gregory George said. “Most of the other states don't follow NCAA rules, but Texas does. They use the national federation's rules, and that's allowed. Hudl makes it easy and allows anyone to We have sold systems that provide this functionality.
Texas schools will now be able to take advantage of it, at least in some capacity.
Starting next football season, the UIL will allow the use of technology in coaching booths and locker rooms, but not on the sidelines. The UIL notified competition directors and coaches of the rule change via email on Wednesday, saying teams can use video and data technology such as computers, tablets, iPads and smartphones during games and halftime.
“This is going to be a game changer,” Allen coach Lee Wigginton said. “We don't have to worry about the haves and have-nots in this world because we're all using technology. This reduces the burden on coaches and makes sure they have the right information from the press box to the field. It makes things easier.”
Texas High School Coaches Association Deputy Executive Director Glenn West said Texas is the only state that plays according to NCAA rules. Starting next season, the NCAA will only allow tablets for in-game video and will limit use to 18 per team in coaching booths, sidelines and locker rooms. Video can include broadcast his feed and camera his angles from the coach's sideline and coach's end zone, and all team officials are allowed to view the tablet during the game. .
The UIL has created exceptions to these rules to provide a level playing field.
“The reason we are different from universities in terms of technology is probably because of affordability and equity of competency,” West said. “Our coaches and guys felt it was unfair to do that on the field.
“But we feel like it's not really a cost to have it in the coaching box or in the locker room. We live in a world where it's easily available and everyone already has it. So why not let people use it? You could use an iPhone.”
For the first time, coaches can use video during games to review plays and formations and quickly determine what's working and what's not. Those in the press box no longer have to write everything down or erase their memories.
“The advantage is that you can adapt to the situation on the field faster,” George said. “It's going to be more like a professional game, and in many cases that's a good thing.”
Mr Wigginton said police would not be able to do so under the old rules.
“I'm very happy to have this rule. I'm not intentionally breaking the rule, I'm just worried that there are probably a lot of coaches using technology,” he said. “People are breathing without thinking, people are using technology without thinking. It cannot be policed in any way.”
However, George noticed one drawback.
“It takes away the benefit of a good coaching staff, the benefit of doing certain things to be successful, and the benefit of utilizing a staff that isn't immediately responsive,” he said. “Sometimes it's necessary [the opponent] It might take a few quarters or even halftime or more to figure something out. ”
The UIL has made it clear that no technology is allowed on the sidelines or team areas. Violations will result in him being referred to the District Executive Committee in accordance with UIL regulations and may result in forfeiture of the match.
The UIL stated that game officials are not responsible for enforcing the restricted sideline use, but officials may report known or suspected violations of this rule to the UIL in game reports. He said it was expected. Additionally, if a team official uses video technology to involve officials to show or review a play or game action, an automatic unsportsmanlike conduct violation occurs.
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