College football is embracing technology long ago adopted by the NFL and even the high school game. Helmet communication and the use of side tablets in the FBS will be allowed from next season, reports Chris Vannini of The Athletic.
The additions were approved by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on Friday. Communication from the sideline to a helmet worn by a quarterback and a player on defense was tested by several teams during bowl games last season, as were tablets used by the coaching staff.
Another change approved for next season is the addition of a two-minute warning at the end of the second and fourth quarters during games, incorporating an element that previously distinguished college football gameplay from the NFL.
The intent behind adding the two-minute warning is to prevent consecutive TV timeouts during game broadcasts. (However, this is not considered a media timeout.) The short break will also allow the officials to switch to the rules that apply during the last two minutes of a half, including stopping the clock after first downs and plays going out of bounds.
The use of communications devices in helmets received additional attention last season due to the Michigan sign-stealing controversy, in which scouts reportedly attended off-campus games to pick up side signals from opponents.
While many coaches, players and fans decried the Wolverines for breaking the rules, several observers noted that such tactics — or sideline signals — would not be necessary if coaches could communicate directly with a player using a device. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule was among those who pointed out that high school teams were allowed to use such devices, along with sideline tablets, while college football teams were not.
Sideline tablets may use video from the broadcast feed or corners of the sideline and end zone. However, the tablets cannot process data or communicate with the video.
Communications are disabled when 15 seconds remain on the play clock or when the ball is snapped. If one team’s communications aren’t working, both teams won’t be able to use the devices.
Adding the technology was not a response to the allegations in Michigan, according to The Athletic. Sideline signals and opponents stealing these signs are still expected to be part of the game, with teams running up-tempo, non-huddle violations. A team can use helmet communications during a game even if the other chooses not to.
The technology additions will be used for FBS teams, but not for coaches and players at the FCS level. FCS conferences will have to submit proposals for such changes by June 15.
