For the first time, the Coastal Athletic Association and other Football Championship Subdivision conference teams have been allowed to implement technology that allows coaches to communicate directly with players on the field through the use of wireless receivers in their helmets.
Football Bowl Subdivision teams were allowed to use the helmet receiver technology for the first time last season. The National Football League has been using electronic play calling since 1994.
The University of Maine football team is a member of the CAA. The Black Bears have already used the helmet communication technology this season, according to an athletic department official.
Under the new rules, there is one designated player on offense and one on defense who wear a helmet with a built-in, one-way audio receiver and a small speaker.
A dot or sticker on the back of their helmet signifies the designated players.
Coaches on the sidelines or in the coaches’ box upstairs can communicate with the designated player, but the player can only listen. Players cannot talk back.
The connection automatically shuts off when the play clock reaches 15 seconds or when the ball is snapped, whichever comes first.
The designated player relays the information to the rest of the team.
The use of the helmet communication technology is optional. If one team’s system isn’t working, the opponent can’t use theirs.
The conference has also begun its second season of using tablets on the sidelines. That allows coaches and players to immediately review in-game video.
In a press release, the CAA also noted that it has expanded its partnership with DVSport, becoming the only FCS conference to utilize the software that provides a new system for foul reporting, evaluation and training for game officials.
“CAA Football takes great pride in making use of the latest technology to enhance communication between coaches and players as well as providing video on the field for in-game adjustments,” said CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio in the release.
D’Antonio added that the technology allows the conference to “strengthen our officiating program” with in-game replays and post-game evaluation.