Each offseason, the NCAA Rules Committee sits down to weigh in on the temperature of college football. They decide what has worked well in the past, and what changes they may need to consider. On the docket this offseason is the use of technology for on the field use, and a laundry list of rule book adjustments.
One of the Chairmans of the NCAA’s Rules Committee and Air Force’s Head Football Coach, Troy Calhoun, basically states that experimenting with new ideas in college football is important for stimulating discussion on ways to improve the game.
Many of the technology changes being considered are already common in the NFL.
For instance, the NCAA has never allowed wireless communication between player and coach, thus, the necessity for the flamboyant “play cards” that certain programs have put to use. One device we may see in the future is a wireless earpiece for one offensive player (presumably the quarterback) and one defensive player. This would be somewhat advantageous for the up-tempo, no-huddle offenses, such as Oregon, by allowing them to quickly receive the play call and relay it on the fly.
Defenses would especially benefit, because many coordinators are fearful of miscommunication while competing against fast-paced offenses; and, therefore, choose simpler alignments and plays. A linebacker or safety receiving instruction through his helmet could line guys up more efficiently and with less error. Assistant coaches and backup players on the sidelines will certainly be relieved when they no longer have to wave humorously, perplexing play cards over their heads.
Further technological additions to the college game could include utilization of tablets and computers on the sidelines, in locker rooms, and inside the coaches’ booths. The days of coaches “drawing plays in the sand” would be replaced with more reliable apps and the ability to save information. There is also the possibility of having cameras placed inside of helmets to give a players’ perspective, and provide a teaching tool during practices and film sessions.
The NCAA Rules Committee is entertaining proposals for rule improvements and completely new rules as well.
They include but are not limited to: stricter penalties for equipment infractions, reviews to determine if a head coach called a timeout or not, and other minor rule progressions.
One topic of note is conversation on ways to shorten the duration of college football games. These rule changes on the table don’t seem to have a huge bearing on overall game play and shouldn’t have a drastic effect on outcomes.
The potential technology developments, though, could serve to aid the tutelage of college players and produce smarter players at the amateur level, and even on into the pros.