The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel announced this week that it will approve the use of expanded technology in 2025 season baseball games. New abilities in data collection will allow coaches and players to access information in real time.
“Teams can use electronic equipment (tablets) to access analytic information and scouting information in the dugout during conference games in 2025. Teams can also collect in-game swing data with the use of bat sensor technology. However, data on pitch location and swings will not be accessible during games,” said the NCAA press release.
A similar technology and data collection was already being used by teams at practice, so they are familiar with the benefits of this technology.
The press release went on to say that, “in the absence of in-game data, the player development opportunities are incomplete. Player swings will change with the task and the environment, and capturing the in-game data can be measured to compare with practice data to provide the most value in player development efforts.”
Earlier this year, the NCAA announced several other rule changes for college baseball, including the use of one-way communication technology. Previously, this technology could only be used in the dugout, but now, players on the field will be able to relay signals to other players and coaches via one-way communication devices. The NCAA will also expand the use of video review in college baseball to determine if the ball has touched a glove before hitting the ground.
Other changes have included, “a two-second shift in when the batter must be alert and ready to hit (going from 10 seconds to eight seconds) and the addition of the action clock being set at 30 seconds to indicate the maximum length of a mound visit or offensive conference.”
