‘This play is under review’ could take on a whole new meaning as the SEC and ACC have approved the use of iPads on the sidelines and in the booth. Now, coaching staff will have access to live, in-game video to watch back plays, study foul calls and examine the evidence before requesting reviews.
The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved the new technology back in April. In a statement, Jim Phillips, ACC commissioner, said, “The conference has an unparalleled prioritization of technology.”
Greg Sankey, SEC commissioner, said, “The SEC is committed to using technology to support the competitive experience, and today we are excited to announce new ways we are integrating technology to advance the sport of football.”
The invitation of iPads to college football cues a wider acceptance of AI-technology overall from the league, specifically the SEC and ACC. It is a use of technology not even seen at the professional level. Currently, NFL teams are able to review previous plays only as still images.
“The SEC is proud to introduce iPad to the sidelines during college football games to elevate the performance of student-athletes into the future,” said Sankey.
Of course, not everyone is as optimistic about the partnership with Apple as the ACC and SEC Commissioners. Other colleges and conferences around the country have been quick to point out that Apple CEO, Tim Cook, is a graduate of both Auburn University and Duke University. Where will that leave other conferences who want to implement similar technology on their sidelines?
It isn’t just the other conferences who have hesitations over this development, even Lane Kiffin, head football coach at Ole Miss, said, “I’d rather another team not have it. Just because we go so fast and I think they don’t see a lot of it. And so now it allows them to see what really happened.”
The iPads are sure to change the way coaches approach gameplay, it exposes details that may have gone overlooked in the past. But, the true effects of this new technology will be seen when ACC and SEC teams kick off this fall.
