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Helmet Communication Devices

By SHSAA Office, 10/20/13, 8:30PM CST

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SHSAA ruling on helmet communication devices

Some six and nine man football schools have been in contact with the SHSAA office regarding the use of communication devices being used in football helmets.  As there is no current policy or guideline for the use of these specific devices by schools in the SHSAA, the following will serve as the guidelines that must be implemented in order for the devices to be used during the 2013 season:

 ·         It is the school's responsibility to ensure that the helmet is not comprised and that the helmet certification is not jeopardized by the use of the devices.

 ·         Both teams must be able to utilize the devices.  If only one team has the devices they must offer them for use to the opposition - it would be expected that this would be done well ahead of game day.

 ·         If the opposition is unable to utilize the system or if the system was to fail for one team then neither team may use the devices.

 ·         The only player who can be in communication with the coach is the quarterback (on offense).

 ·         Communication can only occur during the time the ball is dead up to the time the center takes his position on the line of scrimmage.

 ·         The voice activated option for communication cannot be used.

 It will not be the responsibility of the officiating crew to monitor the use of these devices.  Concern by a school regarding the abuse of the guidelines by another school should be reported to the SHSAA office at which time the matter will be investigated.