The University Interscholastic League, the governing body for Texas high school sports, approved expanded use of technology for football teams Thursday.
Beginning next season, teams are allowed to use "wearable technology" to communicate with players for in-game play calling. The communication can only come from the coaching booth or press box and is only via text messaging with no audio allowed, according to media reports.
"Coach-to-player communication will be allowed through one-way wearable technologies in UIL football games for the 2025 season, with some important restrictions," the UIL emailed athletic directors and football coaches. "Again, this is not coach-to-player helmet communication but utilizing wristband-like technology to communicate with your athletes."
The measure is in response to help prevent sign stealing by opposing coaches.
The UIL approved in-game communication devices between coaches and players for next season. The technology cannot be audio, but coaches in the booth will be allowed to send text messages to an unlimited number of players on the field during games. (FILE PHOTO: Robbie Rakestraw)
"There were people removed at the state championship games for stealing signs," Texas High School Coaches Association executive director Joe Martin
told the Tyler Morning Telegraph. "Our coaches are really adamant about being able to have access to this, and some will use it and some will not."
The UIL won't limit how many players have access to devices, but cost could be a factor.
The governing body continued its ban on sideline technology like tablets and electronic devices, opting instead to keep that technology in the coaching booth.
The UIL also approved the use of guardian caps, soft shell helmet covers, during football games in 2025 as long as they match the primary color of the team's helmet.
