Rule 1-6-1 changes and placards

[MD Longhorn]

This marks the first time ever that a rule was changed and then worded slightly poorly such that those who don't attend clinics, ask questions of officiating supervisors, etc will misinterpret the intent of the rule to absurd proportions.

[Robert Goodman]

Someone at Coach Huey's thinks it applies now even to a megaphone -- you know, a cone, usually of metal, that you yell thru -- and not just to a bullhorn (electric device).

[Rich]

Posts here (and there) just prove the old adage that common sense just isn't that common.

[FeetBallRef]

By definition, a communication device is not a piece of paper.

Definition of Communication Devices
Communication devices are the machines that assist in transmission of data. The versatility of a computer gets enhanced considerably when it can communicate with other devices and computers. For a two-way communication, a computer must be equipped with a modulator for outgoing data and a demodulator for the incoming data. This modulating device is referred to as a modem. There are various kinds of communication devices in the present day market.

[Robert Goodman]

Well, what did they mean by removing the word "electronic"? Do you take them at their word or not?

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

Well, what did they mean by removing the word "electronic"? Do you take them at their word or not?

Robert, you and BigJohn may not have access to the NFHS Case Book, which is designed to assist officials with interpreting the rules as written. There are several case plays involving the NFHS 1-6-1 revision, that offer assistance.

1.6.1 (SITUATION E): Between plays during the 1st quarter, the game officials notice that one of the teams is using electronic signage to signal plays from the sideline or to signal informationto the players during a between the 9-yard marks conference. RULING: This would be considered to be communications with electronic communication devices and is not permitted. The game officials should stop play and direct the coach to immediately disable/disconnect the device. If such use persists, a foul should be called (9-8-1e).

[bigjohn]

Communication devices including but not limited to

still photographs


I do have a case book, bought it on amazon for my kindlle app on my iphone.

[HLin NC]

I imagine the interpretation would come down thus:

Still pictures of formations would be illegal. Still pictures of various and sundry images unrelated to the game are not.

[bigjohn]

there is nothing two way about these devices either.

audio recorder, still photographs, film, analog or digital video and/or internet depictions

if they fit the description of devices why wouldn't a non electronic sign?

Matter of fact the word electronic has not been in rule 1-6 for some time but is has said still photographs and internet depictions are not to be used for coaching purposes.

My point is that it is now illegal to hold up your ipad with a picture on it but not the play call placards. The rule needs an edit to either say "electronic" devices or to say no pictures or film etc of the ongoing game.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

Someone at Coach Huey's thinks it applies now even to a megaphone -- you know, a cone, usually of metal, that you yell thru -- and not just to a bullhorn (electric device).

Ah, no they don't.

The poster was asking about a bullhorn, not a megaphone, even though he used the word megaphone in his question. I understood that when he asked and I answered the question. In his next reply, he clarified that he indeed was asking about a bullhorn.

He would not have asked about electronic devices if he were not asking about an electronic megaphone, otherwise known as a bullhorn.

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Ah, no they don't.

The poster was asking about a bullhorn, not a megaphone, even though he used the word megaphone in his question. I understood that when he asked and I answered the question. In his next reply, he clarified that he indeed was asking about a bullhorn.

He would not have asked about electronic devices if he were not asking about an electronic megaphone, otherwise known as a bullhorn.

But downthread, after I clarified that, another poster there who officiates said a paper megaphone would be illegal too.

Meanwhile here BigJohn wrote, quoting apparently from the rules rather than the Case Book:

NOTE: Each state association may authorize the use of a drum by a team composed of
deaf or partially deaf players, in order to establish a rhythmic cadence following the
ready-for-play signal.

Why would they have felt a need to include such a note if sound-focusing devices such as megaphones were not covered by the rule?

[bigjohn]

Using a drum for a deaf player is an exception to the rule. It does not apply to any other situation.

Which means the NFHS considers a drum a communication device and drums are not electronic.



I am just saying that the rule should say "electronic" communication device if that is all that is covered by the rule.