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Q:  With the new communication device rule, can we film from the side line and use it during the game?  Where can we film from and how can we use it?

The NFHS Football Rules Committee in 2013 expanded use of communication devices to allow, coaches, players and nonplayers to use any form of available communication technology during authorized conferences outside the 9-yard marks (7-yard marks in nine-, eight- and six-player competition), on the sidelines and during the halftime intermission period. Use of communication devices by players except during conferences outside the 9-yard marks continues to be prohibited.

SECTION 6  COACHES FIELD EQUIPMENT

ART. 1 . . . Communication devices including but not limited to audio recorder, Local Area Network (LAN) phones and/or headsets, mobile phones, still photograph(s), film, analog or digital video(s) and/or Internet depictions, shall not be used to communicate with a player except during an outside 9-yard mark conference (7-yard marks in nine-, eight- and six-player competition).

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.

ART. 2 . . . Communication devices including but not limited to audio recorder, Local Area Network (LAN) phones and/or headsets, mobile phones, still photograph(s), film, analog or digital video(s) and/or Internet depictions may be used by coaches and nonplayers.

During a time out:
Legal - Outside 9-yard mark (numbers) conference
Legal - Inside 9-yard mark conference (coach use only)
Illegal - Inside 9-yard mark conference (coach and athlete use)

On the sideline:
At anytime (live or during a timeout) in the team box

What locations can we film from?

The rules don’t speak to the location referring to where you can video.  You can film from the endzone or press box for coaching purposes during the game.

How can we use the film from the end zone or press box?

Wireless connections or email can be used to get the media from press box or end zone to team box during the game or between the periods.  Zip drives could be used between periods from the end zone.  Team personnel would not be allowed to run from the end zone to the team box during a period.

Can we have someone film from the sideline inside the team box?

Yes.  Team personnel are allowed in the team box but must be behind the restricted line during a live ball.

Can we have someone film from the sideline outside the team box?

No.  Rules don’t allow team personnel to roam the sideline to video or photo for coaching purposes.  For archival purposes it is allowed.  Team personnel are restricted to the team box during the game.

Rule ❒ 9 Conduct of Players and Others

SECTION 8 NONCONTACT UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT BY NONPLAYERS

ART. 1 . . . No coach, substitute, athletic trainer or other team attendant shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner once the game officials assume authority for the contest. Examples are, but not limited to:

k. Being outside the team box, but not on the field. (See 9-8-3)

ART. 3 . . . A nonplayer shall not be outside his team box unless to become a player or to return as a replaced player. A maximum of three coaches may be in the restricted area. No player, nonplayer or coach shall be in the restricted area when the ball is live.

Penalty: Nonplayer fouls (Arts. 1k, 3) – First offense – (S15) – warning, Second offense – (S7-29) – 5 yards, Each subsequent offense – (S7-29-27) – 15 yards.