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Football Officiating => National Federation Discussion => Topic started by: Stinterp on August 28, 2015, 08:11:37 PM
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How are you handling drones flying over the field during a game?
I am invoking rule 1-1-6 and am not playing the game with a drone flying overhead. I am going to game management and getting the drone grounded or game is stopped.
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At our rules interpretation meeting they told us no drones allowed.
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No drones over the field or stadium permitted in NC.
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Should be a state rule or interp. Without one, I wouldn't let one over the playing field during play. Pregame, halftime, even time outs, fine, but not over the field during play. What they do outside the confines of the field is their business, not mine.
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Should be a state rule or interp. Without one, I wouldn't let one over the playing field during play. Pregame, halftime, even time outs, fine, but not over the field during play. What they do outside the confines of the field is their business, not mine.
There's the old caution about, "Not letting a camel get it's nose inside the tent", because wherever that nose goes, the rest of the camel will assuredly follow. Drones and playing fields (with or without large surrounding crowds) iS simply a REALLY BAD IDEA, whose potential consequences FAR OUTWEIGH any and all potential benefits.
This is an envelope the INEVITABLE pushing the seams of, points directly to disaster.
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There's the old caution about, "Not letting a camel get it's nose inside the tent", because wherever that nose goes, the rest of the camel will assuredly follow. Drones and playing fields (with or without large surrounding crowds) iS simply a REALLY BAD IDEA, whose potential consequences FAR OUTWEIGH any and all potential benefits.
This is an envelope the INEVITABLE pushing the seams of, points directly to disaster.
I'm not saying I disagree, but outside the playing field is not the officials' concern. That's a game management/state association/FAA issue.
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I'm not saying I disagree, but outside the playing field is not the officials' concern. That's a game management/state association/FAA issue.
Until such time the NYSPSAA decrees, and defines how, and under what circumstances drones are acceptable, I'm considering this applicable to NFHS 1-1-6 and within the Referee's jurisdiction.
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Until such time the NYSPSAA decrees, and defines how, and under what circumstances drones are acceptable, I'm considering this applicable to NFHS 1-1-6 and within the Referee's jurisdiction.
So the home team is flying a drone over the crowd, away from the field, and you are going to stop the game and order it stopped? Are you going to stop the game because the intersection outside the stadium isn't being manned by a police officer? Or how about if you feel the hot dogs in the concession stand aren't all beef?
1-1-6 pertains to the GAME. Your jurisdiction applies to things on the field, the team boxes or affects the play on the field.
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So the home team is flying a drone over the crowd, away from the field, and you are going to stop the game and order it stopped? Are you going to stop the game because the intersection outside the stadium isn't being manned by a police officer? Or how about if you feel the hot dogs in the concession stand aren't all beef?
1-1-6 pertains to the GAME. Your jurisdiction applies to things on the field, the team boxes or affects the play on the field.
Yes. If the home team is flying the drone over the crowd it can be an advantage if it has a camera and dangerous if it crashes into the fans or onto the field. I prefer beef and pork hot dogs so I am ok without all beef hot dogs.
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Yes. If the home team is flying the drone over the crowd it can be an advantage if it has a camera
Yes it can, one allowed by the rules. 1-6-2
and dangerous if it crashes into the fans or onto the field.
Until it affects whats ON the field, the fans aren't your problem. Suppose the home team put more fans in the stands than allowed by their fire permit? Are you stopping the game? Suppose the stairs to one part of the stands look rickety to your untrained eye, are you stopping the game? Suppose the sidewalk by the front gate has a sinkhole? Are you stopping the game?
If the drone flies over the field, now it's affecting the game, and it's your problem. If it crashes on the field, it's your problem, and you can handle it. But a drone outside the field isn't your problem or your jurisdiction.
Game management can't call fouls, and officials don't rule on the stands. You handle the field and let game management do its job.
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Yes it can, one allowed by the rules. 1-6-2
Until it affects whats ON the field, the fans aren't your problem. Suppose the home team put more fans in the stands than allowed by their fire permit? Are you stopping the game? Suppose the stairs to one part of the stands look rickety to your untrained eye, are you stopping the game? Suppose the sidewalk by the front gate has a sinkhole? Are you stopping the game?
If the drone flies over the field, now it's affecting the game, and it's your problem. If it crashes on the field, it's your problem, and you can handle it. But a drone outside the field isn't your problem or your jurisdiction.
Game management can't call fouls, and officials don't rule on the stands. You handle the field and let game management do its job.
So we should just wait until something bad happens before making a decision? I am betting you bought smoke alarms for your house after you had a fire.
I cant believe that you can't see the difference between a drone above the stands and sinkhole in the sidewalk. I guess we will just have to agree to disagree.
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I cant believe that you can't see the difference between a drone above the stands and sinkhole in the sidewalk. I guess we will just have to agree to disagree.
I'm not saying there isn't a chance of a problem. I'm saying it's not the REFEREE's problem. It's a game management issue, not a game official issue. Just like all those other things I facetiously mentioned, they are all potential problems, they just aren't YOUR problem.
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1-1-6 pertains to the GAME. Your jurisdiction applies to things on the field, the team boxes or affects the play on the field.
Nonsense. NF: 1-1-6 provides the Refereee with the authority to deal with ANYTHING, ANYWHERE that is decided has a material (actual or potential), rational effect on the game. Of course the wisdom of the Referee's judgment is always subject to question.
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OHSAA via Twitter
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We in Alabama (in addition to being fashion police, sideline cops & concussion experts) apparently are going to have to go to Air Traffic Controller school:
"The AHSAA has adopted a policy regarding the use of “Drones” prior to or during an
interscholastic contest between member schools.
The use of “Drones” for any athletic purpose inside the confines of a building is strictly
prohibited at all times.
The use of a “Drone” at an outdoor interscholastic contest may be used but must remain
outside the field of play at all times. It also cannot be flown over an area where spectators
(people) are gathering or sitting prior to or during an interscholastic contest.
The host school of any interscholastic contest between member schools has the authority to
prohibit the use of “Drones”.
The use of “Drones” may at anytime be prohibited by the contest officials if the contest officials
determine that the “Drones” would cause an unreasonable risk or distraction. (my emphasis)
I'm just thankful that they've clarified that spectators are people. nAnA
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Nonsense. NF: 1-1-6 provides the Refereee with the authority to deal with ANYTHING, ANYWHERE that is decided has a material (actual or potential), rational effect on the game. Of course the wisdom of the Referee's judgment is always subject to question.
The referee has authority to rule promptly, and in the spirit of good sportsmanship, on any situation not specifically covered in the rules. The referee's decisions are final in all matters pertaining to the game.
And exactly how does a drone over the stands have anything to do WITH THE GAME?
I know they call it the god rule, but that doesn't really make you God. If I'm the game manager, and I don't think it's a problem, I'm telling to do your job, and I'll do mine. Any response other than "yes, sir", and my next call is to the state. And dollars to donuts, they'll tell you the same thing.
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Until such time the NYSPSAA decrees, and defines how, and under what circumstances drones are acceptable, I'm considering this applicable to NFHS 1-1-6 and within the Referee's jurisdiction.
The powers in NY have decreed and they agree with AB.
There was a communication from the NYSPHSAA last year, maybe two years ago. It was sent to the schools by the NYSPHSAA. It states that drones may not fly over football fields that are properly marked and they must stay outside the 2 yard area that surrounds the field and not fly over players and coaches. It went on to say that the school districts could make up their own restrictions and ban them if they choose.
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The referee has authority to rule promptly, and in the spirit of good sportsmanship, on any situation not specifically covered in the rules. The referee's decisions are final in all matters pertaining to the game.
And exactly how does a drone over the stands have anything to do WITH THE GAME?
I know they call it the god rule, but that doesn't really make you God. If I'm the game manager, and I don't think it's a problem, I'm telling to do your job, and I'll do mine. Any response other than "yes, sir", and my next call is to the state. And dollars to donuts, they'll tell you the same thing.
It has nothing to do with God, or any God rule, as much as it is common sense. When some wing nut decides to put me, all of the players (not to mention the spectators-who are totally beyond my control, or interest) in jeopardy, I'm putting an end to it, and if that means stopping the contest until that happens, so be it.
I also understand I have no control, or authority, over lightning, but I'm not waiting for anyone else to authorize what I consider appropriate precautions, and I'm not that concerned that anyone on a sideline, or "someone at the State" might question my assessment regarding my judgment involving the safety of participants.
Wasn't it just yesterday a trained and qualified English pilot dumped a fighter jet in the middle of a highway killing a number of unsuspecting "spectators". Doubtful that was planned as part of the aerial show. Being from Georgia, you might consider what Forrest Guump warned, that sometimes "Stuff happens".
(that doesn't mean ignore the possibility of "Stuff")
As for NYSPHSAA, until I am shown a "copy of a communication" and told to read what it says, I'm not aware of who, or what, it was intended for or what it entails.
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When some wing nut decides to put me, all of the players
I'm glad you agree with me. You just said the same thing I have said from the very beginning: if it's over the field and endangers you, the players or the game, by all means, stop the game and have it removed. The field, the team areas, and the two yards beyond it are under your jurisdiction.
(not to mention the spectators-who are totally beyond my control, or interest)
Exactly, they are beyond your control or interest. If it's over the stands, it's a game management, not a game, issue
Being from Georgia, you might consider what Forrest Guump warned, that sometimes "Stuff happens".
(that doesn't mean ignore the possibility of "Stuff")
Why would I know anything about Forrest Gump, a fictional character from ALABAMA.
If the New York State Association allows you to stop the game for things that have nothing to do with the game, that's between you and them. Thankfully, we have a much better system here, where officials worry about game, and leave game management issues to the experts in that area.
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In Missouri drones are not allowed over the restricted area, however they can be over the sideline/endzone/stadium. If one gets over the field, we are to notify game management to make it go away and suspend the game until it does. No penalties can be assessed - we just wait for it to move from over the playing field.
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Apologies to Alabama, although the reference holds. Apparently we hold different perceptions about what "pertaining to the game" includes.
If I were somehow to observe a spectator (clearly in the stands, apart from the playing field) brandishing a sniper rifle, rather than authorization, I'd likely consider it prudent, and within my range of authority, to unilaterally immediately suspend play and clear the field.
I would consider a drone, flying above the field, and/or adjacent viewing areas as much of a potential hazard to all players on the field, and take responsibility to do what I thought appropriate, and deal with whatever nit-picking that may follow.
That simply may be a difference of perception of responsibility from different sides of a sideline.
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Apologies to Alabama, although the reference holds. Apparently we hold different perceptions about what "pertaining to the game" includes.
If I were somehow to observe a spectator (clearly in the stands, apart from the playing field) brandishing a sniper rifle, rather than authorization, I'd likely consider it prudent, and within my range of authority, to unilaterally immediately suspend play and clear the field.
I would consider a drone, flying above the field, and/or adjacent viewing areas as much of a potential hazard to all players on the field, and take responsibility to do what I thought appropriate, and deal with whatever nit-picking that may follow.
That simply may be a difference of perception of responsibility from different sides of a sideline.
If you honestly consider a drone to be a brandished lethal weapon, you are seriously mistaken. Drones are not weapons and being in flight is not the same as being brandished. Drones are not nearly as dangerous as you are making them out to be.
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What IF IN OUR SKIES WE SPY..................................................THE GOODYEAR BLIMP!!!
:sTiR: :sTiR: :sTiR: :sTiR: :sTiR: :sTiR: :sTiR: :sTiR: :sTiR:
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If you honestly consider a drone to be a brandished lethal weapon, you are seriously mistaken. Drones are not weapons and being in flight is not the same as being brandished. Drones are not nearly as dangerous as you are making them out to be.
Are you serious, or just being deliberately silly? How large is the drone, you're not concerned about, flying? How fast is it flying?, From how high up is it falling? How competent is the person flying it? How sane is the person flying it? I don't even want to consider all the unknown possibilities some wingnut might decide to attach to his drone, so how can anyone have any idea how benign a drone might be, OR NOT.
Would you be comfortable if someone in a helicopter decided to watch the game hovering over the stands? It doesn't happen often, but even helicopters flown by expert pilots develop unanticipated problems and unexpectedly come down. When that happens, intentional or not, it makes quite a mess.
Which are you prepared to explain; clearing the field due to a legitimate safety concern, or cleaning up a possible accident scene YOU IGNORED.
As long as the Goodyear Blimp stays up where it belongs, I'm not worried, but if it decides to hover directly over the field, or stands, I'm outta there.
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Here is the Wisconsin policy, shared here with the permission of the WIAA (Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association) our governing body:
WIAA Football Officials:
We’ve received the following questions:
Q: If a team has Drones above the field taking video, can officials ask for the drones to be behind the offensive team? If a team does use a drone and a Football hits the drone—Penalty on team with the drone?
A: Under no circumstances should drones be above the playing surface once officials take control of the contest with players and nonplayers on the field (including warm ups). Stop play and wait until the drone is no longer over the playing field. The penalty would be delay of game on the team with the drone or unsportsmanlike if they've been warned or assessed a penalty already. The drones should not interfere with the game. As far as a WIAA drone policy, it's still a work in progress. I don't believe that it's unreasonable that you provide guidelines as to what you are comfortable with for drone use during a game. Officials and game management should be aware of any use and address it prior to the game. It would be a good situation to address in your pre-game meeting with coaches.
Drone/UAV use at WIAA regular season sporting events:
It is a local decision. You will want to check with your district's legal counsel and insurance provider to determine whether you wish to allow a drone to be used during a district event. You'll also want to check with local authorities to make sure that local laws ,as well as all FAA regulations are being followed.
• Contest administration should identify specific parameters and space for use (not allowed in-doors, or over spectators or players, not directly over the field/course/playing surface or over parking areas.)
• Contest managers and contest officials are authorized to suspend play if necessary, to remove any UAV operating in prohibited areas, operating in an unsafe manner, disrupting the contest, or deemed an annoyance. Contest officials may apply penalty by rule – such as delay of game, or unsportsmanlike acts for uncooperative and persisting unauthorized operation of UAV.
• NOTE: FAA Regulations provide that News media use of a UAV is not for hobby or recreational purposes, so FAA authorization is necessary. Media organizations may hire a company that already has a Section 333 exemption; that company would have to apply for and obtain a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) to fly in a particular block of airspace. Media organizations also may apply for their own Section 333 exemptions.
The WIAA does not permit drones/UAVs to be used during WIAA tournament contests without written consent from the WIAA.
Additional information will be provided at the Area Meetings this fall.
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As for NYSPHSAA, until I am shown a "copy of a communication" and told to read what it says, I'm not aware of who, or what, it was intended for or what it entails.
If you PM me, I'll send you a copy.
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I think I want a drone with a live camera for my backjudge work. I could sit in a lawn chair with a remote and heads-up display...radio to R when I have a foul. Maybe I could get one that would drop a flag from on high. 8]
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I think I want a drone with a live camera for my backjudge work. I could sit in a lawn chair with a remote and heads-up display...radio to R when I have a foul. Maybe I could get one that would drop a flag from on high. 8]
All very possible Kev. Don't talk us all out of a job. :!#
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That will be next year's NFL pre-season experiment.
I figure drones could put the Skycam people out of business. Why go to the cost of hanging those wires and motors every week when you could do the same thing with a drone?
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And a good reason I would like HLinNC Jr. to pursue aeronautical engineering instead of mechanical!
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Aside from lazy ,no good ex-brother-in-laws; we didn't hear much about drones up here in Maine until our military began to use them to blow the crap out of the bad guys. If a fanatic fan was at the helm/switch/trigger , is there a chance he/she/it might deem z^ us as the "bad guys" ??? :o :( pi1eOn?
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That will be next year's NFL pre-season experiment.
I figure drones could put the Skycam people out of business. Why go to the cost of hanging those wires and motors every week when you could do the same thing with a drone?
There are a lot of things that apply ONLY at the NFL level.
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Big difference between this :
(http://www.tvweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/nbc-news-drone-1024x682.jpg)
And this:
(http://dronewarsuk.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/predator-firing-missile4.jpg)
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If the New York State Association allows you to stop the game for things that have nothing to do with the game, that's between you and them. Thankfully, we have a much better system here, where officials worry about game, and leave game management issues to the experts in that area.
Attached is the NYSPHSAAA position on drones. It too has a system where officials should worry about game, and leave game management issues to the experts in that area.
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Read #10
http://ohsaafb.com/files/2015/08/2015-Rules-Geek-Quiz-1.pdf
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Attached is the NYSPHSAAA position on drones. It too has a system where officials should worry about game, and leave game management issues to the experts in that area.
Thank you Patrick for the copy of the NYSPHSAA suggestion relating to "Drones". I see absolutely nothing included that in any way removes, or lessens, the authority of NFHS: 1-1-6.
Mr. Zayas concern that, "hopefully common sense" would prevail seems to include concern for the safety of both spectators and/or participants on either side of the 2 yard restraining line being subject to the potential, significant (and more importantly unnecessary) hazards of aerial objects being flown and controlled by individuals of unknown qualifications in close proximity to the game and it's participants.
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Thank you Patrick for the copy of the NYSPHSAA suggestion relating to "Drones". I see absolutely nothing included that in any way removes, or lessens, the authority of NFHS: 1-1-6.
Mr. Zayas concern that, "hopefully common sense" would prevail seems to include concern for the safety of both spectators and/or participants on either side of the 2 yard restraining line being subject to the potential, significant (and more importantly unnecessary) hazards of aerial objects being flown and controlled by individuals of unknown qualifications in close proximity to the game and it's participants.
Given that his comment about common sense is followed with the specifics word of "coaches, players and officials" is pretty clear evidence that what's outside that 2 yard restraining line isn't your problem. Don't know how he could have been much clearer unless he addressed it Dear Al:
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Given that his comment about common sense is followed with the specifics word of "coaches, players and officials" is pretty clear evidence that what's outside that 2 yard restraining line isn't your problem. Don't know how he could have been much clearer unless he addressed it Dear Al:
I think this poor horse has run it's race and deserves to rest in peace, however;
I don't believe, in NYS, even Directors can overturn/override prudent safety concerns and responsibilities, supported by NFHS 1-1-6. It's been my somewhat limited experience, that rotary aerial vehicles that experience unanticipated mechanical difficulties, are only responsive to the laws of gravity, and when they fail are not limited, or controllable, to falling straight down, so strict adherence to the confines of the 2 yard restricted area would be at BEST-DOUBTFUL, and pose a real and present danger to ANYONE in a very large "general" vicinity, including players and substitutes, whose safety is very much within my focus, and therefore a potential, and reasonable, liability concern.
Perhaps in Georgia, decisions are made differently.
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Perhaps in Georgia, decisions are made differently.
They are, be the people responsible for everything outside the playing field: game management, just as the NY memo says they are to be done in NY.
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And now supposedly a drone crashes into the stands at a tennis match. Personally think total ban might be safest way to go.
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wvoref - I wondered if someone would bring that up.
KS has banned them during post season play from all facilities hosting events including spectator areas and the parking lots. They are however a game management issue, not an offense that is flagable. (not sure that's a word, but it fit)
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The question has never been about whether, or not, to "flag it", there's no logic for that. The question is, and as evidenced by the idiot at the tennis stadium, the potential danger of one of these drones crashing (either accidentally or BY DESIGN) considering you have no idea who may be controlling it, or what their skills or intentions are.
Presuming there is some imaginary line separating dangerous from safe, drawn from the ground to the stars, is childish. As suggested earlier, regarding rotary powered aircraft in trouble, gravity determines the ultimate direction, but there is no guarantee that decline will be straight down, so EVERYONE on both sides of any "restraining" line are at (EQUAL) serious risk.
YES, the responsibility for removing the danger belongs to game management, the question REMAINS what should be done with the game, while that corrective action is underway? Suspend it until the threat is removed, or ignore it. Presuming the threat is removed because of an IMAGINARY restraining line, is insane.
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This issue may even be bigger than game management. It seems to me that this falls under the jurisdiction of local public safety laws and enforcement. P_S
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From my Air Force days, the definition of CRASH:
When the velocity is so great and the time spent reducing it to zero is so short as to result in structural failure.
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3. If I’m not mistaken you all have said that the use of drones would be up to the home school. Do game officials have any say at all? What about our liability if a drone crashes on field and hurts someone or causes a game disruption?
Since it is Weeks 1 – 10 the Home School makes the decision whether to fly a Drone & where to fly it. I have only heard of one so far — a local TV station had a drone. The agreement was they could only fly it beyond the SL — in other words not over the field. HT Game management & the TV station agreed to this since it occurred Weeks 1 -10. Officials have no say during Weeks 1 – 10 per GB, P. 35. Section 6. I am not an attorney so therefore cannot comment on liability.
http://ohsaafb.com/question/questions-of-the-week/
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Here's the Michigan Policy (issued yesterday):
Below is the MHSAA Policy on Drones:
This is the policy for both regular season and playoffs….
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (DRONE) POLICY
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAV”), also known as drones, is prohibited for any purpose by any persons at MHSAA tournament venues. Tournament management shall refuse admission or entry to anyone attempting to use a UAV; and if necessary, tournament management shall remove anyone attempting to use a UAV and/or confiscate the UAV until the event has been completed. For purposes of this policy, a UAV is any aircraft without a human pilot aboard the device.
An exception to this policy may be made in specific cases for MHSAA broadcast partners, provided the management of the tournament facility permits the presence of UAVs for broadcast purposes under the control of the MHSAA.
Still a lot of questions:
1. Definition of "venue" (whole school area or just playing field; and who controls what - officials or management?)
2. Confiscate...seriously?
3. Do officials stop the game?
4. Liability?
5. What if the UAV is controlled from somewhere off-site?
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Here's the Michigan Policy (issued yesterday):
Below is the MHSAA Policy on Drones:
This is the policy for both regular season and playoffs….
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (DRONE) POLICY
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAV”), also known as drones, is prohibited for any purpose by any persons at MHSAA tournament venues. Tournament management shall refuse admission or entry to anyone attempting to use a UAV; and if necessary, tournament management shall remove anyone attempting to use a UAV and/or confiscate the UAV until the event has been completed. For purposes of this policy, a UAV is any aircraft without a human pilot aboard the device.
An exception to this policy may be made in specific cases for MHSAA broadcast partners, provided the management of the tournament facility permits the presence of UAVs for broadcast purposes under the control of the MHSAA.
Still a lot of questions:
1. Definition of "venue" (whole school area or just playing field; and who controls what - officials or management?)
2. Confiscate...seriously?
3. Do officials stop the game?
4. Liability?
5. What if the UAV is controlled from somewhere off-site?
For what it's worth; WIKIPEDIA defines "sports venue: as the place used for a sporting event".
The Michigan suggestion of "confiscation" appears to rest uniquely with game management.
Do (field) officials stop the game? Would seem to be a decision resting with the field officials assessment of the threat operation of the UAV poses to participants, and the level of liability the field official chooses to accept.
Liability: Something best left INSIDE "Pandora's Box" often not clearly defined until results, AFTER the Fact of whatever causes it to be a consideration, are known and assessed.
Location of the control of a UAV, whether on site, or off, pose the same level of unpredictability, potential threat and liability.
Michigan's policy seems far more realistic, practical and manageable than those expressed by either Ohio or NY.
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There was a drone at the game I attended tonight in NJ. They did stop the game for about 5 minutes or so until the drone was out of sight.
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drop a flag from on high.
That's what us R's do! tiphat:
Liability: Something best left INSIDE "Pandora's Box" often not clearly defined until results, AFTER the Fact of whatever causes it to be a consideration, are known and assessed.
This right here is why it baffles me why some of you fellas are in such a hurry to get involved with anything to do with UAVs and their use at the game site.
Personally, I want to be 10,000 miles away from any decisions made regarding these things. We want to set the precedent that this is a game management issue. So that when one of these things inevitably injures somebody, we can rightfully say "Drone. Not my area. Go talk to that guy." As I point to the home AD.
hEaDbAnG
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Here's the Michigan Policy (issued yesterday):
AND HERE ARE THE ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS
Below is the MHSAA Policy on Drones:
This is the policy for both regular season and playoffs….
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (DRONE) POLICY
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAV”), also known as drones, is prohibited for any purpose by any persons at MHSAA tournament venues. Tournament management shall refuse admission or entry to anyone attempting to use a UAV; and if necessary, tournament management shall remove anyone attempting to use a UAV and/or confiscate the UAV until the event has been completed. For purposes of this policy, a UAV is any aircraft without a human pilot aboard the device.
An exception to this policy may be made in specific cases for MHSAA broadcast partners, provided the management of the tournament facility permits the presence of UAVs for broadcast purposes under the control of the MHSAA.
Still a lot of questions:
Q1. Definition of "venue" (whole school area or just playing field; and who controls what - officials or management?)
A1Venue is the playing area that includes the playing field and spectator areas. (and) No….game management/host school control the venue.
Q2. Confiscate...seriously?
A2. Rhetorical...didn't really ask
Q3. Do officials stop the game?
A3. Only if it interferes with the game itself (flying too low, etc). If a drone is seen within the venue, report it to game management and it becomes their job to remove it.
Q4. Liability?
A4. None (liability); Officials have intentionally been removed from having to enforce/handle drone issues.
Q5. What if the UAV is controlled from somewhere off-site?
A5. If a drone is seen within the venue, report it to game management and it becomes their job to remove it.
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Forgive me for not explaining my concerns enough. I thought it somewhat obvious that "Game Management" would inevitably be responsible for the actual removal of any safety threat related to the operation of a drone, at (their) "sports venue".
The question seems more to what, if any, authority, or responsibility, the game officials have regarding game participants, in the face of whatever safety threat exists WHILE GAME MANAGEMENT MIGHT BE DEALING WITH ELIMINATING THE THREAT.
It seems reasonable to be seriously concerned about any flying object, you have no control over, likely have no idea who is operating or what that operator's intentions, or skill of controlling that flying object may be.
PRESUMING that ANY collateral damage, or threat, from that flying object failing would be limited by some arbitrary, imaginary restriction barriers, seems somewhat overly optimistic and dangerous. Waiting until some accident actually "interferes with the game itself", which might include causing serious injury to participants, game officials, sideline personnel. rather than taking rational preventive action to avoid, or prevent, such risk seems somewhat careless and open to enormous liability concerns.
You might consider the similarity to the game official's response to lightening; both lightening and some fool operating a drone pose unknown aerial threats, both are totally and completely beyond game official's control or management, both have the potential of causing serious damage or injury and neither are bound by any arbitrary or imaginary boundary lines they are required to abide by. We need to, and are generally EXPECTED TO respond quickly and decisively with, "the authority to rule promptly, and in the spirit of good sportsmanship, on ANY SITUATION, not specifically covered in the rules (NFHS 1-1-6)"
Although we may have some additional level of comfort in knowing who controls the lightening, we can't reasonably ASSUME the potential dangers are irrelevant, or worth the risk of ignoring, or deferring to Game Management's correction responsibilities, regardless of how serious, intense or noble they may be.
Sometimes we just have to do, what needs to be done, which is of course, a personal decision based on the circumstance we're actually dealing with.
It's a distinct possibility that Game Management may well consider interrupting the game, beneficial to their efforts in quickly eliminating the threat to their venue.