Old school communication devices

[dch]

At our first summer meeting our instructional chairman said that rule 1-6-1 precludes any communication devices being used to signal players between the 9 yd marks.  He stated that a coach or substitute on the sideline could not hold up a chalk board or white board with a play number or other message written on it for the players to look at in their huddle.
I can see that the strict reading of the new rule might say that.  But, all case plays and interpretations only talk about electronic equipment. 
Do you think that a poster board or chalk board used to signal players between downs is illegal?   

[TampaSteve]

I would disagree with the instructional chairman.

[VALJ]

I'm with Steve.  I read the change to 1-6-1 as only affecting the use of electronic communication.  If it's not electronic, I'm not doing anything about it. 

[lurchead]

We have played opponents who have held up signs with symbols and logos to signal information into their players....

[JKinGA29]

Yeah that seems to be an overly strict interpretation.  If you want to go that far, why not consider hand signals and/or your voice to be a communication device??

Case book play 1.6.1 Situation E references a similar situation but with electronic signage (my guess would be holding up an iPad or tablet with a message) and the ruling states: "This would be considered to be communication with electronic communication devices and is not permitted."  To me, this reiterates that only electronic devices are at issue and a chalkboard, markerboard, poster, etc. would be legal.

[HLinNC]

No

I'd let some other crew flag it in your region.

[Bob M.]

REPLY: I agree that your instructional chairman is reading WAY too much into this new rule. This new rule did nothing to restrict communication further than what had been the norm. On the contrary, it was designed to liberalize communication further.

[Patrick E.]

Case book play 1.6.1 Situation E references a similar situation but with electronic signage (my guess would be holding up an iPad or tablet with a message) and the ruling states: "This would be considered to be communication with electronic communication devices and is not permitted."  To me, this reiterates that only electronic devices are at issue and a chalkboard, markerboard, poster, etc. would be legal.

This case play (1.6.1 E) specifically states it is happening during a conference and under this casebook play I think they are offering guidance as respects a conference.  They are saying a team cannot hold a between the 9-yard marks conference and use electronic signage from the sideline.  If it is only the players between the 9-yard marks and it is not an authorized conference, the electronic signage is okay (in MHO).