Signaling device

[cbrunnjo]

I had a varsity scrimmage yesterday and the offensive coordinator had a wooded train whistle around his neck that he used to make some kind of signal.

Is this device legal to be used? Where can I find this ruling located at?

[Atlanta Blue]

Well, 1-6-1 says:

Communication devices, other than audio recorder, Local Area
Network (LAN) phones and/or headsets, including but not limited to mobile phones,
still photograph(s), film, analog or digital video(s) and/or Internet depictions, shall
not be used for coaching purposes during the game or between periods.

Is this a "communication device"?  Maybe, but it certainly isn't the type of thing this rule was meant to prevent.  This is supposed to prevent using cameras/printouts during the game, having radios in player headsets, etc.

If it doesn't sound like an official's whistle, and he's not doing it to distract the other team's signals, I would leave it alone.

[mbyron]

If it doesn't sound like an official's whistle, and he's not doing it to distract the other team's signals, I would leave it alone.

Agree with AB's interp of 1-6-1, and agree with this advice.

If the opposing coach wants to make a stink about it, I would tell him that I'm ruling it legal for this game but will take it up with the state.

[HLinNC]

Ah geez, what next?

B1- "What the's call?"
B2 - "Cover 3, I think"

[cbrunnjo]

I did exactly what Byron suggest.

[Roscoe]

I have to disagree, he's clearly using the device to communicate with his quarterback and/or offence. Which according to the rule, doesn't fall under any of the legal device categories.

[mbyron]

I have to disagree, he's clearly using the device to communicate with his quarterback and/or offence. Which according to the rule, doesn't fall under any of the legal device categories.

It's nothing like the prohibited ones either, which mostly pertain to images used for coaching purposes.

[Roscoe]

Also, a wooden train horn block is nothing more than a long fat wooden whistle with a different pitch.

[Atlanta Blue]

Also, a wooden train horn block is nothing more than a long fat wooden whistle with a different pitch.

True, so there is no way it would be confused with an official's whistle.

I don't use one, never saw anyone that did, but in the grand scheme of things, I would leave it alone.  Worst case, send a note to the state and let them deal with it.  I think it's a non-issue.