Current:Home > MarketsNCAA approves Gallaudet’s use of a helmet for deaf and hard of hearing players this season -FutureFinance
NCAA approves Gallaudet’s use of a helmet for deaf and hard of hearing players this season
View
Date:2025-04-14 23:28:27
The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season!
Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here.
The NCAA has given full approval for Gallaudet’s football team to use a helmet designed for players who are deaf or hard of hearing for the remainder of the season.
The helmet developed by Gallaudet University and AT&T debuted last year with the team getting the chance to play one game with it. The Bison won that day after opening 0-4, and it was the start of a three-game winning streak.
The technology involved allows a coach to call a play on a tablet from the sideline that then shows up visually on a small display screen inside the quarterback’s helmet.
“We’re trying to improve the game, and with us, we’re trying to figure out ways to level the playing field for our guys,” Gallaudet coach Chuck Goldstein told The Associated Press in a phone interview. “We’re still in the trial phase. One game was a small sample size, and it was all built up for that one shot. Now as we go forward, we’re learning a lot about different hiccups and things that are coming down that we weren’t aware of last year.”
One hiccup is Gallaudet will not be using the helmet in its home opener Saturday, Goldstein said, because the Nos. 1 and 2 quarterbacks were injured last week and there was not enough time to get another fitted with practice time to feel comfortable implementing it. His hope is to have it ready for the next home game on campus in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 28.
“It’s great that the NCAA has approved it for the season so we can work through these kinks,” Goldstein said. “We have time, and we’re excited about it — more excited than ever. And I’m just glad that we have these things and we see what we need to improve.”
Gallaudet gaining approval for the helmet in Division III play comes just as audio helmet communication has gone into effect at the Division I level.
“It’s just a matter of time before it comes on down to our level, which would really put us at a disadvantage if we didn’t have an opportunity like this,” Goldstein said. “We’re grateful to have that opportunity to keep going and learning and see what feedback we can give the NCAA and kind of tell them about our journey.”
AT&T chief marketing and growth officer Kellyn Kenny said getting the helmet on the field last year was a huge moment of pride, and this amounts to a major step forward.
“Now, as the next season of college football kicks off, we not only get to celebrate another history making milestone, but we have the opportunity to further collaborate and innovate on ways to drive meaningful change toward making sports more inclusive for everyone,” Kenny said.
___
AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
veryGood! (24764)
Related
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- See the new trailer for 'Cat Person,' an upcoming thriller based on viral New Yorker story
- Schoolkids in 8 states can now eat free school meals, advocates urge Congress for nationwide policy
- Ramaswamy faces curiosity and skepticism in Iowa after center-stage performance in GOP debate
- 'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
- Schoolkids in 8 states can now eat free school meals, advocates urge Congress for nationwide policy
- Scammers impersonate bank employees to steal nearly $2M from Pennsylvania customers, officials say
- Legendary Price Is Right Host Bob Barker Dead at 99
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- Hot air balloon pilot safely lands on Vermont highway after mid-flight wind issues: Reports
Ranking
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Alabama teen charged with capital murder after newborn infant found in trash bin
- Good karma: Washington man saves trapped kitten, wins $717,500 from state lottery
- Tens of thousands expected for March on Washington’s 60th anniversary demonstration
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Phoenix temperatures will heat up to the extreme once again this weekend
- Tens of thousands expected for March on Washington’s 60th anniversary demonstration
- Charges dropped against man accused of fleeing police in a high-speed chase that killed a bystander
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
A Florida woman returned a book to a library drop box. It took part of her finger, too.
Body pulled from ocean by Maine lobsterman confirmed to be Tylar Michaud, 18-year-old missing since last month
'Call 911': Rescued woman was abducted by man posing as Uber driver, authorities say
Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
Ukraine aid faces a stress test as some GOP 2024 presidential candidates balk at continued support
Bronny James diagnosed with congenital heart defect, family 'confident' he'll play in 'near future'
Can Lionel Messi and Inter Miami make the MLS playoffs? Postseason path not easy.