Catchers wearing earpieces

[Umpire in Chief]

Watching the ECU v Duke game. Catchers are now allowed to wear earpieces? Interesting. I have no opposition and thing it could help speed up the game. 
 

But what are the restrictions? 

[jms1425]

Yep - new rule this year. Only catchers are permitted to have it, it can only be one-way communication, and it can only come from the dugout.

[Senor Azul]

Here’s the NCAA press release concerning the new rule dated August 2021--

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on Thursday (8/12/21) approved allowing the use of one-way electronic communication devices for the purpose of calling pitches and plays. The rule goes into effect for the 2021-22 academic year.

Examples of what could be implemented next season include teams being allowed to use an electronic display board from the dugout that shows a numerical code to call pitches and/or defensive plays. Teams also can use a one-way in-ear communication device that would be limited for use from the dugout to the catcher.

Several conferences, including the Atlantic Coast, Big Ten, Pac-12, Southeastern and Sun Belt in 2021, have experimented with in-ear communication and other one-way electronic communication devices to call pitches from the dugout the past four seasons.

[eagle_12]

SEC has been doing it for a couple few  years now in conference weekends only, ACC soon followed.  Vandy, and others now are using a smartwatch like device that bench sends a “text” with the pitch/play code this season. 
 

have also seen what can be best described as a deli “next in line” display board that dugout holds up for everyone to see. 
 

all about pace of play and elimination of sign stealing. Also, since catchers can’t run out to the pitcher to remind them what the “hot” sign is without being charged a conference, it helps teams stay on the same page.