How Texas high school football teams will use GoRout play-calling tech in games
More than 150 Texas high school football programs are implementing GoRout technology following the UIL’s approval of the use of digital wristbands for in-game communication.
Prominent programs such as North Crowley, the 2024 Class 6A Division I state champion, and Aledo, a 12-time state champion, will utilize GoRout technology. The Bearcats have been using GoRout in practice since the 2020 season.
GoRout Gridiron is a wearable system that delivers secure, real-time plays from coaches to players through small digital screens worn on the wrist. It can also communicate tips. Texas is the first state to allow this technology in live competition.
GoRout chief partnerships officer Drew Robinson, who spent over a decade working in FBS college football programs, said the real-time technology eliminates the risk of sign stealing and improves game efficiency. In about four months since the UIL approved the tech, GoRout has over 150 teams signed up for its Gridiron in-game system.
Bulk pricing is available to independent school districts and multiteam organizations, and GoRout ships within 24 hours. Robinson said all packages are fully customized for every team. Some programs use one watch, while other teams use 30.
The standard two-watch, two-tablet package will cost a program just over $1,000, Robinson said.
GoRout, founded in 2014, has been utilized by collegiate programs such as Alabama, Notre Dame, Clemson, Florida, Pittsburgh, Texas State, Stephen F. Austin, Tulane and Cornell.
GoRout also offers a Diamond product that high school softball and baseball teams can use. Right now, only the catcher is allowed to use the tech, strictly for pitch calling. Robinson said he is hopeful the UIL will consider expanding its allowed use to all players.
How is L.D. Bell football using GoRout?
Haltom, L.D. Bell, Kennedale, Alvarado, Brock, Tolar, Highland Park, Denton Guyer and more are using GoRout to some degree.
L.D. Bell coach TJ Dibble said his program is still learning the GoRout system, which allows coaches to communicate directly with at least one player on the field on both sides of the ball.
“We wanted to look at it, experiment, and see how it fits in with what we do,” Dibble said. “The technology is going to continue to evolve.”
He noted that UIL rules on technology could change, but for now, GoRout offers flexibility. Some programs may not find it a fit, but for L.D. Bell, it complements their offense.
“It gives us another option,” Dibble said. “The reality is, there is always a phobia in the football world. Signal stealing. ... I definitely think this gives a layer where you have direct communication. No signals. You can use it in tempo situations. You can use it if you slow down and huddle.”
Dibble said GoRout is improving its interface and menu options and expects feedback from coaches will help the technology advance.
“Right now, we’re looking at it as a supplemental tool,” Dibble said. “We can use it every snap, or we can use it no snaps. As our coordinators learn to call plays using the system and the system evolves, it will give us more opportunities.”
Robinson said the company is using the first year as an opportunity to make GoRout better and will rely heavily on coach feedback. He said the company can push updates frequently to users.
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