(SportsMEDIA Technology), the leading innovator in real-time data delivery and graphics solutions for the sports and entertainment industries, today announced it is partnering with the American Flag Football League (AFFL) to deliver game management and broadcast technology for the league’s launch game on June 27 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, Calif. Recently retired quarterback and current AFFL advisor Michael Vick, as well as wide receivers Chad Johnson (formerly Ochocinco) and Terrell Owens, have signed on to play in the AFFL launch game.
SMT, the pioneer in delivering broadcast and in-stadium solutions for NFL and college football events, is uniquely qualified to elevate AFFL games with technology that continually exceeds fans’ expectations. The AFFL engaged SMT, the “Yellow First Down Line” company, to design and develop an innovative e-flag that will revolutionize the game of flag football.
SMT’s patented OASIS Platform utilizes the SMT e-flag to accurately track the on-field location and flag status of all AFFL players in real-time. SMT e-flags have a live, online, location-trackable and time-stamped, magnetic sensor release mechanism. SMT e-flags represent a quantum leap forward in technological sophistication over the traditional Velcro flag release mechanisms.
The SMT OASIS Platform provides AFFL game officials with the visual tools and data displays needed to track all on-field player movements and flag-statuses to accurately spot all flag-release events. In addition, the OASIS Platform integrates and synchronizes the referee’s Go-Clock timer with the in-stadium displays.
SMT’s in-house design firm, (n+1) designstudio, designed and implemented the AFFL graphics package, including the AFFL show open and score bug, as well as the AFFL virtual graphics package, including route charts, line of scrimmage markers and virtual player-tracking enhancements.
The AFFL last month announced plans to field its first full season in 2018, where eight league-owned franchises will take part in a nationwide open tournament. In addition to Vick, the AFFL Board of Advisors includes retired linebacker Isaiah Kacyvenski, fullback Rob Konrad and safety Donovin Darius.
“SMT is a valued technology partner to the AFFL, having been on board from the conceptual stage through to the setup and, now, the execution of our launch game,” said Jeffrey Lewis, founder of the AFFL. “Partnering with SMT elevates the American Flag Football League by providing a technology platform that will help shape what we predict becomes a preeminent sports league in America.”
“SMT thrives on opportunities to innovate and the launch of the AFFL is just such an opportunity. SMT is delighted to contribute our part in helping Jeff Lewis’ AFFL vision become a reality,” said Gerard J. Hall, SMT Founder and CEO. ”It took the launch of the XFL to introduce aerial cameras into the broadcast of football – now all fans enjoy the benefits. SMT believes that the launch of the AFFL will produce equally impactful innovations into the presentation and coverage of all other football formats.”
SMT, a leading innovator and supplier of real-time data delivery and graphics solutions for the sports and entertainment industries, provides clients with cutting-edge storytelling tools to enhance their live sports and entertainment productions. SMT’s technology for scoring, statistics, virtual insertion and messaging for broadcasts and live events has been used to enhance the world’s most prestigious live events, including the Super Bowl, NBC Sunday Night Football, major golf and tennis events, the Indianapolis 500, the NCAA Tournament, the World Series, ESPN X Games, NBA on TNT, NASCAR events, and NHL games. SMT’s clients include major US and international broadcasters as well as regional and specialty networks, organizing bodies, event operators, sponsors and teams. The 31-time Emmy Award-winning company is headquartered in Durham, N.C., with divisions in Jacksonville, Fla., Fremont, Calif., and London, England.
About The American Flag Football League
The American Flag Football League is the preeminent professional flag football league in the United States. As a first of its kind pro league, the AFFL combines the energy of the fastest growing youth sport in America with world-class, elite athletes. The goal of the AFFL is to provide a platform for athletes to continue their athletic careers and create a product that is cutting-edge entertainment for fans and spectators.