Durham, N.C., June 22, 2017 –SMT (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.”
About SMT
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. For more information, visit smt.com.
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.
For more information on the AFFL, please visit www.AmericanFlag.Football.