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NHL Collaborating With Apple to Give Referees Apple Watches

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Apple is collaborating with the National Hockey League (NHL) to equip on-ice officials with Apple Watches featuring an app designed to help officiating during games (via The Verge).

nhl-apple-watch-16-9.jpg

The NHL Watch Comms app allows referees to receive in-game updates by syncing with the NHL's Oasis system. Officials can track the game clock and receive alerts for key game events without diverting their focus. This allows referees to avoid locating video boards while officiating.

The app includes haptic feedback to indicate key moments, such as when a player leaves the penalty box or when the period is about to end. Distinct haptic patterns allow referees to differentiate between different notifications without needing to check the screen. The Apple Watches used in NHL games will be league-issued, providing the option of either the Apple Watch Ultra or the Series 10.

Since 2017, the NHL has integrated iPads and Macs into coaching and player workflows, providing teams with real-time access to game footage and analytics. Apple has also worked with other professional sports leagues to bring its wearable technology into competition settings. In 2023, the World Surf League adopted the Apple Watch as its official wearable, using it to deliver real-time scoring, wave priority, and heat times to competitors in the water.

Article Link: NHL Collaborating With Apple to Give Referees Apple Watches
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/02/28/nhl-to-give-referees-apple-watches/
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vanillaboy said:
Is it just the photo or should these not be Ultra models given the potential for damage in the course of a game?
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"The Apple Watches used in NHL games will be league-issued, providing the option of either the Apple Watch Ultra or the Series 10."
 
vanillaboy said:
Is it just the photo or should these not be Ultra models given the potential for damage in the course of a game?
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I would give them Ultras, especially because the Siri button can be activated by mistake so easily in the regular model.
I was working out with gloves this week, and I hit Siri like 20 times during the 20 min workout. The gloves almost called the police by mistake when doing the plank lol
 
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I7guy said:
Cool stuff. So s10 or ultra will be used by coaches. Wonder why AW was picked over garmin; except for the iPad Pro gear already purchased.
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Coaches can wear rolexes for all the league cares. Presuming because of other league tie ins with Apple already, it had a bit more influence to gear up the on ice officials.

We'll see if they can take a licking and keep on ticking breaking up the odd fight.
 
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For soccer referees, apps like this have actually been around for a while, such as “What’s the Score, Bro? Reffing”. :cool:
 
budselectjr said:
That’s cool. As a former hockey ref that would have been useful. Especially when a penalty is ending. Don’t have to look up at the scoreboard to check times. The goalies at higher levels usually tap their sticks on the ice as it’s ending though.
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Was thinking the same. Haptic feedback that you commit to memory is really good for this use case.
 
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PsykX said:
I would give them Ultras, especially because the Siri button can be activated by mistake so easily in the regular model.
I was working out with gloves this week, and I hit Siri like 20 times during the 20 min workout. The gloves almost called the police by mistake when doing the plank lol
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I've worn an Apple Watch every day since launch day (April 24, 2015). I've never pressed the crown accidentally. I'd suggest either moving the watch further from your hand or changing the orientation so the crown is on your elbow side instead of your wrist side. Nearly calling emergency services sounds like a sign that you might want to change something about how you're wearing it.
 
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I7guy said:
Cool stuff. So s10 or ultra will be used by coaches. Wonder why AW was picked over garmin; except for the iPad Pro gear already purchased.
Click to expand...

Probably because there is an underlying full OS that can be customized to the specific needs here and battery life, nor fitness tracking, where Garmin watches excel, is not a concern for NHL games
 
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In my experience touch screens are awful for sports. You have to look down to know what you are touching, you sweat, if in winter you wear gloves. Other that money involved, I find it a bad solution if not provided physical buttons.
 
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Why do they need to collaborate with Apple to give them apple watches? Couldn't the NHL get a cheaper deal by buying two dozen from Amazon then hand them to their referees?
 
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Corefile said:
Why do they need to collaborate with Apple to give them apple watches? Couldn't the NHL get a cheaper deal by buying two dozen from Amazon then hand them to their referees?
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I'm guessing they get them for free in return for feedback, data that Apple can use to further develop the software. But that's just conjecture on my part.
 
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