04.07.2018 – From the start of the upcoming 2018-19 season, technical aids and electronic communication will be allowed in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 on both benches in the “technical zone” for coaching and tactical purposes as well as to help injured players. Receipt and use of data on professional footballers generated by the electronic performance and tracking system will also be permitted in the technical zone during matches in future. After the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for the global rules of the game, passed a related resolution in Zurich on 3 March 2018, the Board of DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga has now approved this innovation for the two licensed leagues. This follows a recommendation from the DFL’s “Football” Commission, which advises the DFL Executive Committee .

Use of small, portable mobile devices such as tablets will be possible for coaching and tactics, along with communication between the “technical zone” and, for example, a member of the training staff in the stands. From a medical perspective, one aim of the innovation is to enable faster diagnosis and communication between team staff treating an injured professional on the pitch, and colleagues on the bench.

The number of devices used per team is limited to three. To create a level playing field for the home and away teams, minimum technical requirements must be met in the area of both benches, including a network connection. As also agreed in the “Football” Commission, sanctions are to be imposed for use of the technical equipment above and beyond the approved purposes (e.g. complaints directed to the refereeing team with or on the basis of technical aids).