Seam — Rule-Compliant at Every Level

Rule Compliance

Understand the rules
at your level.

Seam is designed for one-way electronic pitch communication. The permitted sender, receiver, location, and game situation differ by governing body, state association, conference, and event.

ℹ️ Seam is not officially certified by any governing body. Configure it for the applicable rule and always confirm with your conference or event director.

College

NCAA

National Collegiate Athletic Association

One-Way Permitted

Rule 5-2-f (2025)

"The use of exclusively one-way electronic communication devices that transmit pre-recorded message(s) or signals for the purpose of relaying the pitch or play call from the dugout to the field is permitted."

One-way only: dugout coach → catcher ✅
Expanded in 2025 to include on-field coaches
No two-way or audio-response permitted
Seam is iPhone → Apple Watch (one-way) ✅

APPROVED SINCE 2021 · EXPANDED 2025

High School

NFHS / UIL

National Federation of State High School Associations · University Interscholastic League

Catcher-Only Use

Rule 1-6-2 / 3-2-5 (Eff. 2024)

"A coach may use a one-way electronic communication device to communicate to the catcher for the purpose of calling pitches. Coach cannot be outside the dugout/bench area."

Coach must stay in the dugout or bench area
Catcher-only — no other players receive signal
Smartwatch explicitly listed as permitted device type
UIL follows NFHS baseball rules statewide

NFHS RULE EFFECTIVE 2024 · VERIFY STATE ADOPTION

Travel / Youth Elite

Perfect Game

Perfect Game Baseball Association (PGBA)

One-Way Policy

PG Electronic Communication Policy

"Adoption of NCAA PitchCom Protocols — The use of exclusively one-way electronic communication devices that transmit pre-recorded message(s) or signals for the purpose of relaying the pitch or play call from the dugout to the field is permitted."

Explicitly adopts NCAA PitchCom-class protocols
One-way dugout-to-catcher transmissions permitted
In-ear with direct live audio restricted to catcher only
NFHS rules apply in all other cases

VERIFY THE CURRENT EVENT POLICY

Youth Travel

USSSA

United States Specialty Sports Association

Check Event

Event Rules May Reference NFHS

"Various technologies, earpiece, electronic band or a smartwatch could be used giving teams several options at varying costs. No other player would be able to wear or use this device."

Confirm which national, state, or event rules govern
Ask whether smartwatch displays are permitted
Confirm the permitted sender and receiver
Use Seam in a receive-only player workflow

RULES CAN VARY BY EVENT · VERIFY FIRST

Professional

MLB

Major League Baseball

Inspired By

PitchCom Era (2022–Present)

MLB approved PitchCom for regular-season use in 2022. The system privately sends a selected pitch and location to approved receivers, but MLB permissions do not determine amateur rules.

Catchers began sending encrypted calls in 2022
MLB allowed pitchers to initiate calls in 2023
Private calls reduce reliance on visible finger signs
Amateur teams must follow their own governing rules

MLB STANDARD SINCE 2022

Youth

Youth Orgs

Little League, USSSA Youth, AAU, Local Rec Leagues

Check Locally

Verify With Tournament Director

Youth organizations and tournaments may adopt NFHS rules, modify them, or publish their own technology policy. Never assume the age group determines the rule set. Confirm before first use.

Ask which written rule book controls the event
Confirm whether a smartwatch display is permitted
Confirm exactly who may receive the call
Always confirm with your specific league first

GROWING RAPIDLY · VERIFY LOCALLY

One-Way Configuration

Match Seam's game setup to the rules that govern your event

✓ One-way only

✓ Dugout sender option

✓ Catcher-only option

✓ No live audio response

✓ No internet required

✓ Pre-defined pitch calls

🚫

What rules prohibit

Common restrictions include two-way responses and live return audio. NFHS also limits pitch calls to a coach in the dugout and the catcher on defense. Other electronics and additional receivers depend on the governing rule.

✅

What Seam does

An iPhone can send a pre-selected pitch call to an Apple Watch in a one-way player workflow, with no player response or live return audio. Coaches are responsible for limiting senders and receivers to those permitted for the game.

¹ NCAA Rule 5-2-f (2023–24 Interpretations, updated August 2024). ² NFHS 2024 Baseball Rules Changes, Rules 1-6-2 and 3-2-5, approved June 2023 effective 2024 season. ³ Perfect Game tournament rules page, "Electronic Communication Devices: Adoption of NCAA PitchCom Protocols." ⁴ USSSA Baseball National By-Laws & Rules (August 2025 edition), referencing NFHS 2024 changes. Seam is not officially endorsed, certified, or affiliated with any governing body listed. Rule compliance is the responsibility of the user and subject to local league interpretation. When in doubt, show your tournament director this page — or contact us and we'll help you confirm.

Understand the rulesat your level.

Understand the rules
at your level.