Tablets replacing the playbook in sports

Athletes and coaches are increasingly replacing their hefty and often unwieldy playbooks with tablet computers, which are proving to be a welcome addition to the locker room.

This is a trend occurring in several sports at nearly all levels of play. According to an October 2011 New York Times report, NFL athletes have been happy to turn in their three-ring binders for a sleek, lightweight tablet. Not only is the technology more convenient to carry, its functionality is far superior to the playbook, allowing athletes to watch video, access nutrition guides and check workout schedules.

The Baltimore Ravens and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently among the few teams using tablets, but this trend could expand rapidly in the near future.

Tablets may prove useful in other levels of play as well. For high school and college athletes, the technology could double as both a playbook and an academic companion, allowing students to access school assignments and resources wherever they go.

There are still some barriers surrounding tablets in sports. As the New York Times points out, many leagues have rules against using devices that can record or play video during game-play. However, as the functions of the tablet continue to expand, its utility in other areas of the game are developing as well.