QR Code on Oklahoma State University Football Helmets
UNITED STATES—QR codes in sports have become a mainstay over the past few years, but not for the Cowboys of Oklahoma State University (OSU).
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) blocked OSU’s move to place QR codes on the back of its helmets for the purpose of soliciting name, image, and likeness (NIL) donations. These donations were supposed to be the team’s general fund.
The NCAA ruled that the teams' specific use of QR codes constitutes "advertising and/or commercial parks," which violates the organization’s bylaws.
As a response to this "blocking," Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg mentioned his strong disagreement with the NCAA but would still comply.
In a statement, Weiberg said, "We disagree with the interpretation of the rule but will abide by it and work with the appropriate groups to lead on the needed change."
Table of Contents
- Oklahoma State University football helmet "revolutionary step" involving QR codes
- NIL-linked solicitation QR codes to appear in other forms and materials of the Cowboys
- Big 12 supports the initiative to use QR codes on football helmets, Oklahoma State confirms
- Global sporting events work with QR codes to encourage fan engagements
- The future of the sporting world: QR codes are a mainstay
Oklahoma State University football helmet "revolutionary step" involving QR codes
Oklahoma State placed these QR codes in shapes of square as 1.5-inch decals at the back of each player’s helmet. Each code also featured the player’s name and number.
The QR codes aren’t meant to be visible from the stands; they were designed to be noticeable only during close shots on broadcasts and postgame photos on social media platforms.
"This is a revolutionary step forward to help keep Oklahoma State football ahead of the game."
"It gives a chance for everyday fans across the world to have a real impact when it comes to supporting the NIL efforts for Cowboy football. I'm thrilled about this opportunity for our players." Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said
The idea of using QR codes pushed the creativity to keep compensation competitive, as it has become increasingly important for hiring skillful players.
NIL-linked solicitation QR codes to appear in other forms and materials of the Cowboys
During their kickoff to the season against South Dakota State Jackrabbits, Oklahoma State indeed complied with the NCAA’s discretion against QR codes on helmets. Despite this, OSU still employed clever tactics to leverage these codes.
NIL-linked solicitation QR codes were seen on players’ personal bags, which were viewed during the team walk with fans in the stadium. Coasters in stadium suites and the team’s equipment truck also displayed these codes.
These NIL-linked solicitation QR codes were displayed more prominently in the 6,160 sq ft video board of Boone Pickens Stadium.
"Our people came up with an innovative concept to raise the NIL value of our student-athletes, but ultimately, it just serves as the latest example of how college sports are evolving at a faster pace than the rule book," Weiberg added.
Big 12 supports the initiative to use QR codes on football helmets, Oklahoma State confirms
While the Cowboys may not wear helmets with QR code decals during their NCAA season, they can wear them in the Big 12 Conference.
OSU consulted with the Big 12 compliance office to ensure that these football helmets with QR codes were permissible.
"I look forward to partnering with the NCAA and my fellow conference commissioners in an effort to modernize legislation that enables our schools to drive value for our student-athletes," Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark noted.
The Cowboys are expected to be among the Big 12 conference's strongest competitors for the title as they finished 10-4 in 2023.
Global sporting events work with QR codes to encourage fan engagements
Oklahoma State's initiative to use QR codes for fan engagement is one of many innovative concepts for adapting this technology in sports.
Last Spring Game 2022, the University of Central Florida (UCF) launched NIL-linked QR codes in the football jerseys of their players. Scanning these QR codes led to the player’s online bio pages, social media platforms, and branded merchandise.
Prior to the season, UCF used a similar gimmick, which displayed the players' Twitter handles rather than the usual names and numbers on the back of the jerseys.
Gus Malzahn, the UCF team coach, was positive that using NiL-linked QR codes would encourage fan engagement and boost the sales of individually branded merchandise.
Sporting events are becoming more creative in implementing new technologies like QR codes in various aspects of the games. Thus, sporting committees and organizations, such as the NCAA, may also have to update their bylaws to account for these changes.
The future of the sporting world: QR codes are a mainstay
With how accessible a free QR code generator is, many sporting events are opting to use QR codes not only as a fan engagement tool but also for marketing, event management, customer relationship management, loyalty programs, merchandise, and many more.
As demonstrated by sporting events worldwide—whether big or small—QR codes and technology as a whole are going to be a mainstay. More than ever, adapting to new technology is crucial.
It’s high time that sporting teams, sporting event organizers, and sporting committees look into how they can use these technologies to their advantage.
