We need rules against "wearable" / AR / AI devices in-game

[Adventure Temple Trail]

"Introducing the New Ray-Ban | Meta Smart Glasses"

On October 17, Ray-Ban and Meta released "smart glasses" that can record video and audio. The glasses are also integrated with "Meta AI" and have headphones integrated into the ear parts. While it does not seem super plausible to cheat with these at present (currently an indicator light comes on while recording, and an obtrusive voice command is required to bring up the AI functionalities, which are synced with the wearer's phone), it seems pretty obvious where things are headed: devices that can record unclear question sets, process moderators' voices in real time, and quite possibly speak likely answers from live Web search into players' ears, all without being easily detectable.

Organizations that maintain rulesets should probably make rules ASAP that ban devices like this in-match and/or issue steep penalties to players or teams that use them.

[jonah]

NAQT Rule K.2.a.ii covers this for players: "[The following shall be considered illegal conferral:] At any time during gameplay, the use of reference material or electronic devices by any active player, regardless of the purpose of such use. Dedicated electronic medical devices, and assistive technology approved by the tournament director, are permitted."

Recording games on NAQT questions is already the subject of a separate ban (in the Host Agreement, in the Host Policies, and for national championships in the participation agreement).

[Irreligion in Bangladesh]

Agreed. I'm optimistic that most rulesets will be pre-emptively OK through appropriately broad rules covering phones and the like, but it behooves people to give it a check now.

For Illinois' example, ACF has this covered with B.7, which is incorporated into the IHSSBCA's rules. Meanwhile, the IHSA has this covered with VIII.V, Technology Use During Competition. Past years of the Masonic rule book have covered electronic devices under "Distractions" in a way that covers this, and I believe the Masonic rule book for this year will do the same.

The IESA's rule book has well-documented issues, and this would add to that list.

[AKKOLADE]

I think PACE's B.7 covers this as well:

"Players may not use any personal electronic devices (including, but not limited to: cell phones, tablets, laptops, "wearable" tech devices) during the duration of a match. This prohibition extends to any and all pauses in gameplay within a match."

[Atlashill]

Missouri's state rules also have a similar provision in place:

Prepared Materials: The use of prepared materials, calculators, cell phones and/or any other electronic devices is not allowed. If a player is found using such an aid during a game, the player will be ejected from that game.

Smart watches helped to spur a strengthening of this rule a few years ago.

Oddly, our infamous "hat rule" (J.3) may also apply here, as you could consider the glasses "inappropriate attire".

[Adventure Temple Trail]

Seems like we're mostly good here, so I guess round down the first post to a heads-up that a lot of these clauses can now be stress-tested by much more discreet devices, and an encouragement to be vigilant about said devices.