BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Gulf South Conference announced a partnership with Vokkero Radio Communication System, to provide wireless communication devices for soccer officials. With the announcement, the Gulf South became the first NCAA Division II conference to adopt the Vokkero system.
Each campus will receive a set of three communication devices for officials to use during contests. The system will improve communication among the crew, which can be a challenge with the size of the field and the mechanics necessary to officiate. Additionally, this will provide coaches and officials an easier time communicating during the contest with the bench side Assistant Referee, better able to share information from the rest of the crew.
"Providing this technology for our soccer officials should improve our overall officiating program," stated GSC Commissioner Matt Wilson. "We want to help our officials have the best chance to be successful in their work and make the game as good as it can be for our players and athletes."
"I am extremely excited about the Gulf South Conference and Vokkero's partnership," said GSC Coordinator of Soccer Officials, Mark Herrington. "Vokkero is the brand standard in referee communication systems and a great tool that allows referees to quickly and effectively communicate to help ensure that correct decisions are made.
Vokkero systems are regularly used in the professional ranks including Major League Soccer (MLS), National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and CONCACAF. The system has also been adopted at many NCAA Division I conferences and the NCAA national tournament.
The Gulf South Conference men's and women's soccer regular season will begin Thursday, August 31 with conference action slated to kickoff on September 15. The 2023 edition of the conference tournament will begin November 5 at campus sites, with semifinal and championship rounds slated for November 9-11 at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Ala.
About Vokkero:
Vokkero, a subsidiary of Vogo SA, is a French engineering company that specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative wireless solutions and connected objects.The Vokkero was first to market a full duplex, hands free system that enables soccer referees to communicate in real time. FIFA adopted the Vokkero system that became widely used by all major soccer federations worldwide as well as during the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. With its patented digital noise filtration, Vokkero® provided a solution to all communication issues for the sports industry, even in the most noisy and difficult environments. Vokkero was launched into the US market in 2010 and achieved rapid success with its Squadra products as the officiating communication system for Pro and Division 1 College Football, MLS Pro Soccer as well as soccer at the collegiate level. Vokkero is also used in a variety of sports, ranging from Lacrosse, Basketball, Polo, the America's cup, Field Hockey etc. The cornerstone of Vokkero successes lies in the Company's dedication to develop innovative technologies to meet the demands of sports leagues, officials and coaches for high quality, reliable audio with low latency through wireless communication systems.
About Gulf South Conference:
The Gulf South Conference is a charter NCAA Division II member based in Birmingham, Ala., and has 13 member institutions — Alabama Huntsville, Auburn Montgomery, Christian Brothers, Delta State, Lee, Mississippi College, Montevallo, Shorter, Union, Valdosta State, West Alabama, West Florida, and West Georgia. The GSC proudly sponsors 19 sports and hosts 18 annual championship events.