Somerville committee reviews Hudl camera impact report for high-school gym; keeps item in committee

Somerville City Councilor Lance Davis, chair of the Committee on Legislative Matters, led a remote discussion on April 1 about a surveillance-technology impact report submitted by Somerville Public Schools seeking permission to install Hudl cameras in the Somerville High School gym.

The report says the cameras are intended “exclusively for coaches as a teaching and learning tool” to let coaches “break down practices, games, and to support student athlete growth and development,” and that “audio recording will be disabled.” Amara Anasike, chief of staff and strategy for Somerville Public Schools, told the committee that Hudl complies with federal privacy laws and that “recordings will only be accessible to authorized Somerville High School coaches through password protected accounts.” Athletics Director Stan Viera added that the tool is “a great resource for our kids, a great resource for our coaches.”

Committee members raised questions about operational rules and oversight. Chair Davis and several councilors asked the administration to revise the written impact report to state explicitly that cameras will not record continuously and to spell out who may activate recording, when recordings may occur (for example, practices and games only), and how access is granted and logged. Anasike told the committee that “only Somerville High School coaches will have access” and that coaches must create password‑protected accounts; she said she would receive automatic email notices when a coach turns a camera on or off.

Councilors also asked the school department to provide a written confirmation of background checks, trainings and certifications for coaches who will have access. Councilor Strezzo and others requested confirmation that the district’s human resources processes (including criminal background screenings) cover coaches with access to the footage; Director Viera confirmed he refers such checks to the district’s human resources office and said he would confirm in writing. The committee discussed SafeSport and other trainings; Director Viera said the MIAA has not mandated SafeSport but that the district requires several staff trainings and that he will “look into it.”

Committee members asked the administration to clarify whether students would be allowed access to recordings to review game tape at home; Anasike and Viera said coaches can grant players access to recordings to view and discuss performances. Councilors also requested clearer language on whether recordings may be downloaded or re‑shared by players and what protections are in place against secondary distribution; staff said Hudl maintains internal controls and data agreements and that recordings are not shared publicly.

The committee did not vote on the item and kept it in committee while requesting a revised impact report and written confirmations on background/check practices and training. Director Singh offered to work with Somerville Public Schools to submit a revision either to this committee or directly to the next full city council meeting if timing required it. Chair Davis said the district aims to have the system operational for the upcoming fall season and that the committee would expedite review if a timing issue arises.

The discussion did not include a final authorization; the item remains in committee pending a revised impact report and documentation requested by councilors.