National Lacrosse League exploring potential use of Instant Replay in games
Published on September 11, 2008 under National Lacrosse League (NLL) Source: News Release
The National Lacrosse League's Board of Governors are considering the use of instant replay to assist officials during games. The move to begin an exploration into the use of instant replay was given unanimous approval by the Board of Governors during the recent league meetings in Boston.
There are three situations in which instant replay could be used to assist officials during games:
-Determination of the ball crossing the goal line
-Determination of the ball crossing the plane of the goal prior to the end of a quarter
-Determination of a crease violation prior to the ball crossing the goal line, by the shooter or one of his teammates. A crease violation occurs when the shooter (or teammate) enters the goal crease prior to the ball crossing the goal line.
Officials would use the video from all available camera angles to review the play in question.
The league is also exploring the method by which a play would be designated for review. In one scenario, a decision to review a disputed goal would be initiated by a team's head coach in the form of a "challenge", similar to the system used by the National Football League.
"Professional indoor lacrosse is a fast-moving game, and our players can shoot the ball at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour", said NLL Commissioner Jim Jennings. "Our officials are the best in the game, but there are times when the ball and the action move so fast that it's difficult for the human eye to see it conclusively. We would like to use the technology available to us when these situations arise. If we can implement the use of instant replay in a way that's decisive while maintaining the pace of our game, we will look to do so."
The matter has been referred for further review to the league's Competition Committee, and will be reviewed by the Board of Governors at a later date.
National Lacrosse League Stories from September 11, 2008
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