Feature image via: Trent Moore
The NBL1 has introduced an Instant Review System (IRS) for the 2023 NBL1 Finals, with the purpose of assisting officials in deciding the outcome of a game.
The Instant Review System will be implemented on a call at the end of the game that determines a result or into OT. The referees can only use the vision captured for streaming (no other footage is allowed), it cannot be used for called fouls, with no coach's challenges.
Referees need to make a call on-court before reviewing in case the footage is inconclusive, in which case the call on-court stands.
NBL1 South Technical Officials Development (TOD) Elite Development Officer and NBL Referee Ruben Woolcock explained the benefits of the system.
“It’s great that the referees are able to use technology to enhance the accuracy of game-deciding calls,” he told the NBL1 South.
“These are the most important plays and most difficult calls for a referee to make in the Finals environment.
“We see spectacular crowds cheering so loudly in these moments that the game siren can’t be heard so, using technology to work around this and varying venue equipment, will help the referees make the right call and give the teams a fair opportunity to win.”
The IRS will only be accessible at the end of the fourth quarter and all overtime periods if there is a successful goal that will determine the result of the game. The IRS may be initiated by the referees to seek additional information to assist in deciding:
- Whether a shot for a successful goal was released before the game clock signal sounded for the end of the 4th quarter or overtime.
- Whether the successful goal was released from the 2- or 3-point area.
- Whether and how much time shall be displayed on the game clock.
In the NBL1 South Qualifying Finals, the IRS was implemented to determine the outcome of the men’s Frankston Blues vs Mount Gambier Pioneers game.
Woolcock explained that the IRS allowed the referees more opportunities to identify the correct call.
“Unfortunately, the vision available to the referees was inconclusive on both occasions when a successful goal was made at the end of the fourth quarter and overtime,” Wollcock explained.
“In both instances, the referees followed correct procedure however there was no clear evidence that the shot attempts were released in time and as such the decisions were reverted to the on-court call of ‘no basket’.
“This first use creates the opportunity to discuss minimum requirements of both the IRS technology and venue equipment moving forward which will hopefully result in clear decisions to be made either in real-time or through review.”
The IRS will be implemented throughout the NBL1 Finals, with the Conference Finals streaming Live & Free via NBL1.com.au, NBL1 App and Kayo Freebies.
