Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

NFL Tweaks Rules on Instant Replay

One official will look under hood, another will be stenographer

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 21, 2008 11:11 AM CST
Email

(Newser) – The NFL is modifying its instant-replay policy after yet another botched call in a game, the New York Daily News reports. This much stays the same: Only one official will go under the hood to look at the replay. But another official will tag along with him, stand nearby, and act as a sort of official stenographer. He'll record the decision, the ball placement, and any other details. The idea is to cut down on confusion.

The league thinks such a policy could have prevented the blown call at the end of last Sunday's Steelers-Chargers game. Referee Scott Green looked at a replay and ruled that Pittsburgh's defense recovered a fumble for a touchdown. But he then reversed his call after consulting with his crew. "They talked him into such a confused state, he got screwed up," said an NFL official. "There were too many cooks, too much information, a sensory overload."


Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, left, has a word with field judge Doug Rosenbaum (67) during a game against the San Diego Chargers.
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, left, has a word with field judge Doug Rosenbaum (67) during a game against the San Diego Chargers.   (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu intercepts a pass in the first half of last week's game. His last-second fumble return got the Steelers 6 points... then didn't.
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu intercepts a pass in the first half of last week's game. His last-second fumble return got the Steelers 6 points... then didn't.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
The alteration to the NFL's instant replay rules will require a second official to stand beside the one reviewing the play and write down his ruling.
The alteration to the NFL's instant replay rules will require a second official to stand beside the one reviewing the play and write down his ruling.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Sleepy1
Nov 21, 2008 5:59 AM CST
This guy shouldn't be a referee if he's experiencing "sensory overload" while on the field. It's clear he's not capable of doing his job.
Guest
Nov 21, 2008 4:28 AM CST
Cut down on confusion....have you watched these guys.Holding is in evidence every play.Pass interference every play.Call the game the way the rules are written or change the rules.

The official details of the double-reverse
San Diego Union-Tribune

And you say the NFL doesn't support gambling?
Dallas Morning News

Statistitian evaluates 11-10 score
Wall Street Journal

But what about my fantasy team?
NFL.com

 
NFL • football • Pittsburgh Steelers • referee • instant replay • San Diego Chargers • bad calls

More Newser Stories

Tim Tebow: I Might Go Into Politics

NFL Looks Ahead to Awkward Super Bowl L

Kyle Williams Gets Twitter Death Threats

Giants, 49ers, Ravens Head to Championship Games

Tim Tebow's Stats Match Biblical Verse
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne