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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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NFL Tweaks Rules on Instant Replay

One official will look under hood, another will be stenographer

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(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)
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petepenguin
Nov 21, 08 4:28 PM 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. Reply
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Zackary
Nov 21, 08 5:59 PM 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. Reply
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