The SEC will experiment with a centralized instant replay center this fall
The SEC announced earlier today that the league will use a central command center for instant replay on an experimental basis, joining the ACC as the two leagues using the new replay system. The ACC approved used of the centralized replay system last week.
Under the new plan, personnel sitting in the SEC headquarters will help the in-stadium replay officials when replay discussions take place. The details and logistics of the new process will be presented later this month to coaches and administrators during the league meetings in Destin, Florida and the plan is to use the new system on an experimental basis.
Back in February, the NCAA rules committee approved an SEC request that would allow conferences to use a collaborative system like the one being discussed, on an experimental basis.
The in-game replay official will still be the one making the final decision on replay rulings, and the personnel at SEC headquarters will simply act as a second pair of eyes and a sounding board during the process.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey had the following to say in a statement,
“Our goal is to continue to use the best-available resources to support correct outcomes when instant replay is used. We believe the collaborative effort, which will involve additional officiating experts during replay reviews, will enhance the Conference’s football officiating program. I believe this update to the instant replay review process will better support football officiating in the SEC through the use of technology.”
The SEC tested the system during a spring football game earlier this year, and SEC Coordinator of Officials Steve Shaw notes that it is because of that experience, the plan is moving forward.
"Our successful test in the spring gave us the comfort level to move forward with execution of the plan for this fall. I look forward to communicating with my colleagues in other conferences to discuss best practices and the most effective use of collaborative replay." Shaw noted in the statement.
