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New Jersey commission to use instant replay
By Zach Arnold | January 3, 2007
State of New Jersey
State Athletic Control Board
P.O. Box 180
Trenton, NJ 08625-0180
PRESS RELEASE
Date: January 3, 2007
Subject: Use of Instant Replay for Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, and Kickboxing Matches
As some of you already know, New Jersey allows a combative sports contestant to appeal a decision made by the referee during the course of a bout. This appeals process, which is free, consists of a Commissioner’s review and if requested, a full Board Members hearing. Obviously, this process does not start until the bout has concluded and the outcome ( i.e. decision) of the bout has been rendered and announced.
The use of instant replay would allow the Commissioner’s review to commence in a more timely fashion, namely, on the night of the bout itself.
The use of instant replay would allow the Commissioner to review a controversial decision or a missed call and apply the proper and just ruling for the benefit of the contestants, fans, promoter and all involved or interested parties.
It seems very logical to embrace this technology given the amount of money and prestige that is at stake during contests.
Furthermore, available technology should be utilized if it helps to render a more fair and equitable outcome.
In fact, instant replay is often already provided to the spectators when replays are shown in between rounds on screens at the
arena and also during the television or web broadcast. Instant replay is already in place for several other types of professional sports.
We are very proud of the outstanding referees that we utilize in our State, however, no referee can be expected to always make the right call with absolute accuracy. A simple mistake or oversight that can be corrected, should be corrected.
We will be notifying all promoters, by copy of this release, that instant replay can be utilized during combative sporting contests
to review a referee’s call or lack of a call. To be clear, instant replay will be utilized at the discretion of the lead promoter. This
agency will not force a promoter to utilize instant replay, but we will not deny the promoter the opportunity to do so. This agency does not have the technology readily available, so it will be up to the promoter to provide the necessary equipment.
The use of such technology would allow the Commissioner to review issues such as :
- knockdowns versus slips
- accidental versus intentional fouls
- if a cut was the result of legal strike
- if a fighter beat the count
- low blows
- whether or not a strike landed before the bell rang
The Commissioner, if approached during a round by the contestant’s chief second, would review the issue at the end of the
round. The bout would be temporarily stopped during the rest period and the Commissioner would have a maximum of three minutes to render a decision or choose to reserve his judgment because further review is needed. Upon the Commissioner’s ruling, the bout would then be restarted and would continue.
This policy will immediately go into effect for all regulated professional boxing, mixed martial arts and kick boxing contests held
here.
Topics: All Topics, Media, MMA, Press Releases, Zach Arnold | 8 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Intresting…well I can see alot of good and flaws with this decisoon, but I guess we will see how well it works when its actually implemended.
The release doesn’t say if the decision to allow the commission to review tapes has to be made prior to the beginning of the fight. If not then it creates a major conflict of interest.
Sometimes it feels like the NJSAC tries to get too fancy with their rules. This, along with the weird weigh-in regulations will only push promoters out of the state and look elsewhere.
More action for Vegas 😉
Yeah I agree with MMA Critic. Non-standardized rules will mean less major promotions coming through New Jersey. Although it’s the weight rule that i think hurts them more this way. As far as this new rule, I don’t see much demand or point for it.
some points to consider:
> it is optional, totally up to the promoter to notify us prior to the show if they want to use it,
>
> fights will not stop mid-round, the round will be completed first, but the Cmsr could review the issue during the round as the action is still ongoing,
>
> the three minutes is the maximum time, the time period begins at the end of the round-so the one minute rest period counts,
>
> most issues should be resolvable in seconds, just as you see replays instantly on HBO, PPV, or even at the arena,
>
> you have to allow for the Cmsr to reserve judgment, in case of a technical problem or if the proper camera angle is unavailable, because by NJ law you have a right to appeal,
>
> adding phantom taps is a good idea,
>
> a ridiculous challenge by a gassed fighter, as suggested, would be denied by the Cmsr.
I think back to over 10 years ago and there was a boxing match in New Jersey on HBO and there was situation where Larry Hazard use replay from HBO to determine if a punch which resulted in a knockout came after the bell rang. So they have used it the past. Also what happens if a show does not have television. Will the have to use home video camera like they used in the 2000 olympic wrestling finals.
Guess most larger boxing events are filmed anyway, given the prices of digital camcorders and such.