You see it time and time again, football games blown on a bad call. The official makes a small blunder and fans all over the world are throwing popcorn, the remote, and whatever else is in reach at their television monitor. Referees in the NFL are constantly under the spotlight and have to think quick as they watch each play, sometimes without a clear view. This is why the NFL introduced the replay system in the 1999 season.
The system begins with the replay booth receiving a live feed from the network television control truck covering the game. A buzzer system is utilized to signal the call for a replay. Before the final two minutes, the head coach can buzz the referee and replay booth that he challenges a play and wants a review. Within the final two minutes, the booth can buzz the referee, calling for a replay. The head coaches wear a belt pack containing a buzzer. When pressed, the buzzer simultaneously signals the referee, umpire and replay booth that a replay is being requested. There are three replay monitors at field level in open-air stadiums. Two monitors are positioned at opposite 20-yard lines near the sideline wall. A third
Another downside to the system is its influence how the referees do their job. Officials are paid to be quick thinkers, making precise decisions on the spot. Since replay was introduced, it seems like officials are being indecisive on hard calls. More calls are made to promote replay challenges to make the ultimate decisions correct. Coaches are constantly throwing in the red flag to challenge a call. It is almost like they are letting coaches officiate the game. I think the game should just go back to the way it was intended to be played with the official having complete control of the game and bad calls are just a tough break. Sure, the replay system can cover up a mistake in officiating and potentially save a game but it is almost not worth it to sit and wait while the official reviews the tape. Give the power back to the officials and let them call the game the way they see it. Replay is up for a renewal vote during the off-season and as more and more teams fall victim to the system, they announce intentions to vote against continuing it. I strongly believe that replay in the NFL is the ultimate bad call.
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