Teams to vote on Instant Replay proposals

NBA proposals would greatly expand the league's usage of instant replay

NBA teams were asked Friday to vote on two new proposals that, if passed, will noticeably expand the use of instant replay starting this season.

In a league memorandum obtained by ESPN.com, votes are sought electronically by 5 p.m. on Oct. 10 on the following proposed changes:

1. To allow game officials to use instant replay at any point during a game to determine (i) whether a successful field goal was correctly scored as a 2-point or 3-point field goal and (ii) whether, for purposes of awarding the correct number of free throws, an unsuccessful field goal attempt on which the shooter was fouled was a 2-point or 3-point attempt.

2. To allow the game officials to use instant replay when the game clock malfunctions during a play concluding with no time remaining on the clock (0:00) at the end of any quarter or overtime period.

It will hardly put an end to all officiating controversies since they're not all clock related but any additional measures that allow calls to be reviewed and errors corrected sounds like a good idea to me. Of course, the review is still at the referee's discretion which suggests they can stand by a suspect call without going to the replay, though if there's reasonable doubt it would obviously be in their best interests to doublecheck the tape.

I like the idea, but they should've added this a long time ago.

better late than never...

1. To allow game officials to use instant replay at any point during a game to determine (i) whether a successful field goal was correctly scored as a 2-point or 3-point field goal

They can do this without stopping the game. They can have a fourth official just for instant replay to go over the tape while the game is in progress and the PA announcer can announce any change made.

Clock malfunctions should never happen. They need some people who really know what they are doing, but it's good to have an official rule to cover your ass. I remember that game where the shot clock completely stopped working, and they had the PA announcer announce that there were 15 seconds left, then 10, then count down from 5.

They seem to encounter a fair few shot clock malfunctions around the league. I remember watching quite a few games last season where the clock failed and it was left up to the PA to announce 15, 10 and 5 seconds remaining.

wouldnt be surprised if spurs vote NO. hehe.

Why the Spurs in particular?