The “fair” in “fair play” gets a boost this week with the introduction of the Challenge Review System for women’s volleyball at the Stan Sheriff Center.
VIDEO REPLAY GUIDELINES
WHAT CAN BE CHALLENGED
>> A ball that is called in or out, including a pancake dig and antenna violation.
>> Whether a ball has been touched by a player before it goes out of bounds.
>> A player who is called for a net fault.
>> A server who is call for a foot fault.
THE POSSIBLE OUTCOMES
>> The decision is overturned.
>> The decision stands because it was correct or because there was inconclusive evidence.
>> The decision is to replay the point.
The Hawaii men’s program had used video replay for its 2015 Outrigger Resorts Invitational, believed the first time it had been used at that level. Last women’s season, the Big Ten and Big 12 used it on an experimental basis in selected matches and this year’s Olympic volleyball tournaments used it for the time.
The collegiate challenge system, however, won’t be the same as what was used internationally. Instead of the video being watched by officials in a booth — a la the NFL replay officials — the decision will be made by the referee at court level, known as the second or down referee.
Hawaii also only will use it for its three preseason tournaments and not for the Big West, as most of the conference schools do not have the same technological capabilities.
Rainbow Wahine coach Dave Shoji saw it firsthand while watching matches at the Rio Games.
“The ultimate goal is to get the call right,” said Shoji, who opens his 42nd campaign against No. 4 Wisconsin tonight. “I hope our second referee will be able to view it and make a decision in a timely manner. It won’t be the same as the Olympics, where they could really slow it down.
“Let’s just get the call right.”
Wisconsin coach Kelly Sheffield agrees. He estimates that the Badgers were involved in about a dozen Big Ten matches where the CRS was used.
“I was excited to hear they were going to do it here — it’s dramatic with their large video board,” Sheffield said. “We did it last year for our home matches and I love it.
“It’s not perfect, not close to being perfect. We don’t have the equipment to do it at a high level yet. But it will be good for our sport and other sports across the board. I think we’re heading in the right direction.”
At the moment, only head coaches can ask for a review by holding up a green challenge card. There has been some discussion about officials being allowed to ask for a review.
“The bottom line is it’s an opportunity to get the call right,” said Wahine associate head coach Jeff Hall, who was on the Rainbow Warriors bench in 2015 when the CRS was used. “We know calls go for us and against us, but the important part is to get it right at the right time.
“The game is so fast. This is a nice piece to add to get it right.”
A coach is limited to three challenges per match and no timeout is charged. Unlike the NFL, the official’s decision does not result in a retention or a loss of a future challenge.
The challenge protocol will have the second referee use a courtside headset to alert the OC Sports broadcast truck to make the play in question available on the courtside monitor. As with basketball, the official will make the ruling after watching the replay.
