Instant Replay in College Sports: Is it More Harm Than Good?
By: Brandon Unverferth
The introduction of instant replay in college sports was intended to make the game equitable by correcting missed or incorrect calls made by referees. While instant replay has been a significant advancement in technology for college sports, it has also generated controversy among fans and players. Some argue that instant replay has made the game more accurate, while others believe it has taken away from the human element of sports. I’d like to take this opportunity to explore both sides of the debate in order to determine whether instant replay is truly helping or hurting college sports.
The Case for Instant Replay:
One of the primary arguments for the instant replay is that it has made officiating more accurate. Referees are human and can make mistakes, which can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game. Instant replay provides a way for officials to review close calls and ensure that the correct call is made. This not only makes the game fairer but also increases the confidence fans have in officiating. Another benefit of instant replay is that it can be used to review plays that are not visible to the naked eye. For example, in football, instant replay can be used to review whether a player’s foot was in or out of bounds or whether a ball crossed the goal line. These types of calls can be difficult to make in real-time, but instant replay provides a way for officials to review them and make the correct call.
The Case Against Instant Replay:
Despite its benefits, some argue that instant replay has taken away from the human element of sports. Part of the excitement of sports is the unpredictability of the game, and instant replay can disrupt that. The game can be stopped for minutes at a time while officials review plays, which can disrupt the flow of the game and take away from the excitement for fans. Another argument against instant replay is that it is not always accurate. While instant replay is designed to correct missed or incorrect calls, it can also be used incorrectly. For example, if a camera angle does not provide a clear view of a play, it can be difficult for officials to make the correct call. Additionally, instant replay does not account for the subjective nature of some calls, such as holding or pass interference in football. These types of calls require the judgment of officials, and instant replay cannot always provide a definitive answer.
Final Remarks:
In conclusion, instant replay has both advantages and disadvantages in college sports. It can increase the accuracy of officiating and provide a way to review plays that are not visible to the naked eye. However, it can also disrupt the flow of the game and take away from the excitement of sports. Ultimately, the decision of whether to use instant replay should be made based on a careful evaluation of its benefits and drawbacks and its impact on the overall enjoyment of the game for fans and players alike. Whether you like or dislike the current structure of instant replay, you must remember to always keep the equality of the sport in mind.
