You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Collaborative replay.” So, exactly what does it mean. Basically, it’s an additional layer of eyes and input into the replay process.
When a call is made on the field that involves a play that is reviewable, the initial stop is made by the replay official in the press box at the stadium. Keep in mind that all plays are not reviewable, like Pass Interference. That is a judgement call. It’s a little complicated but plays like catch/no catch, fumbles, and plays that involve lines, such as first downs, are reviewable.
Vibrating pagers are used to alert the officials on the field that play is being shut down for review. These alerts generally come as no surprise to the officials, they just kind of have a feeling that it’s worth taking a closer look at. Also, some officials will not make a call knowing that replay will bail them out of a close situation.
After the play is shut down for review, the Referee and another official will go to the review monitor on the field. By the time the Referee makes it to the monitor, the replay official has already started the review process. At the same time, the TV producer is collecting as many video angles as possible of the play and sending them to the officials in the booth. The Referee has no input to the final decision. He just looks at the monitor to fully understand what happened and how the final announcement will be made.
This is where the “collaborative” part comes in. Due to the advancements in data transmission, a remote center is set up to simultaneously look at the multiple video replays. In the Southeastern Conference, the video center is located in a room of the conference office in Birmingham. This gives an extra layer of “eyes” on the play with the end goal of getting the ruling correct. This happens in “real time” and there is no delay in the communication between everyone involved.
Once a final decision is agreed upon, that information is relayed to the Referee on the field. He then steps away from the replay monitor to a clear area and makes the announcement.
At one time, the video center was referred to as the “Command Center.” This gave an undesirable optic to the game, so the name was changed to the “Replay Center.” Rumor has it that the final decision of all replays is now made by the coordinator of officials.