NBA Expands Instant Replay, Approves Rules Changes To Clear Path Calls, Other Tweaks

The NBA Board of Governors has approved five new rules for the 2013-14 season that could play a major role in some of next season’s biggest games.

Beginning with the start of preseason, instant replay can be used when reviewing a block/charge play to determine whether the defender was inside or outside the restricted area, with officials now permitted to reverse a charge call or uphold a blocking call, when the defender was outside the area but was not set when the offensive player began his upward shooting motion.

In addition, replay can now be used to determine whether an off-ball foul occurred before or after a player has started his shooting motion on a successful shot attempt, or before or after the ball was released on a throw-in. Also, during a review of any instant replay situation officials can assess the appropriate penalties of any unsportsmanlike and unnecessary acts that are observed during the reviews.

Other rule changes include adaptations to clear path fouls; if at any point before the foul is committed, the defender who commits the foul is positioned ahead of the offensive player in the frontcourt. Additionally, teams will lose possession if its player leaves the floor and does not immediately return, unless he is injured, attempting to save the ball or in other extenuating circumstance.

The changes were originally recommended by the NBA’s Competition Committee in a June 12 meeting Las Vegas held meeting.

© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.