Video review of game action
 

I thought there was a rule that prohibited umpires from reviewing video during the course of a game. Coaches or parents may push for umpires to look at a video of a play in order to seek a reversal of a call.

Can't find a rule reference in Rules Book or Umpire Manual.

Can anyone help?

Thanx.

NFHS 10-1-4

USA Softball RS 11 - not allowed on playing field.

11 - COMMUNICATION / ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Communication / electronic devices, including audio / video equipment, are not allowed
on the playing field. Head phones and ear phones have been used by coaches to com
municate from one coaches’ box to the other, to communicate between coaches and
the dugout, and from the stands to the dugout. Signs and signals have been stolen while
outside the field of play, stands or the outfield area and communicated to coaches or
players. Therefore, umpires must prohibit any use of such equipment. Electronic score
books, however, are permitted for use by base coaches.

This from USA Softball.

But a video can be taken (as most are) from the stands or outside the field of play.

If a spectator recorded and then gave it to the coach, could the coach ask an umpire to look at it? Can the umpire use it to confirm or reverse a call?

To me, "not allowed on the playing field" includes anything already recorded.

There also is nothing that says a coach CAN present video.

Technology is evolving and changes are inevitable for rules in various sanctions.

NFHS will be allowing electronic communications this coming season. USASB has not yet embraced this change. HS players will become familiar with the process and then will not be allowed to use it going into tournament season.

I think it's much more efficient than the wrist bands and coaches yelling out "2-4-3" and players pausing to check their codes.

Also, cell phones have evolved to such a point that we can't really ban them from the coaching boxes. The coaches have electronic scoring apps on their phones, so that makes them acceptable to have on the field. Who knows what else they're doing with the phones while on the field?

I cannot speak to NCAA rules, but one associate tells me they actually have a timer they activate to ensure pitchers are complying with the 20 second pitching rule.

Also 4.7.C.5

Even this reference is fraught with compromise.

When in the coach’s box a base coach may have a score book (electronic or
paper), pen, pencil, or electronic marker and an indicator all of which shall be
used for scorekeeping or record keeping purposes only.


No electronic equipment, to include cell phones, pagers, etc., are allowed to be
worn or carried on the playing field.

As mentioned earlier, many cell phones now have apps that can serve as electronic score books.

None of which permits video review of plays for decisions, including umpire common sense.

BTW, USA SB will have electronic to players and not just catcher.
That is the inconsistency with NFHS.