NEW YORK (AP) -Instant replay to help Arena Football League officials has arrived.
The AFL Board of Directors on Thursday unanimously approved the use of instant replay as an officiating tool for the 2008 playoffs. It will be the first time in the league's 22-season history that instant replay will be used.
Each coach will have two challenges per game that can be used at anytime during regulation play. An additional challenge will be granted if the game requires overtime. Challenges remaining from regulation will not carry over into overtime.
Coaches will have a red flag to be thrown on the field when they want to make a challenge. Just as in the NFL, no play may be challenged after the ensuing play has begun.
Reviewable plays include scoring, change of possession, fan interference and, at the referee's discretion, game administration. Once a review begins, the referee will have 90 seconds to determine whether the call on the field will be upheld or if there is ``indisputable visual evidence'' to overturn it.
``The coach's ability to challenge a call on the field that could ultimately decide the outcome of a game is not only great for the game, but is also great for the fans,'' said Shy Anderson, chairman of the AFL Rules and Competition Committee. ``We are able to make this happen because of the great partnership that we have with ... ESPN.''
ESPN will televise all of the postseason games, which begin June 27, except for the ArenaBowl on July 27, which will be on ABC.
