Thu May 15 13:17:33 2008

Comment | Email | Print

AFL approves instant replay for 2008 playoffs

---

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The Arena Football League approved the use of instant replay for this year's playoffs.

The league's Board of Directors unanimously approved the change, marking the first time in the AFL's 22-season history that instant replay will be used.

"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 Dallas Desperados COO Shy Anderson, who is also the Chairman of the AFL Rules and Competition Committee. "We are able to make this happen because of the great partnership that we have with the leader in sports broadcasting - ESPN."

Under the instant replay rules, each coach will have a total of two challenges per game that can be used at anytime during regulation. An additional challenge will be granted if the game goes into overtime. Challenges remaining from regulation cannot be carried into OT.

Reviewable plays include: scoring, change of possession, fan interference and, at the referee's discretion, game administration.