Advanced timing, replay to be used

The NCAA announced it will use the latest technology for replay reviews and timekeeping in an effort to increase efficiency and accuracy. The agreements with DVSport and Precision Timing Systems go into effect for the 2015 Division I men’s and women’s basketball championships.

The contract with Precision Timing Systems includes all rounds of both tournaments, while the agreement with DVSport also includes all rounds of the Division I men’s and women’s basketball championships, as well as all Football Championship Series (FCS) playoff games and the Division II and III football semifinal and championship games.

The DVSport software is designed to provide a more efficient replay process intended to reduce the length of time officials spend at the scorer’s table reviewing a play. Video is captured live into the replay system and cued up so officials may see different angles of the play immediately. Several conferences use DVSport during the regular season and most leagues use some form of a video replay service independent of the broadcast feed. DVSport introduced its first basketball replay system in 2010.

Precision Timing Systems is used by the majority of Division I conferences. The technology works via a computer that is connected with the official game clock at each competition venue. The game officials stop the clock simply by blowing his or her whistle, and resumes play by flipping a switch on their belt pack. A radio transmitter connected to the scoreboard controller allows the clock to stop and start instantly, thus eliminating the delay of a scoreboard operator doing it once hearing a whistle or seeing the official signal the ball in play.

“We are excited to enter into these relationships with these reputable companies who will allow us to use the best available technology to be as accurate as possible with regards to timing and reviewable plays,” said Dan Gavitt, the NCAA’s vice president of men’s basketball. “The Division I men’s basketball committee and our staff spent considerable time reviewing this and we’re happy to be able to implement each system into the 2015 championship. We think using these technologies is going to improve the championship experience for coaches, players, fans and officials.”

“We understand the importance of getting crucial calls and timing plays right, so using the latest technology for our championship is a logical approach to achieving that,” said Anucha Browne, vice president of NCAA women’s basketball championships. “We feel we have taken important steps forward by partnering with these technology providers to improve efficiencies that will enhance the championships.”