Innovative Video Review System to Debut in Nebraska High School Wrestling Championships
The upcoming championship rounds for high school wrestling in Nebraska will introduce a significant change aimed at improving fairness in the competition. A new experimental rule allows coaches to challenge calls, marking a pioneering move by the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) Board of Directors, which approved the initiative.
According to Ron Higdon, the NSAA wrestling director, Nebraska is set to become the first state to implement video review in high school wrestling. “Right now, it’s only going to be allowed in the championship finals matches, which in boys, will be four mats going on at the same time, one for each class (Classes A through D),” Higdon explained. “And for girls, it will be two mats going on at the same time, with A and B.”
The scope of the video review will include scoring decisions, timing issues, technical violations, and out-of-bounds calls. However, Higdon clarified, “There’s a whole list of parameters that we outlined of what can be reviewed and what can’t. And basically, almost everything can be reviewed, with the exception of a small list.”
Excluded from review are judgment calls, such as falls (a pin), near fall, stalling, unnecessary roughness, and unsportsmanlike conduct. Higdon noted these are typically subjective and challenging to assess with video. Additionally, starting position infractions are not reviewable due to potential camera limitations.
Coaches will have the opportunity to challenge at least once per match, with the possibility of more if their challenges are successful. They will need to quickly signal for a review within five to seven seconds of a questionable call. Officials will then pause the match at an appropriate moment to conduct the review.
“The wording that we have is the referee will stop the match as soon as practical, ensuring that no significant action is occurring at the time the match is halted,” Higdon stated.
Cost considerations for the personnel remain unchanged, as two referees and one NSAA rules official will be stationed mat-side with a monitor for reviews. These officials are already present for the state finals and compensated accordingly.
The replay system will rely on an independent crew using the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) stream, which is also broadcast by Nebraska Public Media Sports. This setup promises efficient and high-quality replay capabilities, as per Higdon.
The NSAA has secured a one-year approval for this experimental rule, with the option to apply for an extension if needed. Should the trial prove successful, there are plans to extend video reviews to additional matches beyond the state finals. Higdon mentioned that similar challenge systems are already in place in Nebraska high school football and basketball, and that the NCAA and youth wrestling tournaments have embraced video review.
Having served on the NFHS wrestling rules committee for eight years, Higdon observed that many schools have shown interest in video review, albeit without clear guidelines. “So I think in the long run, it’s inevitable that we will eventually have video review in wrestling,” he commented.
As Nebraska leads the way with this initiative, the NSAA will gather and share data with the NFHS rules committee to potentially guide other states in adopting similar systems.
