Samantha Lattner

English 102

Professor Newport

5/5/17

Was he safe or was he out? Was it a three-point shot or only a two-point shot? Did he

step out of bounds or was he able to stay in bounds and score the touchdown? Due to modern

technology, these questions can all be answered by instant replay. This technology is now being

utilized at an increasing rate throughout the entire sports world. Just as Mary Shelley explored in

the novel Frankenstein, the fact that we can do something does not necessarily mean we should

do that thing. The use of instant replay puts an interesting sporting twist on this issue.

Shelley used this theme throughout her book when portraying Victors questionable behavior and

decisions made while creating the monster. Meanwhile sports participants, coaches, referees

and fans around the globe are presented with a similar conundrum when it comes to the use of

instant replay during sporting competitions. The mere fact that technological advances now

make it possible for instant replay to be incorporated into many, if not all, sporting activities does

not mean that it should be. Many coaches, participants and sports fans dont like instant replay

for a variety of reasons. It takes up too much time, it ruins the human element of the game, and

it destroys the momentum teams have created, which are just a few of those reasons. Instant

replay, however, presents an innovative element into sporting events. It has the power to

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empower the officials to make the correct call, capture things that the human eye cant (or didnt

in the first place), decrease the number of arguments with the coaches and get the fans more

involved. Instant replay can not only explain to the fans what call is being made, but they also

get to analyze the play for themselves. Perhaps most importantly, the use of instant replay can

dramatically decrease the number of improper or flat out wrong calls made during a sporting

event and thereby increases the likelihood of having a more appropriate and acceptable outcome.

Making Progress

Progress is about making change after gaining insight, perspective, and information. If

you can learn from the experience and the outcome, then you are moving in the right direction -

progressing. A perfect example of making progress would be when the NFL, due to a

communication error, upgraded from walkie-talkies to pagers and radio headsets for the officials.

This seemingly minor adjustment allowed the officials to communicate more efficiently and

develop a better understanding of the call being made by the replay booth. In the article, History

of Instant Replay, written by NFL Football Operations, it states, Miscommunication was no

laughing matter in the NFL. The league replaced its walkie-talkies with pagers and radio

headsets and it changed the terminology, using clearer terms like confirmed and reversed.

The upgrade assisted the official in a positive manner; improving both communication and the

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accuracy of the calls resulting a fairer football game. Instant replay presents a similar

opportunity.

Over the years, sports have been developing many useful tools to help players, fans, and

officials with the game. Instant replay is different. Its potential power to fundamentally change

sports is something that should be considered and respected. It is simply one of the biggest

technological creations to hit the sports industry in decades. Its use has already fundamentally

altered televised sports and changed forever the way we watch and understand certain sporting

events. The use of instant replay has basically changed the world of sports from where it started

to where it is today. In the book, INSTANT REPLAY the day that changed sports forever, the

author, television sports director/producer and creator of instant replay Tony Verna, discusses

how in 1957 he had the big idea to create a tool that would help officials make the correct calls.

He figured, if we have the technology to improve something, we should go ahead and do it. With

that being said, he wanted others to see the different views and perspectives from other cameras

and angles like he was able to, after the play had occurred and been viewed live and in person.

Thus, instant replay was born.

The concept of instant replay was well received. Its implementation and use in aiding the

officials was not as readily accepted. Indeed, the implementation and use of instant replay is still

being questioned today. However, the amount of positive feedback and in improved outlook

created by instant replay has enhanced sports in general. The use of instant replay in sporting

events presents a nice example of a win for making progress.

In the article, History Of Instant Replay Mike Pereira, NFLs vice president of

officiating from 2001-2009 stated, This is a rare opportunity to leverage cutting-edge

technology to improve the integrity of the game. Our referees will now be able to see images

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much more clearly, giving reviews in critical situations the level of scrutiny they truly deserve.

He was right, between 1999-2013 an average of 36% of NFL plays reviewed were reversed,

compared to 12.6% between 1986-1991, indicating that the replay system was not only working,

but was improving. It was both effective and necessary. It has had, and continues to have a

positive impact on the sports industry. Not only is the technology progressing with higher

resolutions cameras and super slow-motion replays, but our knowledge and attitude about this

technology are also progressing. As improvements continue to develop, there is little doubt that

games will become more fairly and accurately officiated.

Officials and the Human Element

To many the human element of the game is a huge factor for sports. Many feel that the

human element is being taken away because of instant replay. In an online article The Link

Between Modern HR Tech Applications and Sports Innovation from the Next Level Work, the

integration and acceptability of instant replay did not occur over night or without a fight.

Traditionalists, hesitant to interfere with the purity of the game by removing human error,

clashed with those eager to embrace technology and all that it offered the game The reason

people love sports so much is because of all the human drama that it creates from the coaches

yelling at the officials, to the fans cheering on their team or heckling the opposing players, to the

officials sometimes making bad or incorrect calls. Officials are human and they will make

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mistakes, just like each of us do on occasion. Its pretty much expected that there are going to be

calls made by officials that are wrong. Its part of the competition and represents in part what

people love so much about sports, namely the human element.

The officials still have a job to do and that is to make the original call to the best of their

ability. There are times they will make the wrong call. Instant replay is an effective tool to help

eliminate some of those missed calls made by officials. An online Sports Illustrated article put it

nicely, If there was any charm in calls being missed because of the human element, most

fans have forgotten it. These days we want officials to see everything right away. They cant.

But if a system of cameras could do it quickly and seamlessly . . . well, we could all get

behind that.

The human eye cant catch everything, so if instant replay technology has the capability

to see a close call in slow motion, frame by frame, determine whether the call was accurate or

not, one wonders why it wouldnt be utilized. A missed call can be a game changer. Take for

instance the infamous blown call made by Don Denkinger in game 6 of the 1985 World Series

between the St. Louis Cardinal and the Kansas City Royals. The Cardinals were leading by a run

and in a routine play, Denkinger called a Kansas City batter safe at first base. The review

showed that the runner from Kansas City was clearly out, although it was close. The Royals

benefited from the free base runner and ended up winning both the game and even went on to

win the World Series. Had the instant replay rules been in use, the outcome of both that game

and the entire World Series may have been different. Denkinger reflected on the game in the

article Denkinger cool with reminders of mistaken call in 85 Series by Doug Miller;

I didnt think we were ready, Denkinger says. Now, we are. Its quick.
They know right away. They can get the play right and speed the game up, so
why wouldnt you have replay? The object is to get the call right, he says.
Thats a good thing. So, Im all for review. And if they had it back then, probably

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 nobody would ever know my name.

The officials want to get it right. When an instant replay review supports the officials

original call, it can actually build their confidence. It also helps to know that if they make a bad

call there is a chance to correct it with a replay review. Officials dont like to miss calls,

especially in championship games or games that are on the line. It reflects badly on them. Even

the officials believe we should create such a technology, just because we have the power to.

Time

Time is valuable. Time is precious. Once spent, time cannot be recovered. An argument

can be made to suggest that instant replay is just a waste of time and therefore shouldnt be a part

of sports culture. The use of instant replay being implemented into the officiating of a game has

created a lot of controversy among the sports fans. In the article, Taking Another Look at

Instant Replay in the NHL, MLB, NFL, and NBA, written by J.D. Harris it states, People hate

waiting. When officiating teams get together to discuss a play or take an additional look at

replays, the patience wears thin quickly, and the groans follow (Harris). Although this may not

be universally true, very few of us appreciate sitting around and waiting for a call to be reviewed.

People in general, and sports fans in particular, are generally impatient. Sitting around for ten

minutes waiting for a call on one specific play is not an ideal situation. Professional sports games

already are approximately three hours long, often longer. Some will argue if the games get any

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longer, because of the use of instant replay, fans will start to lose interest and stop attending

games.

True fan wont mind the wait. People generally go to a sporting event to support their

favorite team or athlete, for the live experience, and to see a fair game being played. Most of

these people are not thinking about the time wasted on having a correct call being made. Fans

are not true fans if they are going to let a little bit of extra time keep them from supporting the

team they love. Those who would rather see bad calls stand than wait a few extra minutes having

the plays reviewed and see the correct calls being made, are basically shunning fairness. It may

take a few minutes to have instant replay verify whether a call is correct or not, but its crucial to

the teams that are playing and it could determine the final outcome not only of the game, but of

the entire season. The wrong call can make or break a game. Importantly, the right call can do

the same.

When bad calls are made without review, nobody wins. Actually, there is one winner

the one who broke the rule and gained an unfair advantage. Rules are in place to promote fair

and honest competition, help keep the game moving as fast as possible and to prevent

unnecessary stoppages of the games. As technology advances with even better resolution and

higher definition, the replays of today are being dealt with more efficiently, translating into less

time being wasted for all involved. It also translates into fewer arguments between the officials

and the coaches and players.

Coach Arguments

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 Heated arguments and sports fights are often part of the game. Indeed, they are what

many fans hope to get a glimpse of during the games they attend. I mean who doesnt like a good

fight? In an article called Did Instant Replay Kill the Art of the Manager Argument? written by

Grant Brisbee, it states As of April 6, there hasn't been a single ejection in baseball this year.

Replay, you horrible fiend, what have you done? (Brisbee). There is something alluring about

watching a coach yell inappropriate things to officials. When the officials give it right back to

the coaches it only adds to the allure. Fans often enjoy seeing players run into each other and

watching the inevitable pushing war that soon begins and ends with the whole team riled up in a

huge pile over a play. Ever since instant replay has been implemented, a lot of that action has

been taken away and sports fans are not too happy about it. The article also states

Now, because of replay, it's dead. It's all dead. You know what you get now? You get
managers ambling out into the middle of the field to stall for time. They lope around,
waiting to get a thumb up/down from their bench coach. They ask the umpires about their
families. There is almost no yelling. Thank you for saving baseball instant replay. Now
apologize for killing baseball, instant replay.

Out of 180 ejections in 2013, only 48 were on reviewable plays. So argument lovers need not

worry, there are still plenty arguments that will add to the excitement of the game, there just may

be fewer of them.

Fan Involvement

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 Not only is the instant replay technology progressing with higher resolution cameras and

super slow-motion replays, but our knowledge and behaviors towards this technology is also

evolving. Since 1957, instant replay has gained so much more acceptance and has become an

expected, even relied upon, part of the game. Instant replay was a beneficial tool to progress on

just because we had the power to make it great. Not only is it an important element in officiating

many professional and college sporting competitions, it has become an integral part of an

elaborate video presentation for the viewers. Instant replay has become a staple for the sports

broadcasting/entertainment industry. In most arenas, there are Jumbotrons, which allows the fans

in the stands to view replays just as those watching at home can. With instant replay capability,

close calls are usually shown a few times on the Jumbotron and several times on television,

while the official review the play. Television viewers get the extra benefit of hearing the

commentators explain the play and comment on why the play is being reviewed. The fans get to

then analyze the play for themselves while they anxiously await the officials ruling.

In a way, the outcome of the instant replay itself has become a part of the game. It is

something eagerly followed, anticipated and simultaneously cheered and booed depending on

which side one is rooting for. Many of the fans will cheer out and voice their opinion while they

wait for the officials final ruling. It gets them involved in the game and is entertaining for them,

especially when the call goes their way. But replays are not only shown for those close calls.

When spectacular plays are made, unexpected collisions happen, fights on the field occur and

unfortunately sometimes injuries, instant replay technology captures it all and can present the

event repeatedly and immediately to the fans. Its pure entertainment. Whether the fans are

watching a game live or at home, instant replay adds excitement and keeps the fans involved in

the game. Without instant replay watching sports today would almost seem boring!

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Momentum

A team rarely wins without momentum. Momentum, defined in sports, is positive energy

a team has created. Momentum allows them to do some great things they would be unable to do

without it. Momentum is all mental. It exists in the minds and hearts and will of the participants.

It cannot be seen. It cannot be touched. But like the wind, it is indeed real, and can sway the

outcome of any sporting event. It is, in fact, a huge part of all sports.

Many argue that when a team has great momentum on their side and all of a sudden the

official or a coach wants to review a call, which takes time, it can kill a teams momentum.

Although I cannot prove it, I know this to be true. It stops them from doing the great things

theyve been doing. They sit for several minutes and think about the game and then when it is

time to play again, they sometimes have lost their momentum.

Having momentum is a huge and key element in sports, but it means nothing if the game

is not being called fairly. If a team wins a game but the officials arent giving the other team any

of the calls that they should be receiving, then the win isnt a fair win. The game loses its value if

it isnt called fairly. No true competitor gains satisfaction or pride by winning off of cheap calls.

The best always wants to be you at your best, not because an official was not at his. Similarly,

no one likes to watch a one-sided game.

There are plenty of ways to build momentum in sports. In an article called 10 Ways to

Build Positive Momentum- Get Some Snowball Effect in your Life written by Adam Eason, he

talks about how in order to build momentum you have to start off strong from the beginning.

The most important thing you can do to achieve your goals is to make sure that as soon as you

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set them, you immediately begin to create momentum (Eason). The momentum of a game can

be stopped for several reasons; a coach calls a time out, a player gets injured, a fight breaks out,

or sometimes there may even be a weather delay. A team that has a strong mindset, finds a way

to keep momentum going; instant replay is not going to take that away.

While talking with Marc Quinlivan, a former D1 and Pittsburg Steelers football player

who competed over twenty years ago, he mentioned, my concern is that the delay associated

with stopping play unintentionally affects the momentum of the game. Difficult to define, every

athlete knows when momentum is on their side, or equally important when its on the other

teams side. Although having and maintaining rhythm is equally as important; getting the call

right is the basic goal of using instant replay and is designed to be a positive change to the

game (Quinlivan). He also stated, when I was playing football, instant replay was not around.

From what I see today, I dont believe there has been a big difference in the sport because of

instant replay; however, the difference I have noticed all are overwhelmingly positive

(Quinlivan).

Perspectives

I created a survey regarding instant replay to get the perspective of others, especially

those actively playing a sport, on this controversial issue. The feedback was very beneficial to

my argument. When asked, Should all professional sports organizations use instant replay

during games? Sam Herr, who recently signed with the L.A. Kings, responded with, Yes,

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because instant replay keeps the integrity of the game. Officials are human and make mistakes.

Games happen fast and it is almost impossible to officiate a game perfectly. If there was a

mistake made, it is important to be able to review the play. It is important to get the call right.

One mistake can change the outcome of the game (Herr). A similar response was received from

current Western Michigan University linebacker, Robert Spillane. Spillane stated, Yes I believe

it is crucial for professional sports organizations to use instant replay in order to correct referees

when they make a mistake on a call (Spillane).

A follow up question asked was on whether they thought instant replay took away from

the officials job. Both, Herr and Spillane answered along the lines of no, it does not because the

officials still have to make a call to begin with; instant replay just gives them guidance and a

safety net in case they inadvertently made a bad call. A unique response was received from the

Minnesota Vikings general manger, Rick Spielmans, son, J.D., who plays football for the

University of Nebraska. Spielman answered, to a small degree, but officials hardly do their job

correctly anyways (Spielman). Being able to speak with a professional athlete, and two college

athletes who have professional career potential brought a lot of insight on this topic because they

deal with the use of instant replay in every single one of their games. These athletes are defying

Frankensteins saying that because we have the power to use instant replay, we should go

ahead and use it.

Conclusion

Instant replay is an integral part of todays sports and should be embraced by all sports

enthusiasts. It is essential to all sporting events to make sure the competition is fairly played.

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Each year as technology continues to improve, so does the process of instant replay. Having the

capability to make sure close plays are called correctly by an official, overrides any relatively

minor delay in the competition. Instant replay has become an integral and important element of

the game. It promotes the concepts of fair play and the integrity of competition. It not only aids

the officials, by catching things they missed, but also has the power to engage and entertain the

fans. Coaches no longer have to argue with the officials, because there is a sense of confidence

that the correct call will be made. The human element is not taken away; as the official must first

make the call. The human element is being enhanced. Officials want to call games accurately

and players want to win games fairly. Instant replay was developed and implemented to ensure

both of these things.

To error is human, right? Reflecting back on the novel Frankenstein; just because we had

the chance to create a technology to fix the human errors made in officiating sports, should we

have? People can argue all-day long that instant replay takes away the human element of the

game. In reality, the human element is being assisted by technology and the game is far better as

a result. People who love sports understand that instant replay has become a necessity in the

sports world. Without it, so many unearned championships would have taken place, and respect

would not be given where it is earned. The sporting world would be poorer for its absence.

Was he safe or was he out? To keep the games fair,

let instant replay be the ultimate judge.

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