WNBA Board of Governors Approves Expanded Use of Instant Replay

NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2009 – The WNBA Board of Governors voted to allow the expanded use of instant replay by game officials, beginning with the 2009 season, the league announced today. The two modifications will allow referees to use instant replay for the following scenarios:

  • To determine at any point during a game whether a field goal was correctly scored as a two- or three-point field goal, and, for the purposes of awarding the correct number of free throws, whether a shooter was fouled while taking a two- or three-point attempt.

  • When the game clock malfunctions during a play concluding with no time remaining on the clock (0:00) at the end of any quarter or overtime period.

    With respect to the first scenario, review would occur at the discretion of the game officials, and would be based on a conclusion by the crew that they cannot be reasonably certain whether the shot was a two- or three-pointer. In the second scenario, game officials are currently required to reconstruct the timing of a play occurring during a clock malfunction; the use of replay would enable them to do so with greater accuracy.

    About the WNBA
    Set to tip off the 2009 season on June 6, the WNBA is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship and entertainment value with its status as an icon for social change, achievement and diversity. Comprised of 13 teams, the WNBA is the most successful women’s professional team sports league in the world. The league concluded the 2008 regular season with increases in attendance, ratings, Web traffic and merchandise sales.

    Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and positive body image, increase breast and women’s health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education.

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