LoveBroker
Two months ago
Rule changes for 24/25
https://nbl.com.au/news/coachs-challenged-by-nbl
This is just one of them I understand.
The foul review process now will be able to confirm a foul has been committed rather than the exact (sometimes incorrect) foul type.
The example used was the Wildcats Vs United game last year.
In the past coaches were able to challenge certain foul calls, because the incorrect foul type was used. But moving forward, that will no longer be the case.
In a memo sent to clubs, the NBL explains, "This change is intended to address reporting errors by referees where the incorrect foul type is reported".
The amendment would have avoided last year's controversial circumstances when the Perth Wildcats secured a win over Melbourne United in overtime. The Wildcats eventually won the game 102-95 but only after United guard Matthew Dellavedova was denied a free throw after levelling the scores with 1.8 seconds on the clock.
The referees had called a pushing foul on Alex Sarr during Dellavedova’s drive and score, but Wildcats’ coach John Rillie used a challenge to successfully have the call overturned. The review centre determined Sarr did not “push” Dellavedova and no free-throw ensued.
I think this is a good change and will get a better outcome.
However I am not sure just how far away in terms of time they are allowed to review.
What if another player fouled the offensive player but was called on the wrong player? Can a challenge be thrown out if say Cotton fouled Delly and the foul was called on Sarr? What if the foul on Sarr was completely wrong but there was another foul proceding the play?