In sports, where split-second decisions can decide the outcome of a game, officials face immense pressure to get calls right. Instant replay and video review systems have become essential tools across many sports, providing referees and umpires with a second chance to ensure fairness. While much of the discussion around instant replay focuses on its controversies, there have been many instances where it has proven invaluable in preserving the integrity of the game. This article highlights some of the success stories where instant replay helped officials make the right call, ensuring fair outcomes and maintaining trust in the sport.
One of the most famous instant replay cases in NFL history involved a playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers in January 2015. Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant appeared to make an incredible catch on a crucial fourth-down play late in the game. Bryant's catch initially looked clean, and Dallas was in a position to take the lead. However, Packers coach Mike McCarthy challenged the call, and after review, the referees overturned the catch, citing the NFL's "process of the catch" rule.
Although this decision was controversial at the time, replay showed that Bryant did not maintain possession of the ball as he went to the ground. This moment underscored the importance of having replay to ensure that even the most complex and impactful decisions were made according to the rules. While Cowboys fans were upset, the play's reversal demonstrated how replay can provide clarity in game-defining moments.
In 2012, New York Mets pitcher Johan Santana threw the first no-hitter in the franchise's history. However, during the sixth inning, St. Louis Cardinals’ outfielder Carlos Beltrán hit a sharp line drive down the third-base line that was initially ruled foul. Replays showed that the ball had actually hit the chalk line, meaning it should have been a fair ball, but because Major League Baseball (MLB) had not yet implemented a comprehensive replay system, the call stood, preserving Santana’s no-hitter.
This incident was a catalyst for MLB’s adoption of broader instant replay use, which began in 2014. Since then, several key plays have been corrected using replay, such as a similar moment in 2018 when replay review correctly reversed a missed foul ball call, ensuring fairness for both teams involved. Santana’s no-hitter remains intact, but it also stands as a reminder of why instant replay is now an essential part of baseball.
During a dramatic 2019 playoff game between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets, Kevin Durant hit what appeared to be a game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer. The shot seemed to send the game into overtime, but the referees, using the NBA’s replay system, reviewed the play to check Durant’s positioning. Replay confirmed that Durant had stepped out of bounds just before taking the shot, negating the basket and securing the win for the Rockets.
Without the replay system, the game might have gone to overtime, potentially altering the entire series. This instance showed how technology can catch even the smallest infractions, preserving the integrity of the game and preventing teams from being unjustly penalized by missed calls.
Tennis has been at the forefront of using technology to enhance officiating, with the Hawk-Eye system providing a virtual replay of where the ball landed. One of the best success stories of this system occurred in the 2019 Wimbledon final between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. With both players locked in an intense fifth set, Djokovic successfully challenged a crucial out call against him, which Hawk-Eye overturned, showing the ball had grazed the line.
This challenge kept Djokovic in a key rally and ultimately helped him win the match. Hawk-Eye has been widely praised for its accuracy, and in situations like this, it ensures that even in the tensest moments, the correct call is made, often deciding championship outcomes.
The introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in soccer has been transformative, especially during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. One of the most notable examples occurred during the group stage match between South Korea and Germany. With Germany needing a win to advance, they pressed forward in the final minutes, but South Korea scored a goal that was initially flagged for offside.
VAR was called upon, and after a review, it was determined that the ball had come off a German defender, meaning the goal was valid. South Korea’s goal stood, knocking out the defending champions and preserving the legitimacy of the match’s outcome. This instance highlighted how VAR can correct critical mistakes that might otherwise change the course of tournaments.
While instant replay has sparked debates over its impact on the flow of games, there’s no denying its ability to enhance the accuracy of officiating. From critical playoff games in the NFL and NBA to high-pressure moments in soccer and tennis, replay systems have ensured fairness, corrected errors, and maintained the integrity of sports. As technology continues to evolve, instant replay will likely play an even larger role in preserving the fairness and excitement of professional sports.
