Yes, instant replay is now an integral part of college baseball. It enhances the accuracy of officiating and aligns the collegiate game more closely with professional standards.
Instant Replay in College Baseball: A Game-Changer
Instant replay was initially employed experimentally during the 2012 College World Series. Its official debut occurred in 2016, when a fair/foul decision was reversed in a game between Coastal Carolina and Florida, marking a turning point in NCAA baseball history.
By 2017, the NCAA allowed conferences to use replay during regular-season games if they had the requisite technology. This step enabled broader adoption across different divisions.
What Plays Are Reviewable?
The NCAA has identified several scenarios in which instant replay can be applied:
- Determining if a batted ball is fair or foul beyond first or third base.
- Verifying home runs or ground-rule doubles.
- Assessing spectator interference on potential home runs.
- Confirming catch/no-catch situations in the outfield.
- Evaluating force/tag plays, tag-up violations, and runner placement.
- Reviewing hit-by-pitch calls and catcher’s interference.
Certain factors, such as ball-strike calls and pitch clock breaches, are still not subject to review.
Coaches’ Challenges: How They Work:
In collegiate baseball, each team receives two challenges per game. If a coach’s challenge is successful, they will have the opportunity to challenge another play later in the game. Unsuccessful challenges result in the loss of subsequent challenge opportunities for the game.
Umpires also have the authority to initiate reviews on themselves, ensuring that key calls are evaluated even without a coach’s appeal.
Technological Advancements: Hawk-Eye Implementation
In 2025, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) deployed Hawk-Eye Innovations’ multi-sport video review system for both baseball and softball. This technology includes multiple camera angles and a centralized review system, which improves the accuracy and efficiency of replay evaluations.
Also Read: Can College Baseball End in a Tie? Understanding Extra Innings and Suspended Games
The application of instant replay has substantially enhanced the impartiality and accuracy of officiating in collegiate baseball. It ensures that vital plays are appropriately adjudicated, thereby preserving the game’s integrity.
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