NBA Ref System Needs Improvements

Both the Celtics and Lakers don’t realize that there is a third opponent in this series, the refs.

There is just something about game three of this NBA series that is just too hard to forget. The fact that, when allowed to use instant replay, they were able to overturn three calls because they couldn’t tell with player, the ball hit off of before going out of bounds.

It’s no surprise that Doc Rivers is sending a video highlighting the flaws because he is right. Sometimes these calls can ruin momentum or change the outcome.

They are only allowed to use instant replay in the last two minutes of a game, so think of all the other calls that most likely were missed.

Between the perfect blocks that are called a foul or the simple layup that leads to a three point play, there are many areas that can be improved.

The concept of instant replay is a great idea but because of the games quick moving speed and the refs only tool is their eyes, many calls often go unnoticed but, now’s the time to address the issues.

Here are just a few solutions that I can think of as a fan. If the NBA could do one of them then I think it would significantly help their sport.

1. I have heard this before floating around message boards and I think it’s a great idea. The idea of challenge flags like they do in the NFL. That way both teams would have an equal chance to review questionable calls.

2. Raise the hoops. Perhaps if they raised the hoops then it would slow down the pace of the game and allow the refs to get a better angle throughout the game.

3. Have the refs wear headphones and have an additional ref above with the angle of a screen, that way if a call is questionable they would have a better look and it would take few seconds to translate that through the microphone to the other refs.  

4. Hire more refs that way they can hold their ground and not be chasing after the ball from one side to another. However, this isn’t the cheapest option.  

Leave your thoughts about the issue. This isn’t a bash a referee post but more a way to recognize that the sport has changed and each call is too costly but it’s ok to make mistakes as long as they are fixed.