Beginning on Saturday, Nov. 1, NBA referees will have a bit of a new accessory.
In addition to their whistles, they’ll now have an earpiece and headset.
It’s all part of an ongoing NBA effort to get calls right while keeping games moving along efficiently.
Here’s what you need to know.
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Why do NBA refs have earpieces and headsets?
The NBA is giving its referees a chance to improve the on-court product with correct calls and limited time spent on reviews.
Here’s how The Associated Press explains the two-step process:
The league made that announcement Friday, rolling out a two-phase plan to implement the devices. The first phase, which is expected to continue into January, will see referees having the earpiece clipped onto their uniforms — then using it only during instant replay reviews and other stoppages, but not actually during live play.
In the second phase — which is pending evaluation of the first phase — referees will wear the earpieces throughout the game, including during live play, and be able to communicate directly with the replay center and each other at all times. That phase will continue through at least the All-Star break in February.
This is not new technology.
The NBA has tried it out in the G League, at NBA Summer League and in the preseason.
It seems like something that can only help the cause for refs on the floor in a game that only gets bigger, stronger and faster each season.
It’ll just be a slightly new look, but it should be a good move in the long run.