Technology in Sport - Cricket Referral System

The day is fast approaching when cricket decides toto arrive at the correct decision. Players being able to
follow the example of other sports such as tennischallenge decisions will just be an extension of this.
and rugby in allowing the use of technology to assistQuite often over the course of a test match there
umpires and referees to officiate. This will hopefullywill be one or two incorrect decisions made and the
reduce the number of errors and incorrect decisionsbody language of players on the wrong end of these
that are made.decisions clearly demonstrates they believe an
In the same way that tennis players have threeinjustice has taken place. Television footage also
opportunities to challenge a decision cricket wants tosubsequently exposes incorrect umpiring decisions.
introduce the same kind of referrals. Not everyoneThe referral system in cricket is designed to reduce
thinks the use of technology in sport is a good ideaonly the major errors so with only three challenges
and one of the criticisms levelled against it is that itper side it will be used sparingly and only when a
erodes the integrity and authority of the refereescaptain and his players genuinely believe they have a
and umpires.chance of overturning incorrect decisions.
Another argument against using technology in cricketThe use of technology in sport has been a success in
is that it will slow the game down too much. Thistennis and rugby and has not had an adverse effect
point does not carry much weight as some decisionson the authority of match officials so a player
are unclear to the umpires on the field. When thisreferral system in cricket will only lead to better
happens the decision is sometimes referred to thedecision making and reduce controversy from
third umpire who then uses slow motion technologyumpiring errors.