National Football League

NFL referees will no longer go under the hood to review plays on the field

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:53 p.m. ET

Sports Illustrated, Diamond Leung/Sports Illustrated

The NFL has announced that it will replace the sideline replay monitor with a handheld device.

Referees beginning next season will watch replays on the field using Microsoft Surface tablets, eliminating “going under the hood” to review plays on television monitors, according to the Associated Press. Referees on the field will be able to assist in replay decisions, relinquishing the final decision that will now be made by designated members of the Officiating department as part of a centralized process.

“We’re pleased to build on our partnership with the NFL and help lead the digital transformation of the game with today’s approval of NFL referees conducting video reviews on Surface this upcoming season,” Jeff Tran, director of sports marketing and alliances at Microsoft, told the Associated Press.

“The introduction of Surface to this aspect of the game will improve consistency and accuracy of decisions and also speed up the overall review process to enhance the viewing experience for fans.”

Microsoft announced a partnership with the NFL in 2013 to bring the Surface tablet technology to the league while highlighting the product for consumers. The tablet was in the news last season after New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick voiced his frustrations.