GHSA approves instant replay in high school football state finals at MBS....

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Instant replay is officially coming to high school football games in Georgia, but not all of them.

The Georgia High School Association approved replay on Monday for state championship games. Under the new rules, instant replay cannot be used in regular-season games.

Channel 2 Action News at 5 p.m. first told you about the proposal back in January. The GHSA introduced it after a controversial finish to the championship game between Sandy Creek High School and Cedar Grove.

Sandy Creek scored a late touchdown in the December game, but video replay on the broadcast and social media showed the Sandy Creek player well short of the goal line. Fans called for a replay, but referees couldn’t use instant replay.

Here is how instant replay will work: The GHSA will designate a replay booth official for each championship game. All reviewable video will come from the broadcast or other video means at the venue such as streaming cameras.

A play can be reviewed in one of two ways: if the video review official called for one or if a head coach challenges a call. During the last two minutes of each half, only the replay booth can call for a play review.

A replay official can reverse a ruling if there is indisputable video evidence that the ruling was incorrect. If there is not, then the ruling will stand as called.

Before the GHSA approved the proposal, Channel 2 Action News previously reported on lawmakers supporting a bill for instant replay.

Former Atlanta Falcons linebacker and State Rep. Dewey McClain spoke to Channel 2's Richard Elliot back in January for Channel 2 Action News at 4 p.m. about the bill.

“Just get it correct. get it correct for the kids. get it correct for the parents,” McClain said.

GHSA Executive Director Robin Hines told Elliot in January that he was OK with the bill but said the GHSA would end up approving replay for the state championships.

“I am in agreement that the GHSA should implement video review for football championships where the technology exists,” Hines said.

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