Garden State Times

WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. – Assemblyman Sean Kean is taking action following a controversial referee decision in a high school basketball game by introducing legislation that would allow for game clock review in certain high-stakes high school games.

Kean expressed his motivation for the bill, stating, "With today’s technology, it seems outdated to say that no video recording may be used to review or challenge a clock decision." He further emphasized the need for such measures by pointing out a recent incident where an incorrect call impacted the outcome of a Group 2 Semifinal Boys Basketball game between Camden and Manasquan.

In the game, a pivotal call in the final seconds led to Camden securing a one-point victory over Manasquan. Despite initial indications that a basket by a Manasquan player was good, the call was ultimately reversed, with the officials determining that the basket came after time had expired, resulting in Camden being declared the winner.

Reacting to the controversial decision, Kean highlighted the widespread impact of the incident, stating, “Needless to say, the Manasquan High School community is tremendously upset at this erroneous call and unfair decision."

The proposed legislation by Kean aims to provide game clock review capability in high schools hosting championship basketball games, aligning with existing practices in other sports. Kean's bill would allow coaches to challenge game clock decisions and introduce the use of video reviews to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The National Federation of High School Sports has previously approved replay systems for basketball state championship series, and various sports have successfully utilized replay technology to ensure fair play and accurate rulings. Kean's initiative seeks to enhance fairness and accuracy in high-stakes high school games by incorporating video review capabilities and empowering coaches to challenge game clock decisions.