The NBA is set to roll out a new rule for officials to help them more accurately adjudicate and discuss calls.
Beginning on Saturday, officials will begin to wear headsets during regular season games.
In the first phase of this technology rollout, which is expected to last into January, referees will have an earpiece clipped onto their uniforms throughout the game.
Officials will then use the headsets during instant replay reviews and stoppages, but not during live play.
Then, in a second phase set to be implemented later in the season, referees will be wearing the earpieces throughout the entire game – live play included.
This will allow officials to communicate directly with the replay center, as well as with each other, throughout the entire game.
NBA referees will soon be wearing headsets to help improve their ability to make calls
By February, officials could wear them full-time to help communicate with each other
That phase is expected to continue through the All-Star Break in February.
Progression to Phase 2 of the headset use will be pending evaluation of the initial phase, according to a release by the NBA.
Headsets have been used in different basketball leagues throughout the world to improve the quality of officiating.
For example, the NBA has been testing this technology since 2022 at different events – including the G-League winter showcase and the NBA Summer League and preseason games.
