Instant Replay Successfully Introduced in Queensland

The 2014 Sunbowl championships saw the formal introduction of Instant Replay into Gridiron Queensland. With the technical expertise of livestream producer Paul Mills, the three finals on the day were supported by instant replay technology.

The Colts Sunbowl resulted in a 40-0 win for the Sunshine Coast Spartans over the Gold Coast Stingrays in what was an uneventful game for the officiating crew, comprising

Referee: Gary Kendall

Umpire: Tony Wiles

Head Linesman: David Hodkinson

Line Judge: Peter Soluch

Back Judge: Shane Oset

Field Judge: Gavin Reece

Side Judge: Lucy Merrick

Alternate: Clyde Summers

Instant Replay: Tim Redshaw, Lucas Haynes

In the Men's Sunbowl, the Gold Coast Stingrays defeated the Bayside Ravens 23-8, in a game that was much closer than the scoreline suggested. Instant Replay was called on for the first time that day, when the Replay Booth challenged Head Linesman Humphrys ruling of a fumble on the field recovered for a turnover, After viewing several angles, insufficient evidence was found, and the call on the field stood. The Replay Booth challenged twice more that game, confirming Line Judge Oset's ruling of catch right near the sideline, and then, overturning Back Judge Haynes's ruling of a completed interception, ruling that the catch attempt did not survive the return to the ground.

The officiating crew was

Referee: Mark Looi

Umpire: Julian Leonard

Head Linesman: Pat Humphrys

Line Judge: Shane Oset

Back Judge: Lucas Haynes

Field Judge: Alex Attard

Side Judge: Jo Gosselin

Centre Judge: Gary Kendall

Alternate: Clyde Summers

Instant Replay: Tim Redshaw, David Hodkinson

In the last game of the day, the Women's Sunbowl, the Logan City Jets defeated the Gold Coast Stingrays in overtime. After a scoreless regular period, the first overtime period ended when on 3rd down, the Stingrays lost the ball in the tackle, and were ruled down on the field prior to the ball coming out by Line Judge Summers. A challenge on the play resulted in the Replay Booth reversing the call, ruling that the ball had been lost prior to the player being down and recovered in the immediate continuing action by a Jets' player for a turnover, thus ending that overtime possession.

The second overtime period saw a Jets touchdown called back for an Illegal Block in the Back, and then, the Jets finally crossing the goal line amidst a pile of bodies to win the championship 6-0. Celebrations were put on hold, when the Replay Booth challenged the ruling of a touchdown. After some tense moments, the ruling was confirmed, and a highly successful day for the officials was over.

The officiating crew was

Referee: Julian Leonard

Umpire: Pat Humphrys

Head Linesman: Alex Attard

Line Judge: Clyde Summers

Back Judge: Jo Gosselin

Field Judge: David Hodkinson

Side Judge: Shane Oset

Centre Judge: Gary Kendall

Alternate: Gavin Reece

Instant Replay: Lucas Haynes, Mark Looi, Lucy Merrick