As the SEC continues to tweak its instant replay system in hopes of arriving at an ideal outcome for all parties, the conference on Thursday announced another change.

Beginning this week, the SEC’s replay process will include a sideline monitor for use by on-field officials. Tonight’s Texas A&M game against Texas State in College Station, Texas will be the first to use it. The monitor, which will be positioned at the officials’ sideline headset location, will be utilized for viewing by the game referee during every official instant replay stoppage of play.

“We continue to look for opportunities to enhance what I believe is the most effective instant replay system in college football,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said. “Our commitment to supporting correct officiating outcomes will continue to hold a high priority.”

The game referee will see what the replay official in the stadium is viewing and discussing with collaborative replay officials in the SEC Video Center. Conference officials believe that this added visual element will allow the game referee to better communicate replay decisions to head and provide a more specific announcement to fans in attendance and viewing on television.

While the referee will be able to participate and provide input about the ruling on the field and the replay review in progress, the decision to confirm or overturn a call will still be maintained by the replay official in the stadium replay booth working with the collaborative replay officials located in the SEC Video Center.

This is the fourth season for instant replay in college football, as three instant replay officials work at the SEC Video Center working in conjunction with the replay official at each stadium to establish a collaborative decision for when instant replay stoppages happen.

Every play is reviewed by instant replay, but game stoppages only happen when time is required for additional video review of a play.