SEC Tourney to Use Ball/Strike Challenge System
Per ESPN: "SEC given OK to use ABS for conference baseball tournament"
"The NCAA Baseball Rules Committee on Monday approved the SEC's request to implement a challenge system for balls and strikes for each game of this year's conference tournament. It will be similar to the system used in Major League Baseball.
"Teams can challenge an umpire's strike or ball call via an automated ball tracking system that monitors the exact location of each pitch, relative to the specific batter's zone.
"The introduction of this challenge system at the SEC Tournament reflects our continued commitment to innovation," commissioner Greg Sankey said. "This addition represents a continued step forward for our game, aligns more closely with the professional level and supports the development of our student-athletes as they prepare for success at the next level."
"Each team will have three challenges to start the game. If a challenge is successful, the team will retain the challenge. If the original call is confirmed, the team will lose the challenge.
"Upon a challenge, the pitch location will be compared against the electronic strike zone. The result will then be displayed on the stadium videoboard and broadcast.
"The ABS system would be allowed for other conference tournaments if a conference wanted to use it and followed the same protocols as the SEC."
Link:
ESPN Article
Posted: 05/04/2026 at 10:54 PM ET
Thread Replies (8)
SEC Tourney to Use Ball/Strike Challenge System
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-- VTChip
May 04, 2026 at 10:54 PM ET
VTChip
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05/04/26 10:54 PM ET
Guy in Berkeley Sunday wouldn’t have liked it**
-- Curious Hokie
May 05, 2026 at 05:44 PM ET
Curious Hokie
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05/05/26 05:44 PM ET
I like it if it doesn't take forever to review.
-- EDGEMAN
May 05, 2026 at 06:25 AM ET
EDGEMAN
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05/05/26 06:25 AM ET
So far it has worked quickly in MLB.**
-- HokieHeartNSoul
May 05, 2026 at 07:57 AM ET
HokieHeartNSoul
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05/05/26 07:57 AM ET
D1Baseball’s Kendall Rogers said sources expect the ACC to request ABS
-- tefftdj23
May 05, 2026 at 06:47 PM ET
tefftdj23
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05/05/26 06:47 PM ET
ACC is a follower not
-- Rev.Zeke Vodka
May 05, 2026 at 02:54 PM ET
Rev.Zeke Vodka
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05/05/26 02:54 PM ET
But we would be following the SEC.**
-- EDGEMAN
May 05, 2026 at 05:16 PM ET
EDGEMAN
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05/05/26 05:16 PM ET