[Official] "No clear errors, can correct the decision even if the application is different." KBO improves the video reading system from the 2026 season

*This content was translated by AI.

Starting in the 2026 season, the KBO League will be able to immediately correct the decision even if a misjudgment is found in other plays that have not been applied for during video reading. The measure secured "flexibility in the reading range" to increase fairness in the economy.

The KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) held the second executive committee in 2026 on the 24th and confirmed and announced the revision of league regulations, including the improvement of the video reading system, on the 25th

According to the KBO announcement, the improvement of the video reading system is the most noticeable. Starting in the 2026 season, if a clear error of judgment is identified in a separate play that has not been applied in the process of reading a specific item applied by the club, the referee can correct it.

For example, the club asked for a review of whether it was a "check swing," and if the ball was clearly caught hitting the batter's body or uniform in the process of checking the slow screen, it could be judged as a "fit ball." This is the result of accepting criticism from the field and fans that "the decision cannot be changed due to regulations even though it is clearly seen as a misjudgment." However, in this case, the club's opportunity to read is deemed to have been used and extinguished.

Foreign substance inspections to strengthen pitching fairness will also become more difficult. Previously, it was conducted only when there were suspicious cases or requests from the other team, but regular inspections will be introduced in all games starting this year. Starting pitchers will be tested at least twice during the game, and relievers will be tested at least once per pitcher. If the inspection finds any violations, the pitcher will be immediately subject to Red Card and a 10-game suspension.

Changes are also followed to motivate players. The 'KBO Defensive Utility Division' will be established to recognize the value of players playing multiple positions. The criteria for selection are players who have played 50 or more innings in each of three or more positions among defenders with more than 540 innings in the season.

In addition, to help players fulfill their military service obligations, an item has been added to allow them to apply for a condolence leave for up to five days when participating in the reserve military (civil defense) training, and the number of people entering the dugout will be increased by one person (team operation team leader) from 47 to 48.

It recently confirmed a "no" policy for foreign players to win the Rookie of the Year award, which was discussed due to the introduction of the Asian quarter. As the rules define rookie players as Korean nationality holders, foreign players have decided to be excluded from the list in consideration of equity issues.

In addition, the detailed rules for organizing double headers have also been adjusted to reduce the burden of physical strength on the team. This year's doubleheader will only be organized on Sunday if Saturday's game is canceled between April 12 and May 31, and the league has sought stability by restricting any team from playing a doubleheader for two consecutive weeks.

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*This content was translated by AI.