'Fourth Official' Introduced and Coach Challenge Expanded... KBL Announces Rule Changes for 2026–2027 [Nonhyeon-dong Field Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

Ahead of the new season, the KBL unveiled new rules to enhance the accuracy of officiating and improve the overall quality of game management, including the introduction of a 'fourth official' and revisions to coach challenge regulations.

On the afternoon of the 14th, the KBL held a rule explanation session for media at its training facility on the fifth floor of the KBL Center in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The session was primarily led by referee Lee Seung-moo, with KBL officials including Yoo Jae-hak Gyeong Gi-bon (Director) in attendance.

The most notable change involves modifications to the video review system. Entering its third year of coach challenges, the KBL will fully implement the 'fourth official' system currently being trialed by FIBA (International Basketball Federation) this season to strengthen the speed and accuracy of reviews. Previously, three on-court referees and one reviewer made rulings; starting this season, an active-duty referee will take the reviewer's seat.

The fourth official will pre-review game footage upon receiving a review signal to double-check its suitability and provide real-time information to the on-court officials regarding shot clock status, foul targets, free-throw shooters, and other details. While the fourth official holds no additional authority compared to the previous reviewer role, the KBL expects improved communication speed between the court and officiating staff, along with enhanced ruling accuracy, due to the presence of an active-duty referee.

Coach challenge regulations have also been revised. Until last season, teams could not request additional challenges when referees had already conducted video reviews on their own initiative. However, starting this season, if a team still has remaining coach challenge opportunities, head coaches may now request a challenge even after a referee-initiated review. The KBL explained the rationale for this change by citing instances in the NBA and EuroLeague where head coaches successfully corrected erroneous calls through additional challenges.

Additionally, the standard allowing foul corrections instead of out-of-bounds calls when fouls are discovered during out-of-bounds challenge processes remains in effect. However, to prevent game delays, challenge requests will be limited to before player substitutions or before free-throw lineups are formed for the affected team.

Further explanations were provided regarding key officiating guidelines. The no-call semi-circle rule used to distinguish between blocking and charging fouls applies only when an offensive player is airborne; in such cases, the defender's foot position (inside the circle) determines whether a foul is called. This rule does not apply when players are not airborne.

Traveling regulations were also clarified. While falling, lying down, or sitting while holding the ball is considered normal behavior, attempting to roll over or rise from such positions constitutes a violation. Controlling the ball after standing up is deemed legal play. In transition situations such as fast breaks, extending hands or arms to defend will continue to be strictly penalized with U-fouls, consistent with last season's standards.

Questions and answers from the explanation sessions held across all 10 teams were also shared. Regarding inquiries focused on whether zigzag step drives constitute offensive fouls, the KBL confirmed it will maintain the same criteria as last season. The league explained that if a drive results in significant physical contact with the inner torso area of a defender's arm, an offensive foul is likely to be called.

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*This content was translated by AI.