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The SEC could use a centralized instant replay system for football in 2016. (AP file photo)

The SEC could utilize a centralized replay system for football on an experimental basis in 2016, the conference office confirmed to AL.com on Thursday.

Under the current system, each game has an onsite replay official, who reviews plays and makes rulings on that game only. A centralized system, such as is used in the NFL, would create a replay "command center" -- likely at the conference office -- where a group of officials would make rulings on a number of games, theoretically making for more consistency in rulings.

During a conference call with reporters on Thursday, NCAA coordinator of officials Rogers Redding said the SEC had proposed the idea to the College Football Rules Committee, and that an experimental rule was approved. He added that he expected that the SEC would seek to use such a system this year.

In a written statement to AL.com, SEC spokesman Chuck Dunlap confirmed the plan for an experimental centralized replay system. However, such a move must first be approved by the conference's member schools.

"We requested the opportunity to use collaborative replay on an experimental basis which we learned today the NCAA Football Rules Committee has approved," Dunlap said. "This is the necessary first step and we will now further engage our membership to determine if and how we will implement this experimental opportunity. We look forward to communicating with other conference offices to discuss the most appropriate and effective implementation of collaborative replay. Our office has been considering various logistical approaches which will be finalized prior to the 2016 season if we decide to use this new experimental rule."

Redding said any such centralized replay system would be merely on an experimental basis, and would be subject to review following the 2016 season. He declined to say if any other conferences might be planning to utilize the system this fall.

"There may be others that are anticipating it, but I'd rather that come from them," Redding said. "The SEC is the one that actually made the proposal."