Video Review officially launches in Major League Soccer beginning Saturday, August 5, 2017. Here are the basics:

1. Checks & Analysis The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is constantly checking and analyzing each of the 4 match-changing incidents to determine if there’s a clear and obvious error.

VAR alerts head referee to potential CLEAR & OBVIOUS ERRORS in the 4 match-changing incidents or serious missed incidents.

in the 4 match-changing incidents or serious missed incidents. There is “open” and ongoing communication between the Referee and the VAR.

The VAR has access to, and may only use, video available to the broadcast.

If play restarts, previous plays cannot be reviewed (except for violent conduct and serious foul play)

2. View Review Although a match-changing incident may not warrant a stoppage of play for further review, all such plays are being checked and analyzed for clear and obvious errors. In cases of a potential CLEAR & OBVIOUS ERROR , the head referee can decide whether to conduct a Video Review by making the Video Review signal (TV box sign).

, the head referee can decide whether to conduct a Video Review by making the Video Review signal (TV box sign). A Video Review takes place when play has stopped.

During a Video Review, the referee can either take information from the VAR AND/OR view replays via a sideline monitor.

NOTE: There are no time constraints to conduct a Video Review

3. Final Decision Once a decision has been made it will be communicated as follows: IN-STADIUM: An announcement by the PA announcer accompanied by the relevant video;

TV BROADCAST: The final decision and relevant video will be communicated to the match broadcasters.