Technology has played a big role in the Premier Volleyball League's goal to elevate the sport in the local scene.

Adhering to international standards, the league rolled out the use of the video challenge system last year to enhance the game's officiating and ensure that calls will be fair and transparent.

PVL introduced the system during the 2022 Reinforced Conference and has been a game-changer in the country's first and only women's professional club league in the country.

"Actually, the video challenge that has been used by the league this past two years has improved a lot in volleyball, especially in officiating," tournament director Tony Boy Liao said.

Introduced in 2012 by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball, the video challenge gives coaches a chance to call for a review to verify a referee's decision on a certain action.

It adds more thrill to the game as both players and spectators share the excitement of watching on the big screen if the challenge would be successful or not.

"It not only helps our referees (make the right call) but also gives spectators a chance to see how outcomes are decided per action because of the video challenge. We have a big screen to display what was being challenged and if the referees got the wrong or right call," Liao, who also serves as chairman of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation national team committee, added.

PVL rule gives each of the opposing coaches two challenges per set. However, coaches cannot call any more reviews after two unsuccessful challenges.

The use of the challenge system proved very crucial for the sport where every single point counts. Games have been won and lost through decisive video challenges.

Liao said that member clubs have given positive reactions to the use of the innovation.

"They are happy now because making decisions on challenges is faster now. It's faster and at the same time fair," he said.