Former Boston Celtics assistant Scott Morrison says keeping level headed will be the key for coaches hoping to take advantage of the NBL's new challenge system.
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Starting from this season, each team can request a "coach's challenge" to contest referees' decisions at any stage of a game.
The team will retain their ability to challenge a decision until they are unsuccessful.
A coach must use an available timeout to challenge a decision and can only challenge a personal foul called on their team or an out-of-bounds decision.
Challenges can be carried into overtime, if required.
All decisions on a coach's challenge will be made by an official in the NBL Replay Centre.
Morrison already has experience of the rule given his time working in the G League and the NBA, where he spent four seasons as part of Boston's coaching panel.
He said it was crucial to keep emotions in check when deciding whether to challenge a referee's call.
"I think it's a good thing if you approach it the right way mentally," Morrison said.
"If you challenge it and expect it to be right, and then the guys don't overrule it and you get emotional or worked up, then it could become a bad thing.
"The same with the players - you'll see the players calling for the challenge every time they foul.
"As a coach, you've kind of got to resist that noise from the guys and explain to them it's a strategic thing, and even if you're right we may not use it."
Morrison said the new rule could prove crucial late in games.
"If it gets late and something happens where the referee makes a mistake ... and you use it, maybe it can come in your favour and that's where it's a good thing," Morrison said.
"Some calls, it's hard to tell even on video what's right, especially out of bounds calls.
"When two guys hit the ball at the same time, you never really know what the referee will decide. In terms of fouls, there's always a grey area.
"But you just can't let it bother you or affect you mentally throughout the course of the game."
NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said the challenge system will introduce a new strategic element for coaches to consider.
"It will foster greater transparency around referees' decisions and give fans an insight into the reasoning behind calls," Loeliger said.
"We have studied the NBA's coach's challenge system closely and spoken with them about how the system is best implemented and are grateful for those insights."
The new season begins on Friday night when expansion team Tasmania JackJumpers host Brisbane and Perth take on Adelaide.
Australian Associated Press
