Growing Calls For Football Refereeing Technology

A football game can be won or lost on a questionable referee decision and this has always caused controversy on and off the pitch

. Many argue that the introduction of technology to the decision making process would completely rule out any human error. In the recent world cup in South Africa there were numerous examples, particularly when England scored against Germany a goal that what was witnessed by millions but unfortunately not the ref. Many fans claim that had this goal been counted the unfortunate outcome would have been much different.

Football commentators have at their disposal a variety of multi-angle replays and software which can are meticulously analysed to clarify any decision made during the match; however these abilities have no impact on the outcome of the game and are used for the sole purpose of discussing the game. By analysing existing camera angles, experts can determine the precise position of a ball, the players and even whether a tackle was actually a foul or not.

In rugby, referees have been using technology for many years to assist in making decisions. They take around 30 seconds to examine video footage and confer with other officials to ensure the correct ruling on a decision too difficult to make given the referee's view and speed of the game. Since the introduction of technology, decisions made by officials in a rugby game have never been questioned or argued but this can also be put down to the discipline of rugby players in the first place.

There are also many examples of sophisticated technology that could speed up the decision making process by automatically indicating information to a referee. There are several prominent designs for precise goal line technology that consistently place microchips inside the centre of a ball and laser detection across the line. Relatively simple technology could determine the exact location of a ball on the pitch in relation to the goal and any of the players; this could also help determine whether a player is offside or out of bounds.

Although there is much evidence in favour of the use of on-pitch technology, every international institution has so far dismissed it and instead explored a variety of extra officials. International football body FIFA have so far dismissed it as an option but the UK's FA are reportedly planning to begin talks with clubs at the beginning of October. Exploring technological possibilities would be welcomed by many players and particularly the fans that are known to hold grudges against bad decisions for decades.

by: Tom Doerr

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