How Artificial Intelligence Can Improve VAR

How Artificial Intelligence Can Improve VAR

Felix Yim 21/02/2023
How Artificial Intelligence Can Improve VAR

The use of technology in sports has transformed the way we watch and understand the game.

In football, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was introduced to help referees make accurate decisions by reviewing controversial incidents. However, the system has been criticized for being slow and inconsistent. With the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), there is an opportunity to improve the VAR system by leveraging data analytics to provide real-time decision-making support to referees. In this article, we will explore how AI can help VAR to improve the decision making of referees through various examples.

1. Improving Accuracy

One of the ways AI can improve the VAR system is by providing real-time decision-making support to referees, improving accuracy and reducing the risk of errors. With the help of AI algorithms, the system can analyze various data points, such as player movements, ball trajectory, and camera angles, to provide referees with real-time insights that can help them make accurate decisions.

For example, a startup called ChyronHego has developed an AI-based system called TRACAB that tracks players and the ball in real-time using cameras mounted around the stadium. The system provides referees with real-time data on player positions and movements, as well as ball trajectory and speed. This data can help referees make more accurate decisions and reduce the risk of errors.

2. Reducing Decision Time

Another area where AI can help the VAR system is by reducing decision time. The current VAR system is criticized for taking too much time to review controversial incidents, disrupting the flow of the game and frustrating players and fans alike. With the help of AI algorithms, the system can analyze data in real-time and provide referees with insights that can help them make quicker decisions.

For example, a company called Hawk-Eye Innovations has developed an AI-based system that can review incidents in real-time and provide referees with an immediate decision. The system uses computer vision algorithms to analyze footage and identify potential incidents, and then provides the referee with a decision within seconds.

3. Providing Consistency

AI can also improve the VAR system by providing consistency in decision-making. The current VAR system has been criticized for being inconsistent in the way it reviews and makes decisions on controversial incidents. With the help of AI algorithms, the system can provide consistent decision-making support to referees, ensuring that decisions are made in a fair and unbiased manner.

For example, a company called Stats Perform has developed an AI-based system that can analyze data on player movements, ball trajectory, and other factors to identify potential incidents that require review. The system can provide referees with real-time insights that can help them make consistent decisions across different games and competitions.

4. Enhancing Transparency

Another area where AI can improve the VAR system is by enhancing transparency. The current VAR system has been criticized for being opaque in the way it reviews and makes decisions on controversial incidents. With the help of AI algorithms, the system can provide more transparency in decision-making by providing real-time insights that can be shared with players, coaches, and fans.

For example, a company called Second Spectrum has developed an AI-based system that can analyze footage in real-time and provide real-time insights on controversial incidents. The system can provide coaches and players with insights on their performance, as well as provide fans with real-time updates on the game.

Conclusion

AI has the potential to transform the VAR system in football by providing real-time decision-making support to referees, reducing decision time, providing consistency, and enhancing transparency. The use of AI algorithms can help reduce the risk of errors, ensure that decisions are made in a fair and unbiased manner, and provide real-time insights that can be shared with players, coaches, and fans. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of AI in the VAR system, improving the accuracy and fairness of football games.

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Felix Yim

Tech Expert

Felix is the founder of Society of Speed, an automotive journal covering the unique lifestyle of supercar owners. Alongside automotive journalism, Felix recently graduated from university with a finance degree and enjoys helping students and other young founders grow their projects. 

   
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