Video Assistant Referees (VAR) : the technological impact on modern football

Abstract

Information technology and technology have had an important impact on sports, especially in football. As one of the most popular sports in the world, its legitimacy is strongly reliant on precise and fair officiating. The use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is intended to improve decision-making accuracy by assisting referees with real-time video replays. This thesis explores the impact of VAR technology on football officiating, specifically how it has improved decision-making processes, influenced game dynamics, and the sport's general integrity. The research takes a comprehensive approach, combining theoretical analysis and data collection. It begins with a theoretical overview, delving into the history of referee technology, the concepts behind VAR, and the user experiences and interfaces. This foundation lays the basis for a more in-depth exploration of this topic through a literature review and practical analysis. The literature study focuses on VAR's influence on officiating, specifically the accuracy of decision-making before and after VAR. Preliminary studies have shown that VAR has increased decision-making accuracy in crucial match scenarios, but it also shows some concerns such as game flow disruptions and technological dependability challenges. The thesis provides multiple perspectives on the actual implementation and usefulness of VAR technology through interviews with international referees and case studies of critical VAR decisions in major competitions. The study also compares VAR's implementation in football to similar technologies in other sports such as ice hockey, tennis, basketball, and rugby, analysing the process differences, advantages, and disadvantages in each sport. The data show that, while techniques vary, the main goal of improving decision-making and fairness has been improved across all the involved sports. The thesis also examines cost-effective alternatives, including solutions from Dartfish and slomo.tv, which show how smaller leagues can adopt VAR without sacrificing functionality or stretching up their budgets. The study addresses the challenges of VAR implementation, such as expensive start-up costs, maintenance expenses, and the need to maintain the game's natural rhythm. Ethical issues and the social responsibilities concerning VAR decision-making are also discussed. Furthermore, this thesis explores VAR technology's social impact, considering how it affects fans, players, and football community. Despite these challenges, the study analyses both the positives and downsides of VAR while offering suggestions for its optimal use to enhance football's fairness and integrity. The result of this study recommends steps like improving communication clarity, speeding up review processes, and finding a better balance between fairness and the sport’s natural rhythm.