Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) will debut in English football during the FA Cup semi-finals. The system, already used in the Champions League and World Cup, utilizes specialized cameras and limb-tracking data to quickly and accurately determine offside calls, providing match officials with 3D visualizations. This implementation aims to enhance the speed and accuracy of offside decisions, reducing delays and controversies surrounding close calls.
In a groundbreaking development for English football, the Football Association (FA) has announced the implementation of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) for the first time in the venerable FA Cup competition. This cutting-edge system, which has already been successfully deployed in the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, promises to significantly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of offside decisions, thereby reducing contentious calls and streamlining the flow of the game.
The semi-automated system leverages a network of 12 dedicated tracking cameras strategically positioned around the stadium, meticulously capturing the movements of the ball and up to 29 data points on each individual player at an impressive rate of 50 times per second. This intricate data collection process allows the system to create highly precise skeletal models of the players, accurately pinpointing their limbs and their positions on the field in relation to the ball at the exact moment a pass is played.
Furthermore, the technology integrates data from the official match ball, which contains an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor. This sensor transmits its position 500 times per second, providing an exceptionally granular level of detail regarding the precise moment of contact when a pass is made. By combining the limb-tracking data with the ball data, the system can generate automated offside alerts with a remarkable degree of precision.
When a potential offside situation is detected by the system, an alert is immediately relayed to the video assistant referee (VAR) team. The VAR team then meticulously verifies the proposed offside call, corroborating the data provided by the SAOT with their own independent assessment of the situation. Once the VAR team confirms the offside, the information is then conveyed to the on-field referee, who makes the final decision and signals the infraction.
This implementation of SAOT represents a significant advancement in officiating technology within the FA Cup, aiming to eliminate marginal offside calls, promote greater fairness in the game, and minimize disruptions caused by lengthy VAR reviews. The FA's embrace of this innovative technology underscores its commitment to leveraging the latest advancements to enhance the integrity and spectacle of the competition. The technology is poised to make its debut in the FA Cup third round, scheduled to commence on the weekend of January 6th, 2024, marking a new era for officiating in one of the world's oldest and most prestigious football tournaments.
Summary of Comments ( 1 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43038033
Hacker News users discussed the semi-automated offside technology being used in the FA Cup. Several expressed skepticism about its effectiveness and impact on the game, worrying it would lead to more stoppages and sterile, less exciting matches. Some questioned the accuracy and consistency of the technology, referencing potential issues with camera angles and player positioning. Others brought up concerns about the cost of implementation and whether it would trickle down to lower leagues, potentially creating a technology gap. A few commenters were more optimistic, suggesting it could eliminate blatant offside errors and improve the overall fairness of the game. There was also a discussion comparing it to similar technologies used in other sports, like goal-line technology and VAR, with some arguing it's a natural progression in officiating.
The Hacker News post "FA Cup to use semi-automated offsides for first time" has a moderate number of comments discussing the implementation of the semi-automated offside technology. Several users express skepticism and concern about the impact on the flow and "feel" of the game.
A recurring theme is the perceived over-reliance on technology in football, with some arguing that it removes the human element and the possibility of debatable calls, which are part of the game's charm. Some users also express nostalgia for the pre-VAR era and worry about the increasing complexity and potential for delays.
One commenter questions the claimed accuracy of the system, pointing out that the technology still relies on human calibration and interpretation of the data, thus not completely eliminating subjectivity. Another raises the issue of potential glitches and malfunctions, recalling instances where goal-line technology or VAR itself had issues.
There's discussion about the practicality of the limb-tracking technology, with some users questioning its precision and reliability, especially in situations of complex player movements and close calls. The reliance on calibrated cameras and the potential for marginal errors is a point of contention.
Some users suggest alternative solutions, like a challenge system similar to cricket or tennis, to limit interruptions and maintain the pace of the game. Others argue for more transparency in the decision-making process, suggesting that the virtual offside lines and the data used by the system should be made visible to the audience in the stadium and at home.
A few comments express more positive views, acknowledging the potential benefits of the technology in reducing clear and obvious errors. They argue that it could ultimately lead to fairer outcomes and reduce controversial decisions. However, even these more optimistic comments often come with caveats and concerns about the practical implementation and potential impact on the game's dynamics.
Finally, some comments offer witty observations or anecdotes related to offside calls and the history of technological interventions in football, adding a touch of humor to the discussion.