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.
Arsenal FC is seeking a Research Engineer to join their Performance Analysis department. This role will focus on developing and implementing AI-powered solutions to analyze football data, including tracking data, event data, and video. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in computer science, machine learning, and statistical modeling, with experience in areas like computer vision and time-series analysis. The Research Engineer will work closely with domain experts (coaches and analysts) to translate research findings into practical tools that enhance team performance. Proficiency in Python and experience with deep learning frameworks are essential.
HN commenters discuss the Arsenal FC research engineer job posting, expressing skepticism about the genuine need for AI research at a football club. Some question the practicality of applying cutting-edge AI to football, suggesting it's more of a marketing ploy or an attempt to attract talent for more mundane data analysis tasks. Others debate the potential applications, mentioning player performance analysis, opponent strategy prediction, and even automated video editing. A few commenters with experience in sports analytics highlight the existing use of data science in the field and suggest the role might be more focused on traditional statistical analysis rather than pure research. Overall, the prevailing sentiment is one of cautious curiosity mixed with doubt about the ambitious nature of the advertised position.
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.