The Premier League is set to introduce semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) during matches beginning Saturday, 12 April. This new advancement follows successful non-live testing within Premier League grounds and earlier live operations during this season's FA Cup.
SAOT is designed to provide a more efficient method for determining offside calls by utilising optical player tracking. The technology is expected to enhance the in-stadium experience for fans, as well as improve the overall broadcast quality. This initiative aims to speed up the decision-making process without compromising the accuracy of offside calls, which have reportedly been 100% correct this season.
The Premier League has collaborated with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and sports data and technology firm Genius Sports to develop this new system. The introduction of SAOT at this weekend's matches marks its first application in a live competitive environment.
The system operates through a comprehensive network of up to 30 cameras installed around Premier League stadiums. These cameras capture footage at a frame rate of 100 frames per second, allowing the technology to track the movement of the ball and monitor up to 10,000 data points per player. This detailed tracking will enable the system to identify close offside positions and suggest a "kick point," while automatically generating offside lines between the second rear-most defender and the relevant attacker.
While SAOT is termed "semi-automated," it does not negate the need for human oversight. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) must still validate the automatic outcomes and confirm the accuracy of the kick point identified by the system. The VAR retains the discretion to call for on-field reviews in instances where subjective judgement is necessary, such as determining whether a defender deliberately played the ball or if an attacking player interfered with an opponent without touching the ball.
The expected impact of this technology includes a reduction in decision-making time by an estimated 30 seconds for close offside calls. This is anticipated to alleviate the delays frequently noted with traditional VAR procedures, which involved manual drawing of calibrated lines.
Upon reaching a decision, SAOT will create a visual representation that will be shared with fans both in the stadium and through various media channels. This visual will clearly illustrate the decision, distinguishing between offside and onside situations using a colour-coded system. An offside call will be depicted with a red line while an onside decision will be indicated by a green line, allowing for rapid comprehension of the ruling by spectators.
The implementation of SAOT aims to maintain the existing 'thicker' offside lines to ensure fair competition, aligning with the approach adopted at the start of the 2021/22 season. While the SAOT is expected to minimise lengthy checks, it may not eliminate them entirely, particularly in complex scenarios involving multiple players or additional offences. The system is designed to improve the speed and efficiency of offside decisions, adding to the ongoing evolution of officiating standards in football.
Source: Noah Wire Services