VIDEO ASSISTANT REFEREE: Premier League clubs to decide on scrapping VAR
Premier League clubs will vote on whether to scrap video assistant referees (VAR) from next season at their annual general meeting next month.
Wolves have formally submitted a resolution to the Premier League which will trigger a vote when the 20 member clubs meet in Harrogate on 6 June.
The club said VAR was introduced “in good faith” but has led to “numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football”.
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VAR was introduced in 2019 to help support on-field officials with key match decisions, but there have been a number of controversial incidents involving the technology this season.
“The price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game,” read a Wolves statement.
The Premier League said it “acknowledged the concerns” about VAR but “fully supports” technology and will continue to work with referees’ body PGMOL to make improvements.
VARs
Video Assistant Referees (VARs) have become an integral part of modern football officiating, aiming to assist on-field referees in making more accurate and fair decisions during matches. The use of VAR technology was officially written into the Laws of the Game by the International Football Association Board on March 3, 2018. The primary objective of VAR is to minimize errors and ensure that critical incidents in a match are reviewed thoroughly to maintain the integrity of the game.
Operation and Functionality of VAR
In a typical setup, three Assistant Video Assistant Referees (AVARs) are assigned specific roles within the VAR system. AVAR1 primarily focuses on the main camera feed to communicate potential offenses to the on-field referee, while AVAR2 is stationed at the offside station to report missed offside calls. AVAR3 is responsible for liaising with TV programs and replay operators to select the best camera angles for review. The VAR system categorizes decisions into four main areas: goals, penalty kicks, direct red cards, and mistaken identity.
VAR Decision-Making Process
When a decision is being reviewed by VAR, there are specific protocols that must be followed. The VAR can conduct a silent check without interrupting play or signal a delay if they suspect an error has occurred. If a mistake is confirmed through video review, the decision can be overturned. However, in cases where subjective judgments are involved, such as fouls or red card offenses, the final decision rests with the on-field referee who may choose to ignore VAR advice after conducting an On-Field Review (OFR).
Transparency and Implementation of VAR
Transparency is crucial in the implementation of VAR to maintain credibility and trust in officiating decisions. When an OFR is conducted, it is done within public view with the referee reviewing replays on a designated video screen. The VAR protocol emphasizes that play should continue after an incident unless there is a clear reason to stop for disciplinary action or further review. Coaches are not permitted to request reviews; instead, decisions are initiated by the VAR team based on specific criteria.
Impact and Future of VAR
The introduction of VAR has had a significant impact on football matches worldwide by reducing controversial decisions and improving overall accuracy in officiating. As technology continues to evolve, refinements in VAR protocols and systems are expected to further enhance its effectiveness in assisting referees during matches.
