Abstract
Rationale: There has been continued debate in the world of sport over the effectiveness and merits of video technology as a decision aid for sports officials. In 2018, the video assistant referee (VAR) was introduced in association football. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence and effectiveness of a video review system for match officials and their education in association football.
Design: Using an online video test, qualified football referees (N=109) categorized contentious penalty decisions across 48 short videos. Manipulating the number of viewings, playback speed and visual perspectives, referee decision accuracy and decision confidence were assessed. Findings: The results show an overall decision accuracy of 65.69%. Additionally, the results reveal significant differences between the different review conditions; particularly, improvements in accuracy for an increased number of viewings, a slowed playback speed and alternate visual perspectives.
Practical implications: The results provide a greater understanding of the effects a decision review system in association football has on the decision accuracy and confidence of referees and further contribute to the use of video review for referee education.
Research contribution: The current study extends research on the effects of different viewing perspectives, repeated viewings, and slower video speed on visual accuracy and the quality of cognitive-evaluative processes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Managing Sport and Leisure |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 23 Nov 2022 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Sport official; decision making; perspective; slow motion