Importance Score: 82 / 100 🟢
Premier League to Introduce Semi-Automated Offside Technology
The Premier League is set to implement semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) across all fixtures starting from Matchday 32 on Saturday, April 12, following successful trials. This introduction marks a significant advancement in the application of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, aiming to expedite offside decisions and improve the pace of football matches.
Implementation and Testing
Thorough testing of the semi-automated offside technology has been conducted in non-live Premier League scenarios and during FA Cup matches earlier this season. League officials have expressed confidence in the system’s readiness for competitive integration into top-tier league games for the remaining seven matchdays of the current season. A subsequent assessment is anticipated to determine the permanent adoption of semi-automated offsides from the commencement of the 2025/26 season.
Official Statement on Technology
An official statement released on Tuesday detailed the technology’s function: “Semi-automated offside technology is designed to automate crucial aspects of the offside decision-making process, providing enhanced support for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).”
- Enhanced Virtual Offside Line Placement: Utilizes optical player tracking for more precise placement of the virtual offside line.
- Virtual Graphics Generation: Creates virtual graphics to enhance the viewing experience for fans both within the stadium and during broadcasts.
- Improved Decision-Making Process: Aims to uphold the integrity of the process while increasing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decisions.
The statement further noted, “The Premier League has collaborated with PGMOL and Genius Sports, a sports data and technology firm, in the development of this new semi-automated offside technology system.”
Technology Infrastructure
The semi-automated offside system relies on up to 30 high-tech cameras installed around Premier League stadiums.
High-Frame Rate Cameras
Certain cameras capture footage at an impressive 100 frames per second, doubling the frame rate of cameras employed by broadcasters such as Sky Sports and TNT Sport.
Advanced Player and Ball Tracking
These cameras meticulously track the ball’s movement and capture data from as many as 10,000 surface “mesh” points per player. This detailed tracking capability allows the system to accurately identify potential offside positions of any attacking player involved in the build-up to a goal-scoring opportunity.
Automated Offside Detection and VAR Alert
Should a potential offside infraction be detected, the system automatically flags the incident in the SAOT software, alerting both the VAR and the SAOT operator, facilitating the VAR’s decision-making process.
Streamlining VAR Offside Reviews
Currently, VAR officials depend on replay operators to manually ascertain the “kick point” for offside decisions before manually drawing calibrated lines using multiple camera angles.
Automated Line Generation and Kick Point Suggestion
The semi-automated offside technology will automate this process by automatically generating offside lines relative to the second-to-last defender and the relevant attacker, after proposing a “kick point”.
Time Efficiency and Decision Communication
This automation is intended to significantly reduce review time, enabling the VAR to efficiently assess, validate, and communicate the final decision to the on-field referee with greater speed.
Stadium and Broadcast Visuals
Mirroring current VAR protocols, a visual representation of the offside decision will be automatically displayed on stadium screens and clarified via social media platforms for fan engagement and transparency.