Superman Specs
In a world full of AI and predictive devices, what more damage can be done by moving VAR closer to the action?
I’ve watched enough sports to see the high-wire acts to get cameras that give pitch-length views. The referees wear body cams to add to the immersive experience. Why don’t we put video recording glasses on the referees and require them as part of the uniform? What negative effect would there be to have glasses that can pull up video feed, audio, and photo analysis? This could happen all while they are waiting for the human input of the VAR specialists!
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What’s One More Thing?
It’s only one more piece of technology to add to their watches that indicate goal line tech, audio feeds that allow them to communicate with their assistants, the 4th official, and VAR. I mean, if it’s an essential ability for Superman, why not apply it in the trenches of league football?
I could see an argument of cost when it comes to devices, and then the training to properly implement their usage. That’s a fair concern, as we still don’t have VAR in all the cup games, as it is expensive to install and run. But if the Premier League wants to deserve the title of the best league in the world, there is really no downside.
Worried about it adding time? We already have to wait for the head ref to get called to the sideline to look at VAR. With the glasses, the feed can be accessed with a simple command.
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Worried about it affecting referees on the field work? The specs wouldn’t need to be constantly running the feed or apps. When not being pulled up for VAR, they are just regular glasses.
What if the ref takes a ball to the face? Besides a little giggling, I’m sure that video glasses can be designed like the sports safety goggles. They wouldn’t have to look any more complex than what I wore while playing in my youth.
Fashion? They are already wearing referee uniforms, and those tend to be controversial already just by the fact of their job.
I don’t know about you, but I’m seeing all positives. Let’s get those X-ray specs in here and take football to the next technological level.