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Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT): It’s Unveiling and Implementation in the Premier League
Semi-automated offside technology will be unveiled by the Premier League on Saturday, April 12 (Match Round 32), after non-live testing in the league and live operation in the FA Cup this season.
In order to give spectators a better in-stadium and broadcast experience, semi-automated offside technology will make it possible to position the virtual offside line more precisely through optical player tracking and produce virtual graphics.
The semi-automated offside technology’s operation increases process speed, efficiency, and consistency without changing the accuracy of the decision-making.
This will be the Premier League’s first live competition use of a cutting-edge semi-automated offside technology system that was developed in partnership with PGMOL and sports data and technology company Genius Sports.
Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT): What is it?
One useful tool for the video assistant referee (VAR) is semi-automated offside technology, which uses automation to help with the crucial parts of offside decision-making.
The key components of offside decision-making for the video assistant referee (VAR) are mechanized via semi-automatic offside technology.
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Similar to VAR today, it will be used in close offside calls to confirm or recommend a change to the referee’s on-field call.
Replay operators (RO) and the VAR must now work together to manually determine the “kick-point” of the offside determination and then “draw” calibrated lines using a crosshair on the relevant defender and An “offside” or “onside” judgment is generated once the lines and kick-point have been determined.attacker using multiple camera angles in order to establish close offside verdicts.
How does the system work?
Up to 30 recently installed cameras are used by the system, and some of them record at 100 frames per second, which is twice the frame rate of standard broadcast cameras. These cameras are positioned around Premier League stadiums.
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Why does it lack complete automation?
The technology is “semi-automated,” which means that human intervention is still required because the VAR must verify that the SAOT system correctly recognized the “kick-point,” the correct players with the right body part, and the SAOT’s conclusion.
For “subjective” offside calls, such as when a defender’s deliberate play must be taken into account or when an attacking player may be interfering with an opponent while offside without touching the ball, VAR will also have to decide whether the referee needs to perform an on-field review.
Will SAOT rule out more goals for offside?
No – SAOT will not affect the accuracy of the decision-making or change offside calls. In the Premier League this season, offside calls have been adjudged to be 100 per cent correct.
It will enhance the speed and efficiency of the process. The expected average reduction of decision time in close offside calls with SAOT is approximately 30 seconds.
Will SAOT eliminate long stoppages for tight offside decisions?
Generally speaking, yes. The goal of the SAOT technology is to significantly cut down on the delays caused by the human method that VAR currently uses to determine offsides by “drawing lines” using crosshairs.
VAR can still utilize the crosshairs as a backup to the SAOT system if necessary, but most offside calls will be made more quickly. This process will be applied in “edge cases” where multiple players block the system’s cameras’ view of the ball or other players.
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When VAR checks tight offsides, this can occasionally result in the length of check we’ve seen previously.
Some VAR checks, where decisions must take into consideration different offside checks or other violations like fouls or handballs during the offensive possession phase (APP), can also remain the same in length.
Does the ball have a chip?
No, a ball sensor is not needed in this system because the optical tracking quality can detect when the ball is played.
A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR MATCH OFFICIATING?
The introduction of SAOT in the Premier League marks a significant step toward faster, more consistent officiating. By reducing delays in offside decisions and enhancing accuracy, SAOT will improve match flow and fairness. Fans, players, and officials will benefit from clearer visuals and quicker verdicts, elevating the overall football experience.
To learn more about this match-officiating technology, click here:
Written by Elroy Rodrigues
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