The introduction of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) in the Premier League aimed to enhance decision-making during crucial moments in matches but has faced growing criticism.
The controversial disallowed goal and a red card during the Liverpool-Tottenham game on October 30 highlighted the system’s flaws, which were later acknowledged as significant human errors by PGMOL.
This incident has raised concerns about VAR’s effectiveness, particularly the human element of refereeing and varying thresholds among VAR officials. In contrast, cricket’s Decision Review System (DRS) has been assisting umpires effectively for nearly a decade.
DRS relies on multiple technologies, such as ball-tracking and edge detection. In contrast, VAR is simpler but could benefit from additional technology to improve decision accuracy. It took cricket’s DRS nearly a decade to balance subjectivity and umpiring experience with accuracy, meaning VAR might just need a little bit more time to be better.
But what about hockey? Does the sport have similar technology?
VAR in hockey
Interestingly, VAR is also used in hockey matches to help umpires make crucial decisions. And it’s not only hockey. In fact, VAR technology has been introduced in 18 high-profile sports, with ice hockey, American football, and rugby league being early adopters in the 1990s.
Fans have criticized VAR for slowing down football matches, whereas in field hockey, players can only request reviews for specific incidents within a designated area. Additionally, field hockey allows only one video referral per team, contributing to a more fluid game pace. This ensures that punters who have placed their bets on Ice Hockey on Sportsbet.io or any other platform won’t experience much delay in their winning.
Another difference is the role of umpires in field hockey, who can’t start reviewing until they know the exact call being questioned. This rule has been relaxed, making communication easier in cases where language barriers exist.
However, field hockey’s VAR system is also evolving with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance decision-making, a potential improvement that could also benefit football.
Other tech in hockey
VAR is not the only technology that can make hockey better. Hockey requires skill and practice, both on and off the ice. To help hockey player hone their abilities, there are several innovations that were specifically built to help them improve.
The Catapult Vector Performance-Tracking System, for instance, is used in various team sports. This system tracks players’ movements, speed, and more, helping coaches analyze performance. Meanwhile, Helios Core Performance Tracker is a wearable sensor that tracks your skating stride. This can provide insights to help you improve.
Stickhandling and puckle handling are two important skills to have. Digital Stickhandling Trainer interactive tool comes with sensors and obstacles to enhance stickhandling skills, providing real-time feedback. Coaches can also now measure puck speed using Puck Tracking Radar, allowing them to track the velocity of your shots accurately.
The Puck-Passing Trainer helps players practice passing skills by returning pucks to them. This tool is attachable to synthetic ice surfaces for stability. Alternatively, they can use a One-Timer Hockey Passer that shoots balls for practicing one-time shots without needing another player.
Last but not least is safety. The Shockbox Hockey Helmet Sensor attaches to your helmet to provide alerts on your smartphone when you experience a potentially harmful impact.
