A-League video ref system to be based on NRL-style bunker in bid to create more streamlined model
A-LEAGUE bosses will heed lessons from the World Cup with a revamped VAR system for the new season - including a centralised bunker for the video refs.
Football
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A-LEAGUE bosses will heed lessons from the World Cup with a revamped VAR system for the new season, including a centralised bunker for the video refs.
Heartened by the perceived success in Russia of the controversial video review system — which drew widespread ire from Australian fans last season — the A-League intends to produce a more streamlined and consistent model with better communication to both TV viewers and supporters in the stadiums.
That will include half the number of VARs from last season, including two full-time officials who cover the bulk of games, and switching to a centralized studio rather than sending the VARs to each game.
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It will be based in the same building as the NRL’s Bunker, and will include back-up systems to avoid the catastrophic failure that marred last season’s grand final.
The cost of the centralized equipment will be some $100,000 more than the budget for flying video refs around the country last season, but A-League head Greg O’Rourke said it would be a clear improvement.
“One of the main sentiments to come out of the World Cup from FIFA was that having a bunker-style centre worked smoothly, and we’ve managed to negotiate a rate that is affordable after removing the costs of sending VARs to each game,” he said.
“It will be a smaller than the NRL Bunker because we aren’t dealing with concurrent games; we will have two stations, plus a ‘redundant’ one to fall back on if something were to happen to the main system.”
One of FIFA’s findings from the World Cup was the value in having fans in the stadium and watching on TV being kept abreast of what decisions are under review.
“Fan integration, in the grounds and at home, is really important,” O’Rourke said. “Our guys are working now on a simple messaging system for the stadiums – literally what decision or potential decision is under review, so the fans know what the ref is looking for.
“There also needs to be better communication with the producers of the TV coverage, so the broadcaster can show exactly what’s under review and quickly.”
Two full time VAR officials will officiate at around three-quarters of games, with the league’s referees rotating around the rest.
After multiple controversies early last season the A-League referees were instructed to heed the advice of their video colleagues without constant referral to the sideline monitor – but the balance shifted the other way at the World Cup.
“It was a bit surprising that referees appeared to check almost every subjective decision on the monitors; last year our guys were actively seeking not to, and I think there will be a balance between those two positions,” O’Rourke said.
Most major leagues now use the VAR system. The English Premier League will trial implementation of the VAR at multiple games from later this month, ahead of its full-scale use from next season.
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