Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) is a support tool for video match officials (VARs) and on-field officials to help them make faster, more accurate, and more reproducible offside decisions.
SAOT uses a network of cameras installed around the stadium to track the ball and up to 29 data points of each individual player, 50 times per second. This data is then used to calculate the exact position of the ball and players on the pitch.
When the ball is played, the SAOT system automatically generates an offside line based on the last player on the defending team. If an attacking player is beyond the offside line when the ball is played, the system sends an alert to the VAR.
The VAR can then review the footage and make a decision on whether or not the player is offside. If the VAR determines that the player is offside, they can signal to the on-field official to stop the game and award a free kick to the defending team.
SAOT is still under development, but it has been used successfully at several major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League. It is expected to be used at more and more tournaments in the future.
Here are some of the benefits of SAOT:
- Faster decisions: SAOT can help referees to make faster offside decisions, which can reduce the amount of time that is wasted during games.
- More accurate decisions: SAOT can help referees to make more accurate offside decisions, which can reduce the number of controversial decisions that are made.
- More reproducible decisions: SAOT can help referees to make more reproducible offside decisions, which can improve the consistency of officiating.
Overall, SAOT is a promising new technology that has the potential to improve the accuracy, consistency, and efficiency of offside decision-making.