The Premier League has been at the forefront of harnessing technology to make match days better for fans, players, and even referees, from utilizing video assistant referee (VAR) technology, which expedites decision-making processes and reduces game stoppages, to goal-line technology, which ensures quick and accurate goal determinations, minimizing delays caused by disputes. Additionally, wearable tracking devices on players provide real-time performance data to coaches and physios, enabling them to make faster tactical adjustments during matches.
Now AI-enabled 'force fields' to speed up offside calls in the Premier League.
Well, that is the hope anyway.
According to The Times, the Premier League will use this cutting-edge system, which harnesses artificial intelligence and "force fields," to streamline offside decisions for the upcoming season.
To reduce delays, the Premier League has struck a deal with Second Spectrum, an American software company owned by Genius Sports, to provide the technology for their semi-automated offside system.
Instead of relying on traditional limb-tracking methods, Second Spectrum's Dragon system captures 10,000 "surface mesh data points" per player, updating 200 times per second, ensuring unparalleled accuracy in determining offside positions.
The FIFA-approved system will replace the current Hawk-Eye system, which involves manually drawing lines on a screen for a video assistant referee (VAR), often leading to delays of two minutes or more.
Second Spectrum says thier AI technology will automatically detect when attackers are offside when the ball is kicked, generating accurate lines within seconds. An image will then be provided to the VAR, who will determine whether the attacker is interfering with play.
By utilizing "mesh" data, the system will effectively create an invisible "force field" around each player. When this "force field" is breached by a part of an attacker's body capable of scoring a goal, an offside message is triggered.
Premier League officials are confident that the semi-automated offside system will significantly reduce delays in offside decisions. The league is aiming for an average reduction of 31 seconds per call.
-Marc
