Since the restart of the new season, the Premier League has been experimenting with on-board referee cameras (Ref Cams). The goal? "To provide an immersive experience at the heart of refereeing decision-making and enrich the television experience." While this innovation is primarily intended for viewers, it has received the approval of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for professional referees in England. Both organizations believe that these cameras will help the general public better understand the complexity of refereeing decisions. These unprecedented images should certainly provide valuable insight into the work of officials, from communication with players to their positioning and reading of game situations. Will this improve the relationship between referee, staff, and players and improve the behaviour of those involved in matches? We'll see very soon.
Brief
Match referee Jarred Gillett wearing a camera ahead of the Premier League match in 2024 / ©Icon Sport