Tests begin as semi-automated offside should be implemented in Serie A from January | OneFootball

As we have seen at the World Cup, technology has made life easier for the referees in certain respects. While VAR is still being debated, it must be said that the semi-automated offside has been a success thus far.

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, as cited by MilanNews, Italian referees are now testing the technology at the training centre and the idea is to implement it in January. In other words, as soon as the league is back underway after the break.

The technology has to be approved by both the FIGC and Lega Serie A, but the feeling is that the referees will get the go-ahead in time. This will make life easier for the referees, as the semi-automated system uses advanced technology to track the ball.

As per FIFA’s website, it works like this: “The new technology uses 12 dedicated tracking cameras mounted underneath the roof of the stadium to track the ball and up to 29 data points of each individual player, 50 times per second, calculating their exact position on the pitch. The 29 collected data points include all limbs and extremities that are relevant for making offside calls”.

The decision made by the system is then relayed to the VAR referees, who have the opportunity to double-check the decision. It’s certainly a good way to avoid long periods of waiting for an offside decision.