VAR, historic change: referees to explain decisions live in the stadium | OneFootball

A new chapter in the history of Italian refereeing opens with a reform set to profoundly impact transparency and communication in professional football.

VAR, the historic turning point: referees will explain decisions live at the stadium

Starting next season, Serie A and Serie B referees will publicly explain – at the stadium and on live television – the decisions made following VAR interventions.

This was officially announced by Gianluca Rocchi, the refereeing designator, during the pre-season meeting held in Cascia. The introduction of the “on-field announcement” represents, according to Rocchi, “a fundamental step forward in communication, an area we have been working on for years with increasing transparency.”

The innovation, already tested in some Coppa Italia matches last season, will now be regularly adopted in the top league. Referees will have the task of explaining in real-time, in front of the audience present at the stadium and viewers, the reasons behind a VAR decision, thus helping to make their work more understandable and to strengthen trust in the refereeing system.

Real-time communication: clarity as the primary goal “We are preparing intensively from a communication standpoint,” Rocchi explained, emphasizing the importance of using accessible and consistent language. “We have selected a small group of referees who have also been trained on these aspects. We want the message to be clear, without ambiguous interpretations.”

Although there is no maximum time set for the microphone intervention, particular attention will be paid to the quality of the content and consistency in language, while allowing each referee the freedom to express themselves in their personal style.

Dialogue yes, but with respect: zero tolerance for attacks Rocchi also sent a clear message to players and managers: “We are open to dialogue, but we will not tolerate aggressive or disrespectful behavior. Especially at the start of the season, we will be ready to take severe disciplinary measures, if necessary, to send an unequivocal signal.”

The designator also highlighted the progress in relationships with captains, hoping for a more mature climate of collaboration with all components of the football system.

More transparency, fewer silences A crucial point was also the self-criticism on some past communication shortcomings. “Last year we communicated too little. We tried to protect the refereeing group, but in doing so we lost opportunities to explain and make ourselves understood,” Rocchi admitted.

The intent now is to reverse the approach: more openness, more transparency. Experiences like the “Open VAR” television format have already shown that explaining refereeing decisions directly and promptly significantly helps to break down prejudices and increase public understanding.

A bold choice, a more aware football The decision to introduce the announcement of VAR decisions live represents not only a technical but also a cultural turning point. A strong signal towards a more modern, transparent, and participatory football, where the figure of the referee finally opens up to public discussion without giving up authority.

A paradigm shift that could influence not only public perception but also the way Italian football handles disputes, protests, and dialogue between parties on the field. A historic turning point that could soon set a precedent internationally.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.