Semi-Automated Offside Technology from 24/25

[Footy-Vill]

At a Premier League Shareholders’ meeting today, clubs unanimously agreed to the introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology.

The new system will be used for the first time in the Premier League next season, and it is anticipated the technology will be ready to be introduced after one of the autumn international breaks.

The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.

[GordonCowansisthegreatest]

What's wrong with the VAR thread!

[Footy-Vill]

The system will use camera footage and tracking software to calculate the position of players at the moment of a potential offside, replacing the need for VAR teams to do so. In trials, this process has been shown to reduce the average length of a VAR decision by 31 seconds.

VARs may still be required to assess offside decisions in the event of a goal being scored, depending on the complexity of the assessment.

Webb and the referees’ body PGMOL are in discussions over allowing fans to see the footage examined by referees at VAR monitors at the same time as officials. There is the expectation that short messages on the outcome of VAR decisions will be announced by referees in stadiums next season.

[Footy-Vill]

What's wrong with the VAR thread!

This is semi automated offsides- it's a new feature.
And worthy of own discussion as it's a major thing.

[Lastfootstamper]

I predict it will be a short discussion. I hate var, the very concept of it, but have always believed the one thing it can be used for is matter-of-fact decision verification. Like offside. And I for one shall welcome our AI plane-generating overlords.

[Lastfootstamper]

And the last bit will be like with the Women's World Cup, where all they really did was read out what came up on the screen anyway.

[Lastfootstamper]

And the bit before that will be us being blessed with an out-of-context picture of studs near a knee. Just because someone vaguely explains why they've made a shit decision doesn't stop it being a shit decision.

[Footy-Vill]

I think it will be a noticeable improvement once the officials become competent in working the machines.

[Lastfootstamper]

The machine will do it itself. The only human input required will be subjective interpretation of interference and phases. Plenty of scope there for this country's officials to continue being world-leaders in nose-stickinginery.

[VillaTim]

Good move .

[Footy-Vill]

Just imagine the amount of re starts and free kicks but in quicker time this season because Aston Villa have caught their opponents offside 142 times in the Premier League this season, more than 40 more than any other side. Meanwhile, only Man City have been caught offside themselves less often than us!

[Footy-Vill]

The machine will do it itself. The only human input required will be subjective interpretation of interference and phases. Plenty of scope there for this country's officials to continue being world-leaders in nose-stickinginery.

Yes, there is already a delay in deploying SAOT because for some reason the 24/25 season will not begin with the technology.
There's no consideration by the Premier League to be pioneers in embracing new technology and despite the fact that SAOT has been used by FIFA for around three years in tournaments and is currently used in the Champions League, World Cup, and this summers Men's Euros there seems to be an attitude not to let go of their authority and ability to control matches.

[Footy-Vill]

The worst thing is that the luddites will not give full access to the power of this tech as it's been said that chosen to have 'opted out' and there will be no microchip in the ball, yet there are in all the existing systems? Why no micro chip in the ball for the Prem SAOT?
Make of that what you will. Conspiracy theories  and cynical views aplenty!

So there are going to be a dozen or so specific cameras tracking player movements on just under 30 data points on a player's body with an algorithm used to determine if they are offside.
It will be significantly more accurate and efficient than the ref assistants yet the officials will try and mess up the system

[The Edge]

I'm assuming that the "semi" automated bit is to leave a bit of wriggle room to favour Man Utd?

[Somniloquism]

I'm assuming that the "semi" automated bit is to leave a bit of wriggle room to favour Man Utd?

Isn't it always.

In reply to FV

The tech requires x amount of extra cameras placed around each ground so I'm guessing the surveys, ordering, fitting and testing is why it is several matches into the season before they become officially operational. (First so many matches might be used for the calibrations to confirm it is working).

But if they are not using the accelerometers, then that is either down to Nike not having the opportunity to fit them, or it isn't as reliable tech yet. So I suspect we still will rely on the ref trying to pinpoint when the ball is touched last and then the computer will do all the lines instantly from that.