World Rugby Refs Have New Co-Workers: Smart Balls
World Rugby is set to trial new smart ball technology at next month's live under-20 championship in South Africa. The oval-shaped ball, designed by sports equipment maker Gilbert, aims to help officials(Opens in a new window) make more accurate calls more quickly.
Beacons positioned around the field will track a ball in real time to determine its exact position up to 20 times per second, providing immediate feedback on every kick, pass, and throw.
As any sports fan knows, visual assessment is an inexact science that referees don't always get right. This way, officials can better tell whether a ball was passed forward, over the try-line, or touched in flight and line, where it was found, and whether a line-out throw was straight.
"A fast game is a good game, and it is right that we explore technology that has the potential to help aid the flow of the game, reduce stoppage time, and speed up match official decision-making," World Rugby's Director of Rugby Phil Davies said in a statement.
A television match official, appointed to assist the ref in determining whether points were scored or foul play committed, will also be watching a direct feed, in case of disagreement.
"There are multiple decisions or non-decisions that are made at any given moment and the advancement of broadcast and social media means that such decisions are poured over long after the event," Davies said.
"The evolution of smart ball technology opens the door to assist match officials in reaching accurate decisions more quickly, removing subjectivity and reducing the chance of error," he said. "While this is a trial and the technology is new, we are excited about its potential and look forward to seeing it in action."
Don't hold your breath for a smart
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