SAOT: bringing AI to VAR for offside rulings

As the game becomes faster and more dynamic, the role of technology in assisting referees has become crucial. SAOT, designed to improve the precision of offside decisions, addresses some of the limitations faced by the current Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. With its recent approval for use in the Premier League starting from the 2024/25 season, SAOT could herald a new chapter in football officiating, promising to streamline decision-making and reduce contentious calls.

History of SAOT

Semi-automated Offside Technology (SAOT) has been developed to enhance the accuracy and speed of offside decisions in football, something that has been under some controversy in recent seasons. Its introduction is part of the ongoing effort to leverage technology to reduce human error and improve the fairness of the game.

The use of technology in football has a history that dates back to the early 2010s, with goal-line technology being one of the first systems to be implemented, and VAR systems being introduced gradually to aid referees in making more accurate decisions across various aspects of the game, including offside calls. However, VAR's implementation, particularly in offside situations, has been met with criticism due to delays and marginal errors.

SAOT has been designed to address these issues, providing a faster and more precise method for determining offsides. It was first tested in a live match environment during the FIFA Arab Cup in 2021 and then in the FIFA Club World Cup in 2022. The technology showed promise in reducing the time taken for offside decisions and increasing accuracy, which led to its trial in the UEFA Champions League.

How SOAT works

SAOT utilises a combination of optical tracking and artificial intelligence to monitor player movements as well as the ball’s position in real-time. The system relies on three core aspects, cameras, AI & data processing, and instant feedback systems.

Multiple high-resolution cameras are placed around the stadium, capturing the movements of players and the ball at a high frame rate. These cameras provide detailed data on player positions and limb movements. The system tracks up to 29 data points per player, including limb positions, which are crucial for determining offsides. This level of detail allows for a much more precise analysis than the naked eye or standard camera views can provide.

The collected data is then processed using AI algorithms that create a 3D model of the players and the ball. The system identifies the exact moment the ball is played and simultaneously tracks the position of players' limbs to determine if an offside offence has occurred.

When a potential offside situation arises, the system automatically alerts the VAR team. The VAR can then quickly review the evidence and relay the decision to the on-field referee, significantly reducing the time taken to reach a conclusion. SAOT can also generate a 3D animation that visually represents the offside decision. This animation can be shown to spectators in the stadium and viewers at home, providing transparency and a clear understanding of why a decision was made.

SAOT is designed to work alongside VAR, not replace it. While SAOT provides automated alerts for potential offsides, the final decision is still made by the VAR team and the on-field referee. This collaboration ensures that human judgment is still a part of the process, allowing for consideration of the context of each situation.

What does SAOT bring to the pitch?

• Despite the involvement of more technology within football being somewhat unpopular amongst the players and fans, there are some key potential benefits to be had with its implementation. These include:
• Increased accuracy: By using precise tracking and AI analysis, SAOT reduces the margin of error in offside decisions. This ensures that decisions are made based on accurate data, reducing the likelihood of incorrect calls.
• Reduced delays: One of the main criticisms of the VAR system has been the time taken to review offside decisions, leading to disruptions in the flow of the game. SAOT speeds up this process by providing near-instant feedback, allowing for quicker decisions.
• Enhanced fairness: With more accurate and timely offside calls, SAOT contributes to a fairer game by ensuring that goals are only disallowed or allowed based on objective data.
• Improved spectator experience: By minimising delays and controversies surrounding offside decisions, SAOT improves the overall viewing experience for fans both in the stadium and watching on television.

SAOT takes to the main stage

The Premier League announced the approval of SAOT for the 2024/25 season, meaning that for the first time, this new technology will be used in some of the biggest games in the world. This decision followed successful trials and implementation in other major competitions, where SAOT demonstrated its ability to improve the decision-making process in offside situations. The league's governing body aimed to enhance the accuracy and speed of offside decisions, reducing the controversy and delays associated with the current VAR system.

By using SAOT technology, the Premier League hopes to prove that the technology has the basis to set a new standard for officiating in football, ensuring that future decisions are made swiftly and accurately. The system is expected to work alongside the existing VAR system, providing an additional layer of support for referees and improving the overall quality of the game.

Challenges and criticisms

Like any new rule, feature, technology, or advancement, SAOT has not come without its own set of challenges and criticisms. These problems will need to be addressed before any widespread adoption of the technology and method occurs.

One of the biggest challenges of SAOT is the cost of implementation. Installing the necessary camera systems and integrating them with existing infrastructure can be expensive, which might limit its use to top-tier leagues and competitions.

There is also the concern that increased reliance on technology could undermine the human element of officiating. While SAOT improves accuracy, some argue that it could lead to a more sterile interpretation of the game, where marginal offsides are called that may not have been noticeable in real-time play.

Finally, there is an ongoing need for players, coaches, and fans to adapt to the new technology. Clear communication and education about how SAOT works are essential to ensure that stakeholders understand and accept the decisions made using this system. After all, its hard to change the ‘beautiful game.’