New wireless RRA monitor option for slomo.tv VAR systems significantly speeds up resolution of controversial moments

The VAR system - the equipment and the VAR team - is tasked with providing informative video sufficient for making a decision. Since technical interruptions and long pauses affect and can significantly alter the course of the game, VAR technology should deliver the necessary video replays to the referees in the shortest possible time. Ideally, the VAR team should work in parallel with the game, i.e., checking in the background all the potentially controversial moments, handling and reviewing them even before the referee makes an official request for a VAR review. 

The initiation of the VAR review and decision-making procedure depends on the regulations and the sport. In some sports the VAR team can recommend a review to the referee, while in others this is prohibited by the regulations and a request from the referee must be made first.  However, in any case, the key point is that all moments should be analyzed in the background on an ongoing basis. For this reason, the VAR system must be very fast and productive. Should a request for a VAR review be made, the evidentiary video material should already be prepared and formed.

To shorten the in-game pauses caused by VAR usage, it is also necessary to speed up the referee review process itself. For example, for football competition it is mandatory to set up a referee review area (RRA) at the edge of the pitch. This avoids the need for the main referee to leave the pitch and go to the VOR room. For other sports, slomo.tv offers the wireless RRA monitor option. In fact, this is a wireless tablet with a large display showing the video needed to review the controversial moment and make the final decision.

The key advantage of this approach is that the referee does not waste time walking to a stationary monitor or the VAR team's workstation. When using the wireless RRA monitor option, the assistant referee brings out a tablet with the video to be reviewed. The only requirement for such workflow is the use of a wireless referee communication system (referee intercom) with the RO or VAR as one of the users. The referee talks to the VAR team, and can see different cameras at desired playback speed in real time.

The slomo.tv wireless RRA monitor option allows connecting of up to 3 tablets, which is convenient for large arenas. A standard unlicensed Wi-Fi connection is used to broadcast video to the tablets. Any iOS or Android tablet can be connected to the slomo.tv videoReferee® VAR system and used as a wireless RRA monitor. 

The mobile RRA monitor solution significantly saves time during the referee review process and is excellent for basketball, handball, hockey, wrestling and other sports.