Video Referees: The Transformation and Challenges of Future Swimming Competitions (Part 2)

2 Shortcomings of video referees

（1）Penalty-basedPoor real-time performance

Video refereeMainRelying on the video replay system, it’s impossible to do asOn the spotArtificial referees also make judgments instantly.And report the foul situation.WhenWhen a foul is detectedNeed to review the video replay.This willWill lead to penalty timeOf theDelay,The match will also pause for several minutes, to some extent.ImpactDoneThe smoothness of the competition.Facing the sceneArtificial referees are present at the competition venue, enabling them to observe athletes' movements in real time and immediately call out obvious infractions—such as false starts.Wait

（2）EquipmentTechnical malfunctionOf theImpact

If the video equipmentDuring the competitionMalfunctions such as stuttering visuals, black screens, or poor shooting angles can severely impactVideo refereeAccuracy and timeliness of the officiating.

（3）Data collection'sLimitations

Video recording is limited by the lens.The number of deployment points, their placement, and the shooting.Scope,There isMay have missed the sceneOf theDetails, such as between athletesParallel or occlusion, etc.InterferenceFactors

（4）On the spotRefereeOf theIndependence is compromised

Some argue that,The application of video technology in competitions,Causing the refereeWillOver-relianceVideoTechnology,ThusWeakenedOn the spotThe independence and judgment of the referee.

Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Video Referees' Decisions

1 VideoOf theClarity is key.

If the footage is blurry, it becomes difficult for referees to clearly see athletes' hand movements, turning details, and wall-touching actions, which can directly impact judgment calls. For instance, when determining whether an athlete touched the wall with one hand, a blurry image might lead to incorrect decisions. Limited camera angles can also pose challenges—if the cameras don’t cover critical areas throughout the entire event, certain infractions may go unnoticed. Additionally, smooth video playback is crucial; any stuttering or delay could cause referees to miss key moments, disrupting their ability to make accurate and timely judgments.

2 Video refereeThe level of familiarity with swimming competition rules can influence officiating decisions.Result

Swimming competition rules form the basis for judging.IfVideoThe referee addressed the details of the rules, such asDepartureMisunderstandings of the specific definitions of fouls and unclear guidelines on proper hand movements for different swimming strokes can easily lead to incorrect calls. The rulesIts formulation will also continuously evolve alongside advancements in swimming technology and the involvement of video referees.UpdateAnd improvement,When the competition rules change, ifVideoIf referees don’t keep up with their learning in a timely manner, it can lead to incorrect calls.Video referees must meticulously study the nuances of the rules, covering aspects such as starts, turns, wall touches, and proper swimming techniques, while deeply understanding the logic behind each regulation. When encountering ambiguous situations, they should promptly consult with officials or more experienced referees to find a clear resolution.

3 The video referee's experience determines the speed and accuracy of the decision-making.

Experienced refereeServe as a video refereeCan identify faster and more accuratelyFoulAction.But ifInexperienced referees, when confronted with rare and unusual foul moves, tend to…Lack of experience, often making it difficult to accurately determine the standard of judgment, and reacting slowly after watching the video, which affects the officiating.Of theAccuracy.

4 The influence among video referees

Video referees and equipment operators work together in a relatively enclosed space.，Video referees among themselves or withOther staff members'Discussion orAsking questions can potentially distract video referees, leading to interruptions while they review the footage.OmissionSome details.Additionally, the videoA referee's personal emotions and poor physical condition can also negatively impact their officiating decisions.，If the match lasts too long,Fatigue mayLeading to the videoRefereeOf theLack of concentration, thereby reducing the accuracy of officiating.Of theAccuracy. (To be continued)

The author of this article is an international-level swimming referee.