Article Titles:
Video Assistant Referee Inconsistencies Create New Causes for Concern for MLS
VAR Is Here: How MLS's New Refereeing Tool Will Work and Impact Matches
Article Link: https://www.themaneland.com/2017/10/18/16492508/video-assistant-referee-inconsistencies-create-new-causes-for-concern-for-mls
https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/08/04/var-mls-video-assistant-referee-howard-webb
Discussion Question(s): Read/Skim through both articles and develop an opinion about the Video Assistant Referee technology. Try to answer some of these questions below...
How does it compare to sports that have been using it for a long time such as Basketball, Football and even Tennis?
MLS has been the first league in the world to perform this technology, why do you think Americans are the first to use this type of technology in soccer?
Why has it taken such a long time for a sport like soccer to start using this Technology?
Overall, do you think it's a good idea to introduce such a technology in a sport like soccer where the natural flow is what it's known for?
I think that a big reason why soccer hasn't used this technology despite the fact that the technology has been available is because of it's natural flow. The fans, players, and refs have been accustomed to play and watch without technology, because that is how it's been for years. That's how it was when they were growing up and playing, and was that way, until now. I do think that the people who introduced VAR to soccer had good intentions because it is just another tool for the ref to fairly judge the game; however, it obviously has its kinks that need to be worked out as of right now. I think that the organizers of the MLS should work to clear up the issues that are occurring, otherwise I don't think the technology is worth it given the issues that it has. Once the issues are fixed and the natural flow of the game is somewhat restored, I think the technology could be better beneficial to the sport. However, I think that the VAR has affected the natural flow of soccer, which is a downside that some fans, players, coaches, etc. may not be happy about.
ReplyDeleteWhy I think that we haven't fully moved to this technology is not because we don't have the equipment or we can't its because its to how the game is played its a very fast pace game and all the calls in the game have always been on the field calls no technology no electronics, just the refs and the players. The VAR sounds really goo for soccer but the issue like any new electronics in sports it has kinks and sometimes they really mess up the game. I believe that they should start this new technology in smaller games not the pros so that they can work out all the issues. Plus at such a high level player, fans and coaches would get frustrated at it because its interrupting the natural flow of the game. Why the US is the first team to start to introduce this technology is because they want to make the game more modern and improve it
ReplyDeleteI think that video assistant referees in soccer are a bad thing in the sport. Soccer is mainly based on the flow of the game, and the referees determine the flow of the game. Also, the fans, players, referees, and organizations have been accustomed to the game without the technology interrupting the game. With other sports, the game doesn't rely so much on the flow of what is happening, but what has been done and the affects after, such as a reviewed flagrant foul in Basketball can be reviewed because it can affect the future and the current part of the game, but the game is stopped. In soccer however, goal line technology has been implemented into the sport where the referee has a watch that alerts them that the ball has crossed the line if anyone was unsure. Overall, I don't think that implementing technology into the sport is a good idea, as it breaks the flow of the game, and the game is refereed differently every time. There are the same rules, but different ways the game can be seen.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the main reason the technology of video is not widely used in the sport of soccer is because soccer is the world's sport and just about everyone plays it. That means that many people in developing countries play it and some of those countries don't even have basic electricity, let alone the technology of video recording and instant replay. Plus, the game seems to flow perfectly fine without video replays and it has been like that forever. Only recently has video replay become a factor in a soccer game. I do believe that it is a good idea to incorporate technology into soccer because it can eliminate human error and bias in sports. Bias plays a huge role in sports and instant replay helps alleviate the concerns of bias. Many, many sports use video replay and in crucial moments in the dwindling seconds at the end of a game, calls can be missed by referees and these missed calls can I have hug implications such as the Green Bay Packers vs Seattle Seahawks game where "fail Mary" occurred. This was a play at the end of the game where two ref signaled opposite results on a game winning touchdown that could have had implications on post season action. Technology from instant replay review allowed a second chance look at the still controversial call. Overall, I believe that video replay is a critical part of sports, but this technology is not available to many, many countries because of the lack of development and resources.
ReplyDeleteThe reason why America is the first country to adopt VAR is because we're used to watching sports with replays. Video assistance is already common in most sports here, so it's not a big stretch to add it to soccer. The big reason why VAR in soccer is different from replays in other sports is that other sports have lots of natural breaks, so taking another to review a big pay isn't a big deal. In soccer though, the constant play is part of the sport. there are no real breaks, so adding some in feels more jarring. Despite this, I still support the use of VAR the way the MLS is using it. they only use it on big calls that can change the outcome of the game. that means it shouldn't be needed very often, so flow isn't affected much. It does make a big difference in the fairness of big calls though. To me, this benefit outweighs the break in the flow>
ReplyDeleteI believe that it has taken such a long time to implement VAR because of the way that the game is played. In soccer, the clock never stops, and there is a constant flow of play. Stopping and starting the game to review the play may hurt the overall feel of the game, which may not appeal to the fans. In a game like baseball, or football there are stops and starts in gameplay. Because of this, VAR can be utilized. I believe that this may help to eliminate controversial calls, from tiny ones to game deciding plays in the world cup. However, I believe that VAR hurts the game more than helps it, especially because of the norm that could be changed if VAR was implemented into the game.
ReplyDeleteAmerican sports are taking soccer the wrong way. I understand that the game will be called more accurately but at the same time the flow of the game will be ruined. America is a country of replay. All of our sports now have replays because we are used to seeing a different angle of play. By introducing VAR, we are essentially ruining soccer. Soccer is also the most international sport. If one nation plays a different game than all the others, they will be disregarded and disrespected. The cons outweigh the pros in this case.
ReplyDeleteHow does it compare to sports that have been using it for a long time such as Basketball, Football and even Tennis?
ReplyDeleteThe system seems to be going through some glitches/problems that need to be fixed. It is not anything to do with the nature of the system, but with the fact that it is new and new things often need revision. I believe, however, that this system has nothing in similar to the one used in tennis. With the system used in tennis, it relies solely on the computer. There is no human intervention because the ball is either in or out. This is easy for the computer to calculate and thus has the final say. For football, basketball, and soccer, human intervention is required for the calls as it would be too complex for the computer to look at. Because of this, human error is involved as well. From what I understand, however, the soccer system is much more limited in camera angles and on such a big field, I would think it is necessary to have different camera angles to properly view one of these events.
MLS has been the first league in the world to perform this technology, why do you think Americans are the first to use this type of technology in soccer?
Probably because America is always a technologically advanced society. It is also worth noting that from what I know of the MLS, it is not as popular as other soccer leagues and could have been used as a tactic to attract new viewers. Another reason could've just been that the MLS felt that they are having too many calls be deemed "incorrect" and they wanted to alleviate the pressure against the league in favor of making them stop these poor calls.
Why has it taken such a long time for a sport like soccer to start using this Technology?
When looking at why it has taken so long, we must look back to the first question and answer. With soccer, it is much harder to get sight of the incident and also contains much more opinionated calls than let's say football. Because of this, it took much longer for soccer officials to devise a system where the calls made from the system carried importance, but not too much importance as to make too many mistakes or do things like delay the game too much. Now, with the work that must be done to the system, it is even less attractive to other leagues and further adds to why soccer has taken so long to adopt this new system. Nothing really beats the view from a referee on the field especially taking into consideration the immense size of the field.
Overall, do you think it's a good idea to introduce such a technology in a sport like soccer where the natural flow is what it's known for?
It's hard to say. There are points worth noting on both sides. On the side favoring the system, it will really reduce the number of questionable calls in the game, therefore reducing angry fans and players and maybe even increasing the number of viewers by preventing them from getting so angry where they shut off their TV. However, on the side against the system, it will greatly hinder the flow of the game and could possibly make the game much less attractive than it once had been. In addition, the system does still have bugs that need to be fixed, further reducing the flow of the game and potentially angering more people than soccer had without the system.
How does it compare to sports that have been using it for a long time such as Basketball, Football and even Tennis?
ReplyDeleteI think this technology doesn’t really fit the game of soccer right now compared to football and basketball. My reasoning behind this is the clock in soccer never stops counting, so if it takes a few minutes to review, then some time will be wasted from the game. Also the technology is a bit rusty as of now, but if the MLS was able to make it speedy and efficient, it would be very beneficial to the game.
MLS has been the first league in the world to perform this technology, why do you think Americans are the first to use this type of technology in soccer?
I think they were the first league to do this because of its surroundings. In the NFL, the review cam is used pretty much every game, and helps make and change calls that the referee’s can’t see.
Why has it taken such a long time for a sport like soccer to start using this Technology?
I think it took a while for soccer to use this technology because of the clock constantly ticking. It would be very hard to find a quick efficient way for the referee’s to review the play.
Overall, do you think it's a good idea to introduce such a technology in a sport like soccer where the natural flow is what it's known for?
I do think it’s a good idea, but it should be used minimally to keep the game flowing. It would be very beneficial because it would be another source to help make calls in the game.
Soccer is a sport in which all countries in the world unite to play. American sports use this type of technology to review big plays in the game, however soccer is not an American sport, and it was not meant to be altered with or stopped and started. Other American sports, including basketball, football, baseball, etc. are incredibly slowed paced, which makes soccer one of the most unique sports played in America. I think the fact that the MLS is a soccer league played in America is a huge contribution to the reason why they started using this technology before all other soccer countries. It has taken so long for a sport like soccer to use technology like this because it may alter the game, or for some, ruin it. The fast-pace of a soccer game is a tradition and original value of the game, and slowing it down with VAR technology may change the face of the game in the long run. Overall, I think the concept is a good idea, to make sure that calls are 100% correct, however unfortunately this comes with changing the game.
ReplyDeleteI think that soccer hasn't used this technology because many times we get used to something then we don’t want change. I think that many Americans and people around the world got used to a certain thing (not having technology even though its been available). We get accustomed to something a certain way and the way we grew up doing this said task and that makes many people not want to do something different, regardless of the fact that it may help us in the future. While yes this technology has the potential to help us there are also the kinks. Like many new things it needs to be improved, however how can this happen if we never take the jump to start using this technology.
ReplyDeleteHow does it compare to sports that have been using it for a long time such as Basketball, Football and even Tennis?
ReplyDeleteMLS has been the first league in the world to perform this technology, why do you think Americans are the first to use this type of technology in soccer?
Why has it taken such a long time for a sport like soccer to start using this Technology?
Overall, do you think it's a good idea to introduce such a technology in a sport like soccer where the natural flow is what it's known for?
I think that in sports like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and tennis, the technology takes away from the game. I like the way soccer just has the refs making the calls they way they see it. The replay slows down the game. Fans now have to wait to hear the call to a crucial play. It also takes away intensity and flow of the game. Soccer is an old game built on tradition. So, they were hesitant to change how the refs do things with the VAR technology. Americans are typically more apt to change, and pioneer many advancements in sport. I don't care about soccer, or as our friends across the pond call it 'football', but I think it stops the flow of the game. It also takes away that wow factor of a play because you will see what the call is a couple minuets after the actual play. It also increases run time of the games. So, I don't like the new technology.
I think that other sports that have been using this technology for longer have experienced both upsides and downsides. Technology in sports has created a lot of controversy during games and if it should be in the game at all. I think americans are the first to be using this technology because soccer isn't the most popular sport in the U.S. and they are trying to find ways to grow the game. I think that it has taken a long time because soccer doesn't really need VAR and I don't think they should use it because it ruins the flow of soccer.
ReplyDeleteI think that its a cool idea to use new technology in sports. I find it more and more exciting how people are trying to make sports more and more high tech. And I think that it will only make the game more fair. Because the VAR wont make a judgement call on a 50/50 call. And if its like that then the actual ref will make a judgement call.
ReplyDeleteHow does it compare to sports that have been using it for a long time such as Basketball, Football and even Tennis?
MLS has been the first league in the world to perform this technology, why do you think Americans are the first to use this type of technology in soccer?
Why has it taken such a long time for a sport like soccer to start using this Technology?
Overall, do you think it's a good idea to introduce such a technology in a sport like soccer where the natural flow is what it's known for?
I believe that there are a lot of positives and negatives regarding this new system. It is a positive because the play in which a replay was used on could get a second opinion ruling out the right or wrong call. However along with this comes many negatives. It interrupts the flow of the game and basically creates a new game of soccer that is longer and more meticulous. Many americans like soccer due to the fast pace of the games and now introducing a new variable that makes a soccer game inconsistent in timing. Also it is not 100% accurate due to a lot of different opinions of whether or not to have a replay. Also the VAR does not display certain angles so they could call a red card or yellow card based upon just the angle and it end up being wrong. The new system is very inconsistent.
ReplyDeleteSoccer can not compare to any other sports. There are no time outs and play does not stop. No matter what. For this reason adding VAR to Soccer would negatively impact the flow of the game. However, I think VAR would help in certain circumstances. Players are know to "flop" and fall on purpose to draw a foul. In my opinion this an even bigger distraction from the game than using a VAR and choosing the correct call
ReplyDeleteI feel like using VAR for soccer is different than using it for basketball, football and tennis because soccer is supposed to be continuous play that flows through the half uninterrupted unless there is a foul or an injury. Even in these cases, the stoppage is only for a few seconds unless there is a very serious injury. Basketball, football and tennis are stop and go. After a point is scored in basketball or football, there is enough time to review a play without significantly interrupting the flow of the game. Tennis is the same thing, after a point is scored, there is a long enough stoppage before the next serve for the referee to review the play. In soccer, the plays change and develop quickly, and after a turnover or a questionable foul, the play has continued on and the play would be interrupted in order to review it and that should never be the case. I feel like Americans are the first to use this new technology in soccer because the MLS is less competitive and not as well known as leagues such as the Premier League or La Liga, so this allows other leagues to see this controversial technology in action in a less competitive league and be able to determine if they can incorporate it into the biggest, most competitive leagues in the world. I also feel like the other leagues don't necessarily feel the need for a change in officiating and that the current structure is working ok. I feel like soccer has been late to use this technology because it is so far from the norm for that sport to be able to create an interruption to review a call. So many times in the past, the referees have been very accurate and if they make a call, the players can complain, but they ultimately move on with the play and the game. If the ref misses a call, he misses a call, and the play can go on. If he calls a red card and it shouldn't have been a card, yes the player misses the game, but the suspension can be taken away from the players. It is not natural for so many stoppages to occur during a match. I do not feel like it is a good idea to introduce VAR to soccer because it inputs the flow of the game too much in a game known for non stop ball movement and plays that connect together.
ReplyDeleteAmerican soccer is taking the right approach to this situation. It is very necessary to check plays over and make sure that the referee made the right call. Missed calls can drastically impact the game. A critic to my opinion may say that stopping the game to check the play will impact the flow of the game. I believe that this impact will actually make the games more exciting because players will be able to catch their breath and make bigger plays. We have seen other sports like football incorporate instant replay into their system and it has worked out great.
ReplyDeleteVAR type of things are different across all sports, soccer has had goal line technology for a couple years now, tennis has the virtual ball tracker to see if the ball is out or in, hockey has the review center in Toronto, Ontario where every single play in every game gets reviewed, baseball and football have challenges and replays. I think its smart that the MLS is incorporating this system because while it might slow the flow of the game, it's going to help in making sure the right calls are made. I think its taken such a long time for soccer to bring in the VAR because the sport is all about flow, and wish matches being 90 minutes long, no one wants to take 5 minutes to see what an extra referee has to say about the call.
ReplyDeleteI think American soccer is taking the right move on the VAR. I think it is necessary to have the system in the game because having a replay of the exact game footage cant always be bad. The human eye is reliable but still has its errors I feel a second check at the film is necessary in order in making the right call. However I do think that having the referee making the call to check the play is not the right decision. I think it should be the teams decision weather the play can be looked at or not just so it doesn't take away game time. Sometimes a call is made and both teams could potentially accept the deciton but a ref could still go back and look at it and waste time. Overall many sports use many different types of technology to help them throughout the game play and I think soccer is making a good step in the right direction.
ReplyDelete