A few disputed outcomes on the same day recently, again raised criticism of VARs.
The first thing to be said, is that VAR stands for Video Assistant Referee and not Video Assisted Referee. We often hear talk of VAR decisions but actually, VARs don’t make any decisions.
Like the other assistant referees, those with flags, their task is to ‘assist not insist’. The VAR’s job is to draw the referee’s attention when they feel there might be a ‘clear and obvious error’.
I like the way they do it in America. Before becoming manager of the PRO, (Professional Referees Organisation) in America, Howard Webb went there to introduce VAR, as America was chosen to trial the system.
There is no doubt that he was very successful but he has never criticised the Premier League. He has always said that the two countries have different audiences, as football or soccer as they call it, is still an infant sport in America.
American soccer fans have a television programme showing where the VAR has been in action. As well as the incident, they are shown the VAR and hear the conversation with the referee. They don’t say, ‘there was an offside’ or whatever the perceived error might be, but ‘I recommend a review for a possible offside’.
The referee then views the monitor to make up his mind about the incident. Finally, the PRO presenter Greg Barclay, explains to viewers what has happened and the Law involved.
Spectators are most annoyed about the time taken for a decision to be made. The American television also shows that the VAR has four television screens, each showing the incident from a different angle.
So if he thinks an error has been made, the VAR has to check the screens to find the clearest view of what happened.
This is what takes the time as it will involve rewinding each videos. If the reviews do not indicate an infringement, they inform the referee, who carries on with the game.
If however they feel an error has been made, the referee is recommended to view the monitor. From what he sees, he and he alone makes the decision. That could be deciding to stick with his original decision, as Michael Oliver showed on that same day.
VARs are all professional or ex professional referees but not necessarily Premier League referees, they could be from Select group two.
Some VARs find it more stressful than refereeing, saying there is even more pressure to get it right. Not quite the simple job it appears to be.
By Dick Sawdon Smith
