GoalRef Goal-Line Sensor Technologies Receive IFAB Approval

Novel sensors are being used in football goal-line technology (GLT) systems to ascertain goals.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved the Hawk-Eye and GoalRef GLT systems. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) intends to utilize the technology to determine if a goal is a goal or not.

The GoalRef system involves placing of 10 antennae behind the crossbar and the goalpost, which create a weak magnetic field and monitor it. A sort of ‘invisible curtain’ is created that hangs behind the goal-line and crossbar. The football contains thin spools which influences the field when the football comes near the goal line. When the ball passes through this ‘curtain’ completely, based on the signal from the antenna, a processor determines if the ball has crossed the goal-line fully. The GoalRef then sends this data to special wrist watches through encoded radio signals in real-time. These watches have the ability to communicate the result through vibration and by visual means. Researchers belonging to the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS have developed the GoalRef system.

Several incorrect rulings in World Cup matches have led to IFAB’s decision to use technical aids. IFAB tested eight goal-line technology systems last year. The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) compiled the evaluation criteria and only two of the eight systems met the criteria. Extensive tests were conducted on the two systems in the second phase of the test. The GoalRef system has cleared these tests.

According to the FIFA Quality Programme for GLT, the approval of these goal-line technologies will be based on a final stadium test before being allowed for live football matches.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.