The big topic of discussion surrounding the NWSL right now is the integration of video assistant referees or VAR. This is the first season it’s been used in the league, and the NWSL is the first women’s soccer league in the world to utilize the technology. So, what exactly is VAR? And how will it change the league?
What is VAR?
The VAR system is a way to support the match officials already refereeing the game. The actual VAR is a match official who will review plays remotely by using specially installed cameras in the stadium.
The purpose of VAR is to stop clear and obvious errors and missed incidents in the run of play. No referee is perfect, and they can’t see all of the pitch at once, which is how VAR comes into the game. The extra cameras give officials more perspectives of the field to review plays.
All NWSL stadiums now have VAR technology up to FIFA’s standards. In terms of the cameras, we’ll most likely be able to see angles like behind-the-goal cameras, 18-yard-line cameras, goal-line cameras, and more.
How Does VAR Work?
VAR aims to minimize interference in the game while maximizing the benefit. The focus is on four situations:
- Goal or no goal: will review incidents in the run of play leading…
