The Goal-Line Technology in Football. A Critical Analysis of its Efficacy and Limitations for Referees

Project Report from the year 2024 in the subject Sport - Sports Equipment and Supplies, University of Applied Sciences München, language: English, abstract: This academic paper takes a critical look at various aspects of goal-line technology in football. The main focus is on explaining how the technology works. The motivation for the introduction of this technology was due to several incorrect decisions by referees when a goal was scored. After lengthy discussions, the national and international associations decided to introduce camera-based goal-line technology. Fourteen cameras are attached to the roof of the football stadium to check disputed situations. Seven cameras are aimed at each of the two penalty areas and film the ball as soon as it enters the penalty area. The camera images are then transmitted to a computer via fibre-optic-cable. The computer then uses detection software to calculate the exact position of the ball in relation to the goal line. As soon as the ball is behind the goal line, a signal is sent to the referee's watch on the field. With the help of the technology, the referee on the field can make the right decision even in tight situations. Nevertheless, it has been shown that the technology also makes mistakes despite its high level of accuracy; examples of this from football are discussed in detail. The advantages and disadvantages of the technology are then discussed in a critical evaluation, which concludes that the combination of humans and digital technology remains superior to the use of technology alone.