New technology at the VELUX EHF FINAL4

Following the introduction of goal-line technology and a goal-light signal at previous editions of the VELUX EHF FINAL4, the EHF is to take a further technological step forward at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne on 28/29 May 2016.

For the first time in the sport’s history, referees will be able to refer to an instant video replay of a particular on-court incident to assist them in reaching a decision.

It offers the possibility to the referees to immediately watch a situation on a TV screen if they were not able to see the complete action on the court and if they wish to check again before reaching a decision.

This specifically refers to key match situations where the referees decide to consult the TV picture additionally to their own view on the court.

The instant replay is offered to the referees on the same TV-screen as the goal-line technology and includes the standard TV picture as well as additional camera angles offering an overall view of the court.

Goal-line cameras

First introduced at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 back in 2013, goal-line technology allows referees to utilise a number of cameras fixed to the goal to check whether the ball has crossed the goal-line.

The technology provides referees with the opportunity – if they decide – to pause the game if they are unsure whether the ball has completely crossed the line, or, as the video is linked to the match clock, if the ball crossed the goal-line before the end of half-time or full-time.

If they choose to use the goal-line video evidence option, the game will pause as one referee goes to the technical support table to view an instant replay and make the decision on what he has seen.

The system was used most recently at the Men’s EHF Cup Finals in Nantes.

Decision rests with referees

The use of both the instant replay and goal-line technology is exclusively the responsibility of the referees and only the referees can decide to make use of it or not.

Neither the EHF Delegate nor the Supervisor nor any of the teams have the right to intervene or make use of these technologies. The handling is therefore completely in the hands of the referees.

A decision of the referees after having consulted any of the three technologies is considered as a ‘statement of fact’ and has the same status as any other decision taken by the referees on the court.

Goal-light

A feature introduced in 2014 and to be used again this year is the LED goal-light.

An LED light installed behind the goal lights up at the same time as the buzzer sounds for team timeouts and at the end of each half.

Research by the EHF has shown that the acoustic signal for team timeouts and at the end of each half is hard to hear in many halls, especially when there is a lot of noise coming from frenetic spectators.

A visual signal therefore provides all those involved in the match an additional signal to show that the time has stopped or ended.
The signal also provides further help to the referees in deciding whether a last-second shot has crossed the line or not.

New perspectives on the game

The EHF has made a commitment to the development of new technologies within the sport and has already carried out a number of trials with partners looking at player tracking and new camera angles.

As a result of trials carried out in January 2016, the first of these technologies is to be introduced at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 with referees to be fitted with special cameras during the event in Cologne.

The cameras, which are linked to the host broadcaster’s TV production, will allow video pictures, though without sound, to be shown in real-time and offering a completely perspective not previously seen in handball.