Football Knowledge: What Do Referees Use Communication Headsets To Say To Each Other During Games?

In the 21st century, football games began to rely heavily on modern technology, including wireless communication systems between referees. In this report we look at the important rules by which referees talk during matches and what they say to each other, especially with the introduction of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) at the 2018 World Cup.

The referee is the biggest beneficiary of wireless communication; the technology provides him with the greatest possible assistance, especially in difficult-to-judgment situations, and it often happens that people feel that the decision made by the referee is not based on the lines, video assistant referee and even the fourth official's suggestion.

In order to clarify what referees should and should not say through the headset, let us review the important criteria set by the FIFA referee committee after the introduction of video assistant referee technology. The content of the conversation can only refer to the 4 situations mentioned above.

The focus of the conversation should be on the situation on the pitch, only one person can speak at a time, say the name first, then start talking, the rest should listen to him and don't interrupt him until he has finished his thoughts.

When wearing headphones, the content of the speech must be affirmative rather than negative. For example, in the case of a foul in the penalty area, the referee's speech must say "penalty kick" instead of "not a penalty kick", and the word needs to be repeated 3 times. That is, "penalty, penalty, penalty" to emphasize and indicate the content of the

speech.

With the linesman present, the referee can be informed about the movements and positioning of the players on the field, not just technical decisions, and can ask the lineman for help with any decision through the headset.