Last year, the MLS announced they would become the world's first "smart league", whereby players wore special vests with sensors to allow coaches to monitor player performance. They also utilize vanishing spray, which is used to mark where the wall stands on free kicks. A new gizmo has now been trialled at the recent MLS All-Star game between the MLS All Stars and Roma - a ref cam. The referee wore a camera on his head, at about eye level, which recorded the sights and sounds from the game held in Kansas City last week, offering a unique insight into what goes on in-game. The footage can be seen here - http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2013/08/05/ref-cam-sights-and-sounds-2013-att-mls-all-star-game What do we think? Is it something that you would like to see introduced into more leagues? Or is it just a toy that isn't required?
It's been done before in rugby, with some very interesting results: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lxXU-5rbPo The issue with football obviously is that most of the language used on a football pitch is not suitable for public consumption, which may be why another rugby innovation, the ref mike, hasn't made it into football. You have to wonder though, if people could hear what the players were saying, maybe that would improve.
I'll bet Michael Bradley says "the little things are all for them right now" in every single game. The MLS did a lot of these videos where they analysed different decisions. I don't know who was in charge of making them but they weren't afraid to criticise refs when they made mistakes, but also backed them up when they got it right. It was quite a nice idea, probably helped that MLS refs were not that great some of the time...
I hope the ref goes into the team's dressing rooms after the games with the camera on... and into the showers.
Well, I think it's a good idea to use it, but boy, you really must have shave quickly using that stuff.....
Hope JWP carries on improving with Koeman...felt he wasn't Mauricio's favourite or perhaps didn't fit in the style.
