Both Refs and VAR suck: What Should Be Done?

By Ava Qin '25

In the heat of competition, a single referee decision can alter the course of a game, evoke uproar among fans, and leave athletes and coaches fuming with frustration. We've all witnessed those controversial moments, etched in sports history, where a human referee's call seemed so misguided that it prompted a collective outcry for change. However, the introduction of AI referees has brought about an entirely new set of controversies. I vividly recall the early season win for Tottenham against Liverpool, which sent online Liverpool fans into rage. Even as a Spurs fan, I can acknowledge their frustration (a win is a win though).

The controversy that prompted this technology was the 2004 US Open between Serena Williams and Jennifer Capriati, with a call so bad that the review system technology, Hawkeye, was begged to be implemented in the sport. This initial success paved the way for more sophisticated applications of AI in sports officiating. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, introduced in football, revolutionized the game by providing referees with real-time video replays to review potential game-changing decisions. The 2022 Qatar World Cup exemplified this technology with various questionable and game-altering decisions. This technological intervention raises a host of moral quandaries and introduces a new set of challenges, particularly as we witness the emergence of AI referees. 

The drive to implement AI referees stems from the desire to eliminate human error and ensure fairness in officiating. After all, machines don't succumb to the pressures of the crowd, personal biases, or split-second lapses in concentration. The promise is an impartial, consistent, and error-free adjudication process. Yet, as we enthusiastically embrace the era of AI in sports officiating, we must confront the potential pitfalls and ethical dilemmas that come with it. AI referees are designed to analyze plays objectively, relying on a vast database of rules and precedents. However, this very lack of subjectivity raises concerns about the human element that makes sports so captivating. The spontaneity, the unpredictability, and yes, even the occasional controversial decision contribute to the drama that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. AI may bring precision, but it risks destroying the soul of the game. Also, the stoppage time every single game is genuinely ridiculous. 

Using AI referees raises questions about accountability and responsibility, blurring the lines of blame when controversial calls are made. Navigating AI referees requires a delicate balance between human judgment and technological precision. While embracing technological advancements, we must preserve the essence of sportsmanship, the thrill of uncertainty, and the acceptance of human fallibility. The goal should be to augment human referees’ capabilities through technology, enhancing the spectacle without diminishing its core essence. As we grapple with the shortcomings and ethical dilemmas, let us strive for a future where the spirit of fair play remains untarnished, and the thrill of the game endures.

References 

Abram, Cleo. (2023, Aug 28). Why Human Referees Are Being Replaced [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMbBxMrIFjQ

(2023, Sep 13). Artificial Intelligence in Sports https://www.exxactcorp.com/blog/Deep-Learning/HPC-and-AI-in-Sports