A breakthrough destined to profoundly change the relationship between referees, fans, and technology. Starting next season, Serie A and Serie B referees will explain decisions made after VAR intervention in real time, directly from the pitch, with announcements audible in the stadium and broadcast on television.
The historic news was made official by Gianluca Rocchi, referee designator, during the pre-season training camp in Cascia.
“The big news for next season will be the on-field announcement.”, Rocchi declared. The referee will be able to publicly explain the decision made after the VAR review. This is a significant step forward in communication, which we've been committed to transparency for years. Now, however, the explanations will be made public, in real time.
A revolution inspired by models already successfully adopted in other sports, such as American football and rugby, and which aims to bridge the communication gap that has too often fueled controversy, doubts, and tensions surrounding refereeing decisions.
Rocchi emphasized how this innovation also requires an evolution in the training of referees: We will prepare thoroughly, especially in terms of communications. We have selected a select group of race officials and want to standardize language and content to ensure clear and understandable messages for everyone.
There will be no maximum time for announcements, the referee designator specified, leaving the referees free to express themselves according to their own style: "Every referee has their own way of communicating. We won't set rigid limits, but we will focus on the quality of communication."
It's also a cultural reform for Italian football.
What's being announced is a cultural reform, even more than a technical one. For the first time in the history of Italian football, the public will be able to hear the referee's reasoning behind often decisive decisions, directly from the referee. This radical transparency measure could strengthen trust in the refereeing profession and contribute to a more informed and less instrumental debate.
In an increasingly interconnected and media-driven world of football, this innovation represents a point of no return: a paradigm shift that could also set standards internationally.
In short
A turning point destined to profoundly change the relationship between referees, fans, and technology.
- Starting next season, Serie A and Serie B referees will explain their decisions in real time...
- Gianluca Rocchi, referee designator, made this historic development official during the pre-season training camp in Cascia.
- “The big news next season will be the on-field announcement,” said Rocchi.
Key questions
What is the main point of the news?
A turning point destined to profoundly change the relationship between referees, fans, and technology.
Why is this news relevant?
Starting next season, Serie A and Serie B referees will explain their decisions in real time...
Which detail helps us understand the case better?
Gianluca Rocchi, referee designator, made this historic development official during the pre-season training camp in Cascia.
Honestly, I don't know if this measure will be effective. Sometimes words can create more confusion than clarity. It might help, but the truth is that it takes time to see results.
The novelty of having the referee speak on the pitch is interesting, but there are doubts whether this will really help solve communication problems. I hope it works well to avoid confusion between fans and referees.