The English Premier League has announced the introduction of body cameras for referees, starting with the game between Manchester United and Crystal Palace. Referee Jarred Gillett will utilize a head-mounted device called a ‘RefCam’, although the footage won’t be broadcast live. Instead, it will be part of a special program offering insights into officiating in the Premier League.
Approved by football’s governing body IFAB and the Premier League refereeing body PGMOL, the technology will provide a unique perspective on the demands of refereeing. While the footage won’t be immediately broadcast, it will be showcased later in the year to enhance understanding and education about refereeing in the Premier League.
This move isn’t entirely new, as referee Rob Jones wore a camera for a 2023 Summer Series match between Chelsea and Brighton in Philadelphia.Similar initiatives have been adopted in the Bundesliga when referee Daniel Schlager wore a camera and microphone during the game between Frankfurt and Wolfsburg. The footage of the game was used for a programme called ‘Referees Mic’d up – Bundesliga’.
At grassroots level, the Football Association initiated a trial of referee bodycams to evaluate their impact on behavior and respect towards referees. With positive feedback from both players and referees, these trials are part of broader efforts to support and protect match officials while providing valuable educational content for fans and participants alike.
