Abstract
The integration of technology into sports officiating has become increasingly prominent across both amateur and professional levels. Systems such as bunker reviews in NFL and Rugby League, Hawk-Eye in Cricket and Tennis, and VAR and TMO in Football and Rugby Union are now central to decision-making processes. While these innovations are often praised for improving the accuracy of officiating, there has been limited exploration of how they are perceived by key stakeholders—namely, officials, players, and fans. This study adopts a qualitative methodology, conducting semi-structured interviews and applying thematic analysis to uncover stakeholder perspectives on the use of officiating technology. Findings reveal a complex relationship between perceived benefits and experiential drawbacks. Despite acknowledging improvements in decision accuracy, many participants expressed concerns about technology disrupting the flow of the game, diminishing the authority of officials, and contributing to an over-analysis of gameplay. These insights suggest that, particularly within Australian Rugby codes, there is a growing sentiment in favour of limiting technological intervention and restoring greater autonomy to on-field officials. The study highlights the need for further research across a broader range of sports to assess whether these views are consistent across different sporting cultures. Ultimately, the findings contribute to ongoing debates about the role of technology in sport and its impact on the social and cultural experience of the game.
Presenters
Christopher BaldwinTeam Leader/Manager, Faculty of Health Wellbeing and Human Services, TAFE NSW, Australia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Sports Management and Commercialization
KEYWORDS
Sports Official, Fans, Technology, Experiences, Players
