In an exciting first for Australian football, the upcoming exhibition matches during Global Football Week will feature the debut of RefCam, a groundbreaking body camera technology designed to enhance referee development and fan engagement. 

The RefCam will be piloted during high-profile matches such as Tottenham v Newcastle, Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s All Stars v Newcastle, and Liberty A-League Women’s All Stars v Arsenal.  

The RefCam pilot aims to offer fans a unique perspective showcasing matches from the referees’ point of view. This initiative not only supports the development of match officials but also demonstrates Football Australia’s commitment to innovation in Australian football by providing fans with a privileged insight into the officiating process. 

The footage captured by the RefCam will be used internally to analyse and improve referee performance, offering valuable insights into their decision-making and positioning during matches. This pilot also highlights our collaboration with Reveal Media, the provider of the body cameras.  

In addition to the RefCam pilot, Football Australia is launching a Body Cam pilot to address referee recruitment and retention challenges nationwide. Earlier this year, we identified the potential of a body camera pilot as part of our initiatives and have now secured approval from IFAB to proceed with a trial in community football. 

As part of this pilot, Football Australia, in partnership with Reveal Media, will introduce the initiative to three Member Federations. Each will receive 15 cameras to be used later in the 2024 season, with Football Queensland, Football NSW, and Football Victoria securing positions in the pilot for launch in July.  

Additionally, we will be working with our broadcast partner, Channel 10, to leverage the unique RefCam footage for creating engaging social media content. Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at the matches, enhancing their viewing experience and driving greater interest and engagement. 

Nathan Magill, Head of Referees, commented on the initiative: “The introduction of RefCam is a significant step forward for Australian football. This technology will help develop and train our referees and offer fans a unique and immersive view of the game. We’re excited to see the positive impact this will have on Australian Football.” 

He added, “Outside of the professional game, Football Australia is committed to ensuring we continue to enhance the environment for our community match officials.  The Body Cam pilot is part of our strategy to ensure we improve behaviour towards referees across the nation. I am pleased to see the project come to life, and I am thankful for the support from Reveal Media in assisting Football Australia in conducting the pilot.” 

Conclusion

The RefCam footage will not be provided live but will be available for download and accessible to broadcasters and Football Australia channels. This innovative project underscores Football Australia’s commitment to excellence and transparency in officiating, and are eager to see its benefits unfold.