Understanding the terminology used in Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology and video replay systems is essential for referees, coaches, players, and fans alike. Used in major sports such as football, handball, baseball, and rugby, VAR helps ensure fair play by assisting referees in making accurate, game-changing decisions.
This VAR & Video Replay Glossary provides clear definitions of the most important terms related to video-assisted refereeing. From key concepts like On-Field Review (OFR) and Clear and Obvious Error to technical aspects such as Video Operation Room (VOR) and Semi-Automated Offside Technology, this guide covers it all.
Whether you are a sports official, broadcaster, analyst, or passionate fan, this glossary will help you navigate the evolving world of VAR and video replay technology with confidence.
Assistant Video Assistant Referee (AVAR)
A supporting official who assists the main VAR by reviewing footage, communicating with referees, and ensuring the accuracy of decisions.
Angle of Incidence
The angle from which a camera captures an incident, which can affect how a play is interpreted in a VAR review.
Ball Tracking Technology
Advanced software used to analyze ball movement, often integrated with VAR for offside decisions and goal-line technology.
Back-to-Back VAR Reviews
When multiple incidents in quick succession require video review, potentially delaying game flow
Clear and Obvious Error
The fundamental principle guiding VAR intervention. A decision can only be overturned if there is a clear and undeniable mistake made by the on-field referee.
Centralized VAR Hub
A remote location where VAR reviews are conducted for multiple matches, rather than at individual stadiums. Used in some leagues and international tournaments.
Communication System
The headset and radio system used by referees and the VAR team to discuss incidents during a review.
Decision
The final ruling made by the referee after a VAR review, either confirming, overturning, or modifying the original call.
Deliberate Play vs. Deflection
A key concept in offside and handball rulings, where referees must decide if a player deliberately played the ball or if it simply deflected off them.
Error Margin in VAR
The small degree of uncertainty that can exist in VAR decisions, particularly in offside calls using semi-automated technology
FIFA Quality Programme
FIFA’s certification system that evaluates and approves technologies like VAR and Goal-Line Technology to ensure they meet global standards.
Full VAR Systems
A complete VAR setup with a fully equipped Video Operation Room (VOR), multiple camera angles, and trained referees to conduct video reviews.
Goal-Line Technology (GLT)
A separate system from VAR that uses cameras and sensors to determine whether a ball has fully crossed the goal line. Unlike VAR, GLT is fully automated and provides instant decisions.
Instant Replay System or Instant Video Replay (IVR)
A video-based review tool used in various sports, including baseball, basketball, and American football, to assess referee decisions in real-time.
Implementation Assistance and Approval Programme (IAAP)
FIFA’s initiative guides leagues and federations through the VAR implementation process, ensuring they meet FIFA’s standards before full approval.
Inconclusive VAR Decision
When video evidence is not clear enough to overturn the on-field referee’s original call, meaning the decision stands.
Infrared Goal-Line Sensors
Advanced sensors placed in goalposts to detect whether a ball has completely crossed the line.
Match-Changing Situations
Game incidents that significantly impact the result, such as goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity, which VAR is designed to review.
Media Rights Licensees (MRLs)
Organizations and broadcasters that have rights to access and distribute video footage from VAR systems.
Mistaken Identity Review
When VAR helps correct a situation where the referee has wrongly identified the player responsible for an offense.
Offside Technology (Semi-Automated Offside)
A VAR-enhanced system using artificial intelligence and tracking to quickly determine offside decisions.
On-Field Review (OFR)
When the main referee stops the game to review footage on a pitch-side monitor before making a final decision. This occurs when a VAR review requires the referee’s interpretation.
Penalty Review
A specific VAR check to determine if a penalty should be awarded, overturned, or confirmed.
Pitch-Side Monitor
The screen at the edge of the field where referees conduct an On-Field Review (OFR).
Referee Video Review
A broad term used to describe the process where referees use video footage to analyze and potentially change a decision.
Real-Time VAR Feed
The continuous video feed provided to the VAR team to assess incidents as they happen.
Red Card Review
A VAR review to determine whether a red card offense has been correctly awarded.
Slow-Motion Replay
A video tool used in VAR to analyze key moments in greater detail, often used for handball and foul decisions.
Silent Check
When VAR reviews an incident without informing the referee unless an error is found. If no issue is detected, the game continues without interruption.
Tactical VAR Usage
The strategic application of VAR to ensure minimal disruption to gameplay while maintaining fair officiating.
Threshold for VAR Intervention
The level of error severity required for VAR to recommend overturning a decision (usually limited to “clear and obvious” mistakes).
VAR (Video Assistant Referee)
A technology-driven system used to assist referees in making accurate decisions during matches by reviewing video footage of key incidents.
VAR Call
The moment when the referee decides to use VAR to review a play and potentially overturn or confirm a decision.
VAR Check
A silent review conducted by the VAR team without stopping play to confirm whether a decision needs further review. If no clear error is detected, play continues without intervention.
VAR Light
A simplified version of Full VAR Systems, designed for leagues and competitions that may not have access to a full Video Operation Room (VOR) but still require video assistance.
VAR Protocol
The official framework governing how and when VAR can be used, detailing the types of decisions it can review, such as goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity.
VAR Controversy
Disputes and debates surrounding the use of VAR, often related to decisions perceived as unfair or inconsistent.
VAR Decision
The final ruling made after a VAR review, either confirming or overturning the original call.
VAR Delay
The additional time taken in a match due to VAR reviews, sometimes leading to extended stoppage time.
VAR Operator
The technician responsible for managing video replay footage and providing referees with the best possible angles.
VAR Review
The process of analyzing video footage to determine whether an initial referee decision should stand or be overturned.
VAR Room (VOR – Video Operation Room)
The dedicated space where the VAR team, including the Video Match Officials (VMOs), monitors live match footage, reviews controversial decisions, and communicates with the on-field referee.
Video Match Officials (VMOs)
The team of trained referees and analysts who operate in the Video
Video Replay Technology
A broad term referring to video-based systems used across sports to assist referees in reviewing and verifying key decisions.
To Go Further
Video: The Dartfish VAR System, FIFA Certified, at the Capixabão SuperBet 2024
