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6 months ago
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The NFL plans to test an optical tracking technology for line-to-gain rulings this preseason.
According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the league is preparing to test the advanced method in the preseason with a chance of implementing it full-time in the regular season.
Should the trial run go well, it could mean a demotion for the chain gang. However, Jones added that the chain officials would remain on the field as a backup if the technology struggles.
Jones reported that the NFL's competition committee quietly approved optical tracking in March. Nevertheless, as previously noted, the full implementation will depend on how well, or terribly, the test run goes.
Despite its dominance in the sports market, the NFL is significantly outdated compared to other leagues when it comes to the use of technological advancements.
The NFL will test optical tracking technology this preseason in hopes of full implementation
The NFL is preparing to test optical tracking for line-to-gain rulings this preseason, with the chance for it to be implemented fully in the 2024 regular season, sources tell @NFLonCBS. Chains would be a backup if this is a success https://t.co/F4K2f28do1
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) May 21, 2024Fans fear that the rule being fully implemented could mean a demotion for the chain gang
The NFL reportedly plans to keep the chain officials on the field as backups for the technology
Incorrect line-to-gain rulings have long been responsible for altering games throughout NFL history. Hence, optical tracking could prove to be a ground-breaking officiating advancement if all goes according to plan.
While optical tracking technology is new to the NFL, several sports leagues adopted it in earlier years. Sports like soccer and tennis were among the first to take advantage of the innovation.
In 2012, goal line technology was first implemented in soccer at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan. By 2014, GLT became widely used in domestic and international competitions worldwide after the Premier League implemented it in the 2013-14 season.
Two years later, the International Football Association Board approved the usage of video assistant referee (VAR). The VAR is essentially an extra official who can view the game from multiple camera angles, providing an extra set of eyes for the on-field referees.
In March 2006, the ATP introduced the Hawk-eye system. Developed by Dr. Paul Hawkins, the technology was a game-changer in tennis, as it allowed officials to automatically detect where the ball landed on the court during matches.
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