A referee camera was introduced during the final of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, giving viewers a new perspective on the action and providing the director with an additional live broadcast source.
The system featured a miniature camera mounted on the lapel of referee Rob Spencer. Video was transmitted via RF back to the production truck, where it was converted into a broadcast-ready signal that could be cut into the live programme.
The camera was supplied by Camera Innovations Limited, led by engineer Tim Jones, who has previously developed similar referee camera systems for football coverage.
Trevor Fegan, technical producer at host broadcaster Sunset+Vine, said the BBC adopted the concept as part of a wider effort to innovate in live sports production and explore more immersive ways of covering major events.
“It was always about trying to innovate for the BBC and bring the viewer closer to the action,” said Fegan.
“The signal comes back to the truck and is adapted into a broadcast signal that the director can cut to live.”
Developing the system for snooker required the production team to ensure that the equipment was small, discreet and comfortable enough for the referee to wear during play.
Referee Rob Spencer was already carrying microphones, communications equipment and belt packs, meaning the camera system had to be integrated without interfering with his movement or concentration.
“We had to keep it as small and adaptable as possible because the referee is already wearing a microphone and comms equipment,” said Fegan.
“There were a few things to navigate through to make sure the referee was completely happy.”
Noise and heat management were among the key technical challenges. Cooling fans were required, while the overall system had to be carefully miniaturised to ensure it remained practical for use in the unique environment of a snooker final.
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The final version used at the Crucible followed several stages of development. Earlier chest-mounted designs were tested but proved less suitable, leading to the more refined lapel-mounted version used during the final.
“This was really phase two or three of the development – the earlier chest-mounted versions didn’t really work,” said Fegan.
The production team trialled and tested the setup ahead of the final, rigging the system during the evening session before deciding it was suitable for use during the live broadcast during the final, which saw Wu Yize defeat Shaun Murphy in an epic 18-17 match.
