RefCam delivers game-changing perspective in Austrian Football Bundesliga debut

The first trial of RefCam by Sky Österreich in the Austrian Football Bundesliga saw the innovative technology from Riedel Communications provide live coverage from referee Stefan Ebner’s perspective during the SK Rapid vs. Austria Klagenfurt match. Pre-match, half-time and post-match events were successfully covered using the head mounted camera/mic combo, boosting the possibility of a bigger rollout of the technology in major fixtures next year. The referee camera system also provided recorded live footage with on-site and onscreen approval from referee authorities to ensure there was no reputational damage.

According to Emil Drexler, head of sports operations at Sky, the biggest challenge was getting permission from the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The league, clubs and referees agreed to use this innovation from the start. It helps that Sky Österreich is a long-time partner to the Austrian Bundesliga. “We have a very positive working relationship,” Drexler says. “We all want to push this product forward and improve it.”

“We’ve been very lucky in getting permission from them to broadcast [some RefCam footage] live,” he adds. “So we were able to use this camera on the live broadcast during the pre-match, right until the kick-off, during half time, and post-match from right after the final whistle. We were able to cover the coin toss, the running out of the players, and some other really nice insights in the beginning and during half time through this camera.”

In addition, Sky Austria had permission to use RefCam recordings from the game for post-match coverage and analysis, with an editor and EVS operator dedicated to the RefCam feed in the OB van.

“We were able to show images from the first half during half-time, and we could use clips from the second half after the game,” Drexler explains. “We also had access to all the audio: the communication of the referee with the linesman, with the players, with the manager, with the video assistant referee. That was really an important extra to have. It helped to understand why certain decisions were made.”

Read more Referee-mounted camera used in German Bundesliga for first time

Sky Österreich also used the recorded footage in a 15-minute documentary on the project.

Such intimate access into the action on the pitch runs the risk of exposing more than just rules and regulations being laid down, especially during heated moments. “It was important that nobody should be afraid to lose their reputation,” Drexler explains. “So we decided to also have Ali Hofmann (head of referee department, ÖFB), stationed in our OB van, so that he could approve every clip before we showed it live. Nothing was shown that shouldn’t be shown, and the club managers were happy with that.

“We really got the pictures we were looking for. During the match, we saw the referee discussing several decisions with the players. You could see that they’re under a lot of stress, and that it’s a really a tough job. It was a new perspective for the fans, helping them to understand why the referee is making his decisions. Stefan Ebner was very good, very open to this kind of innovation; it was important to have somebody like him for the first time.”

Technical path

RefCam offers two models. “They have a non-live unit with a memory card inside, but it was important for us to have the live unit, so that the signal is transmitted continuously, and we have everything on board,” says Drexler. “The technical path isn’t very sophisticated; you just have one small camera and a few transmitters, but it works very well, with very low latency. You just have to make sure that everything is synced with the other [broadcast] cameras, as well as syncing it with the audio, the comms and the video system referee. That introduces some delays, and so it needs a lot of work from the technical department. But when everything was set up, it worked out very well.”

“During the match, we saw the referee discussing several decisions with the players. You could see that they’re under a lot of stress, and that it’s a really a tough job. It was a new perspective for the fans”

Monika Coupkova, director of sports production at Sky Österreich, highlights the unique position of being both the host and rights-holding broadcaster for the Austrian League. “It’s a small market. There’s a lot of trust, and we have a close relationship with the clubs,” she notes, adding it was thus easier to trial innovations compared to larger leagues such as the German Bundesliga or the Premier League.

Coupkova also highlights Austria’s openness to innovation, noting success testing advanced technology such as drones and special cameras during live games. Clubs like Red Bull Salzburg are particularly innovative, she says, but stresses that trust is key to collaborating on these initiatives: “it’s about working together and building trust to create something new.”

Involving referees and their leadership early is also essential. “This takes place in a live situation; you can’t cut it out. It was crucial to build trust, so they’d see we’d never broadcast anything politically incorrect or harmful to their reputation,” Coupkova says, adding that Sky Österreich’s dual role simplifies collaboration: “Our close connection to the clubs, league and referees makes navigating relationships much easier.”

Drexler also contrasts the Austrian Bundesliga with other leagues, suggesting clubs elsewhere can often be critical or fearful of technology like RefCam revealing sensitive moments.

“We were surprised by how open the clubs here were,” he reveals. “In the end, all went well, proving there’s no need to be afraid. It really helped showcase how tough the referee’s job is and how hard they work to make the right calls.”

Trial by combat

Lessons have been learned. “We [now know] we don’t have to be afraid of covering the referee’s perspective,” adds Drexler. “They’re just doing their job and trying their best.” He emphasised that the approach is to the benefit of everyone, adding: “It really helps if fans, managers and others can understand why each decision was made.”

Coupkova notes the potential of such footage as an evaluation tool, saying: “It provides a different angle on situations, with and without the referee’s decision, which could be valuable for future analysis.”

For now, the ball is in IFAB’s court – a decision is forthcoming in the new year whether or not broadcasters will be able to make use of RefCam live within the match.

From a technical standpoint Drexler expects the camera set up to be further streamlined, with the transmitter becoming smaller and lighter.

Read more Premier League trials RefCam during Crystal Palace v Manchester United fixture

“We’ve given feedback to our technical partner,” he adds. “We were happy with the test, that it worked out as planned, but you always have a few small issues which you can improve for the next time.”

“One of the technical lessons learned was that they have to customise the in-ear microphone for the referees, so that it isn’t in danger of falling out,” says Coupkova. “Referees also need to feel comfortable with this equipment on their head, they need to feel like it’s not there.”

Sky had previously tested body cams, which failed because referees found them too heavy, restricting their movement.

The trial match experience highlighted the need for equipment that seamlessly integrates into a referee’s routine, and for any system to be adopted regularly, it must be unobtrusive and practical. Coupkova suggests that if the gear is distracting, referees might reject it outright, which could disrupt match coverage.

While there are no current plans, there has been past discussion about expanding this technology to other roles, like coaches. “The view from the coach’s area and how they interact with players could provide great insight for fans,” Coupkova suggests.

She referenced Austrian club SK Sturm Graz, where the coach was open to testing such equipment, making it a potential avenue for exploration. However, she acknowledges that not all coaches might agree to wear it.

“The collaboration with Strum Graz on a joint documentary gave Sky insights into the club that had not been possible before. The coach was very open to exploring a new [technological] path with Sky, and we could well imagine carrying out tests such as the coach camera here,” she says, adding it could be a “game changer” if adopted, as fans found hearing coaches during COVID-era games particularly engaging.

Drexler also emphasises the value of deeper insights: “Anything that gives more insight adds value – more than just another camera angle.” He acknowledges that access is the real challenge, especially with managers who guard their secrets, but adds: “We won’t stop trying.”