MUSCAT: As many as 15 main referees, 15 assistant referees, three referees from Bahrain and four operators of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system took part in the second stage of VAR training sessions ahead of executing the VAR system in the domestic football league later this season. The training sessions began on Sunday under organisation of Oman Football Association (OFA) in presence of International certified lecturer and OFA umpiring expert Ali al Turaifi in coordination with Hawk-Eye company which will manage and operate VAR system.
The one week training course will feature different sessions as the umpires will learn some scenarios based on simulation system for complicated off-side cases and other footballing decisions. The purpose of these scenarios is to enable the referees to take the right decisions using the VAR tool. The OFA had taken crucial steps for ensuring the readiness of the domestic umpires to begin using VAR system soon in the local events. The first training courses began in early October and was followed by another week of training in October end.
The OFA had signed a strategic deal with Hawk-Eye in September to establish a training contract for the referees to prepare them for the VAR technology. The aim of this partnership was to ensure fair competition in the local football competitions and also to improve the efficiency and automation of officiating in different OFA events.
The company had started to set up their services in some venues including some proposed locations in Seeb Stadium. The OFA in coordination with the company started organising some training courses for the referees in October.
The leading technology provider will shape Omani referees on offering the desired solutions and guidelines on certain technical arrangements that are required for the setting up of the VAR system in the venues in full accordance to the Fifa rules and guidelines. Hawk-Eye Company is one of the leading international entities and they are specialised in providing training and operation of VAR system.
The OFA officials had stated ahead of the existing season of Omantel League start that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will take place in different phases this season. The VAR system will be treated as a trial run ahead of expected full implementation in the forthcoming seasons.
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