English grassroots referees will be allowed to wear body cameras during matches in a bid to reduce the abuse they face, the Football Association (FA) announced on Friday. The trial, a first in world football, has been authorised by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) and will take place across four regional adult leagues this season.
Approximately 100 referees are expected to use the equipment over the first three months in Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Worcester and Essex. The trial begins this weekend in Middlesbrough. Footage captured can be used as evidence in disciplinary hearings if required.
A survey of 900 grassroots officials by the BBC this week found that a third had been physically abused by spectators, players or managers. Daniel Meeson, the FA’s head of refereeing (technical and development), said the trial offers an opportunity to better understand such behaviour and protect referees.
“We care passionately about the welfare and support for our referees in England and our national game simply could not operate without them,” he said. “We are excited to explore how bodycams can be used in grassroots refereeing so that we can better understand how they could help affect the behaviour of players and coaches towards them.”
The FA will examine evidence collected during the close season and, if successful, roll out the technology across further grassroots leagues next season. The trial is run in partnership with Reveal Media, which is supplying the bodycams.
