Zim refs embrace new technology

Fungai Muderere
TECHNOLOGY has arrived!

Fifa recently donated five sets ofA� beeping systems to Zifa for use by local referees. The system comes to Zimbabwe 10 years after it was first used for international matches at the Fifa World Cup in 2006.

The beeping system enables match officials to stay alert with radio beeps and vibration signals among them during matches.

a�?We are on the verge of acquiring communication equipment for our match officials. While I cana��t commit as to when our match officials will fully embrace the use of communication technology, I can only say it will be soon because we recently received five sets of the beeping system from Fifa that we distributed to Bulawayo, Harare, Manicaland, Midlands and Masvingo,a�? said Zifa Referees Committee vice-chairman Gladmore Muzambi.

B-Metro Sport has since observed that on a few occasions this season esteemed local referee Nkosana Nduna and his assistants have been using the technology also known as the Never Miss a Flag.

Ita��s key for offside and other important occurrences that the assistant and referee are on the look out for.

The receiver features a curved body to better snug up on onea��s upper arm, and can be set to vibrate only, beep only, or vibrate and beep.

The signal pattern is different for each assistant referee, so the referee always knows who is paging him or her.

Conveniently, the receiver turns itself off after two hours of non-use. Muzambi added that the countrya��s football mother body was still expecting to receive two sets of RefTalk Radio Communication from the Confederation of African Football (Caf).

a�?We will soon be getting two sets of that (Ref Talk Radio) equipment from Caf. This will obviously improve the way our match officials handle football matches. With funds permitting we are looking forward to acquiring RefSprays which are very much expensive. They will also improve match officiating,a�? said Muzambi.

RefTalk Radio Communication system instantly alerts the refereesa�� team and helps them discuss incidents on the field, misconduct from the touchline or mentor each other as a team.

The RefSpray helps the centre man to enforce the distance, establish ball placement and defensive player walls during set plays.

They are available in a starter pack with a holster and marker, or as refill packs to keep the referees going all season.

The referees wireless communication systems also include the a�?red watchesa�?. The large watches outlined in red and worn on the sub-dominant wrist are part of the Goal Decision System used in various international leagues. When the whole of the ball crosses the goal line, between the posts and under the crossbar, this watch vibrates and displays the word a�?GOALa�? in capital letters.