Video Review in Sports: VAR, Hawk-Eye, and the Replay Debate

By Jonas Arkwright · Published Sep 21, 2026 · 6 min read

In this guide

Ball tracking
Video assistant referees
Benefits
Criticisms
Improving the experience

Many sports now use video and tracking technology to support officials. Tennis, cricket, football, and others each use different systems.

Accuracy has improved, but debates continue.

Ball tracking

Systems using multiple cameras track the ball and are used for line calls in tennis and decisions in cricket. Some tennis tournaments have moved to fully electronic line calling.

Video assistant referees

In football, VAR reviews certain decisions such as goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity. Officials review footage and advise the on-field referee.

Benefits

Video review corrects clear errors in high-stakes moments and increases confidence in decisions.

Criticisms

Delays that interrupt the flow of games
Subjective decisions remain contested
Fans in stadiums often cannot see what is being reviewed

Improving the experience

Some competitions now explain decisions to fans via stadium announcements and screens.

This is general sports information and commentary. Rules, schedules, and records change — check official league, federation, and event sources for the latest details. Consult a qualified coach or medical professional before starting a new training programme.

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