Referees and Objectivity Referees and Objectivity Discussion: Do you think that a referee can always be objective? Can you think of famous scandals related to the decisions of football referees? What measures can be taken to improve the situation? Listening: 5 referee decisions that shook the world http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NC0wz-YCPk (00-2:51) Watch the video and comment on the following: Which match are they talking about in the video? What was the controversial issue in the match? What, in your opinion, can be done to prevent that from happening again? Do you know of similar cases in football history? Goal-line Technology - May 24, 2012 Before reading: Do you think goal-line technology is an effective solution to the issue of goal disputes in football? http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17725886 Goal-line technology has finally won approval following a vote by International Football Association Board(IFAB) members in Zurich on Thursday.There are a few hurdles still to negotiate, but it could be introduced into the English Premier League midway through the 2012-13 season. Here, BBC Sport asks - and answers - the big questions. So, after years of debate, is goal-line technology going to be introduced at all matches? The International Football Association Board voted unanimously in favour of introducing the technology, leaving it up to individual associations to decide whether to implement it into their respective competitions. Fifa used to be against it, so what changed? Fifa dropped its long-standing opposition to its introduction in 2010 following Frank Lampard's disallowed goal against Germany at the World Cup in South Africa. His shot hit the bar and bounced down over the line, but a goal was not given by officials. Fifa president Sepp Blatter apologised to the English Football Association (FA) after the incident. So once Fifa changed its opinion, how did it go about finding a suitable system? Eight systems were initially tested by an independent body. Each company had to demonstrate their technology adhered to Fifa benchmarks. These included notification of a goal being sent to the referee’s watch within one second of the ball crossing the line and strict standards on accuracy. Two companies proceeded to the second phase of testing. GoalRef and British-based Hawk-Eye were tested again to check their accuracy in “real-world” scenarios – including in poor weather conditions, while floodlights are being used and when players are moving or standing close to the goal posts. They were both successful. Tell us more about the two systems that have been approved. Hawk-Eye’s system uses six cameras, focusing on each goal, to track the ball on the pitch. The system’s software uses “triangulation” to pinpoint the exact location of the ball. If it crosses the goal-line, an encrypted radio signal is sent to the referee’s wristwatch to indicate a goal has been scored. The whole process takes less than a second to complete. GoalRef uses a microchip implanted in the ball and the use of low magnetic waves around the goal. The system then detects any change in the magnetic field on or behind the goal-line to determine if a goal has been scored. The process takes less than one second, with the result electronically relayed to the referee. So two companies have been approved – what happens now? The technology will first be used at December’s Fifa Club World Cup and, if successful, at the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup. The Premier League wants to use it “as soon as practically possible”. It will decide, through consultation with member clubs, its preferred system and then make a decision about cost and when to implement it. The Football League will also discuss the matter with its 72 clubs. John Terry clears the ball Euro 2012 : Last-ditch John Terry clearance saves England True or false 1. Only half of the members of the International Football Association Board voted in favor of goal-line technology. 2. FIFA president admitted the referee’s mistake after Frank Lampard’s goal had been disallowed. 3. FIFA tested products by eight companies before taking a decision. 4. Hawk Eye takes a few minutes to analyze the location of the ball. 5. The new technology will first be used at FIFA World Cup in December.