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Dr. Paul Hawkins introduced the revolutionary Hawk-Eye system to the world in 1999. Used regularly in sports, such as tennis or cricket, we’ve either loved or hated it ever since.
But no matter how you feel about Hawk-Eye, it has certainly become entrenched in televised sport.
Hawk-Eye has not officially been used at the French Open, however viewers would have noticed it popping up this year, usually after the umpire had already made a visual call.
Some players have, however, demanded the system be implemented. Television audiences have become familiar with the system, perhaps because Hawk-Eye seems to offer a reassuring impartiality.
In a snub to Hawk-Eye, GoalControl, a German-based competitor, will deploy a very similar system at all matches in the 2014 Football World Cup. This system provides a wireless link to a referees’ watch that vibrates and indicates whenever the ball crosses the goal-line.
These systems are both expensive to install and not infallible. Hawk-Eye concedes accuracy to within five millimetres.
Hawk-Eye Roarers may be asking, at this point, what any of this has to do with rugby?
There have been several news reports within the past week indicating that Hawk-Eye is courting the IRB and possibly Premier Rugby in the UK. The IRB have neither confirmed nor denied discussions, however they have reiterated that the current TMO system is a trial and due to end in August 2014.
What has become increasingly clear to most on this forum is that the current TMO protocols are becoming a joke.
Games are being delayed and the TMO procedures seem to frequently change, confusing fans. Officials too seem confused.
TMO issues occur in major matches on a regular basis. The TMO system seems to be contributing to, rather than reducing, controversies within the sport.
The IRB no doubt hoped that the use of TV replays viewed and adjudicated by an impartial TMO would provide indisputable evidence enhancing the referee’s on-field decision, removing the taint of subjective decision making.
Some refs seem to use the TMO as a video remote control, others try to talk over the TMO as quickly as possible before the TMO can move the conversation in a direction contrary to their interpretation. Some conversations distract from the game and descend into farce. This is clearly nonsense.
But how could a technological system like Hawk-Eye provide solutions, and at what expense?
Could Hawk-Eye clear up forward passes? Hopefully, except IRB TMO protocols indicate it is no longer necessary to adjudicate the flight of the ball.
Hawk-Eye could obviously deal with the ball and players crossing all boundaries, where visible, including kicks at goal.
But are the increased costs justifiable? Surely most of these incidents are less controversial and covered sufficiently by existing personnel?
Perhaps as discovered by the French Open tennis organisers, modern audiences have come to appreciate the perception of impartial trustworthiness delivered by computerised forms of adjudication.
By buying into that perception, via a system like Hawk-Eye the IRB, like FIFA, might be able to justify the expense and increase credibility.
However, perhaps we are complicating things too much. It looks like simplifying and streamlining the laws slightly and allowing the referees to effectively decide is the solution we really need.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.