NFL to test optical tracking system for line-to-gain rulings in preseason with eyes toward 2024 implementation

[ROD-BOT]

NFL to test optical tracking system for line-to-gain rulings in preseason with eyes toward 2024 implementation

A successful trial run could yield a big change in the NFL in 2024

www.cbssports.com

NFL to test optical tracking system for line-to-gain rulings in preseason with eyes toward 2024 implementation​

The chain may no longer keep us together.

The NFL is moving forward this preseason with an optical tracking system for line-to-gain rulings, sources tell CBS Sports. The system had been tried out in a few NFL stadiums this past season, and it will get a full preseason trial this summer.

If the trial goes well and everyone's on board, the tracking system will be implemented full time for the 2024 NFL regular season, sources say.

In March, the NFL's competition committee quietly approved its use across all teams in the preseason. But before the league fully implements it for the full season, it wants to make sure the system works well enough to be trusted.

The chain gang won't exactly become a thing of the past, though. Sources say the chains will still exist on the sideline, but they'll be used both as a backup for game operations and as a reference point for coaches, players and fans in the stadium.

All game footballs are microchipped and have been for years. But this technology doesn't employ the chip and instead relies entirely on optical tracking. The system, which was used at MetLife Stadium and Hard Rock Stadium last year, would need to be installed across all 30 NFL stadiums as well as any international stadium where NFL games are played.

If the system works, it would make for a more accurate measuring system that reduces the amount of human error. If the league sees there are problems such as latency issues in the preseason, the move can be tabled until 2025 with the chain crew continuing to do the same job as always.

 

[Flint]

I’m curious as to how it actually works, which the article didn’t explain. Is it similar to the technology used in tennis tournaments to call the lines?

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

They should have been electronically spotting the ball years ago. I’m sick of fake ball placements by refs

 

[So Ram]

They should have been electronically spotting the ball years ago. I’m sick of fake ball placements by refs

It will make for a true challenge. I wonder how many bad placements took place in 2023 ? Even after a challenge as well ? It drives me KNUTTS sometimes.
-Yes - I sort of go crazy

 

[HE WITH HORNS]

They should have been electronically spotting the ball years ago. I’m sick of fake ball placements by refs

Stealers won't win nearly as many games after this gets implemented.

 

[Allen2McVay]

-Yes - I sort of go crazy

I am sorry but I absolutely refuse to accept this.

 

[Angry Ram]

Gonna remove the drama of the anticipation. No me gusta.

 

[XXXIVwin]

Long overdue.

 

[Loyal]

Long overdue.

technology lover!

 

[VeteranRamFan]

What I find interesting is them using an optical tracking system as opposed to a radio wave triangulation system (think cell phone towers or the military locating radar or radio transmission sites). Using optics can still have it's flaws as we have seen even on instant replay. Where's the ball? No one can tell.

Don't get me wrong, it's long overdue. Just wonder how it's going to work and how reliable it is.

 

[XXXIVwin]

technology lover!

We need this guy as a ref

 

[Allen2McVay]

What I find interesting is them using an optical tracking system as opposed to a radio wave triangulation system (think cell phone towers or the military locating radar or radio transmission sites).

Sometimes I think I may be the dumbest poster on this forum.
Then I read posts like this one above, and I just know it.

FUCK!!!

 

[Psycho_X]

What I find interesting is them using an optical tracking system as opposed to a radio wave triangulation system (think cell phone towers or the military locating radar or radio transmission sites). Using optics can still have it's flaws as we have seen even on instant replay. Where's the ball? No one can tell.

Don't get me wrong, it's long overdue. Just wonder how it's going to work and how reliable it is.

Agreed, don't understand doing it this way. I'm glad they are going this direction but optics won't matter when the ball is covered in a scrum fighting for a first down or touchdown.

 

[Antonius]

A.I. refs when coaches try to challenge their ruling on the field:

 

[Corbin]

I hate to be that guy but the NFL having complete control over 1st downs now or stop a drive for a 4th down to push set up a certain narrative?

Sometimes things are just to fishy with how the NFL sets up games for views and it's proven they aren't against doing what it takes to "Protect the Shield" and/or get as many viewers and new audiences it can get it's hands on.

Prepare for the Kansas City Swifties to upend the Cheatriots because of all the extra eyes a publicity it brings to the NFL and it's customers ( the networks and PPV services now).

 

[majrleaged]

I don't see how it changes anything. The refs still have to place the ball based on where they see where the ball is at when the knee hits the ground. Then after everything is placed the optics tell them it is a first down or not. Really don't think this a big deal. Not until they have ground sensors sensing a knee sensor hitting the ground and a chip sensor that shows the entire size of the ball coinciding with the previous sensors will it make a difference.

 

[Mackeyser]

I don't see how it changes anything. The refs still have to place the ball based on where they see where the ball is at when the knee hits the ground. Then after everything is placed the optics tell them it is a first down or not. Really don't think this a big deal. Not until they have ground sensors sensing a knee sensor hitting the ground and a chip sensor that shows the entire size of the ball coinciding with the previous sensors will it make a difference.

There are much easier and more robust systems that could be put in place, but I get your point and agree.

Moreover, with all the broadcasting tech being implemented and honestly just dragging the NFL forward kicking and screaming, it becomes harder and harder to steer the outcomes.

We're what... maybe 5-10 years from 8k TVs? The resolution is only going to get better and fans will only see more as the broadcasters provide more and more detailed information and context.

Heck, one of the reasons MLB has had a resurgence is that after the fight with Fox which Fox won putting the strike zone graphic on the screen, fans can see with better context what is balls and strikes.

We have more "proof" that human error in calling balls and strikes for example is not minor or limited. The amount of wrong calls just per game can be in the double digits... multiply 2460 regular season games and the post season and you're talking between 25k and 30k WRONG calls per season. That's insane and makes any "human factor" arguments even moreso.

The outcry about how poorly Umps in MLB call strikes has led to AAA ball using two different versions of the Hawkeye system like they use in tennis, one on a challenge system and one that is used for every pitch. What's amazing is that if the pitcher wants to challenge a pitch, he just taps his head and the review is posted on the jumbotron... takes between 2-5 SECONDS, so no major delay and no having to get "under the hood"

So, yeah, in the near future, there will be tech that gives technological certainty within a very small margin of error to most calls from spotting the ball to where it went out of bounds.

The refs will be on field to manage the game and to call interpersonal calls like holding, personal fouls, timekeeping and even timekeeping will have substantial tech assist.

It's a great time to be a sports fan, for sure.

 

[Q729]

Sounds like what the UFL is using right now. They use a bunch of 4k cameras to sight the ball after it's placed by a ref. The purpose of it is not more accurate ball spotting, but to save time from trotting the chains out on the field.

 

[dieterbrock]

Using any form of technology will be more accurate and consistent than the archaic chain gang method.
Like anything else, it will absolutely improve the game until one’s team gets a bad call. Lol

 

[CGI_Ram]

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