What is RefCam - technology that was tested in Crystal Palace vs Manchester United

Referee Jarred Gillett wore a unique headgear while officiating the Premier League clash between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park on Monday. The headgear included a camera - first instance of such a technological use in Premier League history.

Last year, the English Football Association (FA) had announced it will trial body cameras on referees in grassroots levels in a bid to ascertain whether the technology could help “improve participant behaviour and respect towards referees”.

What is RefCam?

The Crystal Palace-Manchester United game was part of filming for a one-off programme promoting match officials.

The camera provides the referee’s point of view on how the decisions are made and how the officials interact with players. It was not available for immediate consumption in live broadcast. It will be used later in the year during a show which the Premier League hopes will offer “further insight and education into the demands of officiating in the Premier League.”

More from Football

Manchester United may not make immediate move as Gianluigi Donnarumma announces PSG exit 'I saw so many people..': Chelsea's exciting signing Joao Pedro reveals why it was an easy decision to sign for the Blues

“Fans will be able to view it later in the year as part of a programme being produced by Premier League Productions aimed at offering further insight and education into the demands of officiating in the Premier League,” the league said in a statement.

“The technology comprises a head-mounted device which is integrated into the usual referee communications system.

“Its one-off use for educational purposes has been approved by the IFAB (International Football Association Board), the Premier League, PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) and both clubs. We would like to thank Crystal Palace and Manchester United for their support with this project.”

Has it been used anywhere else?

Referees Mic'd Up – Action aus einem ungewohnten Blickwinkel: Beim Spiel Frankfurt – Wolfsburg kam die RefCam zum Einsatz. Besondere Einblicke in die Schiri-Perspektive (und die Arbeit des VAR) gibt es in Form einer 26-minütigen Dokumentation bei @DAZN_DE und @SkySportDE. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/dlSOp3isxT

— DFB-Schiris (@dfbschiris) March 13, 2024

Germany’s Bundesliga also used ‘RefCam’ for the first time during a 2-2 draw between Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolfsburg in February.

As with the Premier League, the objective was to provide insights into the referee’s perspective and work of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in a 26-minute documentary.

Interestingly, Gillett had taken on similar responsibility five years ago during an Australian A-League match between Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar.

His performance was recorded and key moments of the way he managed the game, and decisions taken, were later broadcast.