The issue of on-field violence between players and toward umpires is something that the Perth Football League (PFL) has dealt with for a long time.
Although on-field player violence is hard to exactly measure, research from 2021 reveals that more than 80 per cent of the West Australian football community believe umpire abuse is a serious issue.
To combat this, the PFL is rolling out a new AI camera system in partnership with Hudl, a high-performance analysis video and data company.
The cameras are automated and provide a wide-lensed shot of the game whilst being used. The technology follows the ball around as it is being kicked, always capturing at least 80 per cent of the field.
PFL Football Operations Coordinator, Henry Beus, explained an aim of implementing the cameras is to enhance “the integrity, fairness, and overall experience of community football.”
Mr Beus added that to reinforce its strong stance against anti-social game-day behaviour, the League has increased club fines for melees to $750 for the first offense and $1,500 for subsequent incidents.
“Additionally, clubs that fail to provide requested game footage will face fines, ensuring consistency and fairness in the tribunal and match review process,” he said.
Greater onus on clubs
Placing greater responsibility on clubs and players for their on-field acts and within tribunal hearings is intended to assist the league in ensuring that both are held accountable in managing their behaviour.
As a result of having all games filmed for the first time in the PFL’s history, players that commit an on-field act worthy of suspension will now receive more appropriate consequences for their actions, providing much needed clarity when dealing with disciplinary issues.
Wembley Football Club Men’s Reserves Player-Coach Daniel Newton extended on this point.
“Amateur football can often times become quite violent and unpredictable and having the cameras there will at a minimum cause those players to think twice, knowing it’ll all be filmed.”
“If they choose to ignore that, at least the footage will be there as a means of giving evidence,” Mr Newton said.
Added benefits
Mr Beus said the benefits of the cameras extend further than tribunal and disciplinary matters.
“It provides valuable opportunities for player and umpire development through game analysis.
Mr Newton agrees.
“It’s going to be great as a player-coach to be able to look back on parts of the game that I missed while out on field myself.”
“Having it there to allows me to have better 1 on 1 chats to players will be extremely helpful, particularly if I’m needing to give reasons for omissions week to week.”
Mr Beus also provided further reason as to why the rollout will be beneficial.
“[It allows] clubs to increase their social media presence by showcasing match highlights and key moments, further engaging the community.”
Cameras are compulsory
All clubs were required by the PFL to purchase a camera at $500 each for as many grounds that they have at their disposal. For example, the Wembley Football Club use two different ovals for their games, so were required to purchase two cameras.
All PFL games are on a Saturday, so each home club is responsible for filming all games throughout the day and then sharing the footage to the league by the Sunday.
To support this process, each PFL club has had to nominate at least one person to remain in charge of ensuring that the cameras are setup.
Hudl has provided clubs with a variety of training sessions in the lead-up to the season, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the League’s requirements.
The first round of the season commences on April 5 and the PFL has agreed to provide the club a ‘first-home ground’ leeway, which is a grace period for each club to adapt to using the cameras on game day.
