Sport Innovation/Goal-line Technology/Goalminder

Goalminder technology came about when Bolton Wanderers fans, Harry Barnes and David Parden, were outraged when a Gerry Taggart's goal was disallowed in 1997 and the club went on to be relegated [1]. Fourteen years later their technology, which retails for approximately £100,000 for a set of two goal posts, uses 24 high speed cameras built into each of the goal posts and cross bar [2]. The cameras take high quality video at 2,000 frames per second [2]. Inventors, Barnes and Parden say the best factor about their technology is that there is not digging up of the pitch required.

The system works in such a way that when the ball crosses the line, the information collected by the cameras is verified by a computer which uses three-dimensional imaging software. Only if the ball has completely crossed the line and a goal has indeed been scored does an encrypted signal get sent to the referee’s watch, which not only sends a visual notice but also triggers a vibration [1]. Goalminder investors say that unlike other technology, Goalminder is real-life footage, meaning it is an accurate way of deciding whether a goal should stand or not [3]. They claim that the embedded cameras can detect within one second if a ball has crossed the goal line. Therefore there is no delay to the game [1].

Earlier in 2011 the system was analysed by FIFA’s testers, independent company Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology ( or Empa – German acronym for "Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt"), at Rochdale’s spotland ground [4]. The Rochdale tests are part of the first phase of the trials of nine goal-line technologies assessing if they meet the strict testing criteria developed by IFAB [5]. Since the tests it has become known that Goalminder has now been invited to take part in the second phase of testing to be carried out within the next 12 months [2].

FIFA officials are concerned about the cost of the technology and who will have to pay for its purchase and installation. The cost to purchase and installation the Goalminder technology could be offset by potential sponsorship and advertising that is attractive in terms of value added as well as the potential commercial value [2].

References

[1] Conway, R. (2011, November 24). Premier League could use goal-line technology in 2012–13 season. Retrieved November 29, 2011, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15866363.stm

[2] Goalminder Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved November 29, 2011, from http://www.goalminder.co.uk/goal-line-technology.html

[3] Goalminder aims to end goal-line errors. (2011, October 11). Retrieved November 29, 2011, from http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/enterprise/s/1461303_goalminder-aims-to-end-goal-line-errors

[4] Jackson, J. (2011, 24 November). Goal-line technology to be in place for 2012–13 Premier League season. The Guardian. Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/nov/24/goalline-technology-fifa-ifab-rochdale?INTCMP=SRCH

[5] Dovaston, I. (2011, November 24). FIFA at Rochdale FC to test Goal-line cameras. Retrieved November 30, 2011, from http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16116528