Q&A: Werner Helsen on a new app for football referees
University of Leuven professor Werner Helsen has devised an app that significantly improves the perception and decision-making abilities of football referees
Goal or no goal
What is the purpose of the app?
The application, called Perception 4 Perfection, is a web-based training platform that uses real-life game footage to train referees’ eyes and minds to quickly and consistently recognise offside infractions, fouls and goal or no-goal situations.
How does it work?
Once logged in, users are shown a series of game scenarios, and their calls are recorded in real time. The tool immediately shows the correct call for a given incident, then it gives direct feedback and a clear explanation for why the user’s call was correct or incorrect. This helps to continually refine the user’s thinking process, which significantly increases both the uniformity and consistency of their calls.
How do you know it works on the pitch?
We looked at the decision-making accuracy of Belgian assistant referees who had completed four web-based training sessions of 60 incidents. We found that each improved by 23.3% for on-field incidents with players, just like in a real game. This clearly showed there is a positive transfer from web-based training to the real world. We are eager to optimise the app and also use it for specific incidents, such as elbowing, and in simulations. It has already been used successfully for referees and additional assistant referees. And we want to offer an individualised approach. Not every referee starts at the same level and needs constant feedback. Others flourish with it.
Are there other uses for this technology?
The platform could be used to train people making decisions in various stressful, time-sensitive scenarios. Think of driving in traffic, responding to emergency situations or performing surgery. People in these situations would all benefit from practice and learning opportunities. We think our method could significantly increase decision-making performance in all kinds of real-life situations. We are now exploring these possibilities with KU Leuven’s experimental psychology research group and the instruction psychology and technology research group.
