FINA used Slomo.tv's VideoReferee-SR system as VAR in water polo at Tokyo 2020

The International Swimming Federation (FINA) used the VideoReferee-SR system from Slomo.tv to provide video assistance to referees during water polo competitions at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Aware of the need to implement video refereeing and guided by the principle of fair play, FINA decided in 2018 to adopt this technology in water polo, choosing the Slomo.tv solution. Since 2019, the system has been deployed in numerous international competitions.

Andrey Kryukov, member of the FINA board, recognizes that "fair play in water polo competitions is our priority. We strive to create all the conditions and provide referees with all the necessary tools to make the right decisions in controversial moments. Our cooperation with Slomo.tv has led to the implementation of the video assistant referee system, which has significantly reduced the number of errors that can occur for objective reasons. We are glad that, for the first time in history Olympic water polo, a system of this type has been used and, furthermore, with great efficiency and success.”

The VideoReferee-SR works with 8 compact mini-vR-Сam cameras in 3G mode (1920x1080p50) and has a intuitive interface high performance, as well as the possibility of simultaneously searching 4 video channels. The current review is available almost instantly. The compact size and lightness (1U and 5.6 kg) allow transport it easily between different sports venues.

Enhance the image

To improve the visibility of objects and athletes, FINA uses a specially designed version of mini-vR-Cam cameras. To suppress light reflections from water and improve image quality, cameras include polarization filters.

Igor Vitiorets, CTO of Slomo.tv, states that "FINA and Slomo.tv have been collaborating for a long time on the implementation and use of video referee systems in water polo. Taking into account all the characteristics of this sport, a specialized version of the VideoReferee-SR server has been developed to meet all the requirements of the Federation. We would like to thank FINA for its trust, and we are pleased with the positive opinions of the referees who worked with the system at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.”

Prior to the scheduled start of the 2020 Olympic Games, the VideoReferee-SR system was used in many international competitions, including the 18th FINA World Championships 2019 in Gwangju, and the 2019 FINA Men's Water Polo World League Superfinal in Belgrade.