Can you use an Apple Watch as a Referee?
Well… the short answer is YES! Referees have been using technology since the very inception of refereeing. From buzzer flags to whistles a referee has a tool kit needed to keep the game in check. One of the most important is of course the watch. Smartwatches are allowed for use on the pitch just like any other watch. They also offer a range of advantages, such as having multiple timers going at once, something the REFSIX app does well.
Understanding the Potential
The Apple Watch boasts an array of features that could theoretically aid referees in their duties. From its precise timekeeping abilities to its built-in sensors capable of tracking movement and even heart rate, the device offers a foundation for innovative officiating solutions.
If you download and use REFSIX in a game, it can use all of this data to make sense of your performance. See how far you ran, how many sprints you completed and what decisions you made and when.
Timekeeping precision
One of the fundamental responsibilities of a referee is to maintain accurate timekeeping throughout a match or game. Whilst the Apple Watch does have in built timers, they are not designed with referees in mind. REFSIX has built a multiple timer watch face that allows you to see the time in count up, down and elapsed mode, all in one!
Data collection and analysis
Players and coaches often have a huge range of data about performance, most of which is not available for referees. Wearing an Apple Watch data like GPS positioning and accelerometers can help a referee keep up with play. REFSIX takes the data collected and makes sense of it using our unique algorithm. Again, whilst it is good at collecting data, the process used by Apple and other fitness apps doesn’t take a referee’s unique movements into consideration.
Communication and alerts
In dynamic sports environments, effective communication is paramount. The Apple Watch's ability to receive notifications and alerts in real-time could facilitate seamless communication between referees and other officials, ensuring swift responses to critical situations during gameplay. REFSIX aids this with vibration alerts at key moments. For example when a sin bin is completed, the watch will tell you!
Battery life and durability
The demands of officiating often involve long durations and rigorous physical activity. The Apple Watch's battery life and durability perform incredibly well under such conditions. This allows referees to complete multiple games a day without a recharge. We recommend taking a battery pack just in case!
Whether you already use an Apple Watch or aim to get one, download REFSIX for free to start making the most of it out on the field.
