The VAR system is actively used in football, including Ukrainian Championship matches. Kateryna Monzul explained how specialists are being trained to work with this system.

Photo by Antoliy Yangol

"Some people think that a referee just comes on the pitch and makes decisions without any training. That is not the case. Currently, there is training for working with the VAR system, which consists of several stages.

Photo by Antoliy Yangol

The first stage is studying the VAR handbook. The second stage is theoretical preparation, where game situations are analyzed in classrooms, instructions are provided, and advice is given on how to act in various game episodes for both field referees and VAR referees.

Photo by Antoliy Yangol

The next stage involves training on the OB van (outside broadcasting van). VAR referees familiarize themselves with the buttons and how to operate them during game situations.

The following stage is also related to training, focusing more on game situations on the football field. The referee makes decisions that they would make during a match.

Photo by Antoliy Yangol

Another stage is working in offline mode. During real matches, referees observe how experienced VAR referees work.

It is essential to go through all these stages of preparation. This involves field referees, VAR referees in the OB van, and operators. All these stages must be completed to make correct decisions on the pitch," said Kateryna Monzul.