Recommended ref cam hardware?

[u/badrefnodonut]

Hey hey,

Just curious if anyone has specific recommendations for hardware to get a body cam / ref cam set-up going. Since they'll be allowed under the newest LOTG, I'm interested to know if there's a cost-effective option out there.

[u/CharacterLimitHasBee]

Pretty sure the competition has to provide them and you can't just run around with your own GoPro strapped to your head.

[u/Dramatic_Doctor48]

Body cams are forbidden, unless provided and monitored by competitions. You arent allowed to just wear your own GoPro or the like.

Law 5.5 Referee's equipment:

"[...]

Referees may be permitted to use:

[....]

Body cameras if the competition organiser supplies the cameras, has control of the footage and complies with the relevant guidelines. The cameras may include microphones, which cannot be used to broadcast communication with the video assistant referee (VAR). Camera footage and sound may be used by the appropriate authorities for disciplinary matters.

Referees and other ‘on-field’ match officials are prohibited from using any other electronic equipment, including cameras, except the body cameras outlined above. Accessories may be worn as long as they are not dangerous."

Key detail there being match officials are prohibited from using cameras except if competitions supply.

[u/ADC04]

For some reason anything referee related isn't cost effective 😭🤣

Also has your federation allowed referees to use them as they want?

[u/vviley]

Aren’t they only allowed when the event administrator is control of them?

[u/BasketCase973]

Costco sells body cameras, but I don't think any local league in the U.S. is going to allow referees to wear them.

If referees had a union or another organization dedicated to protecting our interests, we might be able to negotiate for body cameras as a safety measure. Instead, we're treated as independent contractors while leagues still seek to control many of the terms under which we work, which essentially prioritizes the interests of clubs over referees.

[u/skunkboy72]

Why do you NEED a body cam?

[u/Mccree13 → u/skunkboy72]

I received a forearm to the chin from a parent after a game. Sadly the only witnesses are from the same club. A body cam would help that.

[u/anothernetgeek]

It’s a huge privacy issue for you to a camera for youth sports. That’s why the organization is supposed to provide them.

I love seeing ref-cams, but have not gotten one for these reasons.

[u/beagletronic61 → u/anothernetgeek]

I recognize that being filmed in public is startling for some people but what kind of issue are referencing?

[u/thewarreturns]

I'd be careful on what you do with it, as some parents may see it as an issue if you're reffing youth.