Real Time Offside Detection using a Single Camera in Soccer
Shounak Desai
TL;DR
The paper tackles the challenge of reliable offside decisions using a low-cost, single broadcast camera instead of the conventional multi-camera VAR system. It presents a pipeline that combines pitch segmentation, edge-based line detection, vanishing-point estimation via RANSAC, and deep-learning-based keypose estimation to construct the offside line from a single view. A key contribution is the method to draw lines through defender body keypoints and select the last defender's line as the offside boundary, enabling real-time assessment. The work discusses practical trade-offs, limitations, and avenues for future improvements toward more accessible officiating technology.
Abstract
Technological advancements in soccer have surged over the past decade, transforming aspects of the sport. Unlike binary rules, many soccer regulations, such as the "Offside Rule," rely on subjective interpretation rather than straightforward True or False criteria. The on-field referee holds ultimate authority in adjudicating these nuanced decisions. A significant breakthrough in soccer officiating is the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, leveraging a network of 20-30 cameras within stadiums to minimize human errors. VAR's operational scope typically encompasses 10-30 cameras, ensuring high decision accuracy but at a substantial cost. This report proposes an innovative approach to offside detection using a single camera, such as the broadcasting camera, to mitigate expenses associated with sophisticated technological setups.