@TSupps05 said in [Hawkeye for forward passes?](/post/1041464) said:
@barra Not that simple, but smart idea though. Only problems i can see from it is from dummy half where the ball in stationary. The speed would also have to be in a 2D plane which is too complicated.
I feel a sensor in the ball that can somehow detect if it is released forward out of the hand and gives the ref real time notice is the best way to go.
But to be honest i feel that less technology at the moment, the better.
Yes I agree with in-ball chip, no it cannot be measuring speed.
I'm pretty sure @barra's explanation of measuring speed of carry vs pass isn't accurately reflecting physics. It doesn't give you an absolute indication of direction.
In the given example, if you are running at 15kph, you still have the ability to impart a force upon the ball in any direction that causes it to travel > 15 kph. I could run and then throw the ball backwards over my head at a speed superior to my running speed. In contrast, if I ran past someone standing still and simply handed the ball to them as I went past, the ball's speed would reduce even though it went forward.
The technology I've read about involves a type of GPS chip in the ball. The ball then knows where it went before and after the pass, in relation to the sensors at the ground. And I believe the programs are smart enough to tell when a pass has been thrown vs a kick or a carry.
But the system also has to measure in 3 dimensions, because a forward pass can go up or down. The system also has to account for the motion of the passer, because as noted, passes can be backwards even though the ball travels forward - in fact most passes are of this type. Even running in a straight line and throwing the ball moderately backwards over your head actually results in the ball technically traveling forward from its starting position.