An analytical study of the use of VAR technology and its relationship to the psychological hesitation of referees in the Iraqi Professional League

Objective: Studying the opinions of referees on the use of VAR technology in Iraqi stadiums, and the extent of its impact on their decisions during matches, in addition to identifying their level of psychological hesitation.Research methodology: The descriptive approach was adopted in two ways survey and correlation. The research community was represented by the referees of the Iraqi Professional Football League, numbering (80) referees. The researcher chose all referees as a sample, as the sample amounted to (80) referees, i.e. a percentage of (100%) of the community. After that, the researcher divided the selected sample into a survey consisting of (10) players. To build the (VAR) questionnaire and find the scientific foundations for the psychological frequency scale, (80) referees were chosen. Result: Through the data of the targeted sample and comparing the results of the weighted average, it is clear that the level of the obtained scores varied in (4.45 - 2.54), i.e. with a good rating, and this indicates the good value of the level of (VAR) technology from the referees’ point of view. From reviewing the paragraphs of the final questionnaire, we note that (VAR) technology supports and assists the match referee in making his decisions, and at the same time we should not marginalize the role of the referee and (VAR) becomes the one who makes the decision on behalf of the referee.Conclusions: The VAR technology has clearly and noticeably contributed to the development of the game of football and the absence of refereeing errors in matches by a percentage that may exceed (95%) in matches.