How It Works Protocols Features Contact Try Demo
AI Process Assistant

Never miss a step in the VAR process

AI-powered copilot that listens to VAR communications, identifies the incident type, and surfaces only the missing protocol steps as glanceable prompts.

Try the Demo Learn More
LIVE
Penalty / No Penalty
Process complete
VAR Copilot v1.0 IFAB Protocol
7
Protocol Workflows
4
Reviewable Categories
RT
Real-time Processing
IFAB
Protocol Compliant
Why VAR Copilot

A process reminder,
not a decision aid

VAR Copilot doesn't help referees make decisions — it ensures they follow the correct process order and flags steps they may have missed. Like a heads-up display for the VAR room.

!

Process Errors Are Preventable

Under time pressure, VAR operators can skip critical steps. Checking the attacking phase of play before the incident, confirming the correct restart, evaluating the right criteria — each has a specific order that matters.

→

Order Matters

Some protocols require checking APP first (penalties, goals, DOGSO). Others require assessing the incident first (serious foul play, violent conduct). Getting this wrong undermines the entire review.

↔

Glanceable Output

Referees have no time to read. VAR Copilot outputs 2–5 word prompts only — large, bold, readable at a glance across a VAR room. Items appear and disappear as the review progresses.

•

Training & Development

Analyse recorded VAR reviews post-match. Identify where process steps were missed. Build consistency across your officiating team with data-driven feedback.

How It Works

Four steps. Fully automated.

Upload a recorded VAR review or connect a live microphone. VAR Copilot handles the rest.

01
Listen
AI monitors VAR audio communications in real-time using the OpenAI Realtime API. Every word is captured and transcribed.
→
02
Detect
Automatically identifies the incident type from standardised trigger phrases: "checking penalty", "checking offside", "recommend a review".
→
03
Track
Follows which protocol steps the VAR operators have already discussed and marks them as covered. AI understands context, not just keywords.
→
04
Surface
Displays only what's missing as short, glanceable prompts. When everything is covered: "Process complete." Minimum interference, maximum benefit.
Process Intelligence

The order of checks matters

VAR Copilot knows which protocols require APP first and which require assessing the incident first. It enforces the correct sequence automatically.

APP First

Check the attacking phase of play before assessing the incident. An APP offence negates everything that follows.
APP → Assess Incident → Restart
Penalty • Goal/No Goal • DOGSO

Incident First

Non-rescindable red cards: assess the challenge in isolation first, because the red card stands regardless of APP.
Challenge → APP → Restart
Serious Foul Play • Violent Conduct
Built-in Protocols

Every reviewable scenario, covered

7 protocol workflows built on IFAB/FIFA VAR Protocol from the Laws of the Game. Each with ordered checklist steps, trigger phrases, and process rules.

Reviewable
Goal / No Goal
APP → offside, foul, handball, ball out, goal line, PK infringement
7 steps
Reviewable
Penalty / No Penalty
APP → contact, location, foul or simulation, restart
5 steps
Non-rescindable Red
Serious Foul Play
Speed, intensity, point of contact, endangerment → APP
6 steps
Non-rescindable Red
Violent Conduct
What action, force used, point of contact → APP
5 steps
Rescindable Red
DOGSO
APP → 4 Ds (distance, direction, control, defenders) → sanction
7 steps
Reviewable
Mistaken Identity
Confirm offence → identify correct player → transfer sanction
3 steps
Process
On-Field Review
Communicate → queue angles → guide review → accept → announce
5 steps
IFAB Protocol

The four reviewable categories

VAR can only intervene for these four categories of match-changing decisions. VAR Copilot covers every protocol within each.

01
Goals
Offside, foul, handball, or ball out of play in the attacking phase. Goal line decisions.
02
Penalty Decisions
Foul or handball offence inside the penalty area. Location, contact, and simulation assessment.
03
Direct Red Cards
DOGSO, serious foul play, violent conduct. Not second yellows. Rescindable vs non-rescindable.
04
Mistaken Identity
Wrong player cautioned or sent off. Can be reviewed even after play has restarted.
Capabilities

Built for the VAR room

Every feature designed for the high-pressure, time-critical environment of video assistant refereeing.

~
Real-time Transcription
AI-powered speech recognition captures every word from VAR audio communications as they happen.
#
Auto Protocol Detection
Identifies incident type automatically from standardised VAR trigger phrases. No manual input needed.
>
Process Order Logic
Knows APP-first vs incident-first protocols. Enforces the correct check sequence for every incident type.
*
Glanceable HUD
2–5 word prompts in large bold text. Readable at a glance from across the room. No paragraphs, no descriptions.
[]
Live Microphone Mode
Connect directly to VAR room audio for real-time monitoring. WebSocket streaming for zero-delay updates.
^
File Upload Analysis
Upload recorded VAR reviews for post-match analysis. Supports video and audio files with timeline playback.
@
IFAB/FIFA Compliant
Every protocol built on the Laws of the Game 2025/26. Aligned with official IFAB VAR Protocol standards.
%
FVS Ready
Supports Football Video Support workflows. 4th official check procedures, review request cards, and penalty shoot-out protocols.
Get Started

Ready to improve VAR process compliance?

Try the interactive demo or get in touch to discuss how VAR Copilot can support your referee development programme.

Try the Demo Get in Touch
[email protected]