I TITLE: A REVIEW AND CHALLENGE SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a system allowing a decision review and/or challenge in a sporting contest and particularly to a system of devices that allow notification, assessment and confirmation of error or omission in a decision made by an official. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Across all sporting codes there have been occasions where players have been involved in betting scandals, sponsorship of teams by betting agencies, and matches decided by disputed refereeing decisions and interpretations, all of which puts a lot of doubt into the fans and 'punters' minds whether corruption and a conflict of interest exists within the sport and whether the correct decisions influencing the outcome of a game are being made. [0003] With the introduction of sports betting, any sport that members of the public can place wagers on, needs to provide a Code of Conduct for the players, referees, administrators and the like. With such high volumes of money being wagered, all sporting codes should display a Duty of Care to make sure decisions influencing the outcome of games are made in a non-biased manner. With victory on the line each match and in each year, the money and fame associated with sports and with an emphasis on further financial rewards through advertising, sponsorship and media deals, any perceived error made by a referee (or assistants) in the context of any match can have detrimental consequences to the team involved and to the public confidence of the associated sporting brand. [0004] In addition, the speed of the game and ball movement is ever increasing. Football match officials are required to make decisions while they are running to view the progress of the match and their vision of indiscretions can be blocked by other players. The referee and his assistants are human. They will make mistakes, large and small. Assistant referees also are not immune from controversy. Some decisions can affect the outcome of the match and others likely will not but it is extremely difficult to identify which decisions are which. [0005] Electronic systems are currently in use to ascertain the expected path of a ball. For example, International Patent Publication No. W0O141884 discloses a video processing system for use in ball games played within a predetermined area on a pitch or the like such as cricket, comprising at least four video cameras arranged in spaced apart relationship at fixed positions around the said area, a video processor and ball tracker to which signals from the cameras are fed, a data store for date which models the said area and includes data representative of characteristic features positioned thereon for use in performance of the game, and a store for data appertaining to rules and/or key events of the ball game played, the video processor being operative to; (a) identify in each frame, from each camera, groups of pixels corresponding to the image of a ball; (b) compute for each frame the 3D position of an image thus identified using ball image data from at least two different cameras; (c) predict a ball flight-path from the said 3D ball position as computed in successive frames; and, (d) map the predicted flight-path on the modelled area so as to identify any interaction with one or more of the said characteristic features, which interaction signifies the occurrence of a key event or a rule infringement. [0006] The introduction of a 'Challenge' system could be instrumental in a brand of football and other team sports being perceived in the 'eyes of the public' as being fair because it will lend credibility to the decision making process. [00071 It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0008] The present invention is directed to a review and challenge system, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. [0009] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a review and challenge system for use in a ball game played according to particular rules within a predetermined area on a field or pitch by at least one team having a hierarchical structure and the game adjudicated by at least one match official, the system including A. an identification apparatus for identifying a position of any one or more individuals within the hierarchical structure of the at least one team of any one or more individuals during gameplay to establish a dominant individual in a team on the field at any moment; B. a communication device in possession of each at least one match official; C. a video processing system including a plurality of cameras arranged in a spaced apart relationship at fixed positions about the field or pitch, a video processor to which signals from the plurality of cameras are fed, a storage device to store the signals from each of -Y the plurality of cameras separately from one another and a display device for displaying a signal in viewable form, the video processor operative to retrieve at least a portion of a stored signal from any camera in the system as required and to manipulate the stored signal so retrieved as required to identify interactions between any of the at least one player or the ball with any other at least one player, the field or pitch and/or at least one official to determine if the rules infraction has occurred and notify at least one match official of the outcome of the identification. [0010] In an alternative form, the present invention resides in a review and challenge system for use in a ball game played according to particular rules within a predetermined area on a field or pitch by at least one team having a hierarchical structure and the game adjudicated by at least two match officials, at least one of which is an on-field match official and at least one of which is an off field official remote from the on field match official, the system including: A. an identification apparatus for identifying a position of any one or more individuals within the hierarchical structure of the at least one team of any one or more individuals during gameplay to establish a dominant individuals in a team at any moment; B. a communication device in possession of each at least one match official; C. a video processing system including a plurality of cameras arranged in a spaced apart relationship at fixed positions about the field or pitch, a video processor to which signals from the plurality of cameras are fed, a storage device to store the signals from each of the plurality of cameras separately from one another and a display device for displaying a signal in viewable form, the video processor operative to retrieve at least a portion of a stored signal from any camera in the system as required and to manipulate the stored signal so retrieved as required to identify interactions between any of the at least one player or the ball with any other at least one player, the field or pitch and/or at least one official to determine if the rules infraction has occurred; and wherein upon notification from an individual having a dominant hierarchical position within one of the teams playing the game to the on-field match official of a challenge being required, the on-field match official uses their communication device to communicate this intent to the off field official remote from the on field match official together with any parameters for review and the off field official activated the video processing system to review the stored video from at least one camera to ascertain whether a rules infraction has occurred and to communicate an outcome from this review _r to the on-field official for appropriate action. [0011] The present invention resides in a review and challenge system which allows the review or challenge of any error or omission in relation to a decision which occurs during gameplay, including failure to make a decision in a particular incident. Typically, it will provide the ability to challenge or review a decision made (whether correct or not) or whether a decision which would have affected play, should have been made when no ruling was made in normal gameplay. [0012] Typically, any review or challenge will take place at a normal stoppage during gameplay. It is preferred that the review be called for at the next available stoppage after an incident occurs and that the right to challenge or review for that incident is forfeited if the challenge or review is not called for at the next available stoppage after the incident occurs. [0013] The stoppage may be long or short in duration. For example in some sports that have tackles or other similar instances, a tackle or similar may be deemed to be a stoppage. The rules of the game may be adjusted or the rules of use of the challenge and review system of the invention may be applied in order to define what constitutes a stoppage after which the right to challenge or review will be forfeited. [0014] The system of the present invention is preferably adapted for use in a ball game. In this discussion, the phrase "ball game" or "ball sport" is a broad and inclusive definition. The invention may be used in games involving a ball or similar device where catching, passing, kicking or hitting of an object is involved where the ball or object is typically propelled over a distance and in which one field, in control match officials can quickly become remote from the centre of play which typically focuses on or around the ball or object. The system of the present invention is particularly adapted for games in the football family such as rugby league, football, rugby union, Australian Football but may be used in relation to any sport involving a ball similar object such as a puck or the like. [0015] The challenge or review of an error or omission in a decision will typically be according to or in comparison with the rules of the particular game being played. Therefore, the rules of the game may be included in an algorithmic form in a storage device and review by the video processor may include a comparison of the signal or images produced from a signal from any one or more of the cameras with the rules of the game in order to determine the occurrence of key events or rules infraction. This comparison may be performed without user input or manipulation. It is however preferred that a match official undertakes user manipulation of the signal and/or images produced from the signal in order to form a decision. [0016] Adjustments to the rules of the game or for the rules of the game may be required for implementation of the present system. [00171 The system of the present invention is for use in relation to a game played within a predetermined area on a field or pitch. Typically, a game play field or pitch is defined by lines or other demarcation markings used to define the limits of the field of play. Typically, these lines of demarcation markings are used to define whether an incident takes place inside the field of play or outside. [0018] One or more details of the field of play may be mapped into a digital or electronic form and stored in a storage device for comparison purposes, allowing user free comparison of the actual or predicted position of players, officials or balls or other objects relative to the field of play and all the rules of the game. This may reduce the capacity for "human error" in decisions. [0019] In addition, portions or areas within the field of play may be delineated as well as the overall field as these areas and distinguishing between these areas, particularly the transition between different areas is often important to the rules of particular games. [0020] Preferably, the system of the present invention is used in relation to a game played by at least one team having a hierarchical structure. A team may comprise one or more players but normally a plurality of players are involved in a team. Further, typically one team competes against another team in the game to which the present system is particularly adapted to use. Normally only two teams are involved in each game. [0021] Each team will preferably have a hierarchy of player ranking within the team. This player ranking is not according to skill or ability but rather according to leadership positions. Preferably, at least one captain and one or more vice captains, assistant captains or alternate captains are designated within each team. [0022] The review and challenge system of the present invention and particularly the comparison stages will preferably only be invoked or begun upon notification by a player with the dominant hierarchical position in a team on the field. Typically, this player with this position notifies a match official, typically an on field match official who will normally in turn notify the senior or "in control" on field official who will then communicate with the off field official. Preferably, the only communication with the off field official who will preferably be responsible for the review and decision process utilising the video processing system, is by or through the "in control" on field official. [0023] It is also envisaged that in some sports, a team hierarchical structure may include on field as well as or instead of off field individuals and the review or challenge may only be called for or requested by the highest ranking individual whether on field or off field. [0024] Typically, there will be more than one match official involved in the game. Preferably, there will be at least one on field official and at least one off field official or reviewer. Where more than one on field official is involved in the game, typically there will be a senior or "in control" on field official at any time in the gameplay. There may additionally be assistant on field officials, linesmen or other assistant match officials in other parts of the field. The identification of the "in control" on field match official at any time in the gameplay will typically be according to the rules or guidelines which many games provide, for designating which on field match official is in control at any time. [0025] The review and challenge system of the present invention includes an identification apparatus for identifying a position of any one or more players within the hierarchical structure of the at least one team of any one or more players during gameplay to establish who is the dominant or highest ranking player in a team on the field at any moment. This will allow the "in control" match official or any match official to easily identify whether the player notifying them of the desire for review or challenge according to the invention, is the ranking or dominant player in the hierarchical structure in a team on the field at any moment as it is preferred that only this player has the ability to call for a review of challenge. [00261 Typically, the identification apparatus will form part of the uniform or equipment worn or used by a player during the game. For example, various games already have provision for this type of identification apparatus such as in ice hockey. [00271 In ice hockey, the hierarchical structure of a team is such that the rules provide for one captain and two alternate captains or alternatively three alternate captains. The captain has a letter "C" on the front of their uniform whilst an alternate captain has "AC". As another example, in football, the captain of each team typically wears an armband which designates that player as the captain of the team. These mechanisms may not be used as an identification apparatus but the identification apparatus chosen will be used in order to allow match officials to easily identify the ranking player in a team on the field at any time. [00281 According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, only the highest ranking player on the field at any time in each team can call for a challenge or review. [0029] Rules may be provided preventing particular players or players in particular positions having any hierarchical position, for example goal tenders who tend to be remote from gameplay for what can be extended periods of time during the game, may be prevented from holding such a hierarchical position. [0030] Further, there may be limits on the number of players that can hold the hierarchical position in order to prevent confusion or limit complexity in the identification of player ranking by the match officials. [0031] As mentioned above, any mechanism may be used but preferably one is used which allows easy identification of the ranking and relative rankings of players, to match officials. [0032] The present invention also included a communication device in the possession of each at least one match official. The configuration and ability of the communication device may differ depending upon the official's role or rank in the gameplay. For example, assistant officials or linesmen may have a one way device such as a transmitter only, whilst the on field match officials will typically have a two way communication device. The reviewing off field match officials) will typically have a two way communication device as well to allow for more complex communication to pass between the reviewing off field match officials and the on field match officials. [0033] Typically, the two way communication device preferred will allow voice transmission and receipt. A one-way communication device may allow voice transmission or more preferably, a notification only such as a vibration, audio, visual or combination of these or any other notification or alert mechanism which may be required to gain the attention of the "in control" official. An appropriate receiver of the one way signal will normally be provided to the on field match official to be signalled. [0034] The present invention also includes a video processing system. The video processing system includes a number of cameras and any number of cameras can be used but typically a sufficient number are provided in order to gain multiple views of the gameplay at any moment during the game. In addition, the cameras may be capable of capturing off field or back play incidents. [0035] Preferably, the cameras are located in a fixed position relative to be predetermined area on the field or pitch rather than having a moving camera as this will assist with the orientation of the images during the review process and/or triangulation of the position of players, officials or the ball or similar object if required. [0036] The camera may be mounted in any manner and will preferably be mounted at the apices or vertices of lines or demarcation markings of the field or pitch, particularly allowing a view along the lines or demarcation markings that define the field or parts thereof, and even more particularly, those lines or markings defining the limits of the field and/or those defining the scoring areas or zones. [00371 The cameras may operate in any format and may capture any type of image. Further, the cameras may convert the captured image into a signal for transmission and the signal will preferably be converted back into one or more images either after retrieval from storage, prior to storage or upon display on the display device. [0038] Any number of frames may be captured per time period and the capture rate will typically be optimised in order to account for the larger storage space required and normally more slow operation of the system at higher frame speeds. Further, resolution of the captured images will typically be sufficient to allow decision-making but this may be optimised as well to account for disadvantages caused by increasing the resolution of the captured images. [0039] The video processing system includes a video processor to which signals from the plurality of cameras are fed. Typically, the signals will be fed directly into storage in the storage device used to store the signals from each of the plurality of cameras separately from one another. Alternatively, the signals may be fed indirectly into the storage device such as through a visual display device or similar. [0040] Typically, the video processor will involve computer control or assistance in order to control the manipulation of images or signals used to produce images captured by the cameras. [0041] Preferably, the signal feed from each camera is stored separately. The signal feed from multiple cameras may however be viewed concurrently or at the same time on a single or multiple display devices all available to a match official. [0042] The video processor will typically allow manipulation of the signal and/or images produced from a signal in order to provide for analysis of the video captured. Typically, a variety of analysis tools are provided in these may include speed adjustment tools in order to change the speed of view of the video feed, zoom tools, resolution adjustment tools, magnification tools or superimposition tools allowing the superimposition of shapes or similar over the video feed in order to assess a variety of positions of players, officials or the ball or other object in or around the field of play. [0043] A storage device to store the signals from each of the plurality of cameras separately from one another is also provided and typically, this storage device will be in electronic storage device. The storage device will typically have appropriate storage mechanisms to allow for the signals from each video to be segregated from one another. A filing system may be used in order to allow the retrieval process to be simple but expedited. Each of the video signals may be identified in order to allow ease of location. [0044] A referencing system will typically be employed. Other functionality which may be useful includes a cross referencing system that allows for retrieval of corresponding stored signals from other cameras when the stored signal from a first camera is located, so that a user can quickly switch between different views from different cameras and manipulate each or all of these to provide the best view of the incident. [0045] Further, the referencing system may include the addition of reference information to a signal in order to allow faster and simpler location of a signal and a particular portion of a signal relating to a particular incident. [0046] Preferably, a different layer may be added to the signal to allow for the addition of reference information or alternatively, a layer which is already present may be used for this purpose. [00471 Typically, the storage device may incorporate a database and/or databasing system in order to allow storage and easy retrieval as required. [0048] A display device is typically also provided according to the invention in order to allow the signal to be converted into one or more images typically, into a video and/or audio feed. Any type of display device may be used. The display device is typically located with the remote, off field official but alternatively, one or more display devices may be provided for an on field match official. More than one display device may be used. [0049] Typically, controls are provided in association with the display device (and/or the video processor) to allow manipulation of the video and/or audio feed produced from the signal. Normally, the controls will control the video processor in order to adjust the video feed which is viewed.
IU [0050] The system of the present invention is typically used to identify interactions between any of the at least one players or the ball with any other player, the field and/or match official. The system will typically be user control but the process may be equipped to undertake comparison of video and/or audio feed produced from the signal from one or more cameras to the rules of the game in order to produce an outcome or decision based upon the comparison. [0051] A user controlled system is typically simpler for the user and will normally be controlled by an off field remote match official. This official will typically manipulate the video and/or audio feed displayed or produced from the signal of any one or more incidents in the gameplay in order to come to a decision as to whether an error or omission in a decision has been made into relay this decision or results to the "in control" official for appropriate action. [0052] In the computer-controlled embodiment, this will typically require identification of the players, the match officials, the field and the actual or anticipated position of the ball or other similar object at any time and across a plurality of time steps or frames of the video and/or audio feed produced from a signal. This may require the creation of an electronic or digital model of the area or interest on the field or pitch or the field or pitch itself including any occupants of the area such as people or objects, at any one or more time steps or frames. [0053] The systems are available to undertake this modelling and identification currently although existing systems will require alteration or adjustment in order to be used according to the current system. [0054] There will also be particular rules according to which the review or challenge can take place. As mentioned above, typically a review or challenge can only be called for by the highest ranking player in a team on the field at any time. The review or challenge will have to be called for before a particular time period or period of play has finished. Typically, the review or challenge will have to be called for before the next passage of play starts. There are natural stoppages in most games and typically, the stoppages will be used in order to govern when the review or challenge must be called for. As mentioned above, if the review or challenge is not called for by the start of the next passage of play, the right to challenge or review for that incident will typically be forfeited and lost. [0055] There will also be a preferred manner of notification by the ranking player in a team on the field at any time to a match official. Any manner of notification can be used, but the preferred manner according to the present invention is to have the ranking player extend their arms above the head and bring their open hands together or their arms crossed in an X-shape. It I I is considered that at this method of notification will be easily identified by one or more of the match officials and is sufficiently different to any other action that a player would normally take during game play to be easily recognisable. The actual method of notification is not important but the fact that it is easily recognisable in the game or sport played, is important. The signal may change for different sports. [00561 There will also preferably be a limited number of challenges or reviews available per team per game or per period in a game. Typically, there will be two challenges only available in normal time and a maximum of two challenges available in extra time if any extra time is played. [00571 Further, if a team challenges or reviews a decision and the result is that the decision from the on field match official is correct, then that team will lose their challenge and a number of challenges available will be reduced. Alternatively, if a team challenges or reviews a decision and the result is that the decision from the on field match official was incorrect, then they will win the challenge and the number of challenges available may be unchanged for that particular game or period in the game. [00581 Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [0059] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [00601 Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: [00611 Figure 1 is a schematic flow diagram showing a generic decision challenge and review system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0062] Figure 2 is a schematic flow diagram showing a generic decision challenge and review system in a particular example situation wherein an indiscretion has not resulted in a goal or penalty kick. [00631 Figure 3 is a schematic flow diagram showing a generic decision challenge and review system in a particular example situation wherein an indiscretion has resulted in a score.
I /_ [00641 Figure 4 is a schematic flow diagram showing a generic decision challenge and review system in a particular example situation wherein a non-scoring play has resulted in a scrum or penalty. [0065] Figure 5 is a schematic view of the physical elements of the system of a preferred embodiment and the communications pathways and directions between those elements. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0066] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a review and challenge system is provided. [00671 As mentioned above, the preferred embodiment is used in games of the football family which involve teams of more than one player. [0068] Various examples are provided in Figures 2 to 4 with a generic process illustrated in Figure 1. [0069] In the preferred embodiment of the review and challenge system illustrated in the Figures, the system is configured for use in a ball game played according to particular rules within a predetermined area on a field or pitch by at least one team having a hierarchical structure and the game adjudicated by at least two match officials, at least one of which is an on field match official and at least one of which is an off field official remote from the on field match official. [00701 The system includes an identification apparatus for identifying a position of any one or more players within the hierarchical structure of the at least one team of any one or more players during gameplay to establish a dominant player in a team on the field at any moment, a communication device in possession of each at least one match official and a video processing system including a plurality of cameras arranged in a spaced apart relationship at fixed positions about the field or pitch, a video processor to which signals from the plurality of cameras are fed, a storage device to store the signals from each of the plurality of cameras separately from one another and a display device for displaying a signal in viewable form, the video processor operative to retrieve at least a portion of a stored signal from any camera in the system as required and to manipulate the stored signal so retrieved as required to identify interactions between any of the at least one player or the ball with any other at least one player, the field or pitch and/or at least one official to determine if the rules infraction has occurred.
I -Y [00711 Upon notification from a player having a dominant hierarchical position within one of the teams playing the game to the on-field match official of a challenge being required, the on field match official uses their communication device to communicate this intent to the off field official remote from the on field match official together with any parameters for review and the off field official activated the video processing system to review the stored video from at least one camera to ascertain whether a rules infraction has occurred and to communicate an outcome from this review to the on-field official for appropriate action. This generic process is illustrated in Figure 1. [0072] As illustrated, any review or challenge will take place at a normal stoppage during gameplay. [0073] The stoppage may be long or short in duration. For example in some sports that have tackles or other similar instances, a tackle or similar may be deemed to be a stoppage. The rules of the game may be adjusted or the rules of use of the challenge and review system of the invention may be applied in order to define what constitutes a stoppage after which the right to challenge or review will be forfeited. [0074] The challenge or review of an error or omission in a decision will typically be according to or in comparison with the rules of the particular game being played. Therefore, the rules of the game may be included in an algorithmic form in a storage device and review by the video processor may include a comparison of the signal or images produced from a signal from any one or more of the cameras with the rules of the game in order to determine the occurrence of key events or rules infraction. This comparison may be performed without user input or manipulation. It is however preferred that a match official undertakes user manipulation of the signal and/or images produced from the signal in order to form a decision. [00751 According to the illustrated embodiments, the review and challenge system of is only be invoked or begun upon notification by a player with the dominant hierarchical position in a team on the field. Typically, this player with this position notifies a match official, typically an on field match official who will normally in turn notify the senior or "in control" on field official who will then communicate with the off field official. Preferably, the only communication with the off field official who will preferably be responsible for the review and decision process utilising the video processing system, is by or through the "in control" on field official. [00761 An identification apparatus for identifying a position of any one or more players within the hierarchical structure of the at least one team of any one or more players during I -t gameplay is provided to allow an in control match official to establish who is the dominant or highest ranking player in a team on the field at any moment. Typically, the identification apparatus will form part of the uniform or equipment worn or used by a player during the game. For example, various games already have provision for this type of identification apparatus such as in ice hockey. [00771 According to the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated, only the highest ranking player on the field at any time in each team can call for a challenge or review although he or she may do so in (brief) consultation with other players in the team. [0078] According to the preferred embodiments illustrated, the assistant officials or linesmen may have a one way communication device such as a transmitter only, whilst the on field match officials will have a two way communication device. The off field match officials will typically have a two way communication device as well to allow for more complex communication to pass between the off field match officials and the on field match officials. [00791 The two way communication device preferred allows voice transmission and receipt whereas a one-way communication device allows voice transmission only or more preferably, a notification only such as a vibration, audio, visual or combination of these or any other notification or alert mechanism which may be required to gain the attention of the "in control" official. An appropriate receiver of the one way signal will normally be provided to the on field match official to be signalled. [00801 The video processing system of the preferred embodiment includes a number of cameras with a sufficient number provided in order to gain multiple views of the gameplay at any moment during the game. In addition, the cameras will be capable of capturing off field or back play incidents. [0081] The cameras are located in a fixed position relative to be predetermined area on the field or pitch rather than having a moving camera as this will assist with the orientation of the images during the review process and/or triangulation of the position of players, officials or the ball or similar object if required. [0082] The cameras may operate in any format and may capture any type of image. Further, the cameras may convert the captured image into a signal for transmission and the signal will preferably be converted back into one or more images either after retrieval from storage, prior to storage or upon display on the display device.
I -) [00831 Any number of frames may be captured per time period and the capture rate will typically be optimised in order to account for the larger storage space required and normally more slow operation of the system at higher frame speeds. Further, resolution of the captured images will typically be sufficient to allow decision-making but this may be optimised as well to account for disadvantages caused by increasing the resolution of the captured images. [0084] The video processing system includes a video processor to which signals from the plurality of cameras are fed. Typically, the signals will be fed directly into storage in the storage device used to store the signals from each of the plurality of cameras separately from one another. Alternatively, the signals may be fed indirectly into the storage device such as through a visual display device or similar. [0085] Typically, the video processor will involve computer control or assistance in order to control the manipulation of images or signals used to produce images captured by the cameras. [0086] Preferably, the signal feed from each camera is stored separately. The signal feed from multiple cameras may however be viewed concurrently or at the same time on a single or multiple display devices all available to a match official. [00871 The video processor will allow manipulation of the signal and/or images produced from a signal in order to provide for analysis of the video captured. Typically, a variety of analysis tools are provided in these may include speed adjustment tools in order to change the speed of view of the video feed, zoom tools, resolution adjustment tools, magnification tools or superimposition tools allowing the superimposition of shapes or similar over the video feed in order to assess a variety of positions of players, officials or the ball or other object in or around the field of play. [0088] A storage device to store the signals from each of the plurality of cameras separately from one another is also provided and typically, this storage device will be in electronic storage device. The storage device will typically have appropriate storage mechanisms to allow for the signals from each video to be segregated from one another. A filing system may be used in order to allow the retrieval process to be simple but expedited. Each of the video signals may be identified in order to allow ease of location. [0100] A referencing system will typically be employed including the addition of reference information to a signal in order to allow faster and simpler location of a signal and a particular portion of a signal relating to a particular incident. Preferably, a different layer may be added to IV the signal to allow for the addition of reference information or alternatively, a layer which is already present may be used for this purpose. [0101] A display device is typically also provided according to the invention in order to allow the signal to be converted into one or more images typically, into a video and/or audio feed. Any type of display device may be used. The display device is typically located with the remote, off field official. More than one display device may be used. [0102] Typically, controls are provided in association with the display device (and/or the video processor) to allow manipulation of the video and/or audio feed produced from the signal. Normally, the controls will control the video processor in order to adjust the video feed which is viewed. [0103] The system of the present invention is used to identify interactions between any of the at least one players or the ball with any other player, the field and/or match official. The system will typically be user control but the process may be equipped to undertake comparison of video and/or audio feed produced from the signal from one or more cameras to the rules of the game in order to produce an outcome or decision based upon the comparison. [0104] A user controlled system is typically simpler for the user and will normally be controlled by an off field remote match official. This official will typically manipulate the video and/or audio feed displayed or produced from the signal of any one or more incidents in the gameplay in order to come to a decision as to whether an error or omission in a decision has been made into relay this decision or results to the "in control" official for appropriate action. [0105] There are also particular rules according to which the review or challenge can take place. As mentioned above, typically a review or challenge can only be called for by the highest ranking player in a team on the field at any time. The review or challenge will have to be called for before a particular time period or period of play has finished. Typically, the review or challenge will have to be called for before the next passage of play starts. There are natural stoppages in most games and typically, the stoppages will be used in order to govern when the review or challenge must be called for. As mentioned above, if the review or challenge is not called for by the start of the next passage of play, the right to challenge or review will typically be forfeited and lost. [0106] There will also be a preferred manner of notification by the ranking player in a team on the field at any time to a match official. Any manner of notification can be used, but the I / preferred manner according to the present invention is to have the ranking player extend their arms above the head and bring their open hands together or their arms crossed in an X-shape. It is considered that at this method of notification will be easily identified by one or more of the match officials and is sufficiently different to any other action that a player would normally take during game play to be easily recognisable. The actual method of notification is not important but the fact that it is easily recognisable in the game or sport played, is important. The signal may change for different sports. [01071 There will also preferably be a limited number of challenges or reviews available per team per game or per period in a game. Typically, there will be two challenges only available in normal time and a maximum of two challenges available in extra time if any extra time is played. [0108] Further, if a team challenges or reviews a decision and the result is that the decision is correct, then that team will lose their challenge and a number of challenges available will be reduced. Alternatively, if a team challenges or reviews a decision and the result is that the decision was incorrect, then they will win the challenge and the number of challenges available will be unchanged for that particular game or period in the game. [0109] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration showing the physical elements of a preferred embodiment of the invention and the communications pathways extant between the elements with a preferred direction of communication indicated as well. [0110] As illustrated in Figure 5, the playing field 10 has a number of video cameras 11 with audio pick-ups provided at the corners thereof in order to allow viewing of at least the scoring zones 12 of the field 10. The video cameras can also view the sidelines 13 and end lines 14 being mounted at the apices of the field 10 each of the video cameras 11 feed captured video and preferably audio to the control room 15. The game to be played on the playing field 10 is officiated by an on field referee 16 who has a number of assistant referees 17 each of the assistant referees 17 has a device allowing one-way communication with the on field referee 16. [0111] The on field referee 16 has a communications device allowing two way communications with the control room 15. A remote referee 18 is located in the control room with access to a video processing system including a video processor to which signals from the plurality of video cameras 11 are fed, a storage device to store the signals from each of the plurality of cameras separately from one another and typically a number of display devices for displaying a signal in viewable form.
10 [01121 Upon being notified of a challenge by a player on the field, the assistant referees 17 communicate the requirement for a challenge of the decision to the on field referee 16 Andy on field referee 16 communicates with the remote referee 18 in the control room 15. The remote referee 18 uses the video processor to retrieve at least a portion of a stored signal from any camera in the system as required and to manipulate the stored signal so retrieved as required to review and identify interactions between any of the at least one player or the ball with any other at least one player, the field or pitch and/or at least one official to determine if the rules infraction has occurred and notify at the on field referee 16 of the outcome of the identification. [01131 In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [0114] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [0115] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.