A friend of mine shot me a video on Facebook today. I watched it and immediately responded by asking, "Why doesn't this exist in all sports?!"

 Via Mashable:

You know how sometimes there's a really cool idea that seems so natural you wonder why it didn't happen sooner and isn't more widespread?

The GoPro ref cam definitely qualifies.

Australian Super Rugby ref Chris Pollock wore a GoPro strapped to his head for a match between the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs in Brisbane on Saturday. Video from the match — embedded above — has been online since then but the Internet's verdict of major approval came in Thursday when the clip was up-voted to Reddit's front page.

The ways that the ref cam can ingratiate itself into the culture of the NBA and NFL are innumerable. And seriously, why hasn't this existed for longer?

It would provide yet another close vantage point for times when things appear to be too close to call. While it would be helpful in replays on foul calls for basketball, it would be most useful in football. If every referee had a camera, the only less accessible part of the field remaining would be the middle of it. Fumbles, complete/incomplete passes, etc... Their rate of error would at least be slightly reduced.

Aside from the improved refereeing that will come with having POV replays, the ref cam would provide sports fans with imagery the likes of which we've never seen before in the pros.

NBA dunks and NFL hits would be recorded from the point of view of the referee, and it would all be made fully accessible to the fans during and after the game.

Again, why hasn't this been in existence in sports for longer, and what's taking it so long to catch on in America?



H/t Chris Kneale