Players wearing GPS trackers - legal?

[CapnBloodbeard]

So, in the media in Australia, in a state Women's Premier League match, there was an article where a referee noticed several players wearing GPS trackers during the match. There were some allegations about the referee doing the wrong thing, the entire article is trash - but it made me wonder.

Thoughts on GPS trackers? They're worn like a sports bra with a hard plastic unit somewhere on the item. These were sort of below the base of the neck.

 

[ASM]

As long as they are sanctioned by the relevant competition & governing body they are fine. All contained in Law 4 (on page 43 of the new laws) under Electronic Performance & Tracking Systems (EPTS)

 

[Goldfish]

Hi
No issue as long as the data is not used during the game in the TA. Difficult to prove that it is being used so no concern to the referee.

 

[jofusref]

nothing for referees to get precious about

 

[Brian Hamilton]

Been used for many seasons in Rugby Union to aid player development.

 

[jofusref]

to be honest i think a lot of the premiership clubs di it

 

[GraemeS]

to be honest i think a lot of the premiership clubs di it

I believe the PL clubs tend to use smaller devices built into players boots? As you say though, Opta will regularly quote "distance covered" stats.

 

[svenny76]

cant see the difference between that and a HR monitor we would wear around our chests.

 

[RegalRef]

These have been used in the Football League here for a few seasons at some clubs.

Some shirts even have a small pocket sewn into the base of the neck to put the tracker in, like rugby shirts.

 

[Peter Grove]

As long as they are sanctioned by the relevant competition & governing body they are fine.

No issue as long as the data is not used during the game in the TA.

And so long as they're not dangerous.

 

[Charlie Jones]

they have them in the PL, I know for a fact West Ham have 4-6 players every game wearing them, and during training to analyse performance ...

the 'tracker' has soft padding all around so cannot harm the wearer or opponent

 

[Mewcenary]

Used in WSL as well. In my last game, the clubs made a point of telling the referee (no surprises!).