The VAR Dilemma: Trade-offs in Sports Refereeing

This chapter examines the introduction and controversies of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in football, highlighting its intended purpose of enhancing officiating accuracy versus the backlash it has received. It explores the psychological and structural complexities introduced by instant replay technology and the trade-offs between maintaining game fluidity and achieving correct decisions. Additionally, the discussion addresses the broader implications of categorization in decision-making contexts, drawing parallels between sports, public health, and education.