Headsets?

[Fleck]

I just saw the referees for the CL game between Arsenal and Real Madrid were wearing headsets (presumably to talk to each other) before the game. Is this common now?

[Chas (Psyatika)]

LOL i spent some time today researching headset systems! I look mostly at things paintball players use, and found some cool stuff that isn't too expensive and works very well. Apparently you need an FCC licence to use most of it, since they use the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies. The licence costs $80 for the first 5 years, then apparently cheaper to renew.

But to actually answer your question, I think it's part of an experiment. Most, if not all, of the CL match officials use the communication systems, and i've also seen EPL officials use (and rubbish at halftime!) the headsets.

[aevange8]

You could actually use a set with FRS frequencies without any need for a license. They would be more than effective over the size of a soccer pitch. You can get a set of 2 for under $50 including batteries and chargers.

Has USSF come out with anything regarding the use of headsets?

I think they could be an effective tool in managing the match as long as the technology was used as a tool and not a crutch. The other concern is the functionality of the units themselves. If you are fiddling around with the headsets, obviously your attention isn't 100% on the match itself. This was probably related to EPL refs ditching them at the half (as observed above).

[USSF REF]

You could actually use a set with FRS frequencies without any need for a license. They would be more than effective over the size of a soccer pitch. You can get a set of 2 for under $50 including batteries and chargers.


Wow, you sure know a lot about headsets there Aevange8 -- it's as if you work for Radio Shack or something. :p

[NHRef]

Those FRS radios would work, but would bring up some issues, at least with the cheaper models: you would also be open to everyone hearing you, and you hearing everyone else. The more expensive ones have "privacy codes" so that you only hear people you want to hear, but others still hear you.

[Englishref]

I just saw the referees for the CL game between Arsenal and Real Madrid were wearing headsets (presumably to talk to each other) before the game. Is this common now?

They are part of a trial by UEFA on behalf of FIFA. They were used in both the Arsenal and the Lyon games by Lubos Michel and Mike Riley respectively. They have also been trialled on the PL, however, I haven't seen them about lately. The ones used on the PL were designed by the Ministry of Defence no less!

[USSF REF]

They are part of a trial by UEFA on behalf of FIFA. They were used in both the Arsenal and the Lyon games by Lubos Michel and Mike Riley respectively. They have also been trialled on the PL, however, I haven't seen them about lately. The ones used on the PL were designed by the Ministry of Defence no less!

So would that make Mr. Poll -- Special Agent referee 001?

[BC_Ref]

Those FRS radios would work, but would bring up some issues, at least with the cheaper models: you would also be open to everyone hearing you, and you hearing everyone else. The more expensive ones have "privacy codes" so that you only hear people you want to hear, but others still hear you.

I'd expect the only ones allowable would require some type of frequency hopping or other anti-eavesdropping technology. The one thing FIFA doesn't want is to have a conversation taped that has the AR saying PK or goal and the CR saying no (or vice versa) where that would be a match turning event.

[Claymore]

Anyone else having Spinal Tap flash-backs?

"Tom, we've got a situation back...UNITED HEAVY 240, COME RIGHT TO HEADING 258, MAINTAIN ALTITUDE AND SPEED...":D

[MassachusettsRef]

Just in case anyone is getting a crazy idea, USSF issued a memo either last year or the year before, clearly saying that only approved electronic devices could be used on the field by referees. Beeper flags are the only approved electronic device.

[Chas (Psyatika)]

You could actually use a set with FRS frequencies without any need for a license. They would be more than effective over the size of a soccer pitch. You can get a set of 2 for under $50 including batteries and chargers.I know the 22 channel models (like the Uniden ones) have 15 GMRS and 7 FRS channels, but i was under the impression that you couldn't just decide to only use the FRS channels...that is, if it's capable of transmitting over GMRS, then you need the licence.

Another strange thing, the licence specifically says that the devices are to be used with the intermediate family, and then goes on to list who specifically that means (aunts, in-laws, children, etc). Nothing about use with friends or colleagues, although i don't think they would really fine someone over it...would they?

Do you know anything about the throat mics that pick up the sound directly from your throat rather than through the air next to your mouth? They seem pretty cool.

[NHRef]

I'd expect the only ones allowable would require some type of frequency hopping or other anti-eavesdropping technology. The one thing FIFA doesn't want is to have a conversation taped that has the AR saying PK or goal and the CR saying no (or vice versa) where that would be a match turning event.

Even worse would be someone other than a game official being able to be heard! that could get interesting.:eek:

[Laggard]

So, is the channel always open, or does the center have to hit a transmit button? If it's always open how can the ARs stand the sound of the whistle blasting their ears every minute or so?

[Chas (Psyatika)]

I'm still researching this actually, so i can help :)

There are two options..."Push to talk" and "VOX", or voice activated. DON'T use voice activated! If you have to shout out for corners or blow the whistle (as a centre), you will kill your ARs. If the AR is explaining something to a coach or telling people to move away from the touchline, everyone will have to hear it. Besides, voice activated headsets tend to have a slight lag, as the deviec has to be sure you're trying to activate it. So if the AR says into the mic, "No penalty for handling," you'll likely hear, "..lty for handling," and blow your whistle.

Push-to-talk, or PTT, is actually quite convenient. There is a wire that runs down your sleeve (it's coiled and stays close to the arm) with a PTT button on the end. The button attaches to your finger. When you want to activate it, you use your thumb to press the button on your finger and speak. Since the wire is coiled, you won't have to worry about waving your flag and flinging the device off of your body.

For the headset itself, you can also use a throat mic, which picks up vibrations from your throat and transits your speech that way. These generally won't pick up your whistle (it will be faint anyway, and sound like a short grunt). These are a lot better for voice activation, but again, it will transmit everything you say, even if you didn't want the other refs to hear it. You could also use any standard headset, or even a bluetooth wireless one if you want to spend big bucks.

As for security, generally these devices operate on the GMRS frequency band, which requires an FCC licence. Most people who buy these licences are skiiers and campers, and generally not city folk. In any case, there are 22 GMRS channels, and most devices have as many as 38 security codes, which block out all devices on that frequency not using the same code. In other words, each of the 22 channels would then have 38 "sub-channels". People would only head your transmission if they are on the same channel AND security code. If you don't use the security code, you can be scanned by any similar device. I'm not sure if you can be scanned with the code enabled. In any case, if someone guesses your channel and code, they can listen in and even talk back.

If you're really looking at getting these, i'd recommend the Motorola Talkabout. It's pretty much the standard. I'd go with the FV200R model, which comes with a charger for it's Ni-MH battery, and costs about $30 for a set of two (you could just buy two sets; they can all communicate with each other). They are 4 inches x 2 inches x 1 inch, and weigh about 3-4 ounces, so you can just put it in your back pocket, or the other chest pocket. Alternatively, you could use a clip to attach it to your shorts, as it's so lightweight that it is unlikely to get in your way.

Wow, i sound like a salesman. If you buy one, kindly send me 15% of the sale price for commision fees.