‘I feel I must work harder and still be overlooked’ – How the implementation of video assistant referee (VAR) influences gendered recruitment and working conditions in elite football refereeing
A summary of the research:
The article "I Feel I Must Work Harder and Still Be Overlooked" – How the Implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Influences Gendered Recruitment and Working Conditions in Elite Football Refereeing by Sigbjørn B. Skirbekk examines how VAR implementation has affected gender equity in refereeing. Through fieldwork on Norwegian elite referees, the study highlights that VAR has created new barriers for women by increasing workload demands and reinforcing existing gendered recruitment biases. Women referees face greater challenges in gaining VAR certification, as the men's elite division is the only league using the technology in Norway. This exclusion limits their career progression, as refereeing in VAR matches is critical for international opportunities. Additionally, the increased workload required to train for and officiate with VAR disproportionately affects women, who already experience pay gaps and must balance multiple roles in men’s and women’s football.
The study underscores that while VAR is intended to improve refereeing accuracy, its implementation has reinforced existing gender inequalities. Women referees often feel they must work harder than their male counterparts while still being overlooked for promotions. The lack of structured pathways for women in VAR training and recruitment further marginalizes them within elite officiating. The study calls for greater awareness of gender biases in sports technology and urges governing bodies to ensure that technological advancements do not reinforce systemic inequalities.
Key Takeaways
VAR implementation has increased workload demands, disproportionately affecting women referees who already balance multiple roles in men's and women’s football.
Women referees face structural barriers in gaining VAR certification, limiting their opportunities for career progression and international officiating.
The study highlights how sports technology can reinforce gender inequalities if not implemented with equity in mind, calling for reforms in recruitment and training.
Author: Sigbjørn Skirbekk
You can read the entire article here.
