The client
IJshockey Nederland (the Netherlands Ice Hockey Association) is the national ice hockey federation of the Netherlands. It oversees all competitions in the country, from youth training to the elite championships. In total, 18 teams operate under its direction, including 12 in the top division, the Eredivisie.
Matches attract between 800 and 2,000 spectators to the arenas, and are also broadcast live on a dedicated streaming platform. In this dynamic context, the coordination and precision of refereeing decisions are essential for the smooth running of the games.
The brief
Faced with ageing and underperforming audio communication systems, IJshockey Nederland wanted to modernise its communication system for referees. The main challenge was to guarantee clear and instant transmission of information between the two main referees, even amidst the noise and intensity of the game.
The federation was looking for a simple, robust, and professional solution capable of improving the speed of decision-making and the fluidity of communication while being easy to integrate into the officials’ work routine.
The deployed solution
After comparing several players in the market, Martin de Wilde, Head of Refereeing, discovered VOGO during online research. Attracted by the brand’s expertise in the sports field and the reputation of its products, he opted for the VOKKERO UNITY solution. This full-duplex intercom system, specially designed for noisy environments, allows for clear and continuous communication between referees.
For over four months, the refereeing teams have been using the VOGO intercoms during all major competitions.
The system has established itself as an essential tool for coordination and performance, promoting cohesion and responsiveness among the referees on the ice.
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The result
Instant and Fluid Communication
Facilitating quick decision-making and consistency in refereeing across all matches.
HD Sound Quality
Ensuring perfect understanding between referees, even amidst the crowd noise and the speed of the game
Sustainable Adoption and High Satisfaction
The referees highlight the reliability of the system and its ease of use throughout the seasons.
“What struck me right from the start was the simplicity of using the system. The VOKKERO UNITY is genuinely intuitive, everything works naturally, and my referees quickly adapted. The sound quality is clear, stable, and without interference, even amidst the noise of a full ice rink. Thanks to this fluid communication, our decisions are faster and more consistent, and we avoid many unnecessary stoppages during matches.
Martin de Wilde
We have now been using the VOGO systems for over four months, and they have proven to be very reliable over time. For me, it has become an essential tool on the ice: simple, effective, and perfectly suited to our way of working. I would recommend it without hesitation to any refereeing team looking to gain clarity and responsiveness.”
Referee in Chief
The solutions we use
Discover the solutions used in this case study
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