This glossary provides standardized technical definitions for video replay systems used across North American sports, from Soccer and Football to Basketball and Baseball. It serves as a reference for officials, replay operators, and athletic departments implementing video review technology.
For a deep dive into the practical application of these technologies, read our Comprehensive Guide to Video Replay Systems
A – B
- Acoustic Audio-Link: The dedicated communication channel between the field officials and the Replay Center or VOR.
- AI-Enhanced Tracking: Systems utilizing limb-tracking and sensor data to provide instant spatial positioning for offsides or out-of-bounds calls.
- Aspect Ratio Calibration: Adjusting the video feed proportions to ensure zero distortion when measuring ball-to-line contact on a monitor.
- Ball Tracking (3D): The real-time triangulation of a ball’s coordinates in a three-dimensional space, used for Goal-Line or Strike-Zone analysis.
- Broadcast Feed: The primary video signal produced by the network, often ingested into the replay system for secondary angles.
C – D
- C3 Infrastructure: Command, Control, and Communications—the technical backbone for secure video and voice transmission between the field and the booth.
- Calibration (Virtual Overlay): The process of mapping the court or field within the software to ensure pixel-to-inch accuracy for reviews.
- Command Center: A centralized remote location (e.g., Secaucus-style) where officials review plays for multiple simultaneous games.
- Data Overlay: The real-time integration of clock data, scores, and player IDs directly onto the replay operator’s screen.
- Decision Matrix: The standardized logic sequence followed by officials to ensure consistency when overturning a call.
- Down-Conversion: Reducing high-resolution signals (4K/8K) for ultra-low latency transmission to handheld tablets on the sideline.
E – F
- E2E (End-to-End) Latency: The total millisecond delay from the live action to the image appearing on the referee’s monitor.
- Event Tagging: Manual or automated timestamping of critical incidents (e.g., “Incomplete Pass,” “Touchdown”) for instant retrieval.
- Frame-by-Frame Scrubbing: Navigating video footage one frame at a time to identify the exact Point of Contact (POC).
- FOP (Field of Play): The designated area under surveillance for officiating and review purposes.
G – L
- Goal-Line Technology (GLT): Automated sensors or camera-based systems that signal when a ball has completely crossed the plane of the goal.
- HFR (High Frame Rate): Video captured at 120fps or higher to eliminate motion blur during high-speed review.
- In-Ear Monitor: Professional-grade communication hardware worn by officials to consult with the replay booth.
- Instant Replay Software: The core engine used to ingest, sync, and playback multiple camera angles simultaneously.
- Latency Mitigation: Proprietary software optimizations designed to ensure near-zero delay in video transmission.
M – O
- Manifest Error: The North American officiating standard for an undeniable mistake that justifies overturning the on-field call.
- Multi-Angle Sync: The ability to lock up to 16 camera angles on a single timeline to see an incident from every perspective at the same millisecond.
- On-Field Review (OFR): The process where the lead official goes to the sideline monitor to personally review the footage.
- Official Review Area: The designated zone on the sideline (the “hood” or monitor station) where reviews are conducted.
P – R
- Parallax Correction: Technical software adjustments that account for the camera’s height and angle to provide an accurate line-of-sight view.
- POC (Point of Contact): The ultra-precise frame identifying the first moment of contact between players or the ball.
- Replay Operator (RO): The specialized technician who navigates the software feeds for the officiating crew.
- Reviewable Play: Incidents defined by the league’s rulebook that are legally permitted to be reviewed via video.
S – T
- Silent Check: A background review conducted by the replay team without stopping the game clock.
- Slow-Motion (Super-Slo): Playback reduced to 25% or 10% of real-time speed for high-detail analysis of fouls or catches.
- Soccer VAR Protocols: Technical standards defined by IFAB and used in MLS and NCAA for video assistant refereeing. See how we implement these standards!
- Technical Area: The sideline zone for coaching staff, often equipped with analysis tablets and near-live feeds.
- Triangulation: Calculating the 3D position of an object using multiple 2D camera perspectives.
U – Z
- Ultra-Low Latency (ULL): The professional standard for real-time video feeds, essential for “Live-Tagging” and officiating.
- Video Operation Room (VOR): The hub where the replay team and video officials are stationed.
- Z-Axis Depth: Calculating the vertical height of a ball or limb, crucial for “over-the-line” or “strike-zone” decisions.
- Zero-Frame Loss: A hardware guarantee that no visual data is dropped during high-speed recording and ingestion.
Take Your Video Officiating to the Next Level
Understanding the terminology is only the first step. Implementing a reliable, frame-accurate video replay system requires the right combination of high-speed hardware and intuitive software. Whether you are managing a NCAA program, a Professional League, or an Elite Training Center, our solutions are engineered to meet these global standards.
