The limitations of walkie-talkies in sports officiating
Range that is often insufficient
Standard walkie-talkies have a limited range, especially in large stadiums or during outdoor competitions. In a professional football match, this limitation can slow down the transmission of crucial information between referees and, as a result, disrupt the decision-making process of the officiating team.
Poor audio quality
Let’s be clear and honest : the ambient noise of a packed stadium, with chants and applause, often makes walkie-talkies unsuitable. Messages can be misunderstood, leading to misinterpretations, delays, and repeated exchanges during the match.
The advantages of professional intercoms for VAR
Clear communication in all circumstances
Professional intercoms filter background noise and provide optimal sound quality, even in the loudest stadiums. Referees can focus on the game without missing any crucial information.
Efficient coordination through VAR systems
Every second counts. Intercoms enable referees and video assistants to communicate instantly, without latency, ensuring fast and reliable decision-making.
Maximum flexibility for all venues
Unlike standard walkie-talkies, professional intercoms adapt to large fields, outdoor matches, and even events requiring high mobility. They are designed for continuous, professional, and uninterrupted use.
How to choose your audio system for officiating?
Identify your needs
For an amateur club or regional league, on-field communication remains crucial. Many still rely on standard walkie-talkies, but these devices quickly reveal their limitations. In sports, communication must be constant and fluid: with a walkie-talkie, you have to press a button to speak, which leads to information loss, delays, and a higher risk of errors. This setup is not optimized for effective officiating and is clearly not professional.
This is where the VOKKERO UNITY comes in. Lightweight, intuitive, and designed for sports, it operates in full-duplex hands-free mode, allowing referees to speak and listen continuously without interrupting the game or missing important information.
Check the key features
Even for amateur or semi-professional matches, certain criteria are essential:
- Simultaneous communication (full duplex): no more pressing buttons or lost information.
- Ambient noise reduction: useful in noisy stadiums, gyms, or outdoor fields.
- Adequate range: enough to cover the field without interruptions.
- Ease of use: a system that volunteer referees can quickly master.
Opt for sport-specific solutions
The VOKKERO UNITY is designed for referees, even in amateur settings. It provides a reliable and high-performance intercom, allowing teams to stay coordinated without technical complexity. Unlike walkie-talkies, it does not slow down decision-making and helps reduce the risk of errors.
In modern sports, communication between referees can no longer rely on walkie-talkies. These devices require constant handling, cause information loss, and are not suited to the speed and flow of matches. The VOKKERO UNITY offers a professional and accessible alternative: a hands-free, intuitive, and reliable system capable of meeting all the needs of amateur clubs and lower leagues. With it, referees can focus on the game, coordinate their decisions, and ensure more accurate and confident officiating.