ISTAF Proposes Reducing Number Of Referees With New Technology

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- The International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) plans to propose reducing the number of referees in matches and empowering them to call for challenges as part of its improvement initiatives.

ISTAF Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Kader said he would present a proposal to eliminate line judges during the executive committee meeting of the global sepaktakraw body next year to promote greater use of technology.

He explained that current rules require six officials to manage a match, placing a financial strain on organisers.

“For example, at the SEA Games, at least 35 referees are needed, with costs for flights, food, accommodation, and daily allowances borne by the host. This can be burdensome.

“Our technical team is currently in Germany discussing this new technology. We may trial the system and equipment at the upcoming World Championships. When we use this system, we will also give referees the opportunity to call for challenges,” he said in a recent interview.

Abdul Halim further explained that, at present, only team coaches can request referees to review decisions but under the new proposal, chief referees will have the authority to review ambiguous calls, potentially improving the quality of officiating.

“Based on statistics in major tournaments this year, including ISTAF World Cup in Malaysia and Thai King’s Cup, the reversal (of referee’s decision after challenge) is worrying. We will also enhance our referees education,” he said. 

A major drawback of the current system is that teams lose their challenge even if the referee's decision is proven incorrect, unlike in badminton, where challenges are retained in such cases. In sepaktakraw, each team is allowed two challenges per match.

Meanwhile, ISTAF Deputy President Muhammad Fariq Halim said the new system could help organisers reduce tournament costs, thereby increasing the number of tournaments across various age groups.

“ISTAF doesn’t want to rent out the system. We need to support our member countries. We will not burden our members by renting this equipment. ISTAF will secure funding and work with partners to make this system accessible to all member countries.

“We will start with ASTAF (Asian Sepaktakraw Federation) and ISTAF-sanctioned tournaments, and then perhaps expand to local tournaments,” he said.

-- BERNAMA