16 Mar 2022
Basingstoke, United Kingdom (March 16, 2022) — Swimming Victoria, the governing state sporting association for swimming in Victoria, Australia have partnered with Hawk-Eye Innovations, Sony’s wholly owned subsidiary and the sports tech leader in officiating and tracking technologies, on a brand-new collaboration. Together the two have launched a proof of concept (PoC) of the world’s first Swimming Video Review Technology, for the 2022 swimming season, beginning with the 2022 Victorian Age Long Course Championships which ran from March 10 - 14.
Ensuring fair competition in swimming is fundamental. By introducing Hawk-Eye’s latest SMART (Synchronised Multi Angle Replay Technology) Video Review system to the sport, Swimming Victoria is establishing a new methodology for assuring fair competition. The aim of this partnership is to improve the efficiency and automation of officiating and timing in swimming. Currently, certain events require around 50 officials for an event to take place.
The system in place is made up of a permanent 9 camera system (4 under water and 5 above water), all feeding back to the onsite review booth. The review booth has a four-monitor setup, two of which were used to replay and select angles for analysis, whilst the other two displayed 'always live' angles of the pool to avoid missing any action. The system aims to firstly improve the efficiency and automation of the inspector of turn whilst also reducing the need for timekeepers.
Ben Crossing, Hawk-Eye’s Chief Operating Officer stated: “We are always excited at Hawk-Eye to push the boundaries of sports technology and officiating. Working with Swimming Victoria to implement our new Swimming Video Review system is another great example of that, and we are excited to be partnering with them to revolutionise the way swimming is officiated.”
Jason Hellwig, CEO of Swimming Victoria: “Swimming Victoria is thrilled to be partnering with Hawk-Eye Innovations to bring this world leading sports technology to swimming.
Their innovations in officiating and video review systems will change the way we run our competitions and we are very excited to be at the forefront of it. We look forward to working with Hawk-Eye to enhance the future of swimming in Victoria and beyond.“
This PoC has begun in the 2022 season, with offline trials to be in-place until August when Swimming Victoria aims to implement the system live. Hawk-Eye is invested in transforming the sports industry with creative and innovative technologies, and are excited to work with Swimming Victoria and make major strides in the world of aquatics.
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About Hawk-Eye
Hawk-Eye Innovations have been at the forefront of sports officiating and broadcast enhancement technology since 2001. The world’s biggest sporting events trust Hawk-Eye to make the right call, when it matters most.
Hawk-Eye’s vision-processing, video replay and creative graphic technologies make sport fairer, safer, more engaging and better informed. Our innovations are constantly changing the face of sports officiating, production, content management, fan engagement in every sport.
Hawk-Eye Innovations form a key part of Sony’s sports business with a shared mission to deliver best-in-class officiating, broadcast and digital solutions to the sports world.
Website: https://www.hawkeyeinnovations.com/
Follow Hawk-Eye on Twitter: www.twitter.com/hawkeye_view
Follow Hawk-Eye on Instagram: www.instagram.com/hawkeyeinnovations
About Swimming Victoria
Swimming Victoria is the governing sporting association for swimming in Victoria. Established in 1893, we are a not-for-profit organisation governed by a voluntary Board of Directors. Today, we represent the interests of some 130 swimming clubs and over 11,500 members. For 126 years, we have been providing services and support to registered clubs, members and many partner organisations, and we believe there is a bright future ahead.
We collaborate with purpose for the benefit of swimming and are committed to acting in the best interests of members and the swimming community.
Website: vic.swimming.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/swimvic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/swim_vic
Contact Information
Sony Sports’ Businesses
Dina Hassan, Head of Marketing
E: dina.hassan@hawkeyeinnovations.com
Hawk-Eye
Leigh Maxwell, General Manager- Australasia
E: leigh.maxwell@hawkeyeinnovations.com
Swimming Victoria
Heather Blackman, Communications Coordinator