PRESS INFORMATION

October 26^th, 2023

BRING ON THE DRONES!

Coptrz says eyes in the sky will reduce VAR errors

The UK's leading supplier of commercial drones has called on the Premier League to go aerial in its attempt to iron out the VAR issues that seem to blight every match weekend.

Coptrz says that eyes in the sky at every Premier League match would ensure the perfect angle for every offside decision; ensure no off the ball incidents are ever missed; and be able to immediately flag-up any foul play missed by static cameras.

George Burne, Coptrz's business development director, said: "Drones are already used extensively in football, with clubs and officials using them for training purposes, but there seems to be a real reticence amongst the authorities to harness them to solve the biggest headache of all - VAR."

"There's no doubt that the technology is sophisticated enough to monitor a match in its entirety. Key in-match events could simply be programmed into the drones so that they can notify officials of infringements in a quick and error-free way. Furthermore, the eye in the sky would provide VAR teams with an invaluable full-game view."

The use of drones in football has sky-rocketed in recent years, with clubs all over the world using them for a wide variety of coaching purposes, including:

• Aerial analysis - high quality cameras are used in training sessions to provide different angles and deliver a bird's eye view, which allows for proper analysis of player positioning, movement and team tactics, both at team and individual level
• Live feedback - a lot of drones used in sport stream live video back to a tablet or computer, allowing coaches to provide real-time feedback during sessions, which enables immediate adjustments and corrections
• Scouting / talent assessment - drone footage gives the perfect overview of potential new signings and enables those not able to scout matches to see the talent in action
• Set piece training - some set pieces already look complex enough, but with a drone hovering above new and more imaginative approaches can be planned, learned and executed to the delight of football commentators everywhere
• Condition and fitness monitoring -drones can capture footage of players during fitness drills and endurance training; data that can help coaches monitor player's physical condition, potential injuries and make adjustments to training regimes as needed

And their use doesn't stop with football. All kinds of sport are now relying heavily on drones in coaching - from tennis to ultimate frisbee, rugby union to track and field events. With the mobility, precision and high-quality image capturing that drones deliver adding a whole new level to performance analysis, both in competitive situations and regular coaching sessions.

"The only limit to how the use of drones develops in football, as well as the wider sporting arena, is the imagination of those using them," added George.

"And it's not beyond the realms of belief that in a few seasons time, professional matches will be refereed by drones armed with red and yellow cards and a small taser to deter dissent from the player - although we won't push the Premier League for that quite yet!"

Coptrz is one of the UK's leading commercial drone providers, selling over 150 different product types online from manufacturers around the world. From business starter packages and events through to training and an online shop,Coptrz provides the complete 360° drone solution to meet the needs of business across a range of sectors and ensure consumers can get their hands on the latest kit.

For further information, please visitwww.coptrz.com.

ENDS

Photograph:

Bring on the drones - Coptrz has called on the Premier League to go aerial in its attempts to iron out VAR issues

Press contacts:

Daniel Kennedy, Lewis Scott, or Kennady Caines at Source Marketing

T: 0113 380 1644 / 07906 035933,

E:daniel@sourcemc.co.uk/coptrz@sourcemc.o.uk