By Mark Baber
September 17 – Wycombe Wanderers’s Sky Bet League Two game against Plymouth this weekend was the unexpected venue for a vigorous debate on players wearing of GPS systems, with the kick-off being held up for seven minutes as Plymouth’s new manager Derek Adams questioned their safety.
After the game Adams said: “At the start the Wycombe players had GPS systems on their backs and they were sticking out. We had to get clarification if they could use that.
“They provided an email from the Football League saying they could use them but we’ll wait and see what comes of that. It’s a hard object and a dangerous bit of equipment if somebody goes into the back of another player to head the ball.
“I noticed in the tunnel and alerted the referee. I don’t think it should be allowed. I’m not sure what the ruling is but someone could head it, it could get pulled or somebody could even get choked.”
Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth told journalists: “We’ve been told that we can wear them and the FA has said that it’s ok to wear them this year and the GPS data has been vital for us.”
The equipment used by Wycombe is on loan from the Bucks New University where it underwent testing with the players during the summer break. After the match the data is downloaded for the use of the club’s sports scientist and provides data on distance covered, top speed, number of sprints etc. to help with performance analysis.
The Football League commented on the issue, saying: “Following FIFA’s decision to permit players to wear Electronic Performance and Tracking System devices under the laws of the game, The Football League has also sanctioned their use in its competitions.”
“Clubs were notified of this rule change in writing before the start of the current season and the matter was explained to club managers at their annual pre-season meetings.”
“Any club seeking to use EPTS devices is required to notify the League and provide relevant details relating to how they will be worn and used. To date, 19 clubs, including Wycombe Wanderers, have registered their intention to use these devices.”
The International Football Association Board gave agreement in principle for the use of Electronic Performance and Tracking System (EPTS) devices in May but the final decision as to whether or not EPTS devices may be used lies with the respective association, league or competition involved.
FIFA itself has stipulated that for its own competitions approval of these devices is subject to them being inspected at the Team Arrival Meeting by the FIFA referee instructor, being further inspected by the FIFA Medical Officer if concerns are expressed with a joint final decision being made by either the match commissioner or general coordinator.
FIFA also stipulates that data should only be used by the respective team and/or player involved and not for any commercial purpose and/or in association with any third party, no such devices should be used in the technical area and “according to Law 4 of the Laws of the Game, such devices shall not cause any danger to the player himself/herself or any opposing player.”
According to FIFA’s rules, “Participating member associations shall ensure that all team delegation members fully comply with the above requirements. The responsibility for failing to do so will be borne by the member association. FIFA would like to emphasise that any device worn is at the risk and responsibility of the player and/or member association concerned.”
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