DV1: Growth of Female Referees in England (2020–2024)

Focus: Show the steep increase from 1,477 (2020) to 3,139 (July 2024) a 113% rise.

Source Data

The role of female referees in England has seen remarkable growth in recent years. According to The FA’s report on inspiring positive change, the number of female referees has increased by 113% from 1,477 in 2020 to 3,139 in 2024 (The FA, 2024). This significant rise highlights the broader trend of greater inclusion in football, which also reflects a growing global recognition of women in officiating roles. Notable milestones include the appointment of Rebecca Welch as the first female Premier League referee in 2023, marking a historic shift in the traditionally male-dominated profession. BBC reports that there are currently 14 female referees on football’s international list, further emphasising the progress being made (BBC Sport, 2023). This progress has not only boosted representation but also inspired the next generation of female referees across the country.

References

Visualisation Type: Line chart

Table 1: Growth of Female Referees in England (2020–2024)

Year	Female Referees (England, est.)
2020	1477
2021	1800
2022	2200
2023	2700
2024	3139

Figure 1 Growth of Female Referees (2020–2024) (Sanders, 2024)

DV2: VAR Decision Accuracy Before and After Adoption (Pre-VAR vs With VAR)

Focus: Compare accuracy rates: ~82% pre-VAR to ~96%–97% with VAR.

Source Data

Since the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the accuracy of decisions in football has significantly improved. According to Sky Sports, VAR has led to an increase in correct decisions from approximately 82% before its implementation to 96% (Sky Sports, 2023). This technological advancement has been particularly beneficial in high-stakes matches, helping referees make more accurate calls, particularly regarding penalties, red cards, and offside decisions. Furthermore, BBC statistics show that the accuracy of referees, with the assistance of VAR, has reached an impressive 97%, compared to 94% when officiating without it (BBC, 2023). These improvements have not only elevated the quality of officiating but also enhanced the overall fairness of the game, ensuring that controversial moments are reviewed and corrected in real-time. VAR continues to shape the future of football, balancing human decision-making with technological precision to support referees on the field.

Visualisation Type: Side-by-side bar chart

Table 2: Numeric Data Table (no % symbol)

Period	Decision Accuracy
Pre-VAR (Before 2019)	82
With VAR (2023/24)	97

Figure 2 VAR Accuracy Before and After (Roan, 2020)