Referees to use microchip technology

German company, Cairos Technologies is developing an automated soccer refereeing technology that could result in fewer disagreements over decisions particularly the offside rule.

Soccer balls and players' shin pads are fitted with foil-thin coin sized microchips.

The chips transmit up to 2000 microwave signals a second to receivers around the field. These, in turn, send data to a computer for nearly instant processing.

A wrist watch worn by a referee is then used to display the result. Through beeps, flashes, vibration and digital read-outs, it will tell him/her basic but vital pieces of information that can be used to make the correct decision.

The technology could also be used in other areas such as hockey, car racing, viewing ski jumping competitions, coaching and measuring player skills.