An AVAR is an assistant video assistant referee, one of the video match officials. The AVAR helps the VAR, and the referee always takes the final decision.
What an AVAR does
An AVAR is a match official whose job is to support the VAR. Under Law 6, the AVAR helps the VAR primarily through the duties below.
- Watching the television footage while the VAR is busy with a check or a review.
- Keeping a record of VAR-related incidents and any communication or technology problems.
- Assisting the VAR's communication with the referee, especially when the VAR is undertaking a check or review, for example to tell the referee to stop play or delay the restart.
- Recording the time lost when play is delayed for a check or a review.
- Communicating information about a VAR-related decision to relevant parties.
How the video team is split
Here is the division of roles among the video match officials and the replay operator.
| Official | Role |
|---|---|
| Video assistant referee (VAR) | May assist the referee using replay footage only for a clear and obvious error or serious missed incident in the reviewable situations |
| Assistant VAR (AVAR) | Helps the VAR, primarily by watching the TV footage while the VAR is busy, keeping records, assisting communication with the referee, recording time lost and passing on VAR-related information |
| Replay operator | One or more may work in the video operation room, depending on the number of camera angles and other considerations |
The other match officials who may be appointed to a match include a VAR and at least one AVAR. The VAR and AVAR are the video match officials, and they assist the referee in line with the Laws of the Game and the VAR protocol.
How they work in the video operation room
The VAR watches the match in the video operation room, assisted by one or more AVARs. Depending on the number of camera angles and other considerations, there may also be more than one AVAR and one or more replay operators.
Access and communication are restricted. During the match, only authorised persons may enter the video operation room or communicate with the VAR, AVAR or replay operator.
The VAR has independent access to, and replay control of, TV broadcast footage. The VAR is connected to the communication system used by the match officials and can hear everything they say, but the VAR can speak to the referee only by pushing a button, so the referee is not distracted by conversations inside the video operation room.
When the AVAR can speak to the referee
If the VAR is busy with a check or a review, the AVAR may speak to the referee, especially if the game needs to be stopped or to ensure play does not restart.
FAQ
What is the difference between the VAR and the AVAR?
The VAR uses replay footage to help the referee within a defined scope: clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents in reviewable situations. The AVAR supports that work, primarily by watching footage, keeping records, helping with communication, tracking time lost and passing on information. The VAR is a current or former referee; the AVAR is a current or former referee/assistant referee appointed to assist the VAR.
Who is the replay operator in VAR work?
The replay operator is not one of the video match officials, who are the VAR and the AVAR. Replay operators work in the video operation room, and there may be one or more, depending on the number of camera angles and other considerations.
Can the AVAR speak to the referee?
Yes. If the VAR is occupied with a check or review, the AVAR may speak to the referee, especially if play needs to be stopped or if the restart needs to be delayed.
Who can replace a VAR, AVAR or replay operator?
A VAR, AVAR or replay operator who is unable to start or continue may only be replaced by someone who is qualified for that role.