VAR
VAR in Agility – How it works
In 2025, the Agility World Championship in Kalmar will mark the first time officially using VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system at an AWC event. With this system, FCI aims to support fair and consistent judging using strategically placed cameras and real-time video review as a support for the judge.
Below is presented a more in-depth yet accessible explanation of how the system works – helpful for anyone who wants to understand how VAR supports fair and accurate judging.
What is VAR?
VAR is a camera-based video system designed to support judges in reviewing certain parts of a dog's run, especially the contact zones. With multiple cameras connected to a playback device, judges can review footage immediately after a run if a situation is unclear.
It is important to note that at the AWC in Kalmar, VAR will be used exclusively for reviewing potential faults on the contact zones including see saw behaviour – not for refusals or any other part of the course.
Who operates the VAR system?
There are three key roles involved in using VAR:
Video Operator – responsible for operating the camera system and ensuring reliable video playback. This person has no role in judging and is well experienced with the system used.
Main Judge – the person who holds full authority and makes all final decisions. The Main Judge can review the video personally or base decisions on the VAR Assistant Judge's input.
VAR Assistant Judge – an FCI-licensed international agility judge who reviews the video and may be authorised to make fault decisions in areas assigned by the Main Judge.
All three individuals must be present on-site at the competition.
How is VAR used during competition?
The VAR system is used when the Main Judge or VAR Assistant Judge needs to review a specific situation on the course – during AWC the contact zones. This may happen when a decision is unclear or difficult to judge in real time.
In these cases, video review is used after the run to confirm whether a fault occurred. The Main Judge always has the final authority and may either review the video personally or rely on the VAR Assistant Judge's input, depending on the situation.
If the review leads to a change in the result – for example, a fault is added or removed – this is clearly communicated to the competitor and the audience. The system is designed to ensure transparency while maintaining the flow and professionalism of the competition.
All communication between the judging team – including the Main Judge, VAR Assistant Judge, Ring Assistant Judge, and Scribes should be discreetly and efficiently, without disrupting the event or creating confusion.
The use of VAR supports the judges in making fair and well-informed decisions, especially in fast-paced or complex scenarios where visual clarity can be limited.
Camera setup and technical requirements
Each contact zone should be filmed using at least two high speed cameras. The system should use cabled (wired) connections whenever possible, to avoid issues with Wi-Fi or other unstable transmission technologies.
The cameras used for VAR are placed outside the ring, not directly next to the obstacles. This ensures that they do not interfere with the dogs or handlers and do not become a distraction during the run. The placement is carefully planned to provide a clear view of the contact zones from multiple angles, ideally including footage from both sides of the obstacle.
Data protection and GDPR
The competition organiser is responsible for ensuring that VAR use complies with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). Participants must be informed about the purpose and use of the video footage, usually via the organiser's website.
The video material will be stored for a maximum of 24 hours after the end of the event, or up to one week if needed for specific reasons.
Why use VAR?
The purpose of introducing VAR is not to overcomplicate judging, but to support fairness, consistency, and accuracy – especially at high-level competitions where situations can unfold quickly and be difficult to judge in real time. It gives judges a valuable tool to confirm or clarify testing decisions without slowing down the event.
Although the VAR Assistant Judge may provide input or even judge specific zones, the Main Judge retains full authority over all decisions.
In top-level agility, dogs are fast, and the decisions happen in a split of a second. VAR helps ensure that the right calls are made – especially in complex situations like close contact zone calls.
At the Agility World Championship 2025 in Kalmar, Sweden, the VAR system will be used, with the two Swedish FCI judges Marianne Fernström and Yvonne Ahlin officiating on site.
Want to read the full FCI regulations? https://www.fci.be/en/Agility-45.html