Reed Harradine is a Birmingham‑born athlete, scholar, and mentor whose firsthand experience in both elite soccer and collegiate football gives him a distinctive lens on the modern game. A former ECNL goalkeeper turned first‑string kicker and kickoff specialist for Grambling State University, Reed pairs on‑field expertise with rigorous study in finance and accounting. His induction into the National Society of Leadership and Success underscores his academic commitment, while his work mentoring young kickers and punters in Birmingham highlights his dedication to developing future talent. Reed also consults coaches on integrating data and emerging technologies—such as VAR—into match strategy, making his insights especially credible for understanding how officiating innovations reshape tactics and player behavior.
The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, a significant milestone in the evolution of soccer, has fundamentally altered the game. This technology provides real-time video reviews of key soccer moments, including penalties, goals, red card incidents, and offside. With VAR, referee decision-making is more precise, leaving little room for controversy or error. The increased accuracy of the game has also raised the stakes for players and managers as coaches now train their teams with the understanding that a minor infraction or marginal offside will very likely be detected and penalized. Similarly, players are more cautious due to the awareness that referees are constantly scrutinizing their every movement.
VAR has instilled more defensive discipline and tactical caution into the game of soccer. Players avoid risky challenges since minimal contact often results in reviews and penalties. Coaches are also reinforcing disciplined marking and encouraging defenders to contain attacks rather than resorting to risky tackles. This has prompted more soccer players to adopt zonal defending and less aggressive pressing. In zonal defending, each player covers a specific area rather than an individual opponent.
VAR has become a key player in the game planning of soccer teams. Post-match VAR analysis is a crucial part of tactical preparation. Teams study the tendencies of specific referees and how they use VAR. For instance, a team might analyze how a referee penalizes offside or handballs. This strategic use of VAR is a testament to the evolving role of technology in soccer.
VAR reviews often disrupt the game’s momentum. VAR reviews typically last around 80 seconds. This pause adds a new dynamic to the rhythm of soccer matches. For example, during the 2025 FA Cup semifinals between Manchester United and the Wolves, a VAR check paused the game just as Manchester United was building attack momentum. This break allowed the Wolves to rest their formation and regroup defensively. Coaches now time their substitutions to align with these pauses.
The coaching staff uses the pause from VAR reviews to fine-tune player positioning, allowing the team to resume play with renewed structure and purpose. These moments, once unpredictable breaks in momentum, have become integral to match-day planning. Tactical scouts and analysts review VAR-era footage to identify behavior patterns in their squads and their opponents during these micro-intermissions and find ways to exploit any mental lapses or structural shifts.
While VAR has enhanced the fairness and accuracy of officiating, boosting correct decision rates from an already impressive 92-95 percent to nearly 99 percent, its impact on the rhythm and emotion of the game has sparked debate. Coaches and fans recognize that video reviews offer justice, but the prolonged wait for decisions sometimes dulls the spontaneous emotional highs and lows that define soccer.
Leagues are facing the challenge of optimizing VAR protocols, which means minimizing disruptions without compromising the integrity of officiating. The goal is to strike a delicate balance, correcting errors while preserving the fluid and passionate nature of the game that draws millions each week. The future of VAR in soccer may see further technological advancements, such as faster review times and improved communication systems, to further enhance the game.