A Low-Cost Goal Line Technology (GLT) Solution for Grassroots Football: Performance Analysis of Ball Detection across Variable Speeds
摘要
This study introduces a portable and affordable Goal Line Technology (GLT) system tailored for grassroots and lower-tier football leagues. The system is built using open-source tools, with OpenCV handling image processing and YOLOv8 enabling real-time ball detection. Designed for a compact Raspberry Pi setup paired with a Pi Camera, the system’s performance was rigorously evaluated at various ball speeds to determine its detection accuracy as a key factor for reliable goal confirmation during fast-paced football matches. The results show the system achieves 95% accuracy for ball speeds up to 15 m/s. However, at higher speeds, such as 25 m/s, accuracy declines to 65%, highlighting hardware limitations in handling rapid movements. These findings highlight the potential of developing low-cost and accessible GLT solutions and suggest further hardware and algorithmic optimizations to improve detection robustness at high speeds. This study contributes valuable insights into the development of affordable officiating technology, offering practical implications for its adoption in football at various levels.