While officiating became part of the story of last Sunday’s Super Bowl. Major League Baseball could be inching closer to having a robot umpire. Presenting concerns about the future for humans in sports officiating.

The officiating was a noteworthy part of Super Bowl LVII. Particularly, a defensive holding call in the closing minutes of the game. This came two weeks after a consequential roughing the passer call in the AFC Championship Game. That call also happened in the closing minutes of the game. Both plays helped shorten the distance of the Kansas City Chiefs’ game winning field goals.

Earlier in the Super Bowl, there were two other plays where catches were brought into question. An attempted reception by Philadelphia Eagles player DeVonta Smith was ruled incomplete. After an extensive review in the second quarter. A catch by Eagles player Dallas Goedert was ruled complete after another lengthy review. Both plays put forward the question of whether Goedert and Smith had full control of the ball. Which can be exhausting to determine in an age of high-tech instant replay. Making the slightest inadvertent bobble pivotal for determining a completion.

In the referee’s defense, they were following the rules. Plus, these weren’t decisions made over the last play of the game. The penalties made a difference in two closely contested games. However, the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles still had opportunities for game winning plays. Both tried last second plays to get a touchdown.

Meanwhile, as Spring Training begins for the Cincinnati Reds and other Major League Baseball teams. This year could offer a view into the future of officiating in baseball. Through the use of computerized strike zone technology, formally called the Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) system. All Triple-A ballparks will be using the ABS system this year. This technology could be used for Major League Baseball games someday. The computerized strike zone has already been used by various minor leagues. No agreement was reached on its use in MLB games during last year’s lockout negotiations.

There will be new rules being implemented by MLB this year. Larger bases, a pitch clock and restrictions on the dreaded shift are coming this year. The system being tested in the minor leagues doesn’t replace human umpires. Instead, it’s used in the way tennis’ electronic line judge system is often used. In many tennis tournaments, a human line judge is present but turns to the electronic system for challenged calls. In baseball, there’s still the traditional set of umpires on the field. The computerized strike zone is used to quickly review calls challenged by a pitcher, batter or catcher.

There are benefits to having robot referees. They could make games run more smoothly and cut down on fans heckling referees. The bad side would be if robot referees completely replaced human referees. Most significantly, this echoes the most serious concerns people have about automation in society. Some tennis tournaments have already shifted away from using human line judges. Last year, the U.S. Open became the second grand slam tournament to exclusively use an electronic line judge. The Australian Open began exclusively using an electronic line judge in 2021.

In the midst of the AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl. I’ve told people that fans won’t like it when robot referees take over. Griping over referee’s controversial calls is a past time for fans. Swapping out human referees completely for robots would take away a unique part of the fan experience. Frankly, it would be weird watching a manager get ejected by a computer. Meanwhile, having a game officiated exclusively by robot referees could make games feel staler. Staleness is something Major League Baseball has been trying to avoid for years.

Consider the discussions that debatable calls generate during and after a game. It showcases a level of engagement the public has with a particular team or league. The National Football League likely doesn’t mind having people talk about a debatable call. Compared to the NFL facing questions about more difficult topics. Debatable games can also sometimes prompt fans to focus more on a game they were watching passively.

When it comes to using robot referee technology. There’s a lot of room for a reasonable middle ground. This technology can be used in ways that don’t eliminate the need for human referees. Technology is only as good as the people that build or use it. Hopefully robot umpire technology can be used in the best way possible.