Riedel RefCam Takes Center Court In German Basketball Research Initiative

Riedel Communications, in cooperation with the German Basketball Federation (DBB) and the German Sport University Cologne (DSHS), deployed its RefCam for the first time in Germany’s 2. Basketball-Bundesliga. As part of a scientific research project, the head-mounted camera technology was implemented on Dec. 28, 2025, during the game between EPG Baskets Koblenz and Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim in Koblenz. This research initiative aims to develop a comprehensive training concept to improve decision-making skills among basketball referees.

Riedel’s RefCam is a compact, head-mounted camera that captures game situations from the referee’s point of view. Designed for both live broadcast applications and recording-only scenarios, three RefCam Record units were deployed in Koblenz for local recording only.

“Working with scientific partners is essential to advancing officiating standards,” said Carsten Straube, DBB B and C squad referee manager. “Innovative technology projects like RefCam can play a key role in quality assurance while also providing fresh insights for referee education and training.”

As part of a research initiative funded by the Federal Institute of Sport Science, the study focuses on evaluating a video-based training program for referee decision-making. Footage captured with RefCam adds new perspectives from real game situations to existing methods and is being incorporated into the ongoing development of training materials.

“Highly dynamic game situations are difficult to capture from the referee’s perspective using conventional cameras,” said Dr. Johannes Meyer, DSHS research associate. “RefCam enables us to record and analyze precisely these sequences with a high degree of realism.”

Jacqueline Voss, Riedel executive director of strategy and innovation, added: “This exciting project demonstrates that our RefCam is not only suited for immersive perspectives in live environments but can also deliver valuable insights for analysis and research. We are delighted that our technology can support both sports science research and referee development in German basketball.”

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