A device, computer program and method

Abstract

A method is disclosed of providing syntax to an official in a sporting event wherein the syntax relates to a decision following an incident at the sporting event. The method comprises displaying the i

Description

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure The present technique relates to a device, computer program and method. Description of the Related Art The “background" description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in the background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present technique. Officiating is a very important aspect of a sporting event. Technology has evolved to assist officials in making the correct decisions. For example, in soccer, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has been increasingly useful in assisting officials. With VAR, the on-field referee will be told to review a particular incident if another referee reviewing video streams of a soccer match considers there to be an infringement not seen by the on-field referee. After reviewing the video footage of the incident, usually from more than one camera angle, the on-field referee will simply indicate if the original decision has been changed. There is no explanation to the crowd or television audience which is undesirable especially where the rationale for the decision is complicated. Accordingly, there is a desire for the on-field referee to provide an explanation of the rationale behind their decision. It is possible that the referee simply explains the decision through their headset to the crowd and / or broadcaster using their headset. However, there is an increased risk of mis-communication in the decision, especially as officiating is performed under high pressure, and with a possibly hostile crowd reacting to the decision. Moreover, the official may need to communicate complex decisions in a timely manner and there is an increased risk that, whilst considered, critical information may be omitted in the communicated decision. It is an aim of the disclosure to address this issue. SUMMARY According to embodiments of the disclosure, there is provided a method of providing syntax to an official in a sporting event, the syntax relating to an incident at the sporting event and the method comprising: displaying the incident; selecting a decision relating to the incident from a set of decisions; generating a 1 syntax formed of one or more predetermined words associated with the selected decision; and providing the syntax to the official. The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a device 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 2 shows a template which is completed by the governing body of the sporting event; Figure 3 shows an example scenario illustrating embodiments of the disclosure; Figures 4A to 4J show a user interface 140 explaining tine interaction of a user with the example scenario from Figure 3; Figure 5A shows an example of the syntax template; Figure 5B shows the approved syntax explaining the decision; Figure 5C shows an RRA monitor 150 according to embodiments of the disclosure; Figures 5D to 5G show a wrist display 160 according to embodiments of the disclosure; and Figure 6 shows a flowchart 600 explaining embodiments of the disclosure DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Numerous modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a device 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure. In embodiments, the device 100 is part of a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system used to assist officials in soccer matches. As will become apparent, however, the disclosure is not so limited and may be used in any context where video is used to assist officials in any sporting event. The device 100 in embodiments comprises circuitry configured to perform various functions. This circuitry may be formed from semiconductor material and may be formed from a single piece of semiconductor material. In embodiments, the circuitry is formed into one or more logical units. The device 100 comprises processing circuitry 110 which may be an Application Specific Integrated circuit or, in embodiments, be controlled by computer software which, when run on the processing circuitry 110 configures the processing circuitry 110 to perform various functions. In embodiments, the computer software is stored within the device 100 in storage 130. Of course, the disclosure is not so limited and the computer software that controls the processing circuitry7 110 may be stored in a second device such as a server (not shown). As noted above, in embodiments, the computer software is stored in storage 130. The storage 130 is connected to the processing circuitry 110 and may be circuitry or a magnetically or optically readable medium. In addition, the processing circuitry 110 is connected to a user interface 140 and a communication unit 120. The user interface 140 is configured to receive inputs from the user of the device 100 to control the device 100. The user interface 140 may be a touch screen or other input mechanism such as a keyboard and mouse arrangement or the like. The user interface 140 according to embodiments is shown in Figures 4A to 4J. The communication unit 120 is configured to be connected to and communicate with a referee review area monitor (RRA) 150 which is mounted m a stadium hosting a sporting event and which is visible to the on-field official and a wrist-mounted display 160 worn by the on-field official of the sporting event. The function of the RRA monitor 150 and the wrist-mounted display 160 will be explained later. The communication unit 120 may therefore be connected in a wired or wireless manner to the RRA monitor 150 and / or the wrist-mounted display 160. Moreover, although in embodiments, the communication unit 120 is connected to in-stadium objects, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the communication unit 120 may be connected to a commentary team of a broadcaster, the Internet, social media or the like so that the decision can be output to the viewing public more generally. As noted above, the device 100 according to embodiments, is used in a VAR system and will be described in that context. However, the disclosure is not so limited and may be used in any situation where one or more officials watching video streams assist an official in making decisions in a sporting event. For example, in embodiments, the sports event may be an ice hockey’ match. In this instance, the referee, linesmen or on-ice officials will be assisted by the device 100. Moreover, in embodiments, the sports event may be a motor race. In the case the race director will be assisted by the device 100. Typically, in a VAR system, only certain decisions are subject to video review. These decisions are set by a sport’s governing body. For example, in soccer’s English Premier League, VAR is used for ‘clear and obvious errors’ or ‘serious missed incidents’ in four match changing situations: goals; penalty decisions; direct red-card incidents; and mistaken identity. Obviously, the types of decisions may vary depending on the sport’s governing body. Figure 2 shows a table according to embodiments of the disclosure identifying the decisions which are subject to VAR review, the possible outcome of those decisions and the syntax used by an official official (the referee in the case of soccer) to communicate the outcome to spectators according to embodiments of the disclosure. In other words, the syntax is formed of one or more predetermined words associated with the selected decision and the syntax is provided to an official so that the official communicates the outcome of the selected decision to spectators. So, the syntax is a standardised and structured set of phrases that efficiently and unambiguously communicates the desired information to the viewing public. Although the embodiments of Figure 2 shows various decisions, possible outcomes associated with the decisions and the corresponding syntax, the disclosure is no way limited to this. The possible outcomes will depend upon the decision to be made by the video official(s). Moreover, tine syntax used will depend upon the possible outcome. The choice of the decision, possible outcome and syntax is therefore not limited to that shown in Figure 2. In embodiments, the table of Figure 2 is a template which is completed by the governing body of the sporting event. The governing body will set the decisions which may be reviewed by the video official, the possible outcome from those decisions and the appropriate syntax that should be used to communicate the outcome to the viewing public. In addition, in embodiments of Figure 2, the syntax is shown in English. However, tire disclosure is not so limited. The syntax may be any language. For example, in sporting events, the language is usually defined by the governing body of the sport and so although the syntax of Figure 2 is in English, another language may be used instead of English. In addition, in embodiments, there may be an approved translation of the syntax stored in association with the syntax. For example, in the table of Figure 2, the approved English language syntax for an offside decision is “there was an offside”. This, in embodiments, will be used by the on-field referee to announce the decision to the stadium and the viewing public. However, for the viewing public in a foreign country, a translation approved by the sport’s governing body may be provided to broadcasters in that country’. This will reduce the likelihood of a mis-translation. Accordingly, the term ‘il y a eu un hors-jeu’ (which is French for There was an offside’) is sent to French broadcasters. Moreover, and as noted later, the translation of the syntax may be provided to the on-field official in addition or instead of to the broadcaster. This is useful if the on-field official has a different first language to the language of the syntax. Figure 3 shows an example scenario illustrating embodiments of the disclosure. The example scenario is from a goal scored by Newcastle United against Arsenal on 4 November 2023. This was quite a complicated decision due to the number of decisions made by VAR in ultimately supporting the on-field decision of goal. Picture A shows the goal going in. However, in the build-up to the goal, there was a decision needed to confirm if the ball went out of play (picture B). In addition, there was a decision regarding whether there was obvious evidence of a foul in the build up (picture C). Finally, there was a decision regarding whether a player was offside in the build up (picture D). The referee then confirmed that the on-field decision was correct (picture E). Figures 4A to 4J show a user interface 140 explaining the interaction of a user with the example scenario from Figure 3. In embodiments, the user interface 140 is a touch screen device allowing a user to control tire device 100 using a touch screen. However, the disclosure is not so limited and any kind of user interface is envisaged such as a mouse and / or keyboard or the like. Moreover, in embodiments, the user interface 140 is controlled by one individual, the disclosure is not so limited and more than one individual may control the user interface 140. Indeed, various functions of the user interface may be distributed amongst a number of various user interfaces as will be explained later. Each function may be controlled by the same or different individuals. Figure 4A shows a user interface 140 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The user interface 140 includes seven buttons 405. As will be apparent, each button corresponds to a decision in the table of Figure 2. In particular, each button has three segments. The first segment is the ‘Decision' that is to be input to the device 100 by the operator. In embodiments, the operator of the user interface 140 is the same person who is making the ‘decision’ which is the Video Assistant Referee (or more broadly the video official). However, the disclosure is not so limited and the operator of the user interface 140 may be a specialist operator who is instructed by the video official. Returning to the buttons 405, the second and third segment are provided to indicate the ‘possible outcomes’ from the ‘decision'. In other words, the second segment and the third segment each correspond to the two different possible outcomes noted in Figure 2. This means that it is easy for the video official to input (either by themselves or via an operator) the outcome of each decision. Moreover, as the table shown in Figure 2 is configurable by a sport’s governing body by virtue of a template, the layout of each button 405 will automatically be configurable. In other words, the number of buttons corresponds to the number of rows in the decision column of the table of Figure 2 and the number of segments corresponds to the number of rows in the possible outcome column associated with each decision. So, if the number or type of decisions are changed, or indeed if the possible outcomes for each decision changes, the number of buttons and / or the number of segments associated with each button will change accordingly. This makes it easier to customise the user interface 140. In addition, a submit button 410 is provided. This is, in embodiments, a button that is different to button 405 and is not associated with a decision. The submit button 410 is different to reduce the risk of an error because one the decision is submitted, according to embodiments, the syntax will be generated and provided to the on-field official and broadcasters and the like. In embodiments, the submit button 410 may be a different size to the button 405 and may be a different colour or texture or on a different device, or may be a physical button (rather than a touch screen button). Also provided on the user interface 140 is a group of sequence buttons 430. In this case, there are 5 numbered sequence buttons and a decision button. The purpose of the sequence buttons 430 is to allow the video official to indicate the order in which the various decisions are reviewed and the outcome of such review. As noted in the example of Figure 3, some sporting event decisions have multiple decisions made leading up to the final decision. In the case of Figure 3, the final decision (whether a goal was scored or not) w as dependent upon whether the ball was out of play, whether there was a player offside and whether a foul was committed in the build up to the goal. Accordingly, with complex decisions like this, it is important that each of these decisions are reviewed and the outcome of each review is explained by the on-field referee. Accordingly, the sequence buttons 430 are used to sequence the various decisions made to the video referee and the sequence is used to generate the ordering of the syntax provided to the on-field referee as will be explained. In addition to the numbering, the sequence buttons 430 include a ‘decision’ button. The ‘decision’ button is used to identify the final decision of the video official. This is used to conclude the syntax as will become apparent. Of course, although sequence buttons 430 are described, the disclosure is not so limited. In embodiments, the order in which the various decisions are reviewed is determined by the sport’s governing body. For example, the order of the decisions may be chronological order, reverse chronological order, or a sequence order where certain decision types have consistent precedents over other decision types. In embodiments, the sequence order would be ranked. By providing a predetermined order of decisions, the overall (final) decision will be made more quickly. There is also an on field decision summary 425 which indicates the on-field official’s decision. This is provided to reduce the risk of a mistake by the video referee as it reminds the video referee of the decision to be assessed. Hie selection of the on-field decision to populate the on-field decision summary 425 may be made using a drop down menu of possible decisions, may be free-text and typed in or may be detected from audio provided by the on-field official. In addition, a video area 415 and a video control area 420 are provided. The purpose of the video area 415 is to show video streams from one or more camera located around the sporting venue which gives one or more different view of the events to be considered by the video official. The decision about the selection of the camera and / or the view from the camera is, in embodiments, made by the video official. The actual control of the view may be carried out by the video official or the operator. The video stream displayed in the video area 415 is controlled by the video control area 420. In embodiments, the video control area 420 includes a play and pause button and a fast forward and rewind button. Of course, the disclosure is not so limited and any video controls are envisaged such as skip forward 10 seconds, slow motion replay and the like. It should be noted that although the foregoing shows the video area 415 and video control area 420 on the user interface 140, the disclosure is not limited to this. The video area 415 and / or the video control area 420 may be provided on a different device to increase the amount of screen real-estate available to video streams. Of course, the operator of the device 100 may highlight the video area 415 and this may increase in size to fill more of the user interface 140. Other functionality such as pinch-to-zoom functionality may be incorporated into the user interface 140 to increase the size of the video stream. Although the foregoing has described the selection of the video stream view and / or camera is made by the video official, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the selection may be made automatically by the device 100. In order to automate this selection, in embodiments, the input video stream(s) are analysed by the device 100 to determine where the ball and / or players are detected. A subset of cameras may be automatically chosen based upon this determination and these are shown to the video official. This allows only potentially relevant video streams to be provided to the video official which makes more efficient use of screen real-estate. In instances, the video stream itself may be automatically selected based upon the image content of the various video streams. For example, when deciding if a ball is over the throw-in line, it is possible that the video streams are automatically analysed to establish whether the entirety of the ball has crossed the entirety of the line in one of video streams using ball and line detection. This video stream is then automatically selected and is, in embodiments, shown to the video official. Although the foregoing describes the decisions being selected by pressing one or more button 405, the disclosure is not so limited. For example, the decision may be selected using speech recognition with the video official speaker speaking into the user interface 140 or from audio communicated between the onfield official and the video-official or the like. Figures 4B-4J show the user interaction on the user interface 140 in the situation explained in Figure 3. The first decision to be made is to decide whether the ball went out of play. As this is the first decision, the ‘1’ button is pressed in the sequence buttons 430 (see Figure 4B). The video official, having reviewed the video streams, decides that the ball was ‘in’. Therefore on the ‘Out of Play’ button, the ‘in’ segment is pressed (see Figure 4C). In this case, the first decision occurred earliest. In order to assist the video official, a ‘ 1’ appears on the ‘Out of Play’ button. In embodiments, should the video official feel a different chronological order or sequence is required, or that a decision point has been missed, the video official can easily review the sequence of decisions and change the sequence accordingly. This may be achieved by tapping the number on the button and changing the number or dragging and dropping the button or the like. Referring to Figure 4D, die next decision in the sequence is to be made by the video official. Accordingly, the number ‘2’ is pressed in the sequence buttons 430. The next decision is to decide whether a foul was committed. In this case, no foul was adjudged to have occurred and so the ‘no foul’ button is pressed (see Figure 4E). As explained before, the number ‘2’ is inserted next to the ‘offside’ button. Referring to Figure 4F, the next (third) decision in the sequence is to be made by the video official. Accordingly, the number ‘3’ is pressed in the sequence buttons 430. The next decision is to decide whether a player was offside. In this case, no player was adjudged to be offside and so the ‘not offside’ button is pressed (see Figure 4G). As explained before, the number ‘3’ is inserted next to the ‘offside’ button. Referring to Figure 4H, the final decision is to be made by the video official. Accordingly, the ‘decision’ button is pressed in the sequence buttons 430. The final decision is to decide whether a goal was scored. In other words, whether the video official agrees with the decision noted in the on-field decision summary' 425. In this case, the video official agrees with the on-field decision summary and so the ‘goal’ button is pressed (see Figure 41). As before, the letter ‘D’ is inserted next to the goal button 405 to indicate that this is the decision. The video official is then able to review the various decisions and the chronology of the decisions. The video official then presses the ‘submit’ button 410 and the syntax is retrieved from the table of Figure 2 by the device 100. The approved syntax is then provided to the on-field official. It should be noted here that in these embodiments, the decision is whether there was a goal and that the syntax associated with this decision is provided last. This allows the chronology of the various decisions to be maintained. Additionally, in embodiments, the approved syntax explaining the decision is provided to the stadium crowd and the wider audience via broadcasters, social media and the like. In embodiments, this is syntax is sent via the VARdict system designed by Hawkeye Innovations Inc ®. In embodiments, and as noted before, the approved syntax may be provided m an appropriate language. So, for example, if the official language of the match is English, but a viewer is watching in France, the French broadcaster and social media sites in France will be provided with the French language version of the syntax. In embodiments, the syntax is provided along with the image(s) and / or video that allowed the video official to make the decision. In other words, the syntax is provided along with the evidence supporting the decision. This evidence may be provided to the in-stadium screen and / or the broadcaster to be displayed to the viewing public. Further, in embodiments, the visual evidence is provided to the RAA along with the syntax to assist the on-field official when communicating the decision. Although not shown above, in embodiments, there is an additional check that the final decision reached by the video official is consistent with the various decisions. For example, in the event that the ball was determined to be out of play in the build-up, but the video official approved the goal decision, a visual and / or audio notification would be made to the video official as the final decision is incompatible with one or more of the various decisions. In embodiments, the video official would be required to over-ride the device 100 in order to issue the final decision. This reduces the likelihood of a mistake. Figure 5 A shows an example of the syntax template. As will be apparent, the syntax template includes an area marked by <>where the approved syntax (tire text in the ‘syntax’ column) of Figure 2 is inserted. Accordingly, the approved syntax explaining the decision is provided m Figure 5B. This is the syntax that is provided to the on-field official. In embodiments, where the first language of the on-field official is different to the official language of the sporting event, a translation of the syntax may be provided to the on-field official in addition to the syntax in the official language. This allows the on-field official to be able to refer to the text in their first language should they require it. In order to easily differentiate between tire two languages, in embodiments, the syntax is provided in written form and the syntax in one language may be provided in a different style to the syntax of the other language. This different style may be a different colour or different font or size or typeface than the syntax of the other language. Tire syntax may be provided to the on-field official using the RRA monitor 150 or the wrist mounted display 160. In embodiments, the syntax may be provided as an autocue which the on-field official reads out on a line by line (or decision by decision) basis. Alternatively, the entire syntax may be provided and the on-field official reads it out at their own speed. Alternatively, the syntax may be fed to the on-field official’s ear piece (not shown) line-by-line and they can repeat each line. Although it is possible to provide the syntax to the on-field official and the sporting venue audience and wider audience at the same time, in embodiments, the on-field official will read the syntax out and after that, the syntax will be provided to the sporting venue audience and the wider audience. In other words, the syntax is provided to an audience outside the sporting event venue a predetermined time after providing the syntax to the on-field official. This allows the on-field official to deliver the decision before the other audiences are aware. This avoids the increased noise in the sporting venue as the audience are celebrating the decision reducing the audibility of the on-field official as they are delivering the decision. In other words, there is a time delay between the syntax being provided to the on-field official and the audience (either in the sporting venue or the wider audience outside of the sporting venue). Figure 5C shows an RRA monitor 150 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The RRA monitor 150 of Figure 5C is for an official whose first language is French officiating a sporting event where the language of the event is English. Specifically, the RRA monitor 150 in Figure 5C shows the English language version of the syntax which will be read out by the official with a French translation provided beneath each line of syntax. The French translation is provided in a different style (such as different colour and / or size) of text to differentiate the French translation. Although the entire statement of Figure 5B is shown in Figure 5C, in embodiments, a teleprompter arrangement will be provided. That is, each line will appear and the on-field official will read out each line at a time. So, in the teleprompter embodiment, the syntax is comprised of a plurality of sections, each section comprising one or more of the predetermined words. Moreover, in the entire statement being shown at once embodiment, each one of the predetermined sections is provided simultaneously to the on-field official. Figures 5D to 5G show a wrist display 160 according to embodiments of the disclosure. In these Figures each line of syntax is shown to the on-field official (including, where appropriate, the translation as in the embodiment of Figure 5C), as the official is reading out the syntax of the decision. More generally, in embodiments, the style of the syntax is selected based upon the size of the display upon which the syntax is to be shown. For example, the size of the font on the RRA monitor 150 will be larger than the size of the font shown on the wrist display 160. This allows the most appropriate size of font to be shown on the display which improves readability of the syntax. Moreover, in embodiments, the method of display of the syntax (for example, teleprompter style or on the screen at once or the like) is selected based upon the size of the display. Figure 6 shows a flowchart 600 explaining embodiments of the disclosure. The process starts in step 605 and then moves to step 610. In step 610 the original decision is noted. The on-field decision summary 425 is completed. The process moves to step 625 where a check is made whether the ball ran out of play. In the event that it was decided that the ball ran out of play, the process would move to step 630 and stop. A decision that the ball ran out of play would be issued and the goal would be disallowed. Syntax appropriate to this would be provided to the on-field official. However, in the event that it was decided that the ball was not out of play, the process moves to step 645. In step 645 a check is made by the video official whether there was a foul committed in the build up to the goal. In the event that there was an obvious foul, the process would move to step 650 and stop. A decision that there was an obvious foul would be issued and the goal would be disallowed. Syntax appropriate to this would be provided to the on-field official. However, in the event that it was decided that there was no foul, the process moves to step 665. In step 665 a check is made by the video official whether there was a in an offside position in the build up to the goal. In the event that there was player in an offside position, the process would move to step 670 and stop. A decision that there was a player m an offside position would be issued and the goal would be disallowed. Syntax appropriate to this would be provided to the on-field official. However, in the event that it was decided that there was no player in an offside position, the process moves to step 675. In step 675 the video official reviews the final decision and presses submit. The syntax is then provided to the on-field official. The process ends in step 680. Although the foregoing describes the VAR official making the decision, m embodiments, one or more decision may be automated. For example, known skeletal tracking techniques may be used to determine the position of a player and so automatically decide if an offside offence has been committed. This decision may be thus made automatically. In another example scenario, it is possible to automatically determine whether a foul has been committed by determining if a collision has taken place between two players (again using skeletal tracking for example) and this automatically adjudicated decision can be used rather than relying on the VAR official making the decision. Further, in embodiments, the VAR official could make the decision based upon video or still images of the relevant incident specifically selected by the device 100. In other words, the device 100 selects the relevant footage of the incident from the sporting event and displays this footage to the VAR official. These features would increase the speed at which the final decision is made. In so far as embodiments of the disclosure have been described as being implemented, at least m part, by software-controlled data processing apparatus, it will be appreciated that a non-transiton machine-readable medium carrying such software, such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, semiconductor memory or the like, is also considered to represent an embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the above description for clarity has described embodiments with reference to different functional units, circuitry and / or processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, circuitry and / or processors may be used without detracting from the embodiments. Described embodiments may be implemented in any suitable form including hardware, software, firmware or any combination of these. Described embodiments may optionally be implemented at least partly as computer software running on one or more data processors and / or digital signal processors. The elements and components of any embodiment may be physically, functionally and logically implemented in any suitable way. Indeed the functionality may be implemented in a single unit, in a plurality of units or as part of other functional units. As such, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in a single unit or may be physically and functionally distributed between different units, circuitry and / or processors. Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in any manner suitable to implement the technique. Embodiments of the present technique can generally described by the following numbered clauses: 1. A method of providing syntax to an official in a sporting event, the syntax relating to an incident at the sporting event and the method comprising: displaying the incident; selecting a decision relating to the incident from a set of decisions; generating a syntax formed of one or more predetermined words associated with the selected decision; and providing the syntax to the official. 2. A method according to clause 1, comprising: providing a translation of the one or more predetermined words into a second language; and providing, to the official, the translation of the one or more words along with the syntax. 3. A method according to clause 2, wherein the syntax and translation are provided in written form to the official and the style of the translation is different to the syntax. 4. A method according to clause 3, wherein the style is dependent upon the size of the display upon which the syntax and translation are to be displayed. 5. A method according clause 1, wherein the syntax is comprised of a plurality of sections, each section comprising one or more of the predetermined words. 6. A method according to clause 6, wherein each one of the predetermined sections is provided successively to the official. 7. A method according to clause 6, wherein each one of the predetermined sections is provided simultaneously to the official. 8. A method according to any preceding clause, wherein a second incident occurs earlier than the incident and the method comprises: displaying the second incident; selecting a second decision relating to the second incident from the set of decisions; generating a syntax formed of one or more predetermined words associated with the selected second decision; and providing the syntax to the official in a predetermined order, wherein the syntax associated with the second incident is provided first. 9. A method according to any preceding clause, comprising: providing the syntax to an audience outside the sporting venue. 10. A method according to clause 9, wherein the syntax is provided to the audience outside the sporting venue a predetermined time after providing the syntax to the official. 11. A method according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, comprising: providing the syntax to an audience inside the sporting venue. 12. A method according to clause 11, wherein the syntax is provided to the audience inside the sporting venue a predetermined time after providing the syntax to the official. 13. A computer program comprising computer readable instructions which, when loaded onto a computer, configure the computer to perform a method according to any one of clauses 1 to 12. 14. A computer program product configured to store the computer program of clause 13 therein or thereon. 15. A device comprising circuitry configured to provide syntax to an official in a sporting event, the syntax relating to an incident at the sporting event and the circuitiy further configured to: display the incident; select a decision relating to the incident from a set of decisions; generate a syntax formed of one or more predetermined words associated with the selected decision; and provide the syntax to the official. 16. A device according to clause 15, wherein the circuitry is configured to: provide a translation of the one or more predetermined words into a second language; and provide, to the official, the translation of the one or more words along with the syntax. 17. A device according to clause 16, wherein the syntax and translation are provided in written form to the official and the style of the translation is different to the syntax. 18. A device according to clause 17, wherein the style is dependent upon the size of the display upon which the syntax and translation are to be displayed. 19. A device according clause 15, wherein the syntax is comprised of a plurality of sections, each section comprising one or more of the predetermined words. 20. A device according to clause 19, wherein each one of the predetermined sections is provided successively to the official. 21. A device according to clause 19, wherein each one of the predetermined sections is provided simultaneously to the official. 22. A device according to any one of clauses 15 to 21, wherein a second incident occurs earlier than the incident and the circuitry is further configured to: display the second incident; select a second decision relating to the second incident from the set of decisions; generate a syntax formed of one or more predetermined words associated with the selected second decision; and provide the syntax to the official in a predetermined order, wherein the syntax associated with the second incident is provided first. 23. A device according to any one of clauses 15 to 22, wherein the circuitry is configured to: provide the syntax to an audience outside the sporting venue. 24. A device according to clause 23, wherein the syntax is provided to the audience outside the sporting venue a predetermined time after providing the syntax to the official. 25. A device according to any one of clauses 15 to 22, comprising: providing the syntax to an audience inside the sporting venue. 26. A device according to clause 25, wherein the syntax is provided to the audience inside the sporting venue a predetermined time after providing the syntax to the official

Claims

1. A method of providing syntax to an official in a sporting event, the syntax relating to an incident at the sporting event and the method comprising:displaying the incident;selecting a decision relating to the incident from a set of decisions;generating a syntax formed of one or more predetermined words associated with the selected decision; andproviding the syntax to the official.

2. A method according to claim 1. comprising: providing a translation of the one or more predetermined words into a second language; and providing, to the official, the translation of the one or more words along with the syntax.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the syntax and translation are provided in written form to the official and the style of the translation is different to the syntax.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the style is dependent upon the size of the display upon which the syntax and translation are to be displayed.

5. A method according claim 1, wherein the syntax is comprised of a plurality of sections, each section comprising one or more of the predetermined words.

6. A method according to claim 6, wherein each one of the predetermined sections is provided successively to the official.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein each one of the predetermined sections is provided simultaneously to the official.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein a second incident occurs earlier than the incident and the method comprises:displaying the second incident;selecting a second decision relating to the second incident from the set of decisions;generating a syntax formed of one or more predetermined words associated with the selected second decision; andproviding the syntax to the official in a predetermined order, wherein the syntax associated with the second incident is provided first.

9. A method according to claim 1, comprising: providing the syntax to an audience outside the sporting venue.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the syntax is provided to the audience outside the sporting venue a predetermined time after providing the syntax to the official.

11. A method according to claim 1, comprising: providing the syntax to an audience inside the sporting venue.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the syntax is provided to the audience inside the sporting venue a predetermined time after providing the syntax to the official.

13. A computer program comprising computer readable instructions which, when loaded onto a computer, configure the computer to perform a method according to claim 1.

14. A computer program product configured to store the computer program of claim 13 therein or thereon.

15. A device comprising circuitry configured to provide syntax to an official in a sporting event, the syntax relating to an incident at the sporting event and the circuitry further configured to:display the incident;select a decision relating to the incident from a set of decisions;generate a syntax formed of one or more predetermined words associated with the selected decision; andprovide the syntax to the official.

16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the circui try is configured to: provide a translation of the one or more predetermined words into a second language; and provide, to the official, the translation of the one or more words along with the syntax.

17. A device according to claim 16, wherein the syntax and translation are provided in written form to the official and the style of the translation is different to the syntax.

18. A device according to claim 17, wherein the style is dependent upon the size of the display upon which the syntax and translation are to be displayed.

19. A device according claim 15, wherein the syntax is comprised of a plurality of sections, each section comprising one or more of the predetermined words.

20. A device according to claim 19, wherein each one of the predetermined sections is provided successively to the official.

21. A device according to claim 19, wherein each one of the predetermined sections is provided simultaneously to the official.

22. A device according to claim 15, wherein a second incident occurs earlier than the incident and the circuitry is further configured to:display the second incident;select a second decision relating to the second incident from the set of decisions;generate a syntax formed of one or more predetermined words associated with the selected second decision; andprovide the syntax to the official in a predetermined order, wherein the syntax associated with the second incident is provided first.

23. A device according to claim 15, wherein the circuitry is configured to: provide the syntax to an audience outside the sporting venue.

24. A device according to claim 23, wherein the syntax is provided to the audience outside the sporting venue a predetermined time after providing the syntax to the official.

25. A device according to claim 15, comprising: providing the syntax to an audience inside the sporting venue.

26. A device according to claim 25, wherein the syntax is provided to the audience inside the sporting venue a predetermined time after providing the syntax to the official

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