Jon Moss Becomes First VAR Manager for Scottish FA

Jon Moss Appointed as the First VAR Manager of Scottish FA

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has made a significant leap by appointing Jon Moss as the first manager dedicated to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. This landmark decision comes under the leadership of Willie Collum, the newly appointed head of refereeing, who has made enhancing VAR implementation a top priority since his arrival.

Background of Jon Moss

Previously a renowned figure in English football, Moss served as an elite referee manager at the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). Over his career, he officiated over 250 Premier League games and was in charge of prestigious matches, including the 2015 FA Cup Final and the 2019 League Cup Final.

Following his retirement from refereeing in 2022, Moss continued to contribute to the sport through his managerial role at PGMOL until earlier in 2023. He is set to officially begin his duties at the SFA next week.

Focus on VAR Fundamentals

Expressing his enthusiasm, Moss stated, "I'm really excited to work with Willie and the team to evolve the implementation of VAR in Scottish football." He emphasizes the need for clarity, communication, and transparency, which are critical aspects of successful VAR integration.

Moss brings valuable insights from his experience in England, particularly noting that he was the referee for the first instance of VAR intervention in the country—a position that gives him a unique perspective on its operational effectiveness.

Collaboration with Willie Collum

Willie Collum expressed his confidence in Moss's appointment, stating, "I am delighted to welcome Jon, who has significant and varied experience in using technology as a referee." Collum believes that Moss's proficiency will enhance not only the skills of current VAR and Assistant VAR officials, but also cultivate the next generation of referees who will rely on this technology.

Improving VAR in Scottish Football

Collum further elaborated that Moss's experience will aid in making VAR a more efficient and less intrusive presence in Scottish football. As the league continues to adapt to the evolving nature of officiating, the integration of VAR stands as a crucial element in maintaining the integrity of the sport.

Scottish Football on Sky Sports

Fans can catch up on the latest Scottish Premiership and Scottish Women's Premier League action on Sky Sports. Beginning in the 2024/25 season, up to 60 Scottish Premiership matches will be broadcast across Sky Sports' flagship channels. Scottish football enthusiasts will have access to round-the-clock coverage through Sky Sports News and can stay updated with exclusive content on SkySports.com and the Sky Sports app.

Conclusion

Jon Moss's appointment as the first VAR manager of the Scottish FA marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of officiating within Scottish football. With a focus on clear communication and effective training, the integration of VAR is expected to enhance the overall quality of matches while ensuring that the game remains fair and competitive.