Riedel's RefCam takes its first steps in German basketball

Riedel Communications, in collaboration with the German Basketball Federation (DBB) and the German Sports University Cologne (DSHS), RefCam is used for the first time in the 2nd German Basketball Bundesliga.

As part of a scientific research project, Head-mounted camera technology was implemented on 28 December 2025, during the match between EPG Baskets Koblenz and the Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim and Koblenz. This research initiative aims to develop a comprehensive training concept to improve decision making among basketball referees..

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

Carsten Straube, director of referees for categories B and C of the DBB, points out that “Working with scientific partners is essential to improve refereeing standards. Innovative technology projects like RefCam can play a key role in quality control, while providing new knowledge for the training and coaching of referees”.

As part of a research initiative funded by the Federal Institute of Sports Sciences, The study focuses on evaluating a video-based training program for referee decision making. Images captured with RefCam add new perspectives on real situations of play to existing methods and are being incorporated into the ongoing development of training materials.

Johannes Meyer, DSHS Research Associate, recognizes that “Very dynamic game situations are difficult to capture from the referee's perspective with conventional cameras. RefCam allows us to accurately record and analyze these sequences with a high degree of realism”.

On your side, Jacqueline Voss, Executive Director of Strategy and Innovation at Riedel Communications, adds that “This exciting project demonstrates that our RefCam is not only suitable for immersive perspectives in live environments, but can also provide valuable information for analysis and research. We are delighted that our technology can support both sports science research and the development of referees in German basketball.”.