Second phase of testing to start in Hampshire in May.

The Football Association’s support for the introduction of Goal Line Technology will continue with the second phase of testing beginning in England next month.

Two companies were put forward for this phase by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) at its meeting hosted by The FA last month – Hawk-Eye and GoalRef.

Hawk-Eye’s ‘live’ matches will commence with the Hampshire FA Senior Cup Final between Eastleigh FC and AFC Totton on Wednesday 16 May at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton. A second fixture will be confirmed shortly.

The FA has been a leading proponent of Goal Line Technology for many years and has continued to press for its introduction once further independent testing is complete later this year, so that anyone wishing to introduce the technology is able to do so at the earliest possible opportunity.

Hampshire FA Chief Executive Neil Cassar said: “We are delighted to be working with IFAB and FIFA on the testing of goal line technology and fully support the initiative. Whilst the system will not be utilised by the match officials, it is particularly pleasing that the Hampshire FA Senior Cup Final has been selected as the live match for testing which will be the first of its kind.”

GoalRef’s system will be tested in two separate matches. This could be either two Danish Superligaen matches, or one league fixture and a forthcoming international friendly match.

The results will be provided to the IFAB in order for a definitive decision on the use of GLT technology to be made at its Special Meeting in Kiev on 2 July.

Between 10 May 2012 and the beginning of June, EMPA (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) will test both systems with the following aim: to rigorously assess the reliability and accuracy of each system, as well as how robust the technology is.

The IFAB have confirmed the second test phase will be comprised of four different elements:-

1. Field Tests. These will take place in a football stadium chosen by the GLT system provider. EMPA will conduct a greater volume of shots on an empty goal, shots against an impact wall, shots on a goalkeeper, and the sled test, as per Test Phase 1. (See video)

2. Training Sessions. A series of simulated scenarios on the field using players will assess the GLT systems with an increased number of players in and around the goalmouth.

3. Laboratory Tests. Both GLT systems will be tested against a variety of ambient and technical conditions. This will include simulating different climatic conditions (including rain, smoke/fog and heat/humidity), testing against the impact of proximity to mobile phone transmitters or other magnetic field distortions (e.g. TV cameras, LED advertising boards) and tests on the watches which would be worn by the match officials.

4. Real ‘Live’ professional matches. To ensure that every eventuality has been considered in the two testing phases, each company is also required to have their systems tested in two separate ‘live’ matches. Critically, only the EMPA observer in the stadium will have access to the GLT system readings, and the system will NOT be utilised by the match officials. Therefore the GLT system will have no influence on the outcome of the matches in which the system is being tested.