VAR and refereeing in general could be easily improved by an automated software that simply asks the referees about the situation they are reviewing.

Literally just a screen that asks: What are you reviewing? Check all that apply.

Foul? Offside? Unsportsmanlike Conduct?

Then based on what they’re reviewing, each team member reviews one aspect.

Handball? -> Did the ball hit the arm below the shoulder (or whatever the rule they’re using is)? -> Was the arm extended from the body ? -> Was the arm in a natural position? -> Was the arm in movement? -> Blah blah blah you get the point.

At the end of the process it spits out a quick list of potential options and the refs make a decision that has been assisted by the software. And then, because we know what refs are like, it’ll ask them if they’ve checked for obvious errors. “Are you sure you reviewed the right player? Are you sure you want this onside goal to be overturned? Are there any players having their hair pulled by Cristian Romero?” etc.

Oh and train people in this process, so that the VAR team can be composed of individuals who are not mates with Anthony Taylor.