Inside ODCN – Dariusz Wolf

Blending technical expertise with deep sports knowledge, Dariusz career at IMG ARENA Poland evolved from hands-on equipment management to overseeing data quality and integrity at the highest level. His journey highlights the value of attention to detail, resilience under pressure, and continuous growth in a rapidly evolving industry.

In this interview, Dariusz shares insights from his experience, discusses common pitfalls faced by Data Collectors, and emphasizes the skills crucial for excellence within the Official Data Collection Network.

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Dariusz, you’ve been with IMG ARENA in Poland for a while now. Can you share your journey within the company and what led you to take on the role of Data Quality & Integrity Manager? 

I started my journey with IMG ARENA in 2018 as a setup technician, responsible for preparing equipment and infrastructure for data collection on golf courses. One of the key projects I was involved in was measuring ball distances to the hole which was named as a GreenCam project. During tournaments, I also worked as a Data Manager, which gave me firsthand experience in live sports data collection.

After a year, I was promoted to Team Leader of the setup department, where I oversaw the team ensuring all equipment was correctly installed and functioning. I held this position until 2023 when I transitioned to a role focused on checking match data quality. In August 2024, I became the Data Quality & Integrity Manager, where I now oversee the accuracy and integrity of collected data. My hands-on experience in different areas of data collection, from setup to management, naturally led me to this role, where I can apply my technical knowledge and leadership skills to ensure the highest quality of sports data.

 

Before stepping into this role, you worked on different projects within IMG ARENA. What were some key takeaways from your previous positions that you now apply to your current role? 

Each stage of my career at IMG ARENA taught me something valuable: 

• Setup & Infrastructure – Attention to detail is crucial. If the equipment is not correctly set up, the entire data collection process is compromised. This mindset carries over to my current role, where accuracy is the top priority. 

• Data Management – Working as a Data Manager during tournaments gave me insights into real-time data collection challenges and the importance of quick decision-making under pressure (for example the heaviest rains since 1970 in Saudi Arabia, which made several of our tablets at one time unresponsive, and through the information received on the radio I entered the results, recording them in parallel). 

• Team Leadership – Leading the setup team taught me how to manage people effectively, solve problems quickly, and maintain high standards. These skills are now essential in managing a team focused on data quality and integrity (in addition to the time at the tournament, it was also required to provide adequate accommodation, transport options to the tournament, etc.). 

 

Transitioning to the Official Data Collection Network (ODCN) comes with new challenges and expectations. What drew you to this project, and how has the experience been so far? 

ODCN represents the highest standards in sports data collection, ensuring official, reliable, and high-integrity data for various stakeholders. What attracted me most to this project was the challenge of maintaining and improving these standards. Having worked in different aspects of data collection, I wanted to apply my expertise to ensure that the data we provide is of the highest quality. 

So far, the experience has been both challenging and rewarding. The biggest challenge is ensuring consistency and reliability across all Data Collectors. However, seeing the impact of accurate data on sports analytics and betting markets makes the work extremely satisfying. 

 

Based on your experience, what are the most common mistakes Data Collectors make in football and basketball, and what simple tips would you give them to avoid these errors? 

Some of the most common mistakes include: 

• Delayed registration of yellow cards – Data Collectors often record yellow cards too late, which can impact the accuracy of in-play betting markets.  

• Missed corner kicks – Corner kicks are sometimes overlooked, which can distort game statistics.  

• Misinterpretation of VAR procedures – A small number of Data Collectors struggle with correctly identifying the exact moment when VAR checks start and finish.  

I would offer one key piece of advice: maintaining unwavering focus throughout the data collection process is fundamental to ensuring accuracy. Experience has shown that the majority of errors stem from lapses in attention and a lack of concentration. Even minor distractions can lead to critical mistakes, which is why staying fully engaged at all times is essential for delivering precise and reliable data. 

 

Leading a team that evaluates Data Collectors’ performance requires both analytical skills and a deep understanding of sports. What qualities do you value most in your team members, and how do you help them develop these skills? 

  The key qualities I value are: 

• Attention to detail – Data quality depends on precise analysis. 

• Sports knowledge – Understanding the rules and dynamics of a sport helps in identifying errors. 

• Analytical mindset – The ability to spot patterns and inconsistencies in data is crucial. 

• Communication skills – Providing constructive feedback to Data Collectors is essential for improvement. 

To develop these skills, I focus on training sessions, case studies of past errors, and continuous feedback loops to help team members refine their analytical approach. 

 

Handling dispute claims regarding Data Collectors’ performance requires fairness and objectivity. How do you navigate these cases while ensuring consistency in decision-making? 

 I approach disputes with a structured, data-driven method: 

• Review the evidence – I check video footage, logs, and reports to verify the claim. 

• Compare with benchmarks – I analyze whether the reported issue is within an acceptable margin of error or if it’s a significant deviation from expected performance. 

• Ensure consistency – Every case is handled based on predefined standards, so decisions remain objective and not influenced by personal opinions. 

• Provide clear feedback – Whether a claim is upheld or dismissed, I ensure the reasoning is communicated clearly to all parties involved. 

 

From your perspective, what makes a great Data Collector? Are there any particular skills or habits that help someone excel in this role? 

A great Data Collector needs to have: 

• Strong focus and concentration – The ability to track every event in a fast-paced game without distraction. 

• In-depth sports knowledge – Understanding the rules, player tendencies, and game flow. 

• Fast but accurate decision-making – Reacting in real-time while ensuring precision. 

• Resilience under pressure – Handling live situations without letting nerves affect performance. 

One habit that helps is pre-match preparation – studying teams, lineups, and recent trends can significantly improve accuracy. 

 

You’ve been with IMG ARENA in Poland for a while. How has the office and the team evolved over the years? Are there any changes that stand out to you? 

The team has grown significantly in both size and expertise. When I started, we were building many processes from the ground up, especially in setup and infrastructure. Over the years, we’ve developed more structured training, improved data validation processes, and introduced new technologies to enhance accuracy. 

One major change is the increased focus on quality control, which reflects how much the industry has evolved. The emphasis is now not just on collecting data but ensuring that it meets the highest integrity standards. 

 

Outside of work, what are your interests or hobbies?

Outside of work, I have a strong passion for sports, particularly football and volleyball. I also have a deep interest in the automotive world and military-related topics, especially shooting at the range. Contact sports have always been a big part of my life—I used to train in karate kyoukshin, boxing, and MMA, which gave me a strong appreciation for discipline and mental toughness. 

In my free time, I enjoy working out at the gym as a hobby, staying active, and pushing my limits. Beyond sports, I have a keen interest in psychology, especially human behavior and the factors that influence decision-making. Understanding how people think and react in different situations is something I find both fascinating and valuable. 

 

If you could witness any sports event in history, past or present, which one would you choose and why? 

One event I would love to witness is Robert Lewandowski’s incredible performance against Wolfsburg on September 22, 2015. In just nine minutes, he scored an astonishing five goals, setting multiple records in the process.

His achievement remains one of the most extraordinary moments in football history. He broke records for:

• The fastest hat-trick in Bundesliga history (3 minutes, 22 seconds),

• The fastest four-goal haul (5 minutes, 42 seconds),

• The fastest five-goal performance ever recorded (8 minutes, 59 seconds),

• Most goals by a substitute in a Bundesliga match.

Witnessing this live would have been unbelievable—seeing Lewandowski come off the bench and completely change the game with a display of pure goal-scoring brilliance. Moments like this don’t happen often in football, making it for me one of the greatest individual performances ever.

 

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Interested in becoming a data collector for IMG ARENA? Click here to read more about our ODCN team, or view our current vacancies.

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