Technology in sport

• technological developments:

  • sport uses more technology
  • used to improve spectator experience and sport
  • used by: performers, coaches, officials
  • can make game more enjoyable
  • can slow speed of game - waiting for correct decision
  • Hawkeye - cricket/tennis
  • TMO - rugby
• impacts:

  • performer - feedback on wrong actions to make changes to game
  • sponsor - adverts used to boost sales - best athletes and equipment used in adverts
  • sport - creates fair playing field
  • spectators - creates fair, enjoyable experience
• positive impacts on performer:

  • improved performance
  • heart rate monitors, pedometers, body fat monitors to maintain health and fitness and treating injury
  • calorie counters to maintain diet for peak nutrition and fitness
  • helmets and body protection to prevent injury
  • ice baths, oxygen tents, hyperbolic chambers for rehabilitation from injuries
  • DVD to study performance
  • match analysis - analyse weakness from opponent
  • improvement of clothing, equipment and footwear
• negative impacts on performer:

  • cost for lastest technology
  • development in tech lead to more PEDs used
  • cheating e.g electric motors fitted inside racing bikes to improve performance
  • performance of performer always analysed to show weakness by opposition
• positive impacts on sport:

  • performance analysis helps to improve performance
  • officials can communicate through earpieces to make sure decision is correct
  • spectators have better viewing experience - see why decisions have been made
  • increased accuracy in time and distance measurements in racing
• negative impacts on sport:

  • technology not available at all levels of sport - expensive
  • time for off-field decision making is long - annoys spectators
  • too many reviews could disrupt concentration of performer
• positive impacts on officials:

  • more correct decisions
  • less criticism on officials
  • communication improved
  • teams able to appeal decisions
• negative impacts on officials:

  • over reliant on technology - slow decisions
  • cost - not all teams can afford lasest technology so it is unfair