+ and - impacts of technology

• How can the health of a performer be monitored?

  Through technology like heart rate monitors
• How does calorie tracking software benefit performers?

  It allows analysis and alteration of diets
• What is a benefit of improved technology for performer safety?

  Better helmets and body armour
• How can sports equipment enhance athletic performance?

  By reducing drag in swimwear
• What technology do disabled athletes have access to?

  Better prosthetics
• What type of analysis can be done after events using technology?

  Detailed performance analysis
• What is the purpose of apps and wearable technology for performers?

  To analyze performance and set training goals
• How does technology help in setting training goals for performers?

  By providing targeted performance analysis
• -‘ve impacts on the performer

  • New technologies cost money; not all performers have the funds to invest in technology to support and improve their performance
  • Match analysis technology can be used by opponents to identify weaknesses and gain an advantage
  • Some sports may use technology to cheat, such as electric motors being fitted to racing bikes; this is known as motor doping
• + impact on the sport

  • Instead of humans, technology can now give more accurate analysis and visuals for a game:
  • Electronic timing
  • Instant replay
  • VAR (video assistance referee) 
  • Hawk-Eye - a ball-tracking software to help improve the accuracy of official decisions
• -‘ve impact in the sport

  • Sports facilities, clubs and teams with access to better technology have an advantage over those without; this creates an unequal playing field for competitors
• + impact on officials

  • Officials can use technology to improve their decision making, meaning more accurate outcomes for performers and teams
  • VAR technology allows a team of officials to analyse real-time footage of games and work alongside referees and officials
• -‘ve impact on officials

  • Officials may become over-reliant on technology which means there is a lack of trust between spectators, players and officials
  • It can take time to analyse digital footage which can slow the game or sport, leading to frustration from performers
• + impact on spectators

  • Spectators can have interactive and immersive viewing opportunities, e.g. through a mobile phone app; this can increase fan engagement
  • Smart software exists to improve the sound and visual effects for viewing sport in the home, creating a multi-sensory experience
• -‘ve impact on spectators

  • New viewing technologies may be too expensive for some spectators, limiting access for all
  • Spectators may find delays during analysis of digital footage frustrating
• + impact on sponsors and companies

  • Digital advertising means that sponsors can reach a wider audience
  • Targeted advertisements on mobile phone apps mean that companies can reach target audiences easily
  • New technology means a company's brand can be projected onto pitches and buildings or shown on-screen, without the need to install any physical advertisements
• -‘ve impact on sponsors and companies

  • As with all sponsorship, any wrongdoing in the sport, or from a performer, can impact a company negatively and decrease their sales and profit