10) Technology in sport Flashcards
Athlete performance
Technology is used to enhance athletes’ performances at all stages – before, during and after events.
health, wellbeing and fitness
wearable devices track performers’ cardiovascular rates
hyperbaric oxygen therapy aids recovery after injury
technique and tactics
performance analysis software shows body movements in slow motion
game analysis software tracks team, ball and opposition movements
equipment
cambered wheels on wheelchair basketball chairs improve turning
smaller, turbo engines in Formula 1 cars are more fuel efficient
clothing and footwear
cricket helmets are lighter, better ventilated and more affordable
track shoes are lighter and have greater grip for cornering
facilities and playing surfaces
fourth generation (4G) pitches can be used whatever the weather, all year
artificial snow allows winter sports to take place anywhere in the world
Officiating
communicating – microphones to consult with other officials on and off the pitch
decision-making – playback facilities to watch events from different angles
ball tracking – allows for the ball to be minutely tracked to ensure accuracy of decisions in cricket, tennis and football
scoring – laser technology to measure jumps and throws more accurately
time-keeping – shot-clock in basketball to speed up play and keep it exciting
record-keeping – computers to track points and faults for multiple athletes at once
Spectators
camera coverage – remote-controlled and micro-cameras provide more angles, track individual athletes or provide a performer’s viewpoint
statistical information – on individuals, match play and past performances is available on-screen or at the click of a button during play
interactive software – apps offer access to merchandise, information, competitions, games and voting through links on tickets and programmes or via downloads
digital media – means that sports fans can follow a wide range of amateur and professional sports in a huge variety of ways
social media – allows fans to have a personal link with their sporting heroes and share views with others across the world
Advantages of technology for athletes
Better performance – marginal gains make the difference
Better medical care results in fewer injuries or faster recovery from injury
Feedback from coaches is more focused, objective and helpful
Improved kit is more comfortable, more efficient and safer
Part of a team, not isolated
Disadvantages of technology for athletes
Invades privacy
Blurs lines between personal and professional time
Availability and cost – makes sport and success exclusive to wealthy people and countries
Tempts athletes and coaches into cheating or unfair practices
Puts the sole focus on winning not athletic endeavour
Advantages of technology for officials
Supports team approach so there is less pressure on individuals
Information can be shared easily and quickly and stored over time
Decisions and scoring are more reliable and accurate
There is increased confidence and trust in officials
Disadvantages of technology for officials
Slows the game
Not available at all levels of competition
No longer trust people’s decisions
Undermines respect for officials’ knowledge and expertise
Undermines honesty, integrity and the spirit of fair play
Advantages of technology for spectators
More engaged in the sport
More informed about rules, players etc
Have a direct link to athletes
Disadvantages of technology for spectators
Detracts from actual play
Reduces the atmosphere at live events
Reduces interest in grass roots events that aren’t supported by technology
Increases spectator/broadcaster costs
Enables trolls to attack individual athletes
