Impact of Technology on Different Stakeholders

Question 1

Positives and negatives of technology for performers
(give examples where necessary)

Answer 1

Positives:
-lightweight equipment allows for faster and powerful movements
-aids recovery, rehabilitation and injury prevention (cryotherapy, hyperbaric chambers, helmets)
-detailed analysis of performance

Negatives:
-lightweight equipment could increase risk of injury
-can lead to doping if technology is ineffective
-expensive and unaffordable for some athletes
-accessibility may be dependent on individual or team sponsor

Question 2

Positives and negatives of technology for the sport
(give examples where necessary)

Answer 2

Positives:
-raises profile of the sport and attracts more participants
-provides an inclusive nature of the sport
-attracts sponsors
-better playing surfaces

Negatives:
-can be expensive and not accessible by all
-over analysis can mean the sport is too reliant on data and unable to make decisions based on qualitative data
-Placebo effect- athletes feel they are making gains from the influence of technology and instead of just an increase in confidence
-better spent on other initiatives

Question 3

Positives and negatives of technology for coaches
(give examples where necessary)

Answer 3

Positives:
-sports analysis can be highly informative
-video analysis provides a detailed breakdown from which coaches can work with and make changes to training
-analyse opposition
-used to display tactics

Negatives:
-over-reliance on data to drive feedback and coaching methods
-computer data and information can be open to breaches (hacking)
-some teams may not be able to afford it
-data isn’t reflective of true performance

Question 4

Positives and negatives of technology for audience
(give examples where necessary)

Answer 4

Positives:
-data and statistics on games improve spectators’ knowledge and understanding on all aspects of the sport
-increased excitement while waiting for decisions (hawk eye replay, goal line technology/VAR)

Negatives:
-breaks in play for replays/challenges can reduce the flow of a game, leading to boredom
-controversy of sport is removed which forms part of the excitement amongst spectators
-loss of respect for officials
-inconsistency in technology use across different sports