Modern technology in sport

Question 1

Examples + benefits of modern technology

Answer 1

• when assessing whether someone has the potential to be an athlete
• health screening devices
• improved accessibility to buildings
• rehabilitation + elite training facilities
• different stimulated competitive environments eg surf simulator
• improved sport surfaces + lighting
• improvement in the design of footwear/equipment
• heart rate monitors

Question 2

Define prosthetic, hypoxic chamber and precision hydration

Answer 2

1. Prosthetic

• an artificial device that substitutes or supplements a defective part of the body

2. Hypoxic chamber

• a sealed room that stimulates high altitude

3. Precision hydration

• the monitoring of sodium loss during sweating leading to more effective replacement in the body of essential salts

Question 3

The extent to which modern technology has limited or reduced participation

Answer 3

1. Cost of equipment + facilities

• equipment is expensive and has lead to inequality for both elite and recreational performers
• developing countries don’t have access to specialist equipment

2. Range of alternatives to sport

• computers, game consoles etc can make people sedentary + less likely to compete in sport

Question 4

Advantages of how modern tech has influenced fair results

Answer 4

• instant relay can help officials make the right decision
• in international cricket the 3rd umpire sits off the group with access to video replays
• Hawk-eye = computer + camera system which records a ball trajectory (used in golf)
• improved detection of doping
• improved detection of foul play
• better timing devices available (eg timing pads swimming)

Question 5

Disadvantages of how modern tech has influenced fair results

Answer 5

• sports officials report feeling under pressure to use the tech more rather than making their own decisions
• enables media to highlight an officials mistake which can lead to judgements from the public + increase the officials anxiety
• performance enhancing drugs detecting tech cannot keep up with new drug development
• access to modern tech can be limited

Question 6

Ways in which modern tech enhances enjoyment of sport

Answer 6

• increased entertainment through action relays + slow motion play backs
• during live sports events, giant screens show action + replay
• multiple camera angles allow spectators to enjoy every aspect of performance + see whether officials decisions were correct

Question 7

Ways in which modern tech hinders the enjoyment of sport

Answer 7

• performance is analysed at intervals - performers can be ridiculed by media
• constant interruptions can interfere with the flow of an event + can irritate viewers
• could potentially reduce the number of people attending live sport events