Technology in sport

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R046 – Technology in sport
Learning Outcomes 
► LO1 - Know how technology is used in sport
► LO2 - Understand the positive effects of sports 
technology
► LO3 - Understand the negative effects of sports 
technology 
► LO4 - Be able to evaluate the impact of technology 
in sport 
As part of your work placement you are going to 
a technology research centre at your local 
university. The researchers at the sports 
technology laboratory research how technology 
is used in sport and its effects. 
As part of your role you have been given the task 
of researching how technology is used in sport 
and the effects technology has had on the sports 
industry.
Technology in sport
Technology in Sport - Is it cheating?
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Technology in sport
The world of sport is continually changing over the years, and the 
use of technology is just one of those areas that has made an 
impact on many sports in the modern day. 
Think. Pair. Share – What technology changes have been 
seen in sport in the last 5 years?
Technology in sport
Technological advancements in sport all aim to:
1. Improve the performance of the athletes.
2. Enhance game play
3. Improve spectatorship
In general, by making the sport exciting to watch it will attract new 
viewers and in turn commercial interest.
Technology in sport
Modern technology has benefited the development of elite 
performers in a number of ways. Fitness testing can provide 
vital information on current performance levels. This can be 
obtained by: 
Body fat monitors: 
These devices 
detect body fat, but 
also provide 
information on 
BMI, water levels 
and bone mass.
Technology in sport – enhanced performance
Heart rate monitors:
Heart rate and exercise intensity are now key data points used 
by professional clubs to monitor the effectiveness of training 
and recovery. 
Think. Pair. Share – Why else might a professional club want 
to obtain this data from their players?
Technology in sport – enhanced performance
Motion capture software and video analysis programs combine 
technical, tactical and statistical data to provide information about 
specific skills and techniques. 
This data can 
be use in 
follow up 
training 
sessions 
where 
changes can 
be made to 
optimise 
performance. 
Technology in sport – enhanced performance
Other training aids include stimulators to enable performers to 
practice in controlled environments. i.e. climate chamber or golf 
stimulator.
Technology in sport – enhanced performance
Think. Pair. Share – What other stimulators are used in 
different sports?
Equipment:
Research and technology has altered sporting equipment to make 
performances faster.
• Formula 1 cars are lighter and more aerodynamic to 
increase speed. 
• Tennis rackets are lighter and designed to create more spin 
and power.
Technology in sport – enhanced performance
Clothing and footwear:
Often the materials are lighter and create more speed or power. 
Technology in sport – enhanced performance
• Football boots are 
lightweight and have 
designs features to 
increase power in 
shooting.
• Full body swimsuits 
reduced drag, 
improved buoyancy 
and compressed the 
muscles resulting in 
unnatural effects that 
led to faster times. 
Injury prevention:
Athletes are also able to 
compete in a safe environment 
thanks to developments in 
helmets and other protective 
clothing.
Technology in sport – enhanced performance
Recovery:
Players recovering from injury can 
be put in oxygen tents to speed up 
the process.
How are video replays used by referees and what 
are the implications for football? 
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Technology in sport – enhanced game play
Advancements in game play technology have meant matches 
have been fairer and resulted in the correct decisions and 
outcomes. This has eliminated some controversy from sport. 
Examples include:
•Video Assistant Referee 
(VAR) - Video replays and 
referrals to improved 
detection of foul play or 
incorrect decisions. 
•Radio - Improved 
communication between 
match officials.
Technology in sport – enhanced game play
• Hawk-eye – used in tennis to determine if the ball was in or 
out.
• Hot spot – used in cricket to see if the ball hit the bat.
• Goal line technology – to determine if the ball has crossed 
the goal line in football competitions.
Technology in sport – enhanced game play
Stadiums/Facilities:
Training facilities and state of the art buildings are designed so 
weather does not interfere with game play. i.e. Centre court at 
Wimbledon Tennis competition has a retractable roof.
In addition under floor heating and artificial pitches reduces 
the risk of snow and ice affecting a game. 
Technology in sport – enhanced game play
How have players, officials and spectators seen 
Hawkeye? What issues does it raise? 
Watch me
Technology in sport – enhanced spectatorship
Modern technology has enhanced the enjoyment of sport. 
Television has enabled the rewinding of live TV and uses 
slow-motion replays to allow audiences and spectators to relive 
the moment or catch something they may have missed. 
Technology in sport – enhanced spectatorship
Viewing in 3D and 4K 
improves the viewing 
experience. 
Multi-screen/focused 
viewing is possible 
through the ‘Red 
button’
The internet has provided 24/7 access to club websites, social 
networking with players/fans accounts and apps to monitor results 
or the latest updates.
Technology in sport – enhanced spectatorship
Think. Pair. Share – Should professional athletes have social 
media accounts? 
Entertainment from sport can be enhanced with a greater 
understanding of the game, rules and their application. Sky sports’ 
Commentary/game analysis is detailed and helps develop 
spectator insight. 
In the modern day, 
sports punditry is 
hugely detailed 
and will use 
technology to 
illustrate points 
made. 
All these technology advancements enhance spectator 
entertainment. 
Technology in sport – enhanced spectatorship
Stadiums are now built with the spectators in mind and include 
large screens and architectural features to improve viewing.
Technology in sport – enhanced spectatorship
Some officials will have a microphone so the crowd can hear the 
call on the pitch. This has been a long standing feature in rugby 
matches. 
Technology in sport – enhanced spectatorship
Learning Outcome 1 is assessed in this task
You need to demonstrate your knowledge on how technology is 
used in sport and how it has enhanced various aspects of the 
sport. You should consider how technology has enhanced 
performance, game play and spectatorship.
Your task is to produce a document on how technology is used 
to enhance various aspects of sport.
Task 1: How is technology used in sport
The ethical issues surrounding the use of technology in sport is a 
widely debated one. Some believe it to improve the fairness of 
sport while others believe it to have taken away the drama and 
controversy that makes it sport so attractive. 
Positive and negative effects of technology
The positives of technology for performance include:
Equipment research has altered sporting equipment to 
make performances faster. Equipment is easier to use 
and designed with more margin for error. 
Positive and negative effects of technology
Reducing the risk of injury:
Lightweight materials prevent overheating and dehydration. 
Compression clothing hold muscles firmly in place and improve 
blood flow to the muscles.
Improved recovery time:
Speeding up the recovery 
process between training 
and matches reduces the 
effects of reversibility. 
Positive and negative effects of technology
Improved training aids and knowledge: 
Increased in knowledge of diet and sports supplements means 
performers can take advantage of methods such as 
carbo-loading and sports drinks substances. 
Positive and negative effects of technology
The negatives of technology for performance include:
• Chances of injury are 
increased as equipmentis 
lightweight.
• Skill level may decrease 
as the equipment has 
more margin for error. 
• Expensive and 
unaffordable for some 
athletes.
• Technology has lead to 
numerous rule changes in 
sports such as 
motorsport and 
swimming. 
Positive and negative effects of technology
Positive Negatives
• Prolonged game duration – 
breaks in game play for 
referees to review video 
replays (VAR)
• Detracts from the ethics of 
sport – the best athlete might 
not always win as others may 
have better technology.
• Cost - Can be expensive and 
not accessible by all. This may 
create a division between 
teams or athletes. 
• Enhances the sport and 
performances seen – i.e. cyclist 
with lighter/faster bike will 
excite others. 
• Increased competition - Video 
analysis provides detailed 
breakdown from which coaches 
can work with and make 
changes to training. 
• Improved accuracy of referee 
calls which makes sport fairer. 
The positives and negatives of technology in game play include:
Positive and negative effects of technology
Positive Negatives
• Decrease in live spectators 
– the attraction of TV 
technology and 
broadcasting encourage 
viewing from home rather 
than live. 
• Controversy of sport is 
removed which forms part 
of the excitement. 
• Data, statistics and analysis 
of games improves 
spectators knowledge and 
understanding of the sport. 
• Increased fan base – easier 
ticket purchasing and app 
driven content. 
• Involvement in the action – 
instant replays and camera 
angles mean spectators do 
not miss any of the game 
play.
The positives and negatives of technology for spectators include:
Positive and negative effects of technology
Positive Negatives
• Tradition – many sports have 
a long tradition and 
technology such as hawk eye 
and hot spot break this. i.e. 
cricket. 
• Over reliance on data to 
drive feedback and coaching 
methods. 
• Health care – prosthetic 
limbs developed for 
athletes are now available 
to the public.
• Transport – road cars have 
benefited from some of the 
technology developed in 
motorsport. This include 
safety features. 
Other positives and negatives of technology include:
Positive and negative effects of technology
Learning Outcome 2 & 3 is assessed in this task
The researchers at the sports technology laboratory have been 
invited to a sports technology conference. You have been 
invited to the conference and have been asked to produce a 
document which will be handed out to attendees. The 
document will look at positive and negative effects which 
technology has on sport. 
 The document will need to consider the positive and 
negative effects on the performance, game play and 
spectatorship. Your task is to produce a document which 
considers the positive and negative effects technology has 
on sport.
Task 2: How is technology used in sport
It is important to evaluate the impact of technology in sport. The 
following are reasons for its varied use: 
1. History/tradition:
The nature of some 
sports/organisations have lead 
them to resist change due to 
negative experiences or a 
feeling that technology would 
not improve the audience 
experience. 
Factors affecting the use of technology
2. Features:
The following implications should all be considered before 
integrating into a certain sport/activity:
•Cost
•Accessibility 
for all
•Reputation
•Reliability
Factors affecting the use of technology
3. Reactions of athletes/performers/spectators or sporting 
bodies:
The introduction of technology into some sports has received 
mixed opinions. It is important it is done for the right reasons. This 
includes:
• Will it improve decision 
making?
• Will it improve 
performance?
• Will it be ethical right to 
introduce it?
Factors affecting the use of technology
Think. Pair. Share – Since its introduction, what has been 
some of the negative reactions to Video Assistant Referee?
4. Reasons for introduction:
Sport may introduce technology to better performance and game 
play as a way to increase spectatorship. Sports losing popularity 
must evolve to remain commercially viable. i.e. cricket’s 
introduction of hawk eye replays, hot spot and snickometer.
Factors affecting the use of technology
5. Application of technology:
Once technology has been successfully used in one sport it often it 
adapted to suit others. 
Factors affecting the use of technology
Examples:
•Hawkeye was first used in tennis and then was adopted by cricket.
•Video referee is used effectively in rugby and is slowly advancing 
into football. 
Think. Pair. Share – Has advancements in technology made 
sport better? Discuss.
The impact of technology
Consider the following thoughts and form your own opinion:
The impact of technology
• Has it addressed the 
issues in sport relating 
to performance, game 
play and spectatorship?
• Has it had positive or 
negative 
consequences?
• Has it had success 
within one sport or 
multiple? 
• Are there cases of its 
withdrawal due to poor 
responses?
Many of the developments and adaptations in sport have had the 
following effects:
•Increased the number of spectators/followers
•Athletes are fitter and more skilled
•Over reliance on technology and reduced skill level
•Increased the gap between elite and everyone else in the sport 
The impact of technology
Implications for the future:
•Sport may have reached its peak and technology will not improve 
it further. 
•Some clubs/sports or athletes would benefit from the 
advancements in technology.
•Cost implications for all to use or have access to.
The impact of technology
Learning Outcome 4 is assessed in this task
You have finished your work placement at the sports 
technology laboratory. Your teacher has asked you to produce a 
report which evaluates the impact of technology in sport. Your 
teacher has advised that you should focus your report on one 
of the following:
►A specific technology used in one specific sport 
►One piece of technology used and adapted across a range of 
sports
►An organisation which has been and/or is at the forefront of 
using new technology.
Your task is to write a report which evaluates the impact of 
technology in sport.
Task 3: How is technology used in sport