Modern Technology

Question 1

What are the five main uses/ Benefits of Modern Technology in Sport?

Answer 1

Access, Facilities, Equipment, Monitoring, Safety

Question 2

What three things does technology in sport aim to achieve?

HIM

Answer 2

H elp make correct/ fairer decisions eg: TMO and VAR

I mprove the performance of athletes eg: Fitbit, Goggles and Swim caps for swimmers

M ake the viewers feel like part of the action eg: Camera angles at Stadia, Go Pros

Question 3

What are some ethical issues surround the use of technology?
Why can using technology be a good thing?

Answer 3

Some believe that the introduction of technology has taken away the drama and speculation of sport eg: TMO
Others also believe that waiting times to check virtual results can interrupt the game and affect the viewing experience

BUT makes the games a lot FAIRER
CASE STUDY: Geoff Hurst’s Controversial Goal in the 1966 World Cup

Question 4

ACCESS BENEFITS? ELITE

Answer 4

• training facilities are now built with wheelchair ramps and lifts
• athletes with DISSABILITIES can now participate in the Paralympics with the introduction of PROSTETIC limbs that are designed with lightweight materials

eg: THE CHEETA was the first sport foot of it’s kind when it launched in 1996.

The “SPRINGLITE” was also created for those who had lost a lower limb

-wheelchair devices have also been improved eg: sharply slanted back wheels for tennis players allow quick movements on court

Question 5

FACILITIES BENEFITS? ELITE

Answer 5

Training facilities are designed with the sole purpose to improve the athlete
The EIS conducts research using advancements in facilities and technology

• bobsleigh runs- EIS- Bath Uni
• synthetic all weather pitches
• wind tunnels

CASE STUDY: St George’s Park- the training facility for the England football team

-many technological features= altitude chambers 
=undersoil heating 
=synthetic fibre pitch
BUT 
Costs £105 million

Question 6

EQUIPMENT BENEFITS? ELITE

Answer 6

Research and Technology has altered sporting equipment to make performances faster and aid recovery

• players recovering from injury can be placed in 02 tents
• altitude tent/ chambers stimulate a higher altitude and bring about changes in an athletes 02 carrying capacity

-carbon fibre (lighter) bikes

Question 7

MONITERING OF EXERCISE BENEFITS? ELITE

Answer 7

Exercise intensity and heart rates are now key data used by professional clubs to monitor the effectiveness of training and recovery.

• HR monitors
  -“PROZONE SOFTWARE”
  =tracks how far each player moves in a match and can help with tactical decisions

Question 8

SAFETY BENEFITS? ELITE

Answer 8

Athletes are also able to compete and train in a safe environment due to the developments made in helmets and other protective clothing

• Cricket helmets
• Gum Shields
• Foam Pits/ Tumbling belts
• Injury prevention through BIOMECHANICS

Question 9

Using Examples, explain how modern technology can aid elite performance in sport?

Answer 9

ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL SCREENING- equipment and testing regimes to test physiological make up eg: body fat, bone density

INJURY DIAGNOSIS/ TREATMENT/ REHABILITATION= MRI/ CT scans
Ultrasound= increased surgical methods to treat injury
Increased equipment for rehab= hydrotherapy

ENCHANCED TRAINING- hypoxic chambers, rowing machines, treadmills

STIMULATED COMPERTITION ENVIRONMENTS- complete more frequently= bobsleigh track

IMPROVED EQUIPMENT= INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY

SPORT SCIENCE SUPPORT= dietetics, biomechanical analysis

Question 10

Modern Technology- GENERAL PARTICIPATION

3 main elements

Answer 10

ACCESSIBILITY= improved access to buildings and sporting facilities= improved provision for the disabled= swimming pools, lifts and ramps

FACILITIES

MONITORING OF EXERCISE

Question 11

How have FACILITIES increased for the GENERAL PARTICIPATION?

Answer 11

Floodlights= enable sport to be played during hours of darkness and increased participation in winter

Synthetic Surfaces= enable play all year round in different weather condition= increase quality of play so more incentives

Public Leisure Centres= affordable and allow general public to improve (multi-gyms)

Question 12

How has MONOTORING OF EXERCISE increased for GENERAL PARTICIPATION?

Answer 12

Heart Rate Monitors= advancements in watch capacities= larger interest of general public
This increased activity levels and due to MASS PRODUCTION it is cheaper to buy

Question 13

How have SAFETY increased for GENERAL PARTICIPATION?

Answer 13

An increase in safety has also took place, skiing helmets to the general public and gum shields allow increased PROGRESS AND ENJOYMENT

Question 14

NEGATIVES OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY?

Answer 14

• the latest equipment is often very EXPENSIVE which can highlight the inequality between elite athletes and the recreational performer
• MAINTENANCE/ UPGRADING can happen often and COSTS a lot
• Lack of Equipment in DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
• Can increase SEDENTARY lifestyle= less likely to do sport if on their phones/ watching TV

Question 15

How does modern technology create FAIRER OUTCOMES?

Answer 15

-technology advancements have made games fairer and resulted in correct decisions and outcomes
EG: TMO, better timing for 100m, Hawkeye= increased decision making, doping protection

Question 16

What are negatives of ,modern technology creating FAIRIER OUTCOMES?

Answer 16

• officials can feel increased pressure to criticism and judgement
• tech is restricted to sports that have a big budget- excluding minority sports eg: squash
• the media highlight match officials mistakes
• technology can still be wrong and officials are still an integral part of the game

Question 17

CASE STUDY: Hawkeye “blip”

Answer 17

Tennis match between Nadal and Coric at Montreal 2017

Question 18

How does modern technology allow ENTERTAINMENT?

Answer 18

Action Replays and Slow Motion camera= relive the moment

Multiple Camera Angles= eg: stumps camera in cricket

Game Analysis= Detailed and Helps develop spectator insight

Sports Punditry= COMMENTARY= detailed and uses technology to illustrate points

Question 19

What are negatives of the ENTERTAINMENT within sport?

Answer 19

• CHANGES TO THE NATURE OF THE SPORT from a flowing game to one with interuptions
• COULD BE INACCURATE
• Reduced LIVE attendances= as people opt to watch on cheaper platforms such as TV or RADIO
• Takes away “CHANCE” element and upsets atmosphere

Question 20

What does MODERN TECHONOLOGY allow for GENERAL PARTCIPATION?

(AIME (girl) ) (MOP (broom) )

Answer 20

A- Accessible to more people

I- Inclusion= disabled people to participate more easily

M- Mass Production

E- Enjoyment- increased fun

M- Motivation= increased incentive

O- Opportunity- technology allows sport to be played in all weathers at all times of the year 7

P- Progress- tracking progress increases incentive