What are the 5 factors of how technology has affected elite sport & participation?
- Access
- Equipment
- Facilities
- Monitoring of exercise
- Safety
How has access affected elite sport? (3)
- Assess potential to be an elite athlete through modern testing methods such as the testing used by the English Institute of Sport.
- Health screening devices for those wishing to take up a sport.
- Greater access for disabled athletes to elite performance training.
How has equipment affected elite sport? (4)
- Prosthetic devices developed for specific disabilities allow elite athletes to perform at optimum levels.
- Wheelchair devices allow for greater stability / speed.
- Equipment made from composite materials to make them lighter / more durable.
- Hypoxic chambers allow athletes to simulate altitude training in a sealed room - don’t have to travel.
How has facilities affected elite sport? (3)
- Elite training & rehabilitation facilities are now available to elite athletes such as Bisham Abbey National sports centre consisting of state of the art equipment.
- The National Sports Centre consists of simulated competitive environments such as a surf simulator for elite surfers and simulated bobsleigh run.
- Sport surfaces and artificial lights are low maintenance, low cost and allow for all year round participation.
How has monitoring of exercise affected elite sport? (3)
- Laboratory based testing identifies strengths and weaknesses of a performer allowing progress to be monitored. Assessments of the effectiveness of training can also take place.
- VO2 Max testing and lactate threshold training.
- GPS tracking systems monitor activity, speed, distance travelled & calories burnt.
How has safety affected elite sport? (3)
- 3D laboratory-based gait analysis allows errors in running styles to be identified & corrected.
- Personal training and performance equipment has been adapted and improved for elite performers. Asics develops specially tailored running shoes for elite marathon runners.
- Ingestible computer devices used during high exertion activities to monitor blood pressure and body temperature.
How has access affected participation? (2)
- Access to buildings which have been modified to make them wheelchair friendly.
- Access to specialist equipment like swimming pool hoists for disabled swimmers.
How has equipment affected participation? (2)
- Prosthetics allows disabled people to get involved in sport/activity.
- Equipment made from composite materials to make them lighter/more durable.
How have facilities affected participation?
- Sports surfaces and artificial lights are low maintenance, low cost and allow for all year round participation
How has monitoring of exercise affected participation?
- Wearable computer devices monitor activity levels leading to more activity, efficient exercise and increased motivation to exercise.
How has safety affected participation? (3)
- Personal training and performance equipment has been adapted and improved for those who wish to participate in activity.
- Appropriate footwear is available to all levels of performer with specialist shops offering gait analysis, static and dynamic foot measurements, assessment of foot shape and leg alignment.
How has new technology negatively affected participation in sport? (2 ways)
- Cost
- Alternatives to participating in sport
How does cost affect participation? (6)
- Development/use of modern technology expensive.
- Leads to inequality at elite and participating levels.
- Cost is prohibitive in developing countries.
- Developing countries can’t afford basic equipment.
- People with disabilities may not be able to afford prosthetics/wheelchairs to be able to compete.
- May be a lack of facilities/limited access to facilities.
How does a range of alternatives to participating in sport affect participation? (2)
- The use of computer games and consoles can make people more sedentary and less likely to participate.
- Spectating has become increasingly popular leading to some people choosing to watch rather than participate leading to a more sedentary lifestyle.
What ways has technology improved the fairness of outcomes? (5)
- Officiating
Accurate decision making based on facts rather than judgements eg goal-line technology - Drugs testing
Improved detection of doping eg gene therapy - Measurement
More accurate timing and measuring devices eg laser measuring in shot put and pressure pads in swimming. - Reducing cheating
Improved detection of foul play eg TMO in rugby - Overturning
Increased accountability of officials or takes pressure off referees leading to less human error.
How has technology improving been a negative to officials?
Puts officials under increasing pressure due to the exposure and scrutiny of their decisions leading to high levels of anxiety.
How has technology improving been a negative to inequality?
Limits access as the use of modern technology is not equal across all sports, levels of participation or across the world.
How is technology not reducing drug taking?
Performance enhancing drug testing can’t keep up with new doping methods
What are the positive effects of modern technology on entertainment? (9)
- Instant/Action Replays
- Rewind
- Multiple Camera Angles
- Improved Analysis
- Punditry
- Motion Capture
- Screens
- Education
- Excitement of waiting for the technological judgment
What are the negative effects of modern technology on entertainment? (6)
Constant Interruptions
Breakdown of Technology
Reduced Live Attendances
Takes away the ‘chance’ element of the sport
Lack of dispute or controversy
Changes the nature of the game as a sport
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Year 1 - Socio-cultural1
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Pre-Industrial Britain7
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Post 185013
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20th Century Britain10
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21st Century11
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Modern Olympic Games13
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Global sporting events5
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Year 2 - Socio-cultural1
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Drugs and doping in sport8
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Violence in sport9
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Gambling in Sport7
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Modern technology20
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Positive/negative impacts on commercialisation16
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Routes to sporting success18
