Modern technology in sport

Question 1

Modern technology in sport- general participation

Answer 1

POSITIVES
-More access to newer sports such as Padel tennis
-Development of prosthetics- allows for more disability participation
-Safer- Introduction of stair lifts and ramps in swimming pools may encourage less mobile people to take part in sport
-Better facilities attracts more people therefore increasing participation
NEGATIVES
-Facilities are expensive
-Higher quality equipment is often only available to the elite or is very expensive
-Some sports are not disability friendly
-Online Sports gaming has decreased the participation of real life sports

Question 2

Modern technology in sport- Elite performance

Answer 2

POSITIVES
-Higher quality equipment optimises comfort and performance
-Injury rehabilitation to treat injuries and speed up recovery times
-Talent ID to identify potential athletes
-Monitoring of physical and mental health helps to maintain superior performance
NEGATIVES
-Doping- new doping methods for athletes have been created, therefore there are more potential doping athletes
-Equipment, facilities, and talent IDs can be expensive and difficult to set up
-More technology= higher standard of play, therefore individuals need to work harder to be elite

Question 3

Modern technology in sport - Entertainment

Answer 3

POSITIVES
-Standard of play is better- increased viewership
The introduction of instant replays allows viewers to rewatch exciting highlight plays
-Sports is available to watch 24/7 across multiple media sites
-Fair play systems e.g VAR and Hawkeye
NEGATIVES
-Interruptions such as replays or ad breaks can disrupt the flow of the game
-Some people may disagree with the pundit, and this may decrease their interest if they do not like the pundit
-Increased armchair viewing means that there are less active fans actually attending games

Question 4

Modern technology in sport- Fair play

Answer 4

POSITIVES
-Sport is more precise e.g 24-second digital shot clocks in basketball
-Decisions are more accurate- with the introduction of fair play systems such as Hawkeye and VAR- referees can confirm their decisions
-Better doping detection- this reduces the number of athlete dopers
-Referees can be challenged by technology- this reduces the chances of match fixing or bribery
NEGATIVES
-Hawkeye and VAR can be expensive
-Technology may not be available in lesser known sports therefore decisions may be more biased
-Technology leads to the development of new doping techniques- increasing the likelihood of athlete dopers