Technology in Sport

New materials - Lighter materials used in equipment have improved performance, - carbon fibre bikes, graphite tennis racquets & golf clubs. Aerodynamic design - Cycle helmets, Formula 1 cars, skis have attributed to faster times. Headgear in boxing was adopted to provide protection from head injuries VAR Timing gates

Clothing can now be designed to reduce friction (air, water). Tech swimsuits/running suits use range of technologies to help cut down on drag & improve oxygen efficiency Compression clothing encourages blood circulation & aid recovery after injury Research into fabrics has created breathable sports clothing, waterproof & can either prevent heat loss/overheating Footwear constantly being developed to suit specific sports often lighter, cushioned reducing impact & adding support

Anabolic steroids: Used by athletes often synthetic modifications of testosterone. Help to repair muscle damage after intense training. Help the athlete build muscle mass/muscle hypertrophy for explosive events. Enable athlete to train harder & recover quicker from high intensity sessions, allowing athlete to train harder & more frequently Humans naturally produce HGH. Growth hormone released from pituitary gland mainly during childhood but at lower levels in adulthood. Artificially produced hormone can be injected in adulthood to stimulate growth of bones, muscles & other tissues. Can reduce body fat, increase muscle mass, strength and power. Enhance muscle tissue repair/recovery of the musculo-skeletal system Increased aggression - ‘road rage’ Increased blood pressure Damage reputation Disqualified Win at all costs & pressure to succeed

WADA was established in 1999 - bring together various international & national governing bodies to address drug problem in sport IOC established medical control system responsible for drug testing since the 1968 Games. IOC can legislate against what is on their banned list. IOC have a lead role, their list is adopted by most other sports Rigorous testing in & out of competition/season Regular urine testing, following set protocols in trustworthy establishments. Regular blood testing following set protocols Discussion points: Corruption within governing bodies. State sponsored programmes, e.g. Russia. Lack of funding/direction of funding

Hawkeye, goal line tech, snicko referral process & VAR Advantages: Helps officials communicate with each other - used to support officials who’re in field of play & may require second opinion Less pressure on official to make final judgement/less post-match criticism Timing & measurement more accurate Becomes difficult to blame referee for playing ‘favouritism’ or being ‘paid off’ for certain games Apply laws consistently - ensures correct decisions made/fair competition & less controversy & players more confident in decision making process Disadvantages: Artificial breaks in continuous activities – football harder to use as result. Use of technology in some sports can slow down speed of game When & how much to use, how far back can official go Some calls can’t be verified by replay system ‘too close to call’ sports officials still rely on own judgement Officials using technology can still be wrong & technology can’t be used for everything, subjective judgement still needed

Advantages: Alter training environment - e.g. hypoxic chambers, get altitude effects of training/live low, train high Monitor, evaluate & review performance, e.g. prozone, Dartfish, Stat sports Facilities have had impact on some team sports, e.g. 3G/4G pitches have speeded up game Prosthetics made for athletes with specific disability. Wheelchair devices used in sporting activities have become more sophisticated Clothing - includes valuable properties, e.g. strength, flexibility Disadvantages: Could lead to increased injury or violence/shorter careers, e.g. use of shoulder pads, ergogenic aids, making players bigger, fitter & more powerful Not an ‘even playing field’: can be seen as unfair advantage for those that can afford it, e.g. trained staff & advanced equipment. Can be very expensive, depending on wealth of the player, sponsorship deals/developing countries, sports suffers, no investment. For some athletes, they don’t have access to high tech equipment or specialist coaching, as it is not equally available to all Too focused on stats , planning & prep - losing spontaneity & natural talent

Specific Apps to monitor progress, keep track of athletes - allows for more control, understanding & success Helps the coach to prevent player burnout, reduce risk of injury, enables coach to make informed decisions & refine technique, where necessary Variety of products aimed at improving athletic performance - monitor athlete’s health e.g. measuring work rate, resting rate

Advantages: Gives performers competitive edge, helping athletes refine techniques & perform better Video feedback - analysing technique, specific software can be used, e.g. dart fish. Areas for improvement identified & athlete can work on improving weaknesses Enables athletes to perform better & avoidance of injury - development of high-tech suits & clothes to optimise performance. E.g. reducing drag/fluid resistance, helping athletes to thermo-regulate efficiently Disadvantages: Overemphasis on fitness development, leading to uniform athletes playing many team games Unfair advantage to athletes who can afford technology & team of sports scientists May lead to cheating, reducing traditional ethic or nature of the sports/could lead to “win at all costs” mentality ICCUVF

Revolutionised sport, aid improvement - increased comfort & safety Clothing means athlete can remain cool, warm, well ventilated, depending on requirements Technological development has improved the facilities athletes have access to