Over the years, the world of sports is changing continually. Furthermore, the use of technology is just one of the areas which has created an impact on a lot of sports in the modern day. Just as TV changed the way families during the 50’s interacted with sports, the internet has given sports fans yet another way of experiencing sport. It gives sport fans virtual access in real time and on demand. Moreover, it enables them to make specific, personal interaction methods.
The advances in technology has forever changed the world of sports. The changes enable people to record any program and replay it anytime, anywhere. Definitely, viewers could also skip the advertisements, if they like, fracturing the business model which has been in place for more than fifty years. The plethora of specialized sport networks, cable channels and sport packages has contributed as well to a diffusion of the TV audience. For those who opt to watch sports all day, there are programs and channels available 24/7. Social media, like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube and blogs have opened up other possibilities for sports news. Beyond just news reporting, social networking websites have the capacity to link sport fans and with professional athletes to share discussions, ideas, opinions, and photos fast all over the world.
Some of the technologies that have forever changed sports.
1. Hawk-Eye technology. It is the name of a computer and camera system that traces the ball’s trajectory. Furthermore, it’s being used in international tennis and cricket and various other sports are also considering making use of this. It’s also being tried in soccer as part of a goal line assessment. The system uses a camera taking 600 frames a second on the goal-line. The information is analyzed by computer and sent to the headset or the referee or a device on his wrist. Most professional sports in the US have long utilized instant replay as well as other high-tech aids to help referees in making the right call. Replays can be used to decide off-side decisions.
2. Olympic technology. When it comes to the current Olympics, each sport was littered with hi-tech, new equipment to help boost the performance of the athletes. Some noteworthy examples of technology invented for the Olympics is the Slicker Skating Suits in speed skating that were made to give athletes an edge.
The suits were intended also to reduce the friction generated between the athlete’s thighs by putting strategic textiles on the inner thigh of the athlete.
3. Goal-line technology. This was used in the 2014 World Cup for the first time since FIFA has decided to enable computer-assisted decisions on their tournaments. The exact system was GoalControl that uses 14 cameras. Seven of those are mounted on the stadium’s roof and trained on every goalmouth. These cameras can capture the three-dimensional positioning of the ball. When a ball passes the goal line, a vibration and optical signal is forwarded to a watch worn by the referee.
4. Analytics. It has become a necessity in a lot of sports in 2014. The NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB started experimenting with analytics to boost their teams. Analytics include data recording and running the metrics via a certain algorithm to make an advanced statistic.
5. Digital media and streaming. There is full coverage through cable and could be accessed on several platforms and devices to make sure that viewers can watch coverage at all times. All coverage could be viewed live or in full-replay. The World Cup has an array of digital coverage.
6. Smart helmets. In NHL and NFL in particular, concussions have started to eclipse the sport. The leagues have implemented new policies to diagnose concussions and rules to alter play in an attempt to minimize head injuries. The helmet is considered as the most important equipment worn by players due to the added protection it provides. Through weaving new sensor and magnet technology to this equipment, brain injury risk in sports could be minimized. The sensors will not only be able to detect and disperse the force, but will assist by displacing and absorbing the force.
Technology has made the essence of some sports evolve. Technology, when applied in sports goes where man could not. Furthermore, more and more big leagues and competition are including all types of technological innovations for a fairer arbitration as well as measurement times. Without doubt, technology advances have made its way into the homes of sports watchers who now have a way of following their favorite sports.
Ritesh Mehta works as a senior Technical Account Manager in a software development company named TatvaSoft Australia based in Melbourne. He specializes in Agile Scrum methodology, Marketing Ops (MRM) application development, SAAS & SOA application development, Offshore & Vendor team management. Also, he is knowledgeable and well-experienced in conducting business analysis, product development, team management and client relationship management.