Technology is a result of the practical application of scientific knowledge to make life easier and better. Today, technology drives every aspect of our lives.
It has impacted transportation, health, communication, entertainment, music, sport, and many areas. So, what are the benefits of using technology in sport? We shall discuss that in a moment.
So far, soccer (football) is one popular sport that has witnessed the adoption of modern technology. For instance, unlike the hazardous olden days, professional athletes now play games on much safer beautiful surfaces.
Thanks to technological devices such as smart TVs, computers, smartphones, and the internet — sports (games) are broadcast to millions of fans across the globe. Some time ago, this experience wasn't remotely possible.
Let's see how technology is doing a great job in sports.
Benefits of Using Technology in Sport
The sports industry is worth billions of dollars, so athletes can earn hefty paychecks by exhibiting their talents and skills. If you're a die-hard soccer fan, you don't need to be told that super players such as Christiano Ronaldo and Leonel Messi, are big-time millionaires.
Moving on to boxing and basketball stars, we have multimillionaires like Floy Mayweather and LeBron James.
But how do sports clubs get such big money to pay their athletes?
Well, part of their revenue streams is generated from sponsorship deals, sales of match tickets, and through TV rights.
Here are more benefits of using technology in sport:
Performance Monitoring
Sports competitions can be very tough. As a result, participating clubs usually strive to build the best teams they can in order to win titles and trophies.
By tracking the performances of athletes, clubs can get the most out of their players. Thanks to advanced technological tools, it's now easier for clubs to assess the performances of their players during training sessions and competitions.
SportVU technology is one example of a performance tracking system at the center of sport. This system uses smart cameras to track down the movement of players on the pitch.
The technology provides a wealth of data that helps clubs to have better statistical metrics about each player's performances, and how best they can improve.
Medical Assistance/Safety
Of course, there is huge money in sports. That said, sport is also a physically challenging competition — which means it's a high-risk career.
Since the health and safety of players matter significantly, sports clubs will do anything to prevent their players from sustaining injuries.
Technology is offering solutions in the form of protective kit such as boots, jerseys, and headgear. These minimize the severity of injuries.
Even if injuries do occur, clubs now have better medical teams and health facilities to properly treat athletes.
Biomedical software can assist clubs to keep an eye on the fitness of players. Wearable devices (sensors) such as heart rate monitors help medical teams to check the cardio condition of their players. This way, signs of potential injuries can be detected and treated in time.
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Increased Fans Engagement
Without the fans (spectators), any sport is reduced to being a boring competition.
As explained earlier, the digital age has opened a new chapter of global connectivity between fans and their favorite clubs. Switch on your digital television, and you can watch any league match from any part of the world.
The internet and social media platforms have further taken the sports experience into the homes of viewers.
Furthermore, some clubs have rolled out mobile apps to keep their fans updated on all the latest news. What can we miss gain?
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Improved Field Conditions
Gone are the days when athletes weathered the storms, playing their sports in deplorable conditions. With modern technology, today's athletes can feel much more comfortable, playing on beautiful, friendly, and safe field conditions.
Also, we now have better machines to maintain parks for sports events.
Improved Fairness in Decision-Making
To err is human. Mistakes and misjudgments are all part of sports competitions. However, these often destroy the integrity of sports events. Thankfully, cutting edge technology is now helping to limit the human errors made by match officials.
For example, goal-line technology and the video assistant referee (VAR) guide soccer match officials, helping them to make correct and fair decisions.
These video systems allow referees to determine whether a goal, score, or sending off is correct or not.
Conclusion
There are so many benefits of using technology in sport. As competitions get tougher each year, clubs and sports managers must invest in smart technical solutions to do their jobs.
The bottom line is that technology is impacting every area of sport. From the clubs to the athletes, training grounds, and maintaining their public profiles, technology is revolutionizing sports like never before.
While the use of technology brings quality to the game, there are also some disadvantages of technology in sport.
For example, sports technology is expensive but sometimes unreliable. There are several instances where sports officials still make unfair decisions, despite having access to all the technologies. VAR is a perfect example!
