Objective 1 Tick

You must understand:

How technology is used to enhance performance:

1. Fitness testing (body fat monitors & heart rate monitors)

2. Training aids (motion capture software to review performance, simulators

to practice skills in a controlled environment)

3. Equipment (carbon fibre javelins can help gain inches on a throw, Formula 1
cars designed to be as aerodynamic as possible and have no excess weight)

4. Clothing and footwear (lightweight body armour to prevent injuries in

rugby, full body swimsuits that cause less drag than skin so save
milliseconds, football boots that improve the curl that can be applied when
kicking the ball.)

5. Injury prevention and recovery (faster recovery times through use of

specialist equipment)

How technology is used to enhance game play:

1. Video refereeing (a referee in rugby will watch video replay on a TV

monitor during the game to assist in making a decision)

2. ‘Hawk-Eye’ (used in tennis to determine if the ball was ‘out’)

3. Goal-line technology (to determine whether the ball has crossed the goal
line in football)

4. ‘Hot spot’ (to determine whether the ball hit the bat or a pad in cricket)

5. Radio (officials using radio to communicate with each other during the
game)

6. Stadiums (retractable roofs so that weather does not interfere with

game play, under pitch heating to reduce the effect of snowy/icy
conditions, different playing surfaces such as latest generation of
artificial pitches)

How technology is used to enhance spectatorship:

7. Stadiums (big screens at football matches, architecture eliminates the

 use of pillars to improve spectators view)

8. Officials (crowd able to hear referee decisions at rugby matches)

9. Commentary/punditry (e.g. more statistics available during play, graphics

and software to enhance post-match commentary)

10. Television (e.g. HD TV/3D TV improves viewing experience, multi-screen

through ‘red button’)

11. Internet (e.g. access team/club websites, social networking with

players/fans, mobile phone apps allow you to monitor results on the go)

What do I need to revise?

Technology used to enhance performance

Fitness Testing

Body fat monitoring

Generally speaking body fat does not aid
performance in sport. Most top athletes
monitor body fat and will try and keep body
fat to a minimum.
Body fat can be measured using skin fold
callipers but the best way is hydrostatic
underwater weighing.
Different sports have different optimum
weights, it is important that if you require
more weight in sports such as rugby and
boxing the extra weight is not fat. Monitoring
body fat can improve performance.

Heart rate monitors

Heart rate monitors are used in many sports
to monitor the heart rate of athletes. The
results can have many benefits to enhance
performance
Training Aids

Training aids
Training aids have been used in sport for
many years to enhance performance. Training
aids include:
1. Foam pits in Gymnastics

2. Somersault belts in trampolining

3. Bowling machines in cricket

4. Simulators in golf
A modern training aid is motion capture
software. This is where the movement of a
performer is recorded in detail. This gives
the coach vital information on the performer
as it can highlight any weaknesses that could
be changed to enhance performance. Motion
capture software is used in many sports such
as, tennis, football, cricket sprinting.
It is very useful in sports that have complex
movements like a golf swing. For example,
when you swing the golf club, the software
will slow down the movement so you can
Equipment

Equipment
Technology has enhanced equipment which has improved performance in sport.
Examples include:
5. Javelins are more aerodynamic which allows athletes to throw them further

6. Technology has made formula 1 cars more aerodynamic which makes them quicker

7. Golf clubs are designed to hit the ball further and be more accurate

Clothing and footwear

8. Table tennis bats are designed to grip the ball to allow more spin

Clothing and footwear

Technology has enhanced clothing and footwear
for athletes. Sporting examples include:
1. Football boots: If we compare a football boot
from today to that 20 years ago there is a
massive difference. Modern boots are lighter,
comfortable and are specifically designed for
different surfaces, some boots are made to
specifically to get more power and curl when
kicking the ball
2. Hi tech swim suits: Swimmers often High
technology swimsuits when competing to
reduce drag when swimming in the water. Due
to the enhances in technology there are strict
guidelines on their use in competition
3. Rugby pads: Shoulder and chest pads used in
rugby provide protection and reduce the
chance of injury. Due to technology pads are
much lighter and tighter fitting to allow the
players to move more freely.
Injury prevention and recovery

Injury prevention and recovery

Using specialist equipment has enhanced how athletes recover and prevent injury.
4. Cryosauna is a very cold sauna that reaches very low temperatures (-200°C) this
allows the muscles to recover quicker and avoid inflammation. This allows the athlete
to train harder and recover from games more quickly preventing overuse injuries.

5. Hydrotherapy is incorporated into post-exercise recovery regimes. The human body

responds to water immersion with changes in the heart, blood flow, as well as core
and muscle temperature. The changes in blood flow and temperature may have an
effect on inflammation, immune function, muscle soreness and perception of fatigue.

Technology used to enhance game play

Video Refereeing

Video referees are used in the sport of rugby

league. The video referee will watch the match on a
tv screen in a studio. They will have available many
angles from different cameras to watch the match.
If there is an incident such as a try and the match
referee and touch judges are unsure of the
decision, they can ask the video referee to look at
the incident. They will then radio to the referee
the correct decision. This enhances game play as it
takes any doubt out of the referee’s mind and the
correct decision is made which makes it fair.
Hawk Eye

Hawk-Eye is a computer system used in numerous

sports such as cricket, tennis, Gaelic football,
badminton, hurling, rugby union, association football
and volleyball, to visually track the trajectory of
Goal Line Technology

Goal line technology is used in football to see if the

ball has crossed the goal line. Technology can make
the decision very quickly and the referee and
assistants get a message of the decision on their
watch within 1 second. This enhances gameplay as
the referee can make a correct and confident
decision very quickly without stopping the game

Hotspot

Hot Spot is an infrared imaging system used

in cricket to determine whether the ball has struck
the batsman, bat or pad. Hot Spot requires two infra-
red cameras on opposite sides of the ground above
the field of play that are continuously recording an
image. This allows umpires to make correct and
confident decisions as it will highlight if the ball has
come off a pad or bat when a player is caught out

Radio

Officials in many sports use radios to communicate. This allows

officials to communicate effectively and quickly. During
matches this is important as the crowd can make a lot of noise
during the game. Linesman and referees in football will
communicate through radio. This allows them to make decisions
quickly and efficiently
Stadiums

Technology has benefited stadiums in

many ways. Wimbledon has a fully
retractable roof. This allows the game to
be played in all conditions. Before the roof
rain could postpone many matches

Many premier league football stadiums

have underground heating, this allows
matches to be played in the snow and ice
which would otherwise be cancelled

Technology has improved playing surfaces,

advances have meant that many artificial
surfaces are good enough to play official
matches. Widnes rugby league club play all
their home matches on a artificial pitch.
This allows them to play in all conditions
on a near perfect surface

Technology used to enhance spectatorship

Stadiums

Technology has benefited stadiums

which enhance the experience of the
spectator. Most big stadiums have
expensive sound systems and big screens
to watch replays and live referee
decisions. This enhances the experience
and enjoyment of watching live sport
such a rugby league

New stadiums have used technology to

provide unrestricted viewing. Years ago,
the stadium would be supported by big
pillars which would obstruct viewing at
live matches
Officials

Technology used by officials has

enhanced the experience for the
spectator. In sports such as rugby the
officials have a mic which allows you to
listen to the referee. They can hear
their decisions and conversations with
players. This gives the spectator a more
dynamic experience

Commentary and punditry

Technology has allowed more statistics

for the spectator to enjoy. In football
matches the viewer is given a lot
information and statistics about teams,
players, goals etc. this gives the viewer
knowledge and understanding. Managers
must give post-match interviews to the
television which adds additional interest

Television

Television Technology has improved the

viewing experience. Televisions have a
much better picture with some sports
events shown in ultra HD. Technology has
also allowed the red button feature
which can allow the viewer to watch
different events and sports at the same
time. This was very popular during the
Olympics as the viewer could watch a
wide range of events during the day.
Multi-screen also allows the viewer to
watch two events at the same time.

Internet
The internet has provided many
opportunities to enhance the experience
of the spectator. Mobile phones allow
you to download apps that can give
information about your favourite sport
or team and give regular updates.
Forums allow you to chat and share
experiences with people of the same
sporting interests. You can access club
websites which you can watch highlights
and get up to date team information

Objective 2/3 Tick

You must understand:

The positive effects of sports technology on performance:

1. Skills may deteriorate (e.g. more-forgiving golf clubs take away the need
for the golfer to strike the ball as accurately) Equipment is easier to use
(e.g. tennis rackets are lighter and have larger ‘sweet-spot’)

2. Injury Prevention (e.g. temperature regulating clothing to prevent

overheating and dehydration, shock absorbing footwear limits strain on
leg joints)

3. Reduced recovery time from injury (e.g. training can resume sooner
limiting reversal in fitness)

4. Training aids (e.g. can identify specific areas of weakness, athletes can
 compete to a later age and utilise experience more)

The negative effects of sports technology on performance:

5. Skills may deteriorate (e.g. more-forgiving golf clubs take away the need
for the golfer to strike the ball as accurately)

6. Rule/regulation changes (e.g. certain swim suit designs had to be banned

because of the degree of assistance they were providing to elite
swimmers. Motorsport rules change frequently to restrict the degree to
which technological advances might adversely affect competitions)

The positive effects of sports technology on gameplay:

7. How the sport is played (e.g. technology helps to speed up and intensify
sport making it more exciting to participate in, such as developments in
the bikes which elite cyclists use)

8. Increases competition (e.g. athletes/performers/teams are able to

analyse opponents’ performances and develop strategies to beat them)

9. Improves accuracy (e.g. calls made by referees/umpires are more

accurate making competitions fairer)

The negative effects of sports technology on gameplay:

10. Prolong a game duration (e.g. referees/umpires taking time to view

video/computer aids cause breaks in game play and can make an event
stale)

11. Detract from the ethics of sport (e.g. the winner is not now always the
best athlete/performer/team but the one with the better equipment)

12. Cost (e.g. only elite level can afford some technology, so it can create or
increase the gulf between teams/participants within a sport)

The positive effects of sports technology on spectatorship:

1. Increased fan base (e.g. in-play statistics and post-match analysis

graphics make sport more interesting to watch, easier purchasing of
tickets over internet or via mobile phone apps)
2. See all the action (e.g. instant replays, multi camera angles and being
able to pause and rewind live TV means you miss none of the action)

The negative effects of sports technology on spectatorship:

1. Decrease in live spectatorship (e.g. advances to TV technology and TV

broadcasting will encourage viewers to watch from home)

Other positive effects of sports technology on sport:

2. Health care (e.g. prosthetic limbs developed for athletes are now
available to the public)

3. Improves transport (e.g. road cars increasingly made from carbon fibre
developed for Formula 1)

Other positive effects of sports technology on sport:

1. Break tradition (e.g. cricket is steeped in tradition and devices such as

‘Hawk-Eye’ and ‘Hot Spot’ are not readily accepted by all)

What do I need to revise?

The positive effects of sports technology on performance:

Equipment

Tennis rackets
Tennis rackets have moved on considerably since
wooden rackets, Tennis rackets are now made from
carbon composites such as graphite. This comes with
many advantages for performance such as:
1. Carbon composite rackets can be easily designed
to create am bigger sweet spot to hit the ball
faster with greater accuracy

2. Rackets can be weighted to suite playing and

swing styles

3. Carbon composite rackets are immune to

changes in humidity and temperature unlike
wooden rackets that can warp

4. Carbon composite rackets are less likely to

break during a performance

Footballs
Technology has made significant changes to the
football. Many years ago, the football was made from
bladder and was surrounded by a stitched leather
casing, modern day footballs are made from a
synthetic material that meet governing body
specifications. These have many advantages to
performance such as:

1. Balls have an accurate and fast in flight, making

it easier to control and curve the ball

2. They are waterproof

3. Keep their shape

4. Last a full match

5. Transfer all of your kicking force to the ball

6. Safe to head
Injury prevention

Temperature regulating clothing

Many sports stars wear compression garments, they
have a high lycra content that clings to the skin. This
helps reduce swelling in the muscles, preventing the
delayed onset of muscle soreness and aiding recovery
of soft tissue injuries.
Clothing is very important when performing in very hot
conditions such as football or long-distance running.
Technology has allowed clothing to be light and
breathable which allows heat and sweat to be
evaporated efficiently this can help prevent
dehydration and overheating.
Shock absorbing footwear
Technology used in trainers has significantly changed
over the years. Footwear is designed for all different
sports and surfaces. Manufacturers claim that
cushioning material in running trainers can reduce
injury. Running trainers use various technologies to
cushion the trainers from the large forces created
when running. They use materials such as gel, foam and
air. These materials can help prevent injuries such a
stress fracture, achilles tendinitis or shin splints.

Reduced recovery time from injury

Technology can reduce the time it takes for athletes

to recover from training or injury, preventing a loss of
fitness.
8. Cryosauna is a very cold sauna that reaches very
low temperatures (-200°C) this allows the muscles
to recover quicker and avoid inflammation.

9. Hydrotherapy is being immersed in water this can

reduce inflammation, immune function and muscle
soreness.

10. Physiotherapy can use equipment such as

Training Aids

Highlight specific areas of weakness

Technology such as motion capture software in
golf can highlight any weaknesses you have when
swinging the golf club. The software uses high
speed cameras to capture different angles of
a golfer to create a full capture. Swinging a
golf club is a very complicated skills as it uses
the whole body. Motion capture software can
track the whole body, a coach can easily correct
any errors

Prolong sporting careers

Technology has allowed athletes to compete at
an older age. It is not unfamiliar for sports men
and women to compete at the top level in their
30’s and even 40’s This is due to advances in
technology that allow coaches to monitor
fitness so they can plan training sessions that
to keep them in peak fitness. Advances in
technology also reduce and prevent injury. Fifty
years ago, a torn cruciate ligament would finish
someone’s career now a routine operation can
fix this.
1. Jo Pavey (Athletics aged 45)
2. Roger Federer (Tennis aged 37)
3. Ryan Giggs (football retired aged of 40)
The negative effects of sports technology on performance:

Skills may deteriorate

Golf
The new TaylorMade driver has twist face technology
that promotes a straight drive regardless of where
you hit the ball on the club face. This improves the
performance of the golfer. Due to the forgiveness of
the club the skills of the golfer may deteriorate.
Archery
Archery is an Olympic sport, Technology resulted in
lighter bows that are weighted and have
sophisticated sights that allow the archer great
accuracy, Advances in string technology allow the
arrow to travel to the target without dropping. This
technology has allowed the archer to be more
accurate but their basic skills may deteriorate.

Rule/regulation changes

Swimming
Full-length hi-tech swimsuits have been banned from the
London Olympics as they were made of water-repellent
polyurethane fabrics that compressed the swimmer’s body
to make it more streamlined, buoyant and less fatigue-able.

Javelin
Technology in Javelins meant that athletes were throwing
them further and further. The centre of gravity was
moved 1.6 inches forward, the tip was modified to make
the javelin less aerodynamic, meaning it would nose down
earlier and land sooner, reducing average flight distance by
about 10 percent.

Formula 1
Rules are in place to restrict the technology in formula 1 to
keep the sport competitive and safe. Regulations include:
The positive effects of sports technology on gameplay:

How the sport is played

Technology has influenced how sport is played. Technology

has speeded up how sport is played this can be due to
various reasons such as, equipment, clothing and training
aids. Examples are below:
Cycling: bike and helmet design has had a positive effect
on the sport of cycling. Bikes have got faster which is
more entertaining for fans and Spectators
Golf: Golf clubs can hit the ball straighter and further
along with training aids the standard of golf has improved
Football: Goal line technology changed the way football is
played correct decisions can be made quickly and
efficiently
Formula 1: Regulations in formula one has affected the
sport. Technology such as the halo has made the sport
safer by protecting the driver

Increases competition

Technology has allowed for an increase in competition,

players, coaches, and teams can research through video
and statistics information about opponents and teams they
are about to play.
Tennis: A player can watch many videos of their opponents
and gather statistics which may provide information about
their weaknesses. For example, statistics may show they
are weak on their backhand return or volley
Football: A goalkeeper may research where penalty takers
place the ball. This may show where they are more likely
to kick the ball which could give an advantage to the
goalkeeper when deciding which way to dive
Rugby league: Managers of a rugby team many gather
Improves accuracy

Technology has made a significant improvement in

the accuracy of decisions. Before technology the
referee or umpire had to make a decision in a split
second, with many sports getting faster and faster
often the decision was wrong. Now technology can
ensure the right decision is made which gives
confidence to both the players and officials.
Cricket: Infrared cameras at cricket allow players
to confirm if the umpire has made the correct
decision
Football: Goal line technology allows the referee to
make a quick decision if the ball has crossed the line
without stopping play
Rugby league: the video referee can use cameras
for a decision the referee has missed or is unsure
of
Tennis: uses ‘Hawkeye’ so players can challenge the
umpire to see if they have made the correct
decision or not
The negative effects of sports technology on gameplay:

Prolong a games duration

Although technology is used to make accurate

decisions, it can have a negative effect on gameplay.
Goal-line technology in football is very fast and
gives a decision to the referees watch within 2
seconds. Other technology is not so fast.
Rugby league: The video ref may not show clear
evidence if a try is scored due to players blocking
the view. For decisions that are difficult to see may
take time. This can slow and delay the game.
Tennis: Hawkeye is used in tennis to see if the ball
is in or out. This technology is reasonably quick and
does not delay the game by very much. However, if a
player is constantly challenging the umpire’s decision
the game can become stale and boring

Detracts from the ethics of the sport

Sport should be about fair play and sportsmanship

and should have values such as honesty. Sport
should be won by the best and most talented
performer, it should not be won by the person or
team with the best technology

Swimming: Michael Phelps was the Olympic 200m

swimming champion. He remained unbeaten for two
years. He was beaten by Paul Biedermann who wore
a ‘Arena X-Glide’ swimsuit. The suit can knock up on
4 seconds of your time
Golf: If you are playing an opponent of similar
ability but they have a set of golf clubs that can hit
Cost

Although technology improves performance it usually

comes at a cost. Elite athletes usually have the best
technology which includes the best equipment,
training facilities and clothing. This gives them an
unfair advantage and can create a gulf between
players/teams.

Bobsleigh: The film ‘Cool Runnings’ highlighted the

difference in the technology of the Jamaican
bobsleigh to the others. They even had to borrow
equipment to compete

Athletics: Elite endurance athletes such as Mo Farah

sleep in an oxygen chambers before competing. This
increases the oxygen carrying capacity of the red
blood cells improving performance. This gives creates
a gulf for competitors that cannot afford the
equipment which is very expensive

Athletics: Blades used in the Paralympics are very

expensive. Technology has allowed blades to be
lighter and provide more recoil to allow the athlete
to run faster, the tension and stiffness of blades can
also be altered for endurance and sprint events. This
gives an unfair advantage over those who cannot
afford them

Formula 1: Formula 1 is a very expensive sport that

needs a lot of technology and money to compete and
run. Although there are strict regulations to balance
competition, it is generally the teams with the most
money and the best technology that win such as
Ferrari and Mercedes. This creates a gulf between
The positive effects of sports technology on spectatorship:

Increased fan base

Technology has improved fan base such as:

1. Statistics

2. Post-match analysis

3. Graphics

4. Mobile apps

5. Internet

6. Easier purchasing of tickets

Football: Technology has enhanced women’s football.

Matches are now shown regularly on television,
mobile apps and the internet have promoted the
sport and increased the fan base, women’s teams
are also featured in the FIFA 19 game

Olympics: the London 2012 Olympics was the most

watched TV event in history with over 90% of the
population watching at least 10 minutes. This was
due to technology such as the red button which
allowed you tom watch different events at the same
time. Graphics made it appealing to all and there was
See
a fair all
andthe
easyaction
system for purchasing tickets

Video camera’s: at games have allowed spectators to

watch replays from various different angles.
Referee/player cam: Some sports such as rugby
even allow you to watch the game from the referee
perspective. Player cam also allows you to follow and
 Modern Tv’s allow y

The negative effects of sports technology on spectatorship:

Decrease in live spectatorship

The technology used in live tv, and the various sporting

subscriptions available mean many games and events
are shown on live television, although this is a positive
for the spectator at home in may have a negative
effect on live attendance

Football: Many top Premier League clubs have empty

seats for FA Cup and Champions league matches as the
games are often on TV and ticket prices are expensive

Rugby League: many rugby league attendances are on

the decline, this may be due to the number of televised
matches on Sky TV

Other positive effects of sports technology:

Health Care: Technology that has gone into

disability sports such as prosthetic legs are now
available and can benefit the general public
Transport: The Technology that has gone into
formula 1 cars are now used in road cars.
Technology in fuel, aerodynamics, tyres engine
efficiency and brakes and makes them more
efficient and safer

Other negative effects of sports technology:

Break tradition: many people in sport do not like
change. They think the technology has ruined the
game and breaks the tradition of the sport and how
it is played. Governing bodies in football often delay
the introduction of technology such as VAR and goal
line technology for this reason. Cricket and tennis
are sports that have a lot of history. They see using
technology such as Hotspot and Hawkeye breaking
the traditions of the sport

Objective 4 Tick

You must understand:

The factors effecting the use of technology in sport:

2. Application of technology (specific technology used in one specific sport,

one piece of technology used and adapted across a range of sports, an
organisation which has been and/or is at the forefront of using different
types of new technology)

3. Reasons for the introduction of technology with particular reference to

performance, game play and spectatorship (the sport was losing popularity
because of the increase in incorrect or poor decisions being made, the
technology has broken down barriers for certain groups)

4. History/tradition (e.g. the nature of the sport(s) or organisation(s)

involved is such that they resist change, previous positive or negative
experiences with technology affect their view of any proposals)

5. Reactions of key stakeholders (athletes, performers, spectators,

professional bodies to the introduction of the technology e.g. it would
improve decision making, it would improve performance, it would be
ethically wrong in this sport)

6. Features of the technology which affect its use (e.g. cost, access,
reputation, reliability)

The impact the technology has had:

7. Has it addressed the issues it sought to (with particular reference to

 performance, game play and spectatorship)?

8. Has it had unintended positive and/or negative consequences (the use

of video referrals was intended to support officials but has ended up
undermining them)

9. Developments and adaptations made to the technology (has it been

used within other sports, has it has triggered further use of technology
within a sport, has it caused nothing but problems and has been dropped
from the sport)

10. Developments and adaptations made to the sport (has it more

spectators, are the athletes/performers are fitter and more skilled, has
it has become reliant on technology and skill no longer counts, has it
increased the gap between the elite and everyone else within the sport)

11. Implications for the future (is the sport is at its peak and there is no
need for further technology, if more clubs/teams/athletes/performers
introduced the technology the sport would improve dramatically, cost
implications for wider use even if deemed successful).

What do I need to revise?

The factors effecting the use of technology in sport

Application of technology

Hawkeye (football)
Hawk-Eye is a camera system which traces the ball's
trajectory during a game. It is the most advanced
officiating tool used in sport, used across many sports.
Hawk-eye were the first company to receive a FIFA
Goal Line Technology licence, the technology is now
classed as the most accurate, reliable and experienced
provider.
Hawkeye is used in football for goal-line technology, it
is a technical means of instantly determining whether
Reasons for the introduction

Since the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2012, during

which goal-line technology was officially used in
association football for the first time, many
tournament organisers and leagues have taken an
interest in the topic and are in the process of
implementing the technology.

Following the successful tournament in 2012, FIFA

decided to implement the technology at its major
tournaments. The English Premier League was the first
national competition to vote in favour of introducing
goal-line technology from the 2013/14 season onwards.
Prior to the 2013 season there were 31 instances
 History/Tradition

The traditions of sport were played and followed by

the Olympic values which are:
Olympic values
1. Respect
2. Excellence
3. Friendship

These values have changed over the years. Before

hand it was about participation and playing your best
making friends and having respect for officials and
opponents.

Since the game has been commercialised values have

seemed to have changed. Players often argue with
Reaction of key stakeholders

Since the goal line technology was introduced in 2012

it has been widely accepted and welcomed by coaches
and players. The premier league was the first league
to have all 20 clubs use goal line technology. Before
2012 the president of FIFA (Sepp Blatter) was
against this technology he said: “Football must retain
a human face” he did not want technology interfering
with the human input and traditions of the sport.

Due to many high-profile goal line errors he changed

his opinion on the technology and is now welcomed by
the majority of people within the sport
Features of the technology that affect us

Goal line technology using the Hawkeye technology is

widely accepted as more reliable and accurate than
the human eye. It is also more efficient than a video
replay.

The concern that effects teams across the country is

the cost. Clubs have to pay £15,000 to FIFA to use
the technology and £250,000 to install the
technology. This cost is ok for the Premier League
clubs but is far too expensive for the lower leagues.
Even the Scottish Premier league say the technology
is unaffordable.
The impact the technology has had
Has it addressed the issues it sought to

Video
Seppreferees are was
Blatter who usedthe
in the sport of
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FIFA was the
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biggest video
critic of referee
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technology he match on a
outlined
tvseven
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reasons
in a studio.
why itThey
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willnot
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be available
implemented
manythey
angles from different
are summarised cameras to watch the match.
below:
If there is an incident such as a try and the match
1. The potential inaccuracy of the technology
referee and touch judges are unsure of the
2. The difficulty in controlling the new ball
decision,
3. The they
gamecan
willask the video referee
sameto
atlook at
no longer be the all levels
the incident. They will then radio to the referee
4. The high cost of implementing the technology
the correct decision. This enhances game play as it
5. It undermines the concept that the referee’s
Hawk Eye

Has it any unintended positive/negative consequences

The technology of goal line technology is mainly

positive and is now welcomed by coaches, players,
spectators and the governing bodies. It is fast,
accurate and because the referee makes the decision
from the use of technology it does not undermine his
decision. This is not the case in tennis and cricket
whereby players can challenge the umpire’s original
decision which can them be over ruled.
The only negative consequences of goal line technology
is that not all leagues and teams can afford it which
results in different rules for different competitions.
All Premier League football clubs have goal line
Developments and adaptations to the technology

Goal line technology is a relatively recent addition to

football it was introduced to the premier league in
2013. There have been no adaptations to the
technology and how it is used.
Prior to Hawkeye there were other systems tested
such as a sensor in the goal posts and in the ball. This
detected when the ball had crossed the line. This
system was rejected in favour of Hawkeye which uses
seven cameras pointing on each goal.
Hawkeye is easily adapted and can be used in other
sports such as snooker, Gaelic football, tennis and
cricket. In tennis it is used to see if the ball is in or
out. This is particularly useful as the ball travels so
fast. Players can challenge an umpire’s decision which
can be overruled with Hawkeye technology. In cricket
it is used to see if the ball was going to hit the wickets
when an umpire gives LBW (leg before wicket).
In both Cricket a player may challenge the umpire’s
decision. Many critics say this goes against the
traditions of the umpire/referee’s decision is final.

Implications for the future

Although goal line technology is widely accepted in

football, the cost has limited it to certain competitions
and leagues. In September 2018 is only used in a few
European leagues such as:
1. English Premier League
2. English Championship
3. French Ligue 1
4. Italian Serie A
5. German Bundesliga
168 FIFA stadiums are equipped with goal line
technology. 167 use Hawkeye and 1 uses Goal Control
which is another licensed provider. The different types
Although go