TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS Example  TENNIS Example  TENNIS ADVANTAGES ADVANTAGES Rackets have become lighter (wood-aluminium-graphite) & rackets heads are now bigger/more efficient (ball can be hit harder/more accurately) Rackets have become lighter (wood-aluminium-graphite) & rackets heads are now bigger/more efficient (ball can be hit harder/more accurately) Rackets & strings last longer (stronger materials) Rackets & strings last longer (stronger materials) ‘Cyclops’ - detects if ball is in or out (assists umpire/line judges, especially now ball travels so fast) ‘Cyclops’ - detects if ball is in or out (assists umpire/line judges, especially now ball travels so fast) EQUIPMENT

DISADVANTAGES  Ball is now hit so hard & accurately (racket/string improvements) that rallies/games are shorter & therefore less appealing to spectators  LTA now looking into ways of slowing down the game; softer (slower) balls.

Example  ATHLETICS ADVANTAGES ADVANTAGES Pole Vaults are now made of fibre glass, which is stronger, lighter and more flexible Pole Vaults are now made of fibre glass, which is stronger, lighter and more flexible

The development of safety mats has enabled pole vaulters and high jumpers to jump higher safely (this also brought about the ‘Forsby Flop’ technique)

Javelin has become more & more efficient enabling further distances Javelin has become more & more efficient enabling further distances Timing equipment has become more accurate and instant information & feedback (stopwatches) Timing equipment has become more accurate and instant information & feedback (stopwatches) Photo finishes improves accuracy at highest level Photo finishes improves accuracy at highest level

DISADVANTAGES  Javelin’s have become so efficient that throwers started to reach the limits of many stadiums.  The weight and C.O.G was changed to ensure the javelins would not reach those long distances.  Existing World, Olympic & other records have become obsolete.

Example  CRICKET ADVANTAGES ADVANTAGES Increased Safety Protection for players; helmets, pads etc. Increased Safety Protection for players; helmets, pads etc. 3 rd umpire TV cameras record all action for different angles and the umpires on the pitch can call for a decision to be made using the information supplied. 3 rd umpire TV cameras record all action for different angles and the umpires on the pitch can call for a decision to be made using the information supplied. Increases fairness of close decisions. Already in use rugby league/union. Other sports may use this technology; Football – goal line cameras Increases fairness of close decisions. Already in use rugby league/union. Other sports may use this technology; Football – goal line cameras

TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS MATERIALS For example: For example: Artificial pitches (QPR F.C. Loftus Road/ cricket wickets/ hockey): Allow most weather play/cheaper to maintain/smooth service. The FA banned artificial pitches, NFL trying to ban, both due to increased level of injuriesArtificial pitches (QPR F.C. Loftus Road/ cricket wickets/ hockey): Allow most weather play/cheaper to maintain/smooth service. The FA banned artificial pitches, NFL trying to ban, both due to increased level of injuries Teflon for swimming costumes: Less water resistant, allow faster times (100ths of a second though! – no need to ‘shave down’!!)

New multi-purpose stadiums combining facilities for many sports; football pitches with athletics tracks around themNew multi-purpose stadiums combining facilities for many sports; football pitches with athletics tracks around them TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS FACILITIES & TEACHING

Sport specific facilities: Specialised gymnastics arenas with safety foam pits and sprung floors instead of converted sports halls Video Analysis: Allows instant feedback to performers, they ‘can see themselves’ & therefore assists the coach