Term 4 – unit of work Sports Technology…

What is ‘Sports Technology’… What is ‘Sports Technology’… The contribution of technology toward participation & performance… The contribution of technology toward participation & performance… The impact of technology… The impact of technology… The ethical implications of technology… The ethical implications of technology… The evaluation and management of technology… The evaluation and management of technology…

That old saying that says a poor workman blames his tools holds true in sports as much as anywhere, but there's no question that having the absolute best equipment can make a big difference for the world's top athletes. Once you get to the Olympic level, the spread between first and last place can be truly tiny, so even the smallest technical advantage could mean the difference between standing on the top of the winner's podium, or being an also-ran. When an Olympic champion uses a certain brand of equipment while achieving victory, the exposure can translate into big bucks for that brand at the sports-equipment store. After all, doesn't it make you look like a more serious competitor if you have the same gear as the person who crossed the finish line first? Knowing this, the big sports equipment companies pour major bucks into research, so they can develop the gear that top athletes will want to use. That old saying that says a poor workman blames his tools holds true in sports as much as anywhere, but there's no question that having the absolute best equipment can make a big difference for the world's top athletes. Once you get to the Olympic level, the spread between first and last place can be truly tiny, so even the smallest technical advantage could mean the difference between standing on the top of the winner's podium, or being an also-ran. When an Olympic champion uses a certain brand of equipment while achieving victory, the exposure can translate into big bucks for that brand at the sports-equipment store. After all, doesn't it make you look like a more serious competitor if you have the same gear as the person who crossed the finish line first? Knowing this, the big sports equipment companies pour major bucks into research, so they can develop the gear that top athletes will want to use.

What is ‘Sports Technology?

The top 10 new sports technologies that changed the 2008 Olympics

 1. Speedo LZR Racer Swimsuit  EVENT UPGRADED Swimming WHAT'S NEW? In the Olympic swimming pool, just a couple thousandths of a second can be the difference between winning and losing, so even the tiniest competitive edge is critical. Back in Athens we saw plenty of swimmers using the Speedo Fastskin to good advantage, but now Speedo has upped the ante with the LZR Racer. Developed in association with NASA and the Australian Institute of Sport, the LZR Racer uses a woven elastane-nylon and polyurethane material that's said to hold the body in a more hydrodynamic position, while expelling water and allowing for improved oxygen flow to the muscles. It also has ultrasonically welded seams to avoid drag.  DOES IT WORK? Since the suit was launched in February of this year, dozens of world records have already been broken by swimmers using the LZR Racer. I think that makes the answer an unequivocal yes.  1. Speedo LZR Racer Swimsuit  EVENT UPGRADED Swimming WHAT'S NEW? In the Olympic swimming pool, just a couple thousandths of a second can be the difference between winning and losing, so even the tiniest competitive edge is critical. Back in Athens we saw plenty of swimmers using the Speedo Fastskin to good advantage, but now Speedo has upped the ante with the LZR Racer. Developed in association with NASA and the Australian Institute of Sport, the LZR Racer uses a woven elastane-nylon and polyurethane material that's said to hold the body in a more hydrodynamic position, while expelling water and allowing for improved oxygen flow to the muscles. It also has ultrasonically welded seams to avoid drag.  DOES IT WORK? Since the suit was launched in February of this year, dozens of world records have already been broken by swimmers using the LZR Racer. I think that makes the answer an unequivocal yes.

 2. Adidas AdiStar Rowing Shoes  EVENT UPGRADED Rowing  WHAT'S NEW? Silly me, I always figured rowing was mostly about upper body and arm strength. Clearly I am mistaken, and it turns out that leg power is equally, if not more important. To transfer all of that power into moving the scull, your feet need to have a solid and stable foundation, and Adidas provides one with their latest "made for Beijing" AdiStar rowing shoe. Featuring a lightweight rowing plate with stabilizing outriggers, the AdiStar is designed to provide a more direct transfer of power. It also has a so-called "speed heel" with built-in ventilation that's designed to keep the feet at the optimum temperature.  DOES IT WORK? Having a firm foundation for your feet allows all of your stroke power to be transferred into moving the scull. That can only result in a better times.

 3. Doppler Lidar  EVENT UPGRADED Sailing  WHAT'S NEW? Sailing is all about getting wind into your sails that can push your yacht along, but other than licking your finger and pointing it up towards the sky, where do sailors get wind speed and direction info? For years they've been using Doppler radar systems similar to what weather forecasters use on TV, but the problem is these systems are pretty useless when there's little or no wind, which is precisely when sailors need the information.  This year in Bejing they're using a Doppler Lidar system, which scans the surface of the course with laser beams and measures beam scatter to provide a real-time readout of wind speed and direction over a large area.  DOES IT WORK? While all teams will have access to any data provided by the Doppler Lidar system, how well each team is able to interpret that data could mean the difference between winning and losing.

 4. Morini CM 162 EI Air Pistol  EVENTS UPGRADED Air Pistol and Pentathlon  WHAT'S NEW? If you figured air pistols and cutting-edge technology didn't go hand in hand, think again. Modern air pistols use a compressed-gas capsule to propel the pellet. The catch is that even the tiniest uneven force in the firing action can be the difference between a bull's-eye and a lower score. The rules dictate that the trigger must require a minimum force of 500 grams to fire, but smoothness is still critical.  The new CM 162 El from Swiss manufacturer Morini takes this thinking a step further by replacing the traditional mechanical trigger with a switch that operates a battery-powered microchip-controlled firing mechanism. Two AAA batteries provide enough juice for 15,000 shots, with a pulsating red LED to indicate battery condition.  DOES IT WORK? A smooth trigger action is critical in pistol shooting, and what could be smoother than a simple switch? Look for many of the top shooters in Beijing to be using the CM 162 El.

 5. Nike Precool vest  EVENTS UPGRADED All  WHAT'S NEW? With daily high temperatures expected to average around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, keeping cool is going to be a major consideration for many athletes. Just in time for Beijing, Nike has come up with a clever solution. The Precool is a vest that holds a bunch of prefrozen ice packs, similar to those blue ice packs you put in a cooler to keep your drinks cold. The athlete wears the frozen vest for about an hour prior to the start of competition, reducing his core temperature enough so the body won't be wasting energy trying to keep cool.  DOES IT WORK? Keeping cool is likely to be an issue for middle-distance and endurance events, so being able to start the event with you muscles warmed up but your core feeling as cool as a cucumber has to be a plus.

 6. Gill Athletics OTE Composite FX Carbon/Aluminum Javelin  EVENT UPGRADED Javelin  WHAT'S NEW? Following 102 years as an Olympic event, you might figure that it would be hard to come up with new technology for a sport as straightforward as the javelin throw. But high-tech has its place in even this ancient sport. Rule changes introduced following the Athens games now allow for javelins made using carbon-fiber composites. And while there are strict minimum weights for Olympic javelins, adding carbon fiber can greatly reduce vibration and wobble, allowing for a straighter flight with less wind resistance.  DOES IT WORK? Javelin is another sport where inches count, and anything that gives you a straighter, truer flight has got to be beneficial.

 7. Nike Ippeas Riding Boots  EVENT UPGRADED Equestrian  WHAT'S NEW? Equestrian events are about as steeped in tradition as the Olympics gets, and riding technology has practically stood still since the 19th century. Trust Nike to come along and shake things up, introducing a riding boot that addresses several issues at once. First, for comfort, Nike added a long zipper that eases the chore of taking them off. Then they added a special high-abrasion rubber on the medial (horse) side of the boot, to give the rider added control and stability in jumps. Finally in one of those slap yourself on the forehead V8 moments, they replaced those clunky strap-on spurs with a height-adjustable screw in titanium stud. Brilliant!  DOES IT WORK? While the zipper and screw-in spur are mainly convenience items that make the rider's life a little more comfortable, the extra-grippy inside surface should make it easier to control the horse, with less chance of falling off or being thrown.

 8. Mizuno Frenzy 120 RB500 Carbon-Fiber Bat  EVENT UPGRADED Softball  WHAT'S NEW? Softball has been an Olympic sport for only 12 years, starting with the 1996 Atlanta games. And while Team USA has won all three prior competitions, in Beijing they face stiff competition from Australia and China. Traditionally, softball bats have been made from metal composites, but this year expect to see plenty of Mizuno's latest carbon-fiber offerings. The Frenzy 120 RB500 was introduced earlier this year, and uses a new four-way materials axis technology called AX4 to provide a much larger sweet spot.  DOES IT WORK? Having a larger sweet spot with greater driving power could mean the difference between a home run and an out. While we may have lost the ping of those old aluminum bats, that sweet music at the medal ceremony would more than make up for it.

 9. Nike Aerographics Jersey  EVENT UPGRADED Basketball  WHAT'S NEW? Even since the rules were changed to allow a "dream team" of NBA stars, it was assumed they might as well just hand out the gold medals to Team USA. So it was a bit of an embarrassment when they only managed to come home with bronze from Athens. Clearly, Team USA understands that they need to take things a little more seriously, and they are not taking anything for granted in Beijing.  A basketball jersey hardly seems like an area for technical innovation, but Nike have delivered something called Aerographics for Team USA. By etching graphic designs into key areas of the garment, they can increase airflow over the skin, while reducing the overall weight by 31 percent. Oh, and the graphics look pretty cool, too.  DOES IT WORK? By increasing airflow and reducing sweating, the Aerographics stop the athlete from wasting energy trying to keep cool. Reducing the weight should also allow them to jump just that teeny bit higher.

 10. Adidas Lone Star Shoes  EVENT UPGRADED Running  WHAT'S NEW? NASCAR racing cars are set up to make left turns more easily, because on most circuits that's all they do. So why not do the same for track runners? Working for two years with 400 Meter specialist Jeremy Wariner, Adidas has developed the Lone Star running spike. Track races are generally won or lost in the bends, so by analyzing Jeremy's technique using video and pressure mapping in its lab, Adidas was able to determine that the left foot is used primarily for stabilization, while the right foot delivers more of the power. From that information they were able to develop an asymmetric pair of spikes tailored to the strengths of each foot.  DOES IT WORK? By making his feet more stable through the bends, Jeremy should be able to apply more energy towards moving faster, rather than trying to stay in his lane.

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The ethical implications of sports technology…

Fundamental Principles of Olympism -respect the spirit of fair play and non violence,and behave accordingly -respect and comply in all aspects with the World Anti-Doping Code. -the entry or participation of a competitor in the Olympic Games shall not be conditional on any financial consideration.

Olympism is a philosophy of life,exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. The goal of Olympism is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity. The Olympic Movement covers the five continents. It reaches its peak with the bringing together of the world ﾕ s athletes at the great sports festival,the Olympic Games. Its symbol is five interlaced rings. The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.The organization, administration and management of sport must be controlled by independent sports organizations. Any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race,religion, politics,gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement.

Why do we play Sport? (Knowing the history of sport may help to guide the ethical / moral considerations of where sport should or could be heading) History – Medieval days: Jousting, Gladiators (entertainment value, test of human skill, power, agility). Romans: the Olympic movement (Begining- fighting naked, no hidden weapons. Today- The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play ). Colonial Australia: birth of AFL (a way of keeping cricketers fit during winter, 1858). 21 st Century: big business, careers. Star golfer Tiger Woods was the world's best-paid athlete last year, earning $87 million in winnings and endorsements.

Is technology improving Sport? As spectator? As competitor? (Read handout – ethical article)

Sports code of ethics  Director Max Perrow of the Rusty Gromfest, surf contest, has asked all students to submit a code of ethics for next years event.  He is asking as many grommets from local schools to help out, as he believes grommets developing ethics for a grommet competition will have more relevance and respect than an old dog giving their two bob’s worth.  A brand new Rusty surfboard is up for grabs for the winning entry!  Just some issues that could be addressed- 1.Sport Enhancement Drugs: should it b a personal choice or policed & tested. 2.Event Equipment: jetski’s (tow-in, line-up assist), big screen replays, electronic score boards. 3.Personal Equipment: individual freedom or equipment standards. 4.Judging: video/ computer technology scored vs. human scored. 5.Divisions: Sponsored vs. non-sponsored, girls & boys mixed. 6.Whats better for spectators?

The end…

Is the use of technology cheating?

Drug technology to enhancing performance – is it cheating? There are a number of cons to do with performance enhancing drugs in sports. Performance enhancing drugs are simply not going away - in fact they seem to be getting more popular as they get more advanced. For anyone with an interest in sport, drugs will continue to be a source of discussion and distress. Are they really worth it? Can they help us achieve our dreams? What would happen if I took them? As far as I can see, five of the most important cons of performance enhancing drugs are: 1) Who ever takes these drugs in order to become more competitive have just missed the point of the sport. The simple idea of any sport is to use whatever your body and your mind can manage to outperform yourself or others. Introducing drugs into your body to cheat this, has just changed the equation. It is no longer you that is actually achieving anything, the drugs are doing the cream of the work. You will be cheated out of the satisfaction that you deserve because you will never know how much of the victory is yours and how much has been injected. 2) Whoever takes these performance cheats has just admitted defeat. The idea of sport is overcoming obstacles from within and without an athlete. The athlete spends days, and months and years trying to overcome these obstacles. Then in one simple decision he gives up and decides that he can't meet his dreams without drugs. Instead of a continual struggle to achieve his potential, he has now set out on a dangerous journey to try and cheat his way beyond his potential. 3) It has yet to be proven to me that these drugs are able to sustainably and consistently produce performances above those that the best training and preparation can. They are a quick fix that a successful athletic career can not be based on for any length of time. Sure you may excel for a race or a season, but how long can you go on for. If you abuse yourself in this way, you cannot expect to keep on progressing into the future. If you break the rules of your own physiology, then you will reap the consequences some day. 4) Performance enhancing drugs are not only unethical, they are often illegal in the sporting community and can turn the whole of a sport into a joke. They undermine the sport that the athlete is trying to master and can only be seen as a selfish and arrogant attempt at cutting corners. Take for example the damage that drug use and alleged drug use in the Tour De France has made to the entire cycle racing community. We may come out of it with time, but still to a lot of the world, all cyclists are seen as cheats. Sponsors pull out support, the police and officials get involved, careers are wrecked and dreams are shattered. 5) These drugs can wreck an athlete psychologically as well. Knowing that he or she gave up and gave in to cheating can shatter their sense of integrity. Once they realise how far they have fallen from their sporting beginnings, they will have a hard time seeing themselves as honest ever again. Their victories will be cheapened and meaningless. Their victories will be simply about dollars and cents and will have none of the intimate meaning that a sporting victory can have. Please excuse the language but the cons of performance enhancing drugs are a perfect example of the old saying "Shitting in one's own nest".

Sports Science - is it cheating? Gene testing, gene pooling. Biomechanics, Professors, Sports Scientist. Nutritionalists. Coaches, Trainers, Specialists. Therapists- e.g. physio, acupuncture.

Advanced technology - is it cheating? So it might be easy to draw the line when it comes to performance enhancing drugs, but where does the line get drawn on other performance enhancing technology? Swimsuits, Video analysis/ programs (Siliconcoach), Low oxygen chambers/ tents…etc

Technology Replacing Referees

Rich vs. Poor