1. PHED 3 Contemporary Issues in Sport Media and Technology in Sport
A2 PE
PHED 3
Contemporary Issues in Sport
Media and Technology in Sport

2. Starter Activity Name the different types of media used in sport.
Give examples of different types of programmes/features that appear on sport

3. Types of Media in Sport
TV and Radio - Show (or commentate on) matches and competitions. There are also highlights; documentaries and quiz shows about sports!
Cable and Satellite TV - These show events on a pay-per-view basis
Internet - All teams and major athletes have their own websites where you can find all kinds of information about the team/athlete/matches
Apps and Social Media – access to high level athletes has never been so high with performers in contact with the general public on a day-to-day, sometimes hour-to-hour basis.
Newspapers and Magazines - Print predictions and results, as well as articles about athletes and clubs
Books and Films - Biographies are big business for ex sports players

4. 2. Give examples of the types of programmes/features that appear on sport
Recorded highlights
Live games
Sports websites
Quiz shows
Documentaries
Pre-event features
in the press
Post-event analysis
Celebrity sports gossip
Sports biographies and autobiographies
Specialist sports magazines

5. Four main roles of the media
Inform
Factual information, analysis, results, reports, feature articles in papers.
Entertain
Drama and passion of live events
Documentaries, coaching videos, rule explanations, discussion of issues e.g. fair play
Educate
Direct advertising of products or through sponsorship of teams, leagues, events
Advertise upcoming events
Advertise

6. Relationship between sport and the media
Positives
Negatives
Shatter stereotypes
Positive role models
Sport brought to millions
Exposure to minority sports on some channels
May inspire people to participate
Technological advances enhance entertainment
More media scrutiny can uncover cheating and highlight poor behaviour
Can reinforce stereotypes
Sports stars lose privacy
Overload and boredom
Sports only considered which are good entertainment
May encourage passive spectatorism and reduce participation
Focusing on dramatic and spectacular gives unrealistic perception of sport
Media can emphasise the trivial or sensational angles

7. Positives
Negatives
Demands of the media take over. Needs of performers are overlooked
Possibility of corruption and cheating to stay on top and in the media spotlight
National prejudices can be encouraged by sensational headlines
Sports stars can become too motivated by money and forget about their roots
Financial rewards are not evenly distributed . Also some sports get little or no coverage and therefore struggle financially.
Key events can be broadcast at peak times
Media coverage fuels interest in rankings and championships
Sport in the media can develop pride in your countries achievements
The media can allow sports stars to become wealthy and secure their future after sport
Sports can use TV money to benefit grass roots initiatives

8. Media’s Influence on Sport
Positive Effects
Money - Media companies pay for the rights to show a sporting event. Also, sports shown on the TV generate more sponsorship
Education - People learn the rules of the sport from watching it on TV
Role models - Seeing good sports people on TV and in newspapers makes them a role model for people to look up to
Inspiration - Media brings sport to people who may not normally get to experience it otherwise. This can encourage people to get involved
Coaching aid - Watching professionals on the TV can help you see how a technique should be performed which could help your performance

9. Media’s Influence on Sport
Negative Effects
Bias - Only the really popular sports get much attention on the TV and in newspapers etc. This doesn't help encourage people into the less popular sports
Lack of Attendance - For matches that are shown on TV, ticket sales often drop
Overload - There is a lot of sport on TV nowadays, some say too much!
Attention - Sport stars often complain of too much attention being paid to their private lives
Demands - The media can put pressure on the organisers of sporting competitions to make the viewing experience better for TV audiences. For example, in a previous Olympics, the marathon was run at a time which suited TV companies, even though it was at the hottest time of day!

10. Sport and mass participation
In a democracy, everyone should have the opportunity to take part in sport as regularly as they wish and at whatever level they choose. No
Is this reality in Britain?
If not, why?
Constraints and inequality
Why is mass participation important?
Improve the health and well being of all
Broaden the base of the pyramid for more potential champions

11. Factors affecting participation in sport
What factors will affect peoples participation on sport?
Where you live
Your family
Race /religion
Gender
Stereotyping
Ability/disability
Age
Wealth/class
Friends
School

12. Key terms in the study of mass participation and discrimination
The chances of an individual or group in society being able to access sport in a fair way are influenced mainly by the following:
Opportunity
Provision
Esteem

13. Opportunity
This generally refers to the amount of time, money and chances that a person has to participate.
Think of groups of people in society whose opportunities are restricted because of social issues.
What initiatives could be put in place to increase the chances of a particular minority group being able to access sport

14. Provision
This refers to more tangible things.
Participation is affected by the presence or absence of:
Activities
Space
Transport
Equipment
Specialist facilities
Coaching

15. Esteem
This refers to the level of self confidence and the perception that others have of an individual or group
Some individuals or groups do not have the confidence to become involved in sport due to low self-esteem or prejudices that others hold .
The term ‘ stacking’ is sometimes used to describe how a dominant group in society enjoys the greatest freedom and opportunity to participate and often hold the most powerful positions in sport.
What can be done to improve break down barriers caused by lack of esteem?

16. Minority groups in sport:
Women
Ethnic minorities
People with disabilities
Old
Young
Low income

17. What sports have been most affected by the media and sponsorship?

18. Technology in Sport

19. Technological Influences
Equipment – crash mats for high jump, swim suits, Golf clubs, etc
Assistance for Officials – Goal Line Technology
Engaging Audiences
Sponsorship
Timing
Tickets - RFID

20. Technology and the Athlete
Sports Analysis
Nutrition
Ergogenic Aids
Biomechanics
Sport Psychology (Biofeedback)
Physiological Analysis (blood lactate levels)
Fitness Testing (hydrostatic weighing)

21. Technology in Sport
Tennis - it is now standard at the major tennis tournaments for a line review system to be in place, with players given power to review contentious line calls. It is powered by the Hawk-Eye ball tracking system.
Soccer / Football - Soccer is looking at joining the 21st century, looking at various technologies for the goal line to determine if the pass passes over the line or not. Could it be used in other areas of the game?
Basketball - the NBA uses replay vision to review 'last touch' decisions in the final two minutes of games, and also to determine whether players release the ball before the shot clock expires.

22. Technology in Sport
Cricket - technology in cricket has been driven by advances in the TV coverage. Things that were once extra information provided by the TV networks are now being incorporated into the decision referral system (DRS), such as hawk-eye and hot spot, and snickometer.
Aussie Rules Football - umpire review system has also been implemented in AFL, with an off field umpire in certain circumstances adjudicating on whether the ball passes over the line or is touched, using video evidence via multiple camera angles.
Rugby League - The NRL was an early implementer of using the video referee to help adjudicate questionable tries.

23. Exam Questions
1. In the UK there is extensive support from commercial organisations.
Should a performer consider the nature of a company’s product before accepting financial support from them? Give reasons for your answer. (3 marks)
2. In the UK, a number of international sporting events are being ‘ring fenced’, meaning that they must be available for viewing on terrestrial TV rather than on satellite or cable subscription channels
(i) Why should this restriction exist? (3 marks)
(ii) ‘Modern television and broadcasting technologies can give the same spectating experience as actually attending the sport event.’
Discuss this statement using appropriate examples. (4 marks)

24. 5. The commercialisation of sport in recent years has dramatically altered the nature of the sporting experience for performers and spectators.
Explain why major sporting events rely heavily on funding from commercial sponsorship and the media. (3 marks)
(b) Discuss the impact of the media and the commercialisation of sport on spectators. (4 marks)
6. Elite performers have the potential to earn vast sums of money. (a) What are the characteristics of commercial sport? (3 marks)
(b) Elite performers can earn additional money through sponsorship and commercial business deals. Outline the factors that contribute to a performer being marketable in the modern sporting world. (3 marks)
(c) Explain how elite sport and governing bodies have been influenced by sponsors, the media and commerce. (4 marks)