Technology continues to improve people's lives daily. There is greater efficiency, and humans can control certain things, thanks to the different innovations. The sports industry enjoys what technology has to offer in terms of better engagement with their players and audiences. One can buy a ticket online, watch live streams, and instant replays, and interact with others through apps among others. Something apps like Cricket Tycoon have capitalised on. The article below will go into how the sports industry can benefit from technology.
Creating the Right Environment
The Chinese are groundbreakers in some of the things they do. They have a lot of technological innovations that other countries can only marvel at. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, for example, they were able to stop rain through the use of technology. Imagine a situation where people can create the right environment depending on the type of sport.
The Hawkeye Technology
Hawkeye technology is not new and has been around since 2006. It allows officials to get a bird's eye view during sports competitions. It enables better accuracy in reporting and helps reduce quarrels arising from faulty decisions. Games such as cricket, football, rugby, and baseball will benefit from such technology. But, thinking about it, the drama stemming from some of the decisions makes sports more exciting. The tension and tantrums give audiences fodder for gossip for years to come. For the sake of keeping the professionalism and integrity of competition, it is indeed technology that the industry needs to embrace.
Wearable Sports Devices
Wearable sports devices are excellent technological innovations because athletes can track their health and progress. They get to preempt any issues that could lead to fatalities in sport. Perhaps, if Corey Stringer, the offensive lineman for Minnesota Vikings, had access to the wearable device, he would not have died of heatstroke. Nowadays, an athlete will be able to monitor almost all aspects of their body, including heart rate, temperature changes, and hydration levels, among others. It could explain why companies are falling over themselves to come up with such devices. The market is ripe and ready for them.
Innovative Prosthetics
Prosthetics are a lifesaver for those who have specific disabilities. In the days gone by, such people would not have a chance to take part in particular sports. Nowadays, the technology around prosthetics has improved significantly, thus leveling the playing field for everyone. Some of the prosthetics are so advanced they have motion sensors and can send real-time reports. Most importantly, some companies are now giving the option of customizable prosthetics, which take into account the different attributes of the users.
Instant Replays During Games
Instant replays are an excellent way to get immediate feedback during games. It provides invaluable information that guides the officials in sports such as rugby, cricket, and football. The use of instant replays has had its challenges. During the World Cup 2010, FIFA did not allow the use of instant replays, fearing negative behavior from the fans. It would, however, be hard to respond to the vital contribution this technology has brought in ensuring fairness during matches.
RFID Chips
RFID chips are especially important in sports such as long-distance races. The chips send information to the officials allowing for tracking and knowing the exact location of each contestant. Tracking is essential because some rogue runners break the rules by taking shortcuts or even hopping onto vehicles until they get near the finishing line.
Final Thoughts
The one constant most people will agree upon is that technology is here to stay. They will also agree that it is continually evolving and is an integral part of modern living. It, therefore, makes sense that those in the sports industry are actively embracing its use.