Technology: Impact on Performance and Spectatorship

    OCR
    GCSE

    Analyse the multifaceted role of technology in contemporary sport, distinguishing between performance enhancement (biomechanical analysis, equipment evolution) and officiating aids (VAR, Hawk-Eye). Evaluate the ethical implications regarding access and equity, specifically the disparity between elite and grassroots participation. Critically assess the impact on the spectator experience, balancing increased decision-making accuracy against the disruption of flow and tradition.

    0
    Objectives
    6
    Exam Tips
    6
    Pitfalls
    7
    Key Terms
    8
    Mark Points

    Subtopics in this area

    Technology: Impact on Performance and Spectatorship
    Technology: Impact on Performance and Spectatorship

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for identifying specific technologies (e.g., Hawkeye, VAR, TMO) and accurately linking them to their respective sports.
    • Credit analysis of negative impacts on officials, specifically the potential undermining of authority or over-reliance on slow-motion replays.
    • For spectators, award marks for explaining the trade-off between increased accuracy/fairness and the disruption of game flow or delay in spontaneous celebration.
    • Credit evaluation of impact on performers regarding improved equipment (safety/performance) versus the creation of inequality due to high costs and access barriers.
    • Credit identification of specific technologies (e.g., TMO in Rugby, Hawkeye in Tennis) rather than generic descriptions.
    • Award marks for linking technology to specific impacts: increased accuracy of officiating, enhanced safety (helmets/padding), or improved performance analysis.
    • Credit analysis of negative implications: disruption of play, cost barriers for grassroots participation, and the undermining of officials' authority.
    • Assess evaluation of spectator experience: improved viewing (stats/replays) versus the loss of 'live' atmosphere or confusion during reviews.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have identified the technology correctly; now explain the specific consequence for the official's authority to gain AO3 marks."
    • "Avoid generalisations. Specify which sport uses this technology and how it alters the spectator experience specifically."
    • "To achieve higher marks in evaluation, contrast the benefit of accuracy with the drawback of time delays or loss of flow."
    • "Link the cost of technology to the concept of inequality between grassroots and elite levels to show depth of understanding."
    • "You have identified the technology correctly; now explain the specific impact on the official's psychological pressure."
    • "Differentiate clearly between the 'performer' and the 'spectator'—your answer conflates the two perspectives."
    • "To access higher marks, discuss the ethical implications of technology, such as the inequality between rich and poor clubs."
    • "Avoid listing technologies; instead, select one and analyse its dual impact (positive and negative) in depth."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for identifying specific technologies (e.g., Hawkeye, VAR, TMO) and accurately linking them to their respective sports.
    • Credit analysis of negative impacts on officials, specifically the potential undermining of authority or over-reliance on slow-motion replays.
    • For spectators, award marks for explaining the trade-off between increased accuracy/fairness and the disruption of game flow or delay in spontaneous celebration.
    • Credit evaluation of impact on performers regarding improved equipment (safety/performance) versus the creation of inequality due to high costs and access barriers.
    • Credit identification of specific technologies (e.g., TMO in Rugby, Hawkeye in Tennis) rather than generic descriptions.
    • Award marks for linking technology to specific impacts: increased accuracy of officiating, enhanced safety (helmets/padding), or improved performance analysis.
    • Credit analysis of negative implications: disruption of play, cost barriers for grassroots participation, and the undermining of officials' authority.
    • Assess evaluation of spectator experience: improved viewing (stats/replays) versus the loss of 'live' atmosphere or confusion during reviews.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When the command word is 'Evaluate', you must provide both positive and negative impacts to access Level 3 marks.
    • 💡Ensure the technology cited is strictly relevant to the sport in the question (e.g., do not cite VAR for Tennis; use Hawkeye).
    • 💡In 6-mark extended response questions, structure your answer by stakeholder: one paragraph for Performer, one for Official, one for Spectator.
    • 💡When discussing 'officials', explicitly contrast the benefit of accuracy with the drawback of slowing down the game.
    • 💡In 6-mark extended responses, ensure a balanced argument (positive vs. negative) is presented before concluding.
    • 💡Use specific terminology like 'HANS device', 'prosthetics', or 'TMO' rather than 'computers' or 'cameras'.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Generic references to 'technology' without naming specific systems (e.g., failing to cite Hawkeye in tennis or TMO in rugby).
    • Confusing the impact on the official (decision-making support) with the impact on the spectator (viewing experience/delays).
    • Stating that technology 'always' improves performance without acknowledging the psychological pressure or anxiety caused by intense scrutiny.
    • Confusing the impact on the 'spectator' with the impact on the 'official' (e.g., stating VAR helps spectators make decisions).
    • Providing generic answers such as 'technology makes it better' without specifying the mechanism (e.g., biomechanical analysis).
    • Focusing solely on elite sport and neglecting the negative impact of cost on participation at grassroots levels.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

    Read Study Guide

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Biomechanical Analysis and Equipment Evolution
    Officiating Technologies and Decision Making
    Ethical Implications and the Digital Divide
    Performance Analysis and Biomechanics
    Officiating Aids and Decision Making
    Material Technology and Equipment Adaptation
    Spectator Engagement and Commercialisation

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    Identify
    Assess

    Ready to test yourself?

    Practice questions tailored to this topic