With ever-growing advancements in technology, the world of sports is taking notice and adapting – utilizing new and innovative ways to not only help us enjoy the game but how it’s played. From gameday televised graphics, scores, data analytics, and engagement to player performance and injury prevention, sports technology is a booming field that’s changing sports as we know it.
What is Sports Technology?
Sports technology discerns interests and goals in sports. These types of technology can range from wearables used to measure player movement and speed, sensors to measure heart rate and pressure, or, on a larger scale, tools measuring whether or not goals were made or penalties occurred. These tools are far-reaching and used to optimize our experiences on and off of the field.
Examples of Sports Technology
- Wearables
- Sensors
- Virtual Reality
- Data Tracking
- Virtual Imaging
- Goal-line Technology
- Timing Systems
- ABS
- Loyalty Programs
- Digital Fan Engagement
- Instant Replay
- Equipment Development
Types of Jobs In Sports Technology
Due to the ever-changing, fast-paced nature of technology, job opportunities in sports technology are wide-ranging, offering full-time and part-time opportunities for those passionate about the field.
Some of these jobs include:
- Production Technician
- Software Developer
- Stage Production Engineer
- Arena Technical Coordinator
- Sports Information Technician
- Customer Support Technician
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in this field, it’s important to gain education and experience in technology and sports. You’ll find understanding sports and their inner workings can help you in your career path as you’ll better comprehend the technology goals.
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Sports Technology Salary
Due to the variety of jobs available in sports technology, salaries can range from $43,000 and up, depending upon your experience and education. There are always opportunities for advancement in this field, which means an opportunity for financial growth as you expand your knowledge and expertise.
How Technology is Changing Sports
Technology in sports has dramatically advanced over the past decade – and continues to do so. Injuries in the field are more easily diagnosed and treated due to advancements in equipment. Digital fan engagement is changing how we experience games with high-speed WiFi in stadiums. We can view live videos, check stats, and share our gameday experience with the world on social media. Not to mention the numerous Fantasy Sports leagues online that allow fans to remain engaged.
Latest Technology In Sports
Wearables
Since the advancement of sports technology, many athletes have begun to wear devices to help track statistics. Athletes and coaches use this type of sports technology to track specific movements on the court, ice, or field.
Smartwatches are also considered wearable technology in sports as they can be used to track step count, calories burned, miles walked, and more.
In a sport such as race car driving, radios or headsets are built into helmets to keep drivers in touch with their pit crew. Innovators are constantly trying to make their technology wearable to get more accurate measurements and data.
Loyalty Programs and Member Groups
Additional sports technological advancements are those that enhance fan engagement. One example of this includes loyalty programs or member groups. Fans can become members of exclusive fan clubs of a sports team. In addition, they may get certain perks or merchandise, enticing others to become a part of it.
In the past decade, other sports technological advancements, such as fantasy leagues, have increased, allowing fans to feel more connected to their favorite players or teams alongside their friends and family.
Instant Replay
Instant replay has been another technological advancement that has drastically changed how many sports are played and refereed. After a difficult play, officials will often utilize this technology and slow down the replay, which allows them to evaluate what happened during a play more closely. Although some of this technology is controversial, it has helped referees to make difficult calls in challenging moments.
Disabilities
For those with disabilities or different accessibility needs, sports can be challenging. However, new technologies have become advanced enough to allow differently-abled fans to participate in the game. For instance, technologies such as audio playback encourage blind fans to attend professional sports events. Other advancements, such as mechanical prosthetics, help participants engage in the same movements needed to compete.
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Top Sports Technology Companies
Noraxon
Noraxon is one of the leading sports technology companies. They have launched software that evaluates human motion and draws data from it. EMG (Electromyography) sensors, video technology, pressure measurement, and 3D motion analysis systems work together to consolidate data sources to provide the athlete with an analysis of their movement.
SKEO
SKEO is a rapidly growing startup that invented an online ski platform utilizing tracking and coaching during a ski run. Their technology uses video footage to ski patterns through built-in phone sensors.
Exer Labs
Similar to SKEO, Exer Labs launched a computer app for online group workouts. It also uses video to analyze body movements and track patterns. Their technology helps correct form, and their paired technology utilizes group fitness classes. Coaches can see how engaged each participant is through the analysis technology, which looks at their form and analyzes effort.
Action Audio
Action Audio has created sports technology that allows the visually impaired to follow a tennis match. It provides fans with live, contextual coverage of the game, including commentary and explanations of what they are hearing. Utilizing this technology offers the visually impaired and differently-abled access to sports in a new and immersive way.
How to Land a Career
If you’re interested in a career in sports technology, education and experience are crucial, especially if you want to land the job you’ve always wanted. Also, be sure to find internships that provide the opportunity to learn the field. Also, be sure to network and meet people in the industry to create needed connections and advance your career.
Want to get started? Create a free profile on the JobsInSports.com Network to start connecting with industry professionals, research and apply for internships, and find the sports technology job that’s right for you.
