This project is to find out the effects of AI in sport and how it has affected the game for the better or the worse. Artificial intelligence has been brought into sport for many years, for example TMO in rugby, the recently new VAR in football and Hawkeye in tennis.
There are many positives which come out of AI within sport, too many times there have been huge decision within close games, if I use an example; VAR being brought in. In the 2010 world cup fixture between England and Germany, an English player Frank Lampard should have scored a goal as the ball had crossed the line however it was not given due to there not being advanced technology. Germany then went on to win the game however VAR would have been able to give a goal and the whole game’s turnout could have potentially been completely changed. The improvement artificial intelligence have had over the years in sport is now able to give correct calls 100% of the time as for every goal is given it goes through VAR, this makes it a fair game as the officials are human and will work with human error and not be able to get every call correct. It helps make the referee life easier without the game being too dependent on AI. This is the same within other sports, in rugby TMO has had a huge impact within the game as there are so many calls which the referee is not able to see; like when the ball has been grounded for a try. Within tennis they use however this is used to when the players think the call that has been given is incorrect and they will challenge the decision. Another side to the positive of artificial intelligence in sport, is recorded data, this can be anywhere from what the players do in the game, for example how many tackles, passes, key passes and so on. It brings in the improvement of players, the players will now be able to see what they can improve and see what they’re doing throughout the matches. AI has also brought in streaming and live broadcasting to viewers whereas without artificial intelligence you could only watch the game if you went to the grounds/stadium/arena, whereas some people may not be able to afford the prices. It gives fans across the world a chance to watch their favorite teams live and in high quality through screening the matches online.
Cons
To the many positives of artificial intelligence in sport, it does come with a few less negatives. Having VAR, TMO, Hawkeye and other artificial intelligence within any sport can be very expensive. They come under a massive cost, this means only the highest of levels can afford it, so local clubs will not be able to use this technology within the system. It can be overused and can slow the play and flow of the game down. A lot of viewers have complained that if it’s being used to much in game-time, the flow of the game gets slowed down. However, this is how correct decisions are made. Some would also say that the use of video officials disrupts the feel of the game and sometimes takes the enjoyment out of the sport not only for the fans but players and managers also. For example, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp stated that he no longer celebrates goals when they are scored due to the constant use of VAR in the Premier League and therefore a potential that the goal will be ruled out. Fans have also voiced a constant dislike to technology such as VAR at football matches with fans revealing banners among other things at football grounds during matches.
In conclusion artificial intelligence has been proven to effective year by year, as it makes decisions officials can’t see and gets the calls correct almost 99% of the time. It’s a huge factor in sport today and it made the game so much fairer and gives every team the same outcome. However, it does slow the play of the game down and makes it less entertaining for viewers as said above, VAR has been unpopular due to how precise but stupid it is within its call.
Forbes.com. (2020). Here's How AI Will Change The World Of Sports!. [online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/03/15/heres-how-ai-will-change-the-world-of-sports/ [Accessed 4 Mar. 2020].
Cambridge-design.com. (2020). How AI can help improve sports performance | CDP Blog. [online] Available at: https://www.cambridge-design.com/news-and-articles/blog/how-ai-can-help-improve-sports-performance [Accessed 5 Mar. 2020].
SAFA.net. (2020). Opinion Piece: VAR (Video Assistant Referee) – Pros & Cons. [online] Available at: https://www.safa.net/2018/07/09/opinion-piece-var-video-assistant-referee-pros-cons/ [Accessed 4 Mar. 2020].
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