Discuss whether or not technology has created equity for participants in your chosen sport in the following areas
Impact of drug testing
Soccer has never actually had a “Lance Armstrong moment” worldwide. FIFA’s figures for 2011 found only 19 players worldwide had tested positive, from a total of 28,587 samples. FIFA is now taking steps to address any possible use of banned substances within football, announcing their plan to bring in biological profiles. Footballers are tested for drugs less often than many other elite athletes, which should to be addressed.
FIFA is expected to conduct surprise-doping tests of all potential World Cup players at least once (began in March), setting up biological passports to determine possible irregularities in blood and urine samples. It will be the first World Cup where FIFA uses the system, which helps detect illegal substances from changes in a player's blood profile. FIFA will also be using a urine profiling technique to detect steroids.
I think that drug testing is necessary, as there have been many issues with doping in other sports, especially cycling. Even though soccer is one of the sports that have had no big incidents with this matter, it is still good to reassure people that the game is being played fairly and there is no “cheating” involved. Participants are now aware that there is the possibility of them getting caught and has scared some players off. Therefore I think that the drug testing is fair for the participants
FIFA is expected to conduct surprise-doping tests of all potential World Cup players at least once (began in March), setting up biological passports to determine possible irregularities in blood and urine samples. It will be the first World Cup where FIFA uses the system, which helps detect illegal substances from changes in a player's blood profile. FIFA will also be using a urine profiling technique to detect steroids.
I think that drug testing is necessary, as there have been many issues with doping in other sports, especially cycling. Even though soccer is one of the sports that have had no big incidents with this matter, it is still good to reassure people that the game is being played fairly and there is no “cheating” involved. Participants are now aware that there is the possibility of them getting caught and has scared some players off. Therefore I think that the drug testing is fair for the participants
Assisting referees and umpires
There are two assistant referees, otherwise known as the lines-men. Their duties, subject to the decision of the referee, are to indicate:
- When the WHOLE ball has passed OUT of the field of play
- Which side is entitled to a throw- in, corner kick or goal kick
- When substitution is requested
- Penalising players for being off side
- When misconduct or any other incident has occurred out of the view of the referee
- Whether (during penalty kicks) the goalkeeper has moved forward before the ball has been kicked and if the ball has crossed the line
The main referee on the field of play cannot see every single thing on the field and usually can blink and miss something important. This is where the assistant referees come in handy and make the game fair for the participants. The participants can trust that both assistant referees have made a correct decision, as they would have better views of the play. This makes the game fair for all players, as there are multiple eyes watching what is going on in the field of play.
The assistant referees also assist the referee in all other matter involving the management of the match at the request of the referee. This usually includes matters such as,
- Inspecting player equipment, balls and the field
- Determining if problems with equipment have been resolved
- Monitoring the substitution process
- Marinating back up records of goals, times and misconduct
- When the WHOLE ball has passed OUT of the field of play
- Which side is entitled to a throw- in, corner kick or goal kick
- When substitution is requested
- Penalising players for being off side
- When misconduct or any other incident has occurred out of the view of the referee
- Whether (during penalty kicks) the goalkeeper has moved forward before the ball has been kicked and if the ball has crossed the line
The main referee on the field of play cannot see every single thing on the field and usually can blink and miss something important. This is where the assistant referees come in handy and make the game fair for the participants. The participants can trust that both assistant referees have made a correct decision, as they would have better views of the play. This makes the game fair for all players, as there are multiple eyes watching what is going on in the field of play.
The assistant referees also assist the referee in all other matter involving the management of the match at the request of the referee. This usually includes matters such as,
- Inspecting player equipment, balls and the field
- Determining if problems with equipment have been resolved
- Monitoring the substitution process
- Marinating back up records of goals, times and misconduct
Access to training techniques, equipment and clothing
Technology is evolving everyday, which makes it easier and gives a wider range of training techniques for teams and players. The technology today has created equity for access to training techniques, equipment and clothing, as these areas can be access by anyone. All major football clubs make enough money each year to afford the latest technology to improve their teams performance and potential. Soccer has become more than passing and scoring goals in the last 20 years, just look at players like Neymar and Ronaldo, they have trained really hard to become as skilled as they are with tricks and passes. Companies like Nike and Adidas are always developing new forms of equipment that improve the game of soccer, even if most professional players don’t use the latest equipment all the time. Soccer jerseys are constantly being updated every season to match the latest styles and trends, sports clothing retailers keep up to date with the latest clothing so that they can bring the fans their teams latest jerseys to impress their friends and show their team pride. Every player has an equal amount of access to all of this and can purchase / get it if they like. The sports shops and makers would sell their products to everyone, creating the equity for participants.
