AI in Sport: Fair Play or Foul?

In this episode, we discuss the world of sports, exploring the growing influence of artificial intelligence and asking the crucial question: Is AI a game-changer or a step too far? From player recruitment to training regimes, tactical analysis, and even the role of referees, AI is rapidly changing the landscape of sports.

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Why AI in Sports?

We start by addressing the central question: Why talk about AI in sports? The primary reason is the increasing and widespread application of AI-driven technology across all aspects of sport. AI's integration is largely driven by the ability to gather vast amounts of data through wearable devices, health-tracking technologies, and improved camera technology. Computer vision, a subset of AI, plays a crucial role in analysing image data, making it easier to understand the 3D physical activity inherent in sports. Loughborough University in the UK has even established an MSc degree in Sports and Artificial Intelligence, highlighting the growing importance of AI in sports science.

A Look at the History

We then discussed the history of AI in sports, beginning with the story of Moneyball and the concept of Sabermetrics from the 1970s. The film Moneyball (based on the 2003 nonfiction book) illustrates how data-driven decision-making can transform a team's performance by focusing on statistics rather than hype. In 1976, the well-known German sport scientist, Herbert Haag, coined the term “sport informatic", referring to the application of computer science in sports. More recent milestones include the introduction of the Television Match Official (TMO) in rugby in 2001, Hawkeye in cricket and tennis, goal-line technology in football in 2012, and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in football in 2018. Baseball adopted automated ball-strike calling in 2019. The 2022 Qatar World Cup saw the first use of semi-automated offside technology, employing a physical sensor inside the ball and tracking cameras to determine offsides with high accuracy. In 2024, an AI-powered judge produced a scorecard in a boxing match for the first time, and by 2025, Wimbledon will exclusively use Hawkeye technology, eliminating human umpires.

Applications of AI in Sports

We then went on to explore the full scope of AI applications in sports today, including:

Performance Analysis and Training: AI facilitates the establishment of smart training hubs that track biometrics and athletic performance. High-resolution cameras and computer vision software analyse video feeds to track player movements and provide detailed game analysis.
Game Strategy, Tactical Analysis, Scouting and Recruitment: Data tracking, as demonstrated by Moneyball, is now used by nearly all clubs to inform their recruitment processes. Some clubs, like Chelsea Football Club, allow individuals to upload videos of themselves performing specific football moves, using AI as a screening process. Apps like All Athlete enable athletes to upload videos, body measurements, and performance metrics. Interestingly, even esports are emerging as a source for discovering real-world athletic talent.
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation: Companies like Kitman Labs use AI to collect data and identify patterns that can predict potential injuries. GPS trackers, such as Apex, are used in rugby and other sports to measure distance covered, speed, impact, and other metrics, helping to monitor player welfare and detect potential concussions. Smart mouthguards with accelerometers are also being developed to track head impacts.
Officiating and Refereeing: AI is increasingly used to support or even replace human officials in making crucial decisions. Hawkeye in tennis is a prime example, and in 2025, Wimbledon plans to rely solely on this technology. While VAR in football has a high success rate (99.3%), its implementation has been controversial.

Ethical Considerations

The second half of the episode focuses on the “bad and the ugly" – the ethical considerations surrounding AI in sports. Key concerns include:

Loss of the Human Element: Overturning decisions based on AI can diminish the excitement of the game and the role of human referees. Statistics show that many fans find VAR in football makes the experience less enjoyable due to delays and the removal of human interpretation.
Competitive Imbalance: Access to AI technology can exacerbate inequalities between clubs, as those with larger budgets can invest more in AI research and development.
Errors: Studies have shown that the introduction of AI, such as Hawkeye in tennis, can affect the calls made by human umpires, making them more prone to certain types of errors.
Privacy of Data: The collection and use of sensitive biometric data raise privacy concerns for athletes.

Looking to the Future

We concluded the episode by looking ahead to the future of AI in sports. IBM research indicates that spending on AI technology in sports is set to increase significantly in the coming years. Streaming is changing how people consume sports, with more fans watching online and using apps to access real-time analysis.

We raise some key questions about balancing real-time decision-making with accuracy, addressing potential distrust in AI officiating, and ensuring that AI technologies are accessible to smaller leagues. While AI has the potential to push the boundaries of what's possible in sports, it's important to consider whether this translates to a more entertaining experience and how to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities. The increasing demand for digital sports experiences also raises questions about trust in AI systems and the human element of the game.

Ultimately, the integration of AI in sports presents both huge opportunities and many challenges, requiring careful consideration of its ethical implications and impact on the spirit of the game.

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