When Robots Break Bad: Preparing for Technological Advancement in Sport

Written by Will Russell, Sport Law

When Robots Break Bad: Preparing for Technological Advancements in Sport

In an era of rapidly evolving sports technology, sport organizations face unprecedented developments and challenges that their rulebooks never contemplated. While innovation and pushing the boundaries of existing rules has always played a role in sport - from Dick Fosbury revolutionizing the high jump to Roger Neilson's creative interpretations of the National Hockey League’s rulebook - there is a fine line between improvements within the bounds of fair competition and advances that raise ethical concerns.

Today’s rules must be sufficiently adaptable to contemplate novel innovations while maintaining a balanced approach to regulation. In a time when pushing the envelope through technology is fast becoming the norm, innovations deserve welcome - but also warrant careful scrutiny.

A Case Study

An incident at the 2023 European Sailing Championships highlights the challenges posed by innovation, when an autonomous mark malfunctioned mid-race. Unlike traditional marks, which are secured by an anchor, these automated buoys rely on GPS and electric motors to maintain a fixed position. In this race, the mark inexplicably traveled 200 meters from its original position, but only after twelve boats had already rounded. This meant that the balance of the fleet found themselves sailing a longer course due to the automated mark's wayward journey.

The jury’s decision - abandoning the race while allowing the first twelve boats to keep their results if they finished in a worse position in subsequent races - exemplifies the complexities of incorporating new technologies into traditional rules.

How do you regulate tools and technologies designed to simplify competition when they instead introduce unprecedented complications?

This incident is not an isolated case; it represents a broader pattern where technological advances can unexpectedly disrupt established sporting norms.

The Impact of Gear Advancements

Technology has also transformed the equipment athletes use, with some innovations sparking significant controversies. The early 2000s "Shark Suit" controversy exemplified this when the drag-reducing design prompted questions about unfair advantages in swimming, leading to debates about whether such technology should be allowed in competition.

More recently, Nike's Vaporfly shoes have rewritten the record books in distance running, raising concerns about whether their performance enhancing properties crosses ethical boundaries.[1]

Evolution in practice and training techniques has also sparked generated controversy. In professional baseball, the introduction (and subsequent approval by Major League Baseball) of the Trajekt Arc pitching machine has drawn criticism for potentially altering the competitive balance. Trajekt Arc uses data to mimic the pitches from every big-league pitcher, allowing batters to put in repetitions against a near perfect replica of the pitchers they face throughout the season.

As sports organizations consider such advancements, the challenge is to craft rules that embrace innovation while preserving fair competition. The balance between enhancing performance and maintaining the integrity of the sport is delicate, and organizations must tread carefully.

Cheating in the Age of Technology

Pushing the envelop through transparent means is one aspect, but there is also the issue of new means of cheating through technology. A notable example in cycling is "mechanical doping." This practice, which involves embedding small electric motors in bicycles, is a stark example of how technology can be manipulated in bad faith attempts to gain an unfair advantage.

The existence of such technology poses significant questions: How can organizations detect and prevent such practices which may never have before been previously considered? What measures should be implemented to maintain the integrity of competition?

Sports organizations must not only implement strict regulations but also invest in technology that can monitor and detect these advancements.

The Path Forward: Embracing Innovation Responsibly

Moving forward, sports organizations should be mindful to consider and evaluate technological advancements when revising their regulations. Some considerations include:

1. Regular Technology Assessment: Designate staff or committees to stay on top of emerging technologies across sport.  Often a technology may emerge in one discipline that may have application in a different sport. This allows organizations to stay ahead of potential issues and create guidelines that adapt to new developments.
2. Advanced Detection Systems: Invest in monitoring technology and data analytics to identify potential rule violations and performance anomalies that may suggest the use of illicit technology.
3. Community Engagement: Engage with athletes, coaches, and your community to discuss the implications of technological advances. This fosters a culture of transparency and trust within the sport.
4. Comprehensive Education: Provide clear guidance for officials and athletes on permitted and prohibited technologies through robust training programs.

Conclusion: Riding the Wave of Change

As technology continues to reshape sports, organizations must navigate these challenges thoughtfully. The European Sailing Championships incident is a concrete example of both the difficulties ahead and opportunities for growth. By embracing innovation responsibly, sports organizations can ensure that they not only enhance the athletic experience but also uphold the integrity that lies at the heart of competition. As we move forward, the key will be to find a balance that allows for progress without compromising the fundamental values of sport.

[1] Notably, the suits were banned by FINA in 2010.

While not completely banned, World Athletics imposed stricter regulations around permitted footwear in 2020.