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59
T
his
book
has
presented
numerous
examples of ways that tech-
nology is making an impact
in sports—from the gear
players use to the places they play to the ways
that fans enjoy the games.
Most would agree that technology has had
a positive impact on sports. Players are safer
and fans have many new ways to watch and
cheer. The balls, clubs, rackets, and more can
now be learning tools as well as sports gear.
But is all new technology good or useful?
What about the issue of fairness? For instance,
what about a high school in a wealthy area
that can afford to get the latest and greatest
gear, while a school in an area of lesser wealth
cannot? If those teams play—and in many cit-
ies, they do—is that an even playing field?
Also, think about how much the technology of
sports is driven by money. Nearly all the tech
in this book is made by companies for profit.
They want to sell their gear not only to the
pros, but to the weekend athletes. Do those
companies always have the athletes in mind,
Chapter 5