9781422286784

Chapter 5

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,

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