Discussion: Where do you draw the line?SES 280 Forum 3

Introduction

In our last forum discussion, we investigated using technology for analyzing and assessing athletes and where the limit was for that. In Forum 3, we now shift our focus to the world of technology and sport performance. Sport performance can include the use of new equipment, a new injury prevention technique, or technology to increase player performance.

The following figure from ESPN The Magazine shows sport-related technological breakthroughs that could potential impact the athlete in the near future.

Zoom in to read

ESPN The MagazineMAY-13-13p. 65

Merger

Can you draw any lines between sport medicine and sport performance?

When does the treatment and prevention of injuries become a part of sport performance?

If a player is never hurt, or never sore, can that impact their performance? If the treatment for an injury brings the player back stronger than ever, is that treatment of injury or sport performance? Is it both?

More importantly, what happens when technology is used in both injury prevention/treatment AND sport performance? What line needs to be crossed in order for technology in sport to be considered cheating?

Further Reading:• http://www.lookoutlanding.com/2010/3/19/1381852/on-the-benefits-

of-lasik-surgery-a

• http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/could-lasik-help-dan-uggla/

• http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/human_nature/2005/04/the_beam_in_your_eye.html

What is considered cheating?

Can technology use be considered cheating? If HGH, which is used to stay injury free and help with recovery, is considered

cheating, should certain technology be illegal too? Let’s say a new surgical procedure similar to Tommy John Surgery comes out and brings pitchers back from injury pitching 10% faster.

Should that be illegal? Legal?

What about LASIK eye surgery? I’ve personally had the procedure done and it was amazing. MLB players (see below)

are getting LASIK done at greater than 20/20 vision. I have 20/20 in my left and 20/10 in my right. If you can see better,

you can play better; especially in baseball. Should this be considered cheating? Is it enhancing performance?

Read the MLB’s PED Policy:• Page 7: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/pdf/jda.pdf

Again, where do we set the limit? Where’s the line?

How can we determine was is cheating and what isn’t as it relates to technology use in sport?

Does it depend on the sport? On the athlete? On the technology? On the end result? On the advantage it gives?

Let’s hear your opinion!

Discussion 3

• For discussion 3, please post an initial post by Sunday March 16th at Midnight. Your initial post must be 200 words in length.

• You are required, for full points, to comment on two additional posts. All responses must be completed by Sunday, March 23rd at Midnight.

RUBRIC:45 TOTAL POINTS

Quality of Opinion (initial post):25

Quality of Discussion (additional posts):15

Grammar and Errors5