Adaptive Technology in Fair Sport

    Sports have become a cornerstone in society, as they play such a large role in daily life. Their influences are countless including those from a financial standpoint, entertainment purposes, community values, and personal health, both physical and mental. Sports have a way of bringing people together by promoting competition but also by developing the union of ideals such as determination, sportsmanship, and fairness. The concept of being fair, or practicing fairness, is an ongoing conversation in many realms of the sports world. It is questioned whether or not rules support sport equity or if they cater to particular athletes and or teams. Doping is yet another hot topic when considering fair play, as well as equal training and practice opportunities. When considering athletes with certain disabilities, many question whether or not the utilization of adaptive technologies counteracts fair practices. The use of adaptive, and or assistive, technologies permits athletes with disabilities to compete with impairment compensation. In doing so, these individuals are able to practice an active lifestyle, encouraging the improvement of both physical and mental health, but also promote societal inclusion and acceptance. For these reasons, adaptive technology should be used in sports, but of course, given certain parameters. 

In keeping fair practice of sport, one of the most crucial actions taken in dealing with athletes with disabilities utilizing adaptive technology is functional classification. This categorization system is used to evaluate and organize athletes by disability, functional level, devices used, as well as the extent of device utilization. This ensures that athletes competing against one another have fair competition by decreasing the impact and or influence of impairment on one’s athletic capabilities. Though these technologies vastly improve an athlete’s sport performances and overall quality of life, it is also noted that there are many individuals who are unable to afford the newest and or best devices. This is most prominently noted in international competition, such as the Paralympic Games. Some countries have more financial freedom than others, and are therefore able to purchase or even develop top of the line technology for athlete’s requiring adaptive technologies. Those who are unable to access the best of the best may often feel discouraged before competition even commences, or just experience an overall disadvantage in sport performance. With this in mind, it would be in everyone’s best interest for disabled sport organizations, such as the Paralympic Committee, to provide athletes with the same technology or to provide a stipend in which athletes are able to obtain the technology that works best for them in enhancing their athletic capability, but also continuing the promotion of fair sport by adhering to guidelines. Though in theory this may be a good idea, it is most likely unattainable since that would be extremely expensive. Another idea would be to establish technology guidelines such as manufacturing date, device enhancement restrictions, and even an inspection upon competition. This would help to continue leveling the playing field so to say. 

Undoubtedly, adaptive sport technology is an ever growing and changing area of technology. Each day, new advancements are being made in order to optimize an athlete’s performance and redefine the boundaries of disabled athletics. Notable progress in training, techniques, performance, and overall sport progression have been made in such a limited span of time. There is no telling just how far advancements in adaptive sport technology will go, and what it will allow athletes to achieve. The purpose of adaptive technology in sports is to give athlete’s the ability to compete with decreased impact of their disability, however, with all of the new advancements made, adaptive devices are arguably exceeding the limits capable of the human body. This is just one of the many reasons why athletes with disabilities should not compete against able-bodied individuals. Some devices, such as prosthetic legs or running blades, may offer athletes an advantage over able-bodied individuals since they will not experience muscle fatigue. Other devices, such as wheelchairs, may pose a disadvantage to users when looking at reaction times in certain sports, but also as an advantage in events revolving around speed and distance. This further indicates that adaptive technology in sport amongst athletes with disabilities and able-bodied athletes can either be an advantage or disadvantage to both parties involved. Therefore, sports between the two should remain separate entities in order to adhere to fair play and participation.