16 Dec 2008

Scientific experts at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) are exploring exciting ways to apply the latest advances in microtechnology monitoring devices to the sport of snowboarding.   

In an interview in the current issue of Sport Technology, AIS physiologist Jason Harding and Australian national snowboard coach Ben Wordsworth discuss the potential benefits of using automated scoring systems to improve the accuracy and reliability of judging half-pipe snowboarding.

The AIS first began testing the use of microtechnology monitoring systems three years ago in training and development to improve and analyse the technique of snowboarders in preparation for Olympic competition.

Ben Wordsworth said the use of microtechnology monitoring devices has already proved successful in training. 

‘Being able to measure air time over a half-pipe [run] is key information when you are coaching. [By using this technology], you can tell an athlete that they have had x amount of air time on run one and they have had x amount of air time on run two and this is the difference and these are the reasons why,’ Wordsworth explained.

He said this groundbreaking work in microtechnology innovation has other potential spin-offs for the sport, which could lead to breakthroughs in the development of automated scoring systems to assist the judging of snowboarding. 

‘There is huge potential to adopt the use of microtechnology innovation,’ Wordsworth said.

‘The application of automated scoring systems could be the answer to capturing and assessing accurate and reliable data about key criteria of the snowboarder’s performance in competition, including the highest degrees of rotation and air time.’

Wordsworth said that the introduction of automation would not replace judges but be there to assist them.
  
‘This technology could make it easier for judges to score key criteria of air time and the degree of rotation of snowboarders to distinguish between the top riders,’ Wordsworth.

‘It would allow the judges to focus sharply on subjective criteria like the style, execution and the overall impression of the performance.’

The interview will featured in the coming edition of the Sports Technology journal.