⚽️ Noteworthy Bits -- 11/28/22

[Editor’s Note: Technology adoption is often a common thread between business and sports. The World Cup is big business so we would be remiss not to cover the role technology is playing right now in the world’s biggest sporting event. Enjoy!]

The World Cup's New High-Tech Ball Will Change Soccer Forever via FiveThirtyEight

“All tournament long, match balls will contain a sensor that collects spatial positioning data in real time — the first World Cup to employ such a ball-tracking mechanism. This, combined with existing optical tracking tools, will make VAR (video assistant referees) and programs like offside reviews more accurate and streamlined than they’ve ever been.”

Science and the World Cup: how big data is transforming football via Nature

Technology’s role in the game is not just about helping the referees. Players and teams have more advanced analytics at their disposal from sensors the players wear during the game and camera tracking systems around the stadium influencing the tactics and performance of the players. “Big Data has ushered in a new era of football.”

The science behind an air-conditioned World Cup: Dr Cool, Ford Mondeos and airplane wings via The Athletic

Even though FIFA moved back the start date of this year’s tournament to avoid the crippling heat of the summer months in Qatar, playing conditions were still a major concern. This is a fascinating look at the engineering effort behind creating a suitable environment on the playing field itself.