Technology in sports

Submitted by 4godkingandwol… on

Interesting news today -- Microsoft and the NFL have agreed to a sponsorship deal in which NFL teams will have access to microsoft surface tablets on the sidelines and the coaches box for in-game strategy/tactics analysis and adjustments.  The applications will be limited at first to replace and improve upon the use of the black and white photos you usually see QBs looking through on the sidelines (usually after throwing an INT), however, the future applications could be game changing.  

If nothing else, I think it is a great marketing gimick for Microsoft, though I have no idea what other elements or thought went into figuring out the ROI of a $400mm partnership.  

http://techcrunch.com/2014/08/03/nfl-will-let-teams-use-microsoft-surfa…  

Randy Marsh

August 4th, 2014 at 1:17 PM ^

I started off in sport management. I did so because I wanted to have a career actually involved in team functions and management. I then realized most jobs in sport management are ticket sales or event promotions but don't actually have to do with the team itself at all. I ended up switching.

Edit: Meant to respond to shoelaces.

Michigan4Life

August 4th, 2014 at 12:59 PM ^

getting a degree in other discipline in undergrad if you're a Michigan student.  You can do internship even though you're not a sports management major as long as you are willing to put in long hours. 

You would be better off getting a Master in Sports Management whether if it's Michigan or other schools. If you want to work as an administrator, Master is definitely required even though most job description doesn't call for it. You need to have a lot of experience in volunteering and internship to show that you're willing to put in the time and work.

 

It's a very tough industry to get into and it's very competitive for a few job openings.  If you want to have a 8 to 5 job from Monday to Friday with weekend off, this isn't for you. Expect to work from anywhere from 40 to 75 hours a week depending on the events.

JHendo

August 4th, 2014 at 1:21 PM ^

I have a good friend who got a masters in Sports Management just a couple years ago.  That plus a combination of a high up contacts netted her a nice position in one of the non-revenue sports, followed by an even nicer position recently in the athletic department of another university in the state.

So, to me, it seems ultimately the contacts you have in athletic departments/organizations beforehand is probably the most important part to getting your foot in the door, but that degree should help you walk through it once you get that far.  So, question is, do you have contacts in high places to begin with, because if not, I wouldn't expect that degree to get you into the good ol' boys club on it's own. 

AeonBlue

August 4th, 2014 at 12:33 PM ^

I saw people using tablets (not sure if Surface) during last night's HoF game. Makes sense to me although I'm waiting for Dez Bryant to smash a tablet against a wall/bench during a game this season. Probably would get a 2-year suspension plus a $500,000 fine because he's a "repeat tantrum thrower."

bleu

August 4th, 2014 at 12:52 PM ^

Football is way behind baseball and now basketball in terms of computer analysis. It would really expand the conversation beyond 'physicality'. The punting vs go for it on fourth down is just scratching the surface. I'm surprised there aren't paid analysts within college athletic departments.

FreddieMercuryHayes

August 4th, 2014 at 1:30 PM ^

How long until someone gets filmed watching porn or something on the sideline? Or maybe that's Microsoft's secret plan? Subtle advertising for a portable HD porn watching machine?

LSAClassOf2000

August 4th, 2014 at 1:50 PM ^

This is pretty cool really and hopefully it does replace having to remember which laminated sheet the call matrix is on. Of course, if a similar system went into widespread use in the college ranks, the secondary advancements alone, such as a chew-proof Otter Box to solve the Les Miles problem, would be very intriguing. 

Wolverine Devotee

August 4th, 2014 at 2:16 PM ^

The eggs continue to get added to the technology basket.

What happens when that basket smashes?

I dumped the Dope

August 4th, 2014 at 8:35 PM ^

Its when the secret negotiations begin to tap/monitor the other team's tablets will be the dawn of when the ante to Microsoft reaches a level never quite seen before.  Spy vs. Spy stuff!

/s