| it about sport that makes it so attractive to people? | | | | Along with an increased number of players there are |
| Is it the adrenaline rush of competitive and/or | | | | also an increased number of viewers all over the |
| dangerous sport? Is it the feel good’ | | | | globe. With the spread of satellite TV, events in one |
| factor of recreational sport; is it the opportunity of | | | | part of the world can be watched real time, in |
| socialising with others, or perhaps all of the above? | | | | another. Modern flood lighting has not only allowed |
| Whatever the reasons may be, sport is certainly | | | | greater use of sports facilities at the recreational |
| getting more and more popular, especially in the | | | | level, but also made possible higher-level competition |
| developed world. | | | | fixtures such as day-night cricket matches, night-time |
| A major factor in the popularity of sport is the role | | | | football matches etc. Electronic score boards, |
| of modern technology. Improvements in modern | | | | photo-finish timing devices, slow motion replays and |
| technology have resulted in better playing conditions | | | | large viewing screens have also added to the viewing |
| and equipment for players as well as greater viewing | | | | pleasure of spectators. |
| pleasure for spectators. | | | | Modern materials are used in the manufacture of |
| Perhaps the greatest changes have taken place in | | | | synthetic sports surfaces as well as sports |
| the designing of sporting facilities - such as modern | | | | equipment. Third generation synthetic grass is made |
| sports surfaces and improved artificial lighting that | | | | from polymers and provides a maintenance free |
| offer increased opportunity to play. Modern sports | | | | all-weather surface for sports. The use of composite |
| surfaces are low maintenance, therefore low cost, | | | | materials makes sports equipment such as rackets |
| and allow year round use. Professional technical | | | | and protective gear, lighter and more durable, |
| expertise is needed to design and install a modern | | | | enabling athletes to further improve their |
| sports surface. Properties such as its rebound | | | | performance. Advances in modern technology have |
| resistance’, slip resistance’, and | | | | also led to improvements in the design of sports |
| shock absorption’ are measured to ensure | | | | equipment such as trainers and sports shoes, starting |
| that the surface is going to provide optimum playing | | | | blocks for use in athletics, pole vaults etc. |
| conditions for that sport, whilst giving players ease of | | | | Whilst it is difficult for the average user of sporting |
| movement and adequate protection from injury. | | | | equipment to keep up with the latest developments, |
| Regular maintenance of sports surfaces, both | | | | as a guide in the UK sports equipment and sports |
| outdoor and indoor is recommended to ensure | | | | facilities and surfaces should comply with British |
| safety of players. | | | | standards. |