A practical framework for evaluating, vetting, and implementing sports performance technology — from needs analysis and validity assessment to cultural awareness and exit strategy. Updated with 2024 insights from Global Performance Insights.
Up to 90% of sports technology companies do not have independent validation studies. Only 5% of consumer wearables have been formally validated. Before investing in any technology, every organization should work through these six evaluation criteria.
Does it save time and help make better decisions? Do you have structure to combine the data into an athlete management system? Do you have an existing relationship with this company in another higher-revenue sport that would provide a discount?
If it is a new technology, ask for independent reliability and validity studies immediately. Technology may be valid for one purpose but not another. Catapult is the most validated with GPS, though accelerometers and IMUs have less reliability at higher intensities. Wearable heart rate monitors are less accurate at higher heart rate levels.
Technology used to make athletes better and keep them on the court requires buy-in. Athlete education on the purpose and benefit of monitoring is as important as the technology itself. People over technology. Intervention over monitoring. Simplicity over complexity.
One sports scientist stated 10% should be spent on technology and 90% on data analysis. Fast models: day-to-day interaction with the athlete. Slow models: research projects in the background for quality control and validation. Do you have someone to combine all technology into a database through Excel, R, or an athlete management system?
A clear exit strategy before purchasing — such as a commitment to use with the whole team for 3 months before evaluating. Without a defined evaluation period and success criteria, technology purchases often end up unused in a closet.
Coach: How can you help me win games?
GM / Athletic Director: How can you improve my bottom line?
Athlete: How can you make me great and keep me on the court?
Dr. Lorena Torres-Ronda of the Philadelphia 76ers provides guidelines for vetting and implementing new sports performance technologies:
Validity must be established independently before any clinical or performance decisions are based on the data.
Given the timeframe teams operate in, it may not be possible to get a clear answer immediately — but the question must still be asked and tracked over time.
Getting insights from data is hard. Making those insights actionable is harder. Making them translate to more winning is hardest of all.
Investing in technology is one thing. Having the internal champions to use it regularly and the administrative and player buy-in to translate insights to actual on-field improvements is critical. You need a deployment plan, ownership, and willingness to act on what the data says.
— Sparta Science
People > Technology. Intervention > Monitoring. Simplicity > Complexity.