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ASOIF
25 Nov 2024

IF experts discuss AI and new technologies in coaching

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other new technologies in coaching topped the agenda of last week’s ASOIF Sport Development and Education Group (ASDEG) Workshop held in Lausanne. The meeting attracted more than 60 experts representing over 30 International Federations (IFs) to gain new insights, share best practice and learn from each other.

Stefan Ljutzkanov, Chief Product Officer Business and Development at Sport ERP, set the tone for the two-day Workshop by presenting examples of how new technologies like AI, robotics, Virtual Reality (VR), drones and connected wearables can support and enhance the important work of coaches in areas like planning, communication, skills training and analysis to name just a few.

Closing off with a taster of technological evolutions to expect in the next ten years, Stefan Ljutzkanov said:

Embracing new technologies and AI is no longer optional; it is a necessity for the International Federations to thrive across all areas, including leadership, sports development and coaching. These tools hold the potential to accelerate growth, improve decision-making, and foster inclusivity within our global sports community. The key lies in identifying the gaps and proactively addressing them. By leveraging AI and emerging technologies, we can enhance performance and redefine the roles of coaches, leadership, and athletes, ensuring the future of sport is both innovative and equitable.

Subsequent sessions focused on innovations in delivering educational content to athletes and coaches; specific challenges faced by IFs in this area; IF success stories; and the certification of coach licenses to attain global recognition. Sheila Stephens Desbans from Olympic Solidarity also joined in the Workshop to present projects and related changes for IFs in the next quadrennium.

ASDEG Chair Deqa Niamkey from United World Wrestling highlighted the importance of the Workshop when she said:

This edition of the ASDEG Workshop offered a diverse range of relatable topics to the IFs, focusing on the transformative potential of AI through inclusive education, innovation, and tailored applications for each IF’s unique needs. The Workshop serves as a valuable platform for networking, exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and transferring knowledge, all aligned with ASOIF's overarching good governance strategy. I would like to extend my gratitude to ASOIF and their team for their remarkable efforts in organising such initiatives that elevate our sports, and to the ASDEG for their dedication and invaluable contributions.”

The annual meeting is action-oriented and the participants agreed to implement the following initiatives over the next 12 months:

  • support IFs in increasing representation of Women Technical Officials and Coaches to meet IOC targets;
  • design a training programme for executives on the strategic and economic value of sport development;
  • collate Return On Investment information across IFs – including trends and recommendations;
  • establish regular communication to facilitate cross-sport collaboration and knowledge-sharing; and
  • equip IFs on incorporating technology in development programmes and resources for education.

The Workshop facilitates a united approach of a large number of IFs in the implementation of their projects in the fields of sport development and education. This allows efficiencies in terms of human and financial resources, ensures a certain consistency across the sports and thereby maximises the impact of the related IF activities overall.