Data has long been integral to sports. Fans, experts, journalists and athletes alike have relied on statistics to gain deeper insights regarding their areas of interest, but the application of sports data goes beyond gathering historical stats.
“For a long time, coaches and front offices kept data analysts at arm’s length,” writes Tracy Gardner of VLink. “Today, however, it is commonplace for data analysts to fill positions on sports teams. As players and management look for whatever statistical advantage they can get, the importance of sports analytics appears to be expanding.”
Indeed, sports leaders use data analytics tools to optimize athletic performance, marketing and sports business. Sports leaders can learn about these tools and applications in the online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership – Sports Administration program from St. Thomas University (STU). It is ideal for those seeking administrative roles that combine their passion for sports with advanced leadership expertise.
Game Strategy and Tactical Analysis
One important application of data analytics is helping coaches and managers refine strategies in real time. Organizations like the NHL and NFL have already begun doing this, says Ariane Bucaille of Deloitte, a global industry leader.
“As teams gain more experience and data collection becomes easier and analysis faster, real-time analytics that guide how coaches and managers direct their teams may come into wider play,” Bucaille states. For example, analytics can help coaches identify which players may be at risk of injury, who is coming close to exhaustion and who might be able to make a game-changing play, allowing leaders to make quick decisions about strategy amid intense games.
Machine Learning Algorithms in Sports
Even recent advances in artificial intelligence can play a significant role in sports management. Machine learning, a type of artificial intelligence that detects patterns and derives predictive recommendations by processing large volumes of data, has many applications within sports. For example, a systematic review of existing research published in the Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics found that: “AI methods have already been used successfully in sports science within the realm of game analysis, tactics, performance analysis and outcome predictions.”
Fan Engagement Strategies
Sports analytics also has essential applications outside of athletics, with online fan engagement being an exceptionally productive avenue. One study discussed in the Journal of Sport Management analyzed 166,000 tweets throughout nearly 6000 NBA games: “A predictive model for National Basketball Association home game attendance was developed, and results showed that the volume of discussions for the home team and sentiment toward tanking by the away team impacted game attendance.”
This is just one example of how a sophisticated understanding of social media behavior and online communities can be beneficial, something that students in STU’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Sports Administration program learn in courses like Managing Social Media in Organizations and Sports Marketing and Promotions.
Data-driven Sports Management Is the Future
The rapidly evolving field of data-driven sports management offers many opportunities for sports administration professionals willing to immerse themselves in a new subject. STU’s program is a vital way for ambitious professionals to stay on the cutting edge of their field.
“The difference today is that data collection and analysis are becoming increasingly real-time, and it is happening not just on the field and in the gym but around the clock,” Bucaille says. These facts suggest that learning to harness the transformative power of data analysis will only become more crucial in the future.
Learn more about STU’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Sports Administration program.
