For years, arguments have arisen from close calls in sports, with singular decisions determining entire game outcomes. Fast forward to today, and artificial intelligence is replacing a significant amount of decision-making in games. This revolutionary new system has since brought crucial accuracy, yet along with it, controversy.
The MLB recently implemented a challenge system called Automated Ball-Strike (ABS). The umpire still makes the call, but the players can challenge it using AI. The system works by reading a given pitch and determining whether the play was a ball or a strike. However, AI in sports doesn’t just stop at baseball. Human line judges have begun to be replaced by artificial intelligence camera systems to provide real-time, instantaneous feedback in volleyball. Major League Volleyball referee Devonie McLarty mentions, “I don’t need to worry about whether I made that call correctly or not, I know it’s correct because my tablet is telling me it’s in.”
Emma Koeppel, a softball and volleyball athlete at B-CC, expressed her interest in the AI discussion. “I think I trust AI more than humans because AI has actual proof…it is something that is just more trustworthy.” Koeppel believes intelligence won’t take away from the authenticity of the game but instead adds a layer of validation when making tough calls.
“I honestly think that AI is good…and it will result in a pretty fair game,” she added.
A sophomore athlete on the B-CC baseball team, George Cropp, has also noticed AI implemented into sports. “I think it could be beneficial because of all the new perspectives and analytics that they can put into the game.”
As far as baseball is concerned, Cropp believes AI can not only help with development, but also with determining pitches to throw or when to swing. “I trust AI over humans because humans have gut instincts, and AI is less likely to make a big mistake,” he expressed, agreeing with Koeppell. Overall, intelligence-based refereeing could be an extremely useful tool in following future games. Such technology also proves beneficial for efficient sports journalism and accurate live coverage. With tested AI referee calls, fans can experience a purely action-packed and more entertaining viewing experience.
Artificial intelligence’s rapid rise in sports is a double-edged sword: promising smarter training and deeper engagement, but also requiring strict regulation to prevent new tech-driven advantages. Leagues and officials will likely have to confront the possibility of regulating AI usage in athletics, and players and fans will likely have to make their own decisions regarding their engagement with new technologies.
Nonetheless, the future of sports is promising. Will artificial intelligence soon make unfair calls a thing of the past?
