{"id":1510,"date":"2016-12-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-12-14T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/reports\/leaders-virtual-roundtables-meeting-the-challenge-of-integrating-data-for-the-betterment-of-a-sports-organisation\/"},"modified":"2025-12-15T05:12:46","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T05:12:46","slug":"leaders-virtual-roundtables-meeting-challenge-integrating-data-betterment-sports-organisation","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/leaders-virtual-roundtables-meeting-challenge-integrating-data-betterment-sports-organisation\/","title":{"rendered":"Leaders Virtual Roundtables: meeting the challenge of integrating data for the betterment of a sports organisation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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\n Dec 14, 2016 <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>Articles<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Leaders Virtual Roundtables: meeting the challenge of integrating data for the betterment of a sports organisation<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n \n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Category<\/div>\n Data & Innovation<\/a> <\/div>\n
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https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/performance-institute\/articles\/leaders-virtual-roundtables-meeting-challenge-integrating-data-betterment-sports-organisation\/<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
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An online meeting of Leaders Performance Institute members on 15 September 2016<\/p>\n \n \n \n

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\"Intel_logo_png_transparent_huge.png<\/h4>\n

The latest Leaders Virtual Roundtable, in conjunction with our partners Intel, took place on 15 September. This invite-only internet gathering brought together members of the Leaders Performance Institute \u2013 managers, high performance professionals and heads of academy \u2013 in Major League Baseball, the English Premier League, and beyond, to discuss how their organisations use data as well as the challenge that presents.<\/h4>\n

This cyber assembly delivered a unique glimpse into the world of data and analytics in elite sport and the processes of making information intelligible to athletes and performers. There was also an insight into the methods used to integrate data with traditional performance thinking to raise overall standards.<\/h4>\n
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The participants<\/strong><\/p>\n

Steve Gera<\/strong>, Co-Founder and CEO, Winning Algorithms [Moderator]<\/p>\n

Mike Groopman<\/strong>, Director of Baseball Operations & Analytics, Kansas City Royals<\/p>\n

Eric Klein<\/strong>, Head Football Performance Coach, University of Minnesota<\/p>\n

Angus Mugford<\/strong>, Director of High Performance, Toronto Blue Jays<\/p>\n

Tobias Ottley<\/strong>, Executive Manager, The Sport Company of Trinidad & Tobago<\/p>\n

Jack Ransone<\/strong>, Director of Athletic Performance Laboratory, University of Nebraska<\/p>\n

Ben Smith<\/strong>, Head of Academy, Chelsea FC<\/p>\n

Peter Vint<\/strong>, Academy Director, Everton FC<\/p>\n

Jeremy Zoll<\/strong>, Senior Management, Player Director, Los Angeles Dodgers<\/p>\n

Data for Long-Term Planning<\/strong><\/p>\n

The teams at the roundtable used data in different ways, from athletic development to performance optimisation; moreover, the increasing use of analytical tools permits unprecedented degree of long-term planning informed by various data. All were adamant that while data and analytics can influence a decision, they are most effectively used a cross-referencing point with other sources, such as coach intuition and experience. Ideas would be shared between staffs and a decision never sat with one person alone.<\/p>\n

The Data you Test Versus the Data you Use<\/strong><\/p>\n

The roundtable also highlighted the need to close any big discrepancies between the data you test for and the data you use. All new data streams should be rigorously tested for their utility and should be used to complement existing tools. There was consensus that the purpose of data is action, whatever the performance goal; therefore the synchronicity of data was crucial.<\/p>\n

Do not Be Shackled to Data<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was also agreed that teams cannot be shackled to data; when datasets have been rigorously tested they will earn their place in the performance discussion but they will not change the nature of the discussion, merely inform it and enable better questioning around performance.<\/p>\n

Using Data for Athlete Education<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sports organisations are using data to assess long-term health risks to their athletes from a young age through to veteran status. They are also using these as a resource in athlete education, when it comes to their general fitness and performance. Datasets are being used to give athletes a larger stake in their own careers.<\/p>\n

One notion posited was that if young athletes are better educated regarding their bodies and the uses of data they will be better placed should they ever leave the organisation for a team where standards are perhaps not so exacting.<\/p>\n

The Human Face of Data<\/strong><\/p>\n

The use of data is intertwined with the roundtable\u2019s concern for the \u2018human\u2019 side of data. For all its use as a tool, there remains a significant degree of suspicion in the cultures of some elite sports that can prevent athletes and coaches from seeing the benefits of data.<\/p>\n

There have been scenarios where athletes have been the last to learn what their data means and this can be avoided through regular communication that humanises and contextualises the data appropriately and constructively. Athletes need to understand that data will not be used to undermine their status within a team or competition.<\/p>\n

Data is a Tool, Not a Weapon<\/strong><\/p>\n

The mistrust is not necessarily found in team environments alone, as administrative bodies in sport on occasion act to limit the development and use of data and analytics based on pre-conceived notions of how they will be used.<\/p>\n

Beyond playing rosters, coaches welcome data when they see that it is being used supplement their expertise, not replace it. This is underlined by the unanimously held notion across the table that a decision cannot rest with one member of staff alone. Analytic and athletic departments will both have their say.<\/p>\n

Monetised data<\/strong><\/p>\n

Performance and performance data remain a cost centre for these organisations and this does not look likely to change. The matter of Michigan State\u2019s decision to sell the anonymised data gleaned from its football programme to Nike was discussed and none at the table are set to follow suit. Priorities lie elsewhere and monetisation of data is not part of current planning for some; and will almost certainly not happen for others.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n <\/div>\n

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