Computer Science in Sport - Special emphasis: Football

Press Room

• Studie zum Vergleich von Männer- und Frauenfußball
  Beitrag im Aktuellen Bericht des Saarländischen Rundfunks am 6.7.2011
• Experten tauschen sich über neue Analysetechnik für den Sport aus
  Die Saarbrücker Zeitung berichtet über das Dagstuhl-Seminar am 2.7.2011
• Beckham, Bits und Bytes: Sport-Informatik in Schloss Dagstuhl
  Pressemitteilung

Summary

The Dagstuhl Seminar 11271 ``Computer Science in Sport -- Special emphasis: Football'' stands in a row of 3 seminars introducing the field of computer science in sports. The general aim is to bring experts from computer science together with experts from sports science to explore the options of interdisciplinary work in this exciting field.

An additional aspect was in the focus of this seminar in July, 2011. We invited not only scientists from the field of football research but also practitioners like Max Reckers (NL) who was responsible for computer science at FC Bayern M\"{u}nchen under coach Van Gaal. This measure led to livelier discussions because the aspects ``Does this work in practice?'' or ``Does practice really need that?'' were not only discussed but also given answers from the view of practice.

Another focus was on the pros and cons of technological aids in football. Here, the discussion brought about many issues, being far apart from a totally affirmative standpoint. The reason for the outstanding position of football in European societies is basically founded in its value for entertainment. Each game broadcasted live can be seen as a drama, a ritualized conflict that will produce a result on that very evening that cannot be foreseen in any way. It is this kind of authenticity that gives football its importance. Concerning technical aids we have to be careful that they do not endanger the dramatic properties of the game. So, as in other fields also, it is not wise to do everything we can do.

Finally, the seminar proved again the benefits of the Dagstuhl seminar concept. Experts from different fields that would hardly meet in their normal business had the opportunity to exchange their ideas in many informal meetings. There was positive resonance from most of the participants stressing especially this fact. Several ideas for new projects among the participants were produced and meanwhile initiated. An application for a next seminar on computer science in sports again with an exciting focus will be prepared soon. A ``Dagstuhl Manifesto'' is going to be published explaining the interdisciplinary perspectives between sports science and computer science in depth.