The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, have launched two pioneering guidelines to help everyone involved in sport - from grassroots to high performance - use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly and effectively.
The first is a world-leading Guide for Responsible AI in Sport which outlines how to use AI safely and ethically, drawing on international best practices. The second is a Roadmap for AI in Australian Sport which sets out a clear national strategy on how the sector can work together to harness AI's potential.
The new guidelines involved two years of extensive consultation with CSIRO's leading scientists and more than 100 representatives from across the sport, government and technology sectors.
ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said that when used well, AI can help take Australian sport to the next level.
"Sport thrives on innovation and AI is the next frontier. It can sharpen performance, predict injuries, uncover talent and give volunteers back precious time," Mr Perkins said.
"However, these new opportunities pose new risks which must be understood and carefully managed.
"I strongly encourage anyone involved in sport to adopt these guidelines which give practical guidance on how to use AI safely so that together we can strengthen our sport sector, broaden access and stay ahead of the curve," Mr Perkins said.
CSIRO's Data61 Acting Director Dr Liming Zhu said these guides provide direction at a time when AI is rapidly becoming integrated across Australia.
"The Guide for Responsible AI in Sport is the first of its kind globally, ensuring AI adoption is responsible, transparent and grounded in evidence, while still enabling innovation across sport," Dr Zhu said.
"The AI for Sport Roadmap complements the guide with practical examples of AI use and identifies four priority areas where AI is already delivering impact, and where future opportunities are emerging.
"These guides will help deliver real-world benefits to sport by improving decisions, reducing workforce demands and building trust as AI expands."
Efficiencies through AI offer a great opportunity for sport volunteers to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time with participants.
With 2.9 million sport volunteers across the country, even an extra hour in their week equates to almost 150 million hours annually that could be redirected towards strengthening participation engagement.
"Imagine what we could achieve together as a sector if we redirected that time back into people - it could transform the sporting experience for millions," Mr Perkins said.
Both guidelines are available here.
