Yes the paper was more concerned with what is done with the data and who has access to it which, is a valid point. Most organisations should have systems in place to effectively monitor this access.
Anyone involved in high performance sport will tell you that the data is only as valuable as the knowledge and understanding of those using and interpreting it.
As someone with 20yr+ in high performance sport I can tell you that tracking load, progressive loading, effective periodisation and adequate recovery and regeneration protocols are essential for long term athlete development and performance maximisation.
The ability to collect, collate, monitor, interpret and individualise relevant and essential performance data has enabled the progression of individuals, individuals within a certain position and individuals in particular events.
Consequently, the guess work has been eliminated you know have the ability to make evidenced based decisions allowing you to see what work someone has done from their first year to their last year. Consequently, loadings can be adjusted based on training age, position requirements, the event/games demands and the particular importance of the game, event or particular point of a competitive season.
Of course there is a point where too much data can cause paralysis by analysis but that’s the responsibility of the high performance coordinator to decide in tandem with other support staff and the coaching unit what is important and what’s just noise.
