Why do Standards in Sports Tech Matter?
The sports technology industry is advancing rapidly. From player performance trackers to automated officiating systems to advanced analytics platforms, new products enter the market almost daily. With so many options available, how can teams, leagues, and investors know which technologies are reliable, effective, and safe?
That’s where the Institute for Sports Tech Standards (ISTS) comes in.
This new initiative is a collaborative effort between the experts at Rimkus and TCG Advisory, created to bring clarity and consistency to an often-confusing landscape. The ISTS is designed to help stakeholders across the sports world evaluate, adopt, and integrate new technologies with greater confidence.
What is the Institute for Sports Tech Standards?
The ISTS is an independent body that provides third-party validation for sports technologies. Its goal is to evaluate the quality, performance, and reliability of new products before they reach athletes, coaches, and consumers. The Institute focuses on establishing transparent, science-backed standards that technology providers can meet to demonstrate the credibility of their products.
Founded by Dr. Jessica Zendler of Rimkus and Dr. Sam Robertson of TCG Advisory, the ISTS brings together a team of specialists in sports science, biomechanics, engineering, and data science to help ensure a comprehensive and credible evaluation process.
Rimkus’ Uniquely Qualified Expertise
Our engineers and technical consulting experts play a key role in the ISTS. With decades of experience investigating product performance, system failures, and user safety, our team understands how to design rigorous testing programs that reflect real-world conditions.
We specialize in:
- Independent testing and validation
- Technology performance assessments
- Data integrity and usability evaluations
- Risk analysis and safety engineering
This unique perspective supports the ISTS in crafting standards that are not only technically sound but also practical and trustworthy.
“At Rimkus, we’ve always focused on evidence-based assessments to support decision-making in complex conditions. Our role in the ISTS allows us to apply that same mindset to a fast-moving, high-stakes field like sports technology,” said Dr. Jessica Zendler.
Joining Dr. Zendler on the ISTS team as a Project Manager is Dr. Rachel Hybart, a Rimkus consultant and manager of the Rimkus Human Performance Laboratory.
Said Dr. Hybart, “This initiative sets a new bar for accountability in sports technology. Our clients now have access to a trusted resource that helps them move forward with confidence.”
Who Benefits from Science-based Research and Guidance?
Clients
The ISTS brings significant value to technology developers, professional sports organizations, investors, and anyone working at the intersection of sports and innovation.
Sports Organizations
The ISTS helps ensure that the technologies used on and off the field are safe, reliable, and proven to deliver the benefits they claim. Relying on the insights from the ISTS’ expert team, organizations can make more informed decisions with less risk.
Technology Developers
The ISTS provides a clear and credible pathway for validation. Instead of navigating different requirements for each league or buyer, vendors can pursue a standardized process that speeds up adoption and builds trust with clients.
Investors
The ISTS helps de-risk investments in sports tech by offering an objective benchmark for product quality and effectiveness.
Building on a Strong Foundation
The ISTS is grounded in the Sports Technology Quality Framework developed by the Sports Tech Research Network (STRN). This framework includes five key pillars:
- Quality Assurance
- Established Benefit
- Ethics and Security
- User Experience
- Data Management
The ISTS moves this work from theory into practice by offering structured, real-world validation programs that reflect these pillars. This is more than just lab testing. It is a rigorous, transparent process that includes performance evaluation, user-centered design assessments, and data governance reviews.
Shaping the Future of Sports Tech Standards
Rimkus’ participation in the ISTS reinforces our ongoing commitment to technical excellence and innovation. Whether we are helping clients test a wearable device, evaluating system usability, or advising on performance metrics, we bring a depth of experience that adds value at every stage of the process.
“We’re proud to support the ISTS as it sets a new industry benchmark. Our team’s expertise in scientific analysis and technical consulting is a strong match for this type of work.” – Charles Burhans, Rimkus Senior Vice President, Specialty Services.
What Comes Next for the ISTS?
The Institute for Sports Tech Standards is already engaging with manufacturers, professional leagues, research institutions, and global sports organizations. Its first validation programs are set to launch soon, with pilot projects already underway.
As the Institute continues to grow, Rimkus will remain closely involved in developing evaluation protocols, leading technical assessments, and supporting research that benefits the entire sports technology ecosystem.
Learn How Rimkus Can Support Your Goals
- Interested in participating in a pilot program?
- Want to understand how ISTS validation can support your product or investment strategy?
- Need technical consulting on device performance, safety, or usability?
If your organization is exploring new technologies or looking for credible validation pathways, we encourage you to reach out.
Read Sports Business Journal’s article about the ISTS here.