⚠️ The Hidden Risks of AI in Sports Organisations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) are rapidly transforming sports organisations—enhancing coaching, performance analysis, and administrative efficiency. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Are sports organisations fully aware of the hidden data risks involved?

🚨 A Real-World Incident

Last week, a major sports organisation approached us after discovering a critical AI-related data breach.

They found that staff members had privately used LLM models without organisational permission, leading to an unintended data leak. By the time they realised, it was too late—the AI models had been fed a large volume of confidential information, including:

🔹 Strategic documents related to governance, operations, and funding.
🔹 Highly sensitive personal data of athletes, coaches, and staff — without anonymisation.
🔹 Internal performance reports and metrics, which could be exploited by competitors.

The Most Alarming Part?

The organisation had no control over where this data had gone, how it was stored, or who had access to it. This serves as a stark warning to all sports organisations that unregulated AI use can pose significant security threats.

🛡️ How Sports Organisations Can Avoid These Risks

✅ 1. Educate Your Team

Ensure that staff, coaches, and affiliates understand the risks of feeding AI with confidential information. Awareness is the first step toward prevention.

✅ 2. Use Private AI Models

Instead of relying on public AI services, use open-source LLMs within a secure, closed environment. This prevents sensitive data from being stored or accessed externally.

✅ 3. Deploy Organisational AI Solutions

Invest in custom fine-tuned AI models tailored to your needs, ensuring full control over data handling while benefiting from AI-driven efficiencies.

✅ 4. Establish Strict AI Usage Policies

Define clear rules and protocols on AI use within your organisation. Who can use AI? What data is permitted? What AI tools are allowed? These questions need defined answers.

✅ 5. Regularly Audit AI Use

Conduct frequent reviews to monitor whether AI tools are being used securely and appropriately. Early detection of unauthorized AI use can prevent major data leaks.

🚨 The Organisation's Responsibility

Every sports organisation is responsible for how AI is used within its ecosystem. Even if individual staff members use AI privately, the organisation is still accountable for data security breaches and ethical concerns.

Key Takeaway:

AI is a powerful tool—but without proper governance and security measures, it can become a major risk. Sports organisations must act now to ensure that AI adoption is safe, ethical, and secure.

At SportERP, we help sports organisations implement AI responsibly. Contact us to explore secure AI solutions tailored to your needs.

🚀 Stay ahead of AI risks — secure your sports organisation today