What is a Sport?

Posted on | February 17, 2010 | 2 Comments

**UPDATE**
We, the PubGuys, feel that this is a valid enough opinion (3 of the 4 of us do, anyway) that we have given this post it’s own page.

The Olympics are in full swing and we are all enjoying watching those who are the best at what they do compete. However, I think it is also time to review exactly what is a sport. The below criteria will be discussed tonight on the PubGuys Sports Edition at The Firehouse Grill in Mansfield. Come to the show and be heard!

What is a sport?

To be classified a sport it must:
1. Have well understood rules and a clear winner
2. Judgment must not play the most important part of determining the outcome
3. Physical exertion, however minimal, must occur during the play of the sport

There are two categories of sports

1. Organized – An organized sport has an official and recognized governing body such as FIFA, NCAA, or NASCAR
2. Unorganized – An unorganized sport has well-understood rules but no widely recognized governing body

Purity of Sport

There are different degrees of purity of a sport. A Sport that needs very little or no officiating to enforce or interpret the rules is more pure. A Sport that requires many potentially biased officials or jurors to interpret and enforce the rules is less pure. A sport that requires a third party to judge the participants in part, but not in whole, to determine the winner is still a sport, but at the lowest end of the purity scale.

Recognition of Athleticism

The rules of determining the validity or purity of a sport is not meant to imply that other events’ participants are not athletic. There are many examples of events that require great skill and physical exertion and that are governed by a set of rules. However, if that event fails to meet the above criteria, it is suggested here that it be known as an “athletic event” or if one prefers an “athletic competition”.

Examples of sports vs. athletic competition

Sports – Alpine Skiing, American Football, Association Football (soccer), Bull Riding, 500m relay, darts, kickball.
Athletic Event/Competition – Figure Skating, Gymnastics, Jogging, Synchronized Swimming.

Category: Blog, General
Tags: Commentary > Controversy > Olympics > Opinion > Sports

Comments

2 Responses to “What is a Sport?”

Klobetime
February 17th, 2010 @ 16:48

I wish I could join y’all in Mansfield tonight – as you know this is a topic near and dear to me!
Klobetime
February 24th, 2010 @ 10:20

Ha! http://www.leasticoulddo.com/comic/20100224