What constitutes a sport?

[Guynemer]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten
My three criteria:

1. Must be played by teams

No. Tennis is most definitely a sport.

2. Outcome must be decided by points scored (no subjective judging like in gymnastics or ice skating)

Absolutely--to me, this is absolutely the most critical criterion.

3. Must have aggressive physical contact between members of opposing teams

I would say instead that it must involve vigorous physical activity--cycling and track and swimming are most definitely sports.

Those would be my two criteria. That doesn't mean that non-sports are "lesser" or easier than sports--it is abundantly clear that gymnasts are infinitely more athletic than baseball players. It just makes them different.

Sports: Hockey, basketball, football, baseball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, boxing (if it ends in a knockout), track, swimming, rowing, cycling, etc.

Athletic non-sports: gymnastics, diving, figure skating, boxing (if no knockout), etc.

Non-athletic non-sports: bowling, auto racing, darts, golf, horse racing (for the jockey), etc.

[vovan]

Originally posted by Guynemer
Sports: boxing (if it ends in a knockout)

Athletic non-sports: boxing (if no knockout)

Interesting

[Guynemer]

The victor in a sport should not have to rely on a judge's subjective decision. Thus, the distinction.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by Guynemer
The victor in a sport should not have to rely on a judge's subjective decision. Thus, the distinction.

And yet it is a bit silly to assume that the combatants (or at least their corner men) in a boxing match are not somewhat aware of the potential scoring. The subjective scoring (or what is percieved as the score) has an effect on strategy.

[Drake Tungsten]

Oh. It that case American Football isn't a sport because they have all that protective clothing meaning there is no physical contact.

No. Tennis is most definitely a sport.

Teams and teamwork are a very important part of what I consider true sports. Playing on a team requires an athlete to have more than just individual talent. Teams also help prevent dominant athletes from running roughshod over their competition, leading to more involved strategy and more interesting competition.

As for tennis, it's a recreational exercise for the elderly...

That doesn't mean that non-sports are "lesser" or easier than sports--it is abundantly clear that gymnasts are infinitely more athletic than baseball players. It just makes them different.

I feel the same way. I in no way think that the athletic activities I define as "sports" are inherently better than the ones I define as "competitions". They're just different.

"Sports" are more popular, however.

[Dis]

Originally posted by Guynemer


No. Tennis is most definitely a sport.



Absolutely--to me, this is absolutely the most critical criterion.

3. Must have aggressive physical contact between members of opposing teams

I would say instead that it must involve vigorous physical activity--cycling and track and swimming are most definitely sports.

Those would be my two criteria. That doesn't mean that non-sports are "lesser" or easier than sports--it is abundantly clear that gymnasts are infinitely more athletic than baseball players. It just makes them different.

Sports: Hockey, basketball, football, baseball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, boxing (if it ends in a knockout), track, swimming, rowing, cycling, etc.

Athletic non-sports: gymnastics, diving, figure skating, boxing (if no knockout), etc.

Non-athletic non-sports: bowling, auto racing, darts, golf, horse racing (for the jockey), etc.

I would agree with your definition the most. I've always considered sports to have at least moderate physical activity. You didn't mention golf in your list, and it's one of the reasons why I made this thread. Is golf a sport?

Yeah in pro golf they aren't allowed to use carts and have to walk from hole to hole. But walking isn't a sport. And I can't say golf is a sport.

I've always thought of sports as a way to prove man's physical superiority over his opponents and the environment. In a way, it's a way for men to prove how skilled they are should we revert back to some kind of hunter/gatherer society. Sports show prowess in combat and hunting. Though strangely, I don't consider hunting a sport. There are just too many modern devices to make hunting a non-challenge. So this is why I say sports must have some physical activity. Billiards and pool are not sports. Sure the skills are useful (hand eye coordination and all that) in a survivalist sense, but really it's a thinking man's game. Even golf is more mental than physical.

[LordShiva]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten

No. Tennis is most definitely a sport.

Teams and teamwork are a very important part of what I consider true sports. Playing on a team requires an athlete to have more than just individual talent. Teams also help prevent dominant athletes from running roughshod over their competition, leading to more involved strategy and more interesting competition.

What about doubles?

[vovan]

Originally posted by Dis
Though strangely, I don't consider hunting a sport. There are just too many modern devices to make hunting a non-challenge.

Indeed. I've always said people should only be allowed to hunt with bows and knives.

[flipside]

Originally posted by vovan


Indeed. I've always said people should only be allowed to hunt with bows and knives.

For some reason I'm reminded of the classic bye-law that say you can shoot Welshmen from inside Chester city walls after midnight as long as you use a longbow.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by flipside
For some reason I'm reminded of the classic bye-law that say you can shoot Welshmen from in inside Chester city walls after midnight as long as you use a longbow.

I approve of this law!

[LordShiva]

Mobius is a Welshman

[flipside]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui




I approve of this law!

It just a shame you have to go to York for the Scots.

[vovan]

Originally posted by flipside
For some reason I'm reminded of the classic bye-law that say you can shoot Welshmen from inside Chester city walls after midnight as long as you use a longbow.

The real question is what the law says about whether the said shooting of Welshmen qualifies as a sport.

[Drake Tungsten]

What about doubles?

No physical contact.

[Dis]

and finally, is sex a sport?

and don't get me started on seeing spelling bees on espn2. Do they have nothing better to show on that channel?