When it comes to defining what constitutes a sport, opinions vary widely. Some people include any competitive activity, while others apply a more discerning standard. As a sports reporter, I find it essential to clarify my own definition.
The International Olympic Committee’s Influence
Many rely on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a benchmark for sports recognition. According to the IOC, an activity qualifies as a sport if it is governed by an International Federation (IF). However, this definition feels inadequate; it suggests that the mere existence of a governing body is sufficient to categorize an activity as a sport. This creates a paradox: how can a sport be defined by the presence of an organization that requires it to be a sport in the first place?
A Dictionary Approach
To find a clearer definition, I turned to the dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary defines a sport as “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which individuals or teams compete against one another for entertainment.” Although this definition is a step forward, it also highlights a crucial issue: the level of physical exertion varies from person to person. This subjectivity leads me to formulate my own definition.
My Definition of Sport
For me, a sport is an activity where the average participant could potentially face physical exhaustion. To clarify, physical exhaustion here refers to the risk of losing consciousness due to exertion. This differs from the risk of injury; for instance, while walking down the stairs may lead to a broken leg, it is unlikely to cause someone to pass out.
Examples of Sports
Based on my criteria, activities such as cross country, track, and any running competition qualify as sports due to their potential for causing exhaustion. Weightlifting, gymnastics, and field events also fit this definition, as they involve manipulating mass to the point of exhaustion. Additionally, swimming and competitive dance meet the criteria because of the physical demands they impose. Combat sports like boxing and wrestling are included as well, as they require significant exertion even outside of direct competition.
Activities That Don’t Qualify
Conversely, there are activities I do not consider sports. For example, chess does not meet my definition, nor do golf and table tennis, where the level of exertion required to reach exhaustion surpasses the normal gameplay. Similarly, activities involving motorized vehicles, while challenging and often dangerous, fall outside my definition because the exhaustion experienced doesn’t stem from personal physical effort but rather from external conditions. Video gaming, despite its competitive nature, is also far removed from my concept of a sport.
A Note on Subjectivity
It’s important to clarify that my viewpoint is not meant to belittle non-sport enthusiasts. I appreciate various non-sport activities and recognize their unique challenges. Moreover, I encourage readers to understand that definitions of sports are subjective; everyone is entitled to their own perspective. While I am passionate about my definition, it is just one of many interpretations that can exist. This topic is sure to spark further discussions in future editions of the Trinitonian.
This is part one of an ongoing series exploring the nature of sports.
