Amongst the unwashed masses, there is a persistent epidemic of lexical ignorance. Throughout the English-speaking world, millions of innocent people go about their daily lives without the slightest notion of the true nature of sport; they, in their generous but ignorant way, bless many an activity with the title of "sport," but they, sadly, are often mistaken. However, there is hope for you, O neophytes; I am here to enlighten you.
Thus, I present the Rigorous Definition of a Sport:
A sport is any activity in which all of
the following take place:
- An individual playing session is held between exactly two opposing
players or teams.
- The successful completion of a playing session results in a win for
one player or team and a loss for the other or a tie between the
two players or teams.
- An integer score is assigned to each team corresponding directly to
the number of times certain predetermined actions are performed by that
team. The only judgment by any official regarding the score is whether
these actions were performed. The winner of the playing session is
determined by the final score.
- The players regularly engage in rapid, self-propelled
locomotion. Examples include, but are not limited to, running, skating,
and swimming.
- The duration of the game is limited either by time or by the
completion of a preselected number of play units, the scope of which is
determined by the completion of certain events during play.
- The objective of the activity does not at any time directly involve
physically harming an opponent.
- The status of a solid inanimate object, movable by the force of one
player, is of central importance when play is active. Furthermore, when
play is active, the object is not physically attached to any player; and
it is not rendered motionless, held, or contained by any player for an
extended period of time.
- No live animals, other than humans, are used.
In accordance with this definition,
the following are sports:
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cricket
- Football
- Handball
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Racquetball
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Softball
- Squash
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Water polo
In accordance with this definition,
the following are not sports:
- Air hockey
- Archery
- Automobile racing
- Biathlon
- Billiards
- Bobsled
- Bowling
- Boxing
- Canoeing/kayaking
- Card games
- Cheerleading
- Croquet
- Curling
- Cycling
- Diving
- Equestrian
- Fencing
- Figure skating
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Jai alai
- Luge
- Martial arts
- Polo
- Rowing
- Sailing
- Shooting
- Speed skating
- Skiing, ski jump, and snowboarding
- Swimming
- Synchronized swimming
- Table tennis
- Track and field
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Questions and comments regarding the Rigorous Definition of a Sport
should be directed to Steve Healey at
(sehealey [AT] stanford [DOT] edu). Hate mail is welcome and appreciated!