The current trend of entitlement has led many people to call any competitive event they participate in a "sport," and anything remotely creative they do, "art." Just because ESPN had some air time to fill at 3 a.m. and decided to air competitive jump-roping, it doesn't mean it will make the cover of their magazine at any point. The system we have developed for classifying events separates them into games, races, and pageantry. There are varieties of each where the sport requires athleticism, but to be a sport, the event must be both a game, and an athletic event. It is important to note that just because some of the people who participate may be athletes, that does not mean that you have to be an athlete to participate. For example: Tiger Woods is an athlete, but not all golfers must be as athletic as him.
Soccer:
A team game that is running intensive, and the object is to move the ball past opposing players and a goalie, so that it crosses the goal line in between vertical goalposts, and under a crossbar that connects the goal posts.
Is it a game?
Yes – People play against each other to score points, and the winner is the one with the most points at the end of a designated time period.
Does it require athleticism?
Yes – It is estimated that a mid fielder runs upwards of 5 miles during a game.
The Verdict:
Soccer is a sport - But it is debatable about whether it is entertaining or enjoyable.
Other sports similar to soccer: basketball, hockey, football, rugby, field hockey, lacrosse, murderball, etc.
Running:
The object of all running events is to cover a specified distance in the least amount of time, the times are compared and the winner is the one with the lowest time. By definition this is a race.
Is it a game?:
No - there is little to no strategy other than "run faster." Plus, the real opponents are the clock and yourself.
Does it require athleticism?:
Yes.
The Verdict:
Running is not a sport because other sports do it just to warm up.
NASCAR:
Racing in cars. The best time wins.
Is it a game?:
No – It is close because other people can make you change your strategy mid-way through, but the important thing is covering the same distance in the least time, making it a race.
Does it require athleticism?:
No –While many agree that it is very difficult to maintain your focus while enduring temperatures of over 100 degrees, welders endure the same temperatures while wearing coveralls, boots, and helmets. And they still skillfully utilize machinery to accomplish their goal. Enduring heat does not make you an athlete, just ask those starving kids from the commercials with the distended bellies.
The Verdict:
Although difficult, this activity does not qualify as a sport.
Cheerleading:
Initially started as a way to support and catch the attention of athletes playing sports, cheerleading has evolved into an actual competition itself, where cheer teams cheer for their school's teams while they are the only team from their school competing. I guess that means they are cheering to support themselves. The displays of spirit in forms of acrobatics, yelling, and creepy smiles is then given a score by judges, and then scores are compared, with the highest score winning.
Is it a game?:
No – Judges giving a score based on a choreographed routine is pageantry, as the opponents mean much less than the judges.
Does it require athleticism?:
Yes – Except the occasional unathletic girl, referred to as a “base”, who joined simply for the companionship, much like a frat boy, but without the penis or the rape tendencies.
The Verdict:
Cheerleading is merely athletic pageantry – Yes it is difficult to do, and you pretty much have to be athletic to do it, but no, it is not a sport.
Other athletic pageants are figure skating, freestyle skiing, many of the X-Games, and gymnastics.
Baseball
One team throws to the other team, who tries to hit the ball into the field of play with a bat, so they can advance around the bases, upon arrival at the fourth base one point is awarded to the team batting. Automatic point if ball clears the field of play while staying between two posts.
Is it a game?:
Yes – The goal is to score the most points, and play is completely dependent on other teams actions.
Does it require athleticism?:
Partially – Second baseman, shortstop, centerfielder all have to be athletes. Catcher, first baseman, and DH do not. Since about half the team has to be athletic, and the other half does not, this is a difficult call.
The Verdict:
It is considered a sport*
