Column: Full Court Press
Our friend Noah Webster defines a sport as “a source of diversion and recreation” or “physical activity engaged in for pleasure.”
But what does he know?
It’s not so easy to generalize all sports. Some people would be offended if you told them that their beloved ‘sport’ is nothing of the sort.
Often the argument is just one person’s opinion versus another. Let’s take gymnastics for example.
“Gymastics is a sport because it’s competitive and athletic,” said junior Katie Archer.
Okay, it seems to fit the dictionary definition. So no argument there, right?
Wrong.
“A sport is a contest between people, so if it’s just a judge, it’s relative and I don’t think that’s a sport. It’s an art form,” sophomore Adam Blanch said.
Blanch was then challenged about one of his favorite ‘physical activities engaged in for pleasure:’ Skiing. Is it a sport?
“I think skiing is a sport when you’re racing against other people,” Blanch said. “But it’s more of a hobby or activity otherwise.”
CBSsportsline.com lists a number of sports, including the regulars (basketball, football, soccer, etc.) and a few surprises (auto racing, rowing and horse racing).
They pretty much stick with the mainstream if you overlook their whole section on fantasy sports. While I’ll give rowing the benefit of the doubt, I’d have to question auto racing and horse racing.
Auto racing can almost pull it off, but if we’re agreeing with Webster, then I’m not so sure there’s much physical activity involved. In fact, the pit crew is probably more engaged in a sport than the driver.
Heck, even the fans in the stands may be greater sportsmen when they start a drinking contest
during the 250th lap.
How about horse racing? I’ll give it sport status … for the horse.
The jockey’s more like a coach. For everyone but the horse, horse racing is just as much a sport as video poker, slot machines or any other form of gambling.
Some people like to get really lax with their definitions of sport.
“Anytime people are competing, it’s a sport,” sophomore Porter Macey said. “It doesn’t matter how they’re competing or what they’re competing in, as long as they’re competing.”
I suppose we could fit that in with Webster’s definition, but how far can it take us?
By this definition, a spelling bee would be a sport. Chess becomes a sport. Musical chairs can be a sport.
“Musical chairs is a sport because you’re competing against numerous people. You’re pushing, you’re shoving, and the best man wins,” Macey said.
There you have it. Agree or disagree. While you argue with your roommates about speed-walking and curling, I’m going to play one of my favorite sports –
Scrabble.
Ben Walker is a sophomore major in print journalism. Comments can be sent to
benwalker@cc.usu.edu