What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

Seeing Matty say that golf isn't a sport kind of got me wondering what qualifies or disqualifies a sport?

I had a run in at work that got me thinking about this as well. A crazy guy came in my store and asked where my guns were for deer hunting. I apologized and said we don't carry guns. He then said to me "what kind of f-ng sporting store is this?" I replied, "see the basketballs, the volleyballs etc...hunting is not a sport it's a hobby."

So what sports do you guys think aren't really sports. And what hobbies do you guys feel are actual sports? (and why?)

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sport]sport - Definitions from Dictionary.com[/url]

[QUOTE]Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
sport Audio Help /spɔrt, spoʊrt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[spawrt, spohrt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc.
2. a particular form of this, esp. in the out of doors.
3. diversion; recreation; pleasant pastime.
4. jest; fun; mirth; pleasantry: What he said in sport was taken seriously.
5. mockery; ridicule; derision: They made sport of him.
6. an object of derision; laughingstock.
7. something treated lightly or tossed about like a plaything.
8. something or someone subject to the whims or vicissitudes of fate, circumstances, etc.
9. a sportsman.
10. Informal. a person who behaves in a sportsmanlike, fair, or admirable manner; an accommodating person: He was a sport and took his defeat well.
11. Informal. a person who is interested in sports as an occasion for gambling; gambler.
12. Informal. a flashy person; one who wears showy clothes, affects smart manners, pursues pleasurable pastimes, or the like; a bon vivant.
13. Biology. an organism or part that shows an unusual or singular deviation from the normal or parent type; mutation.
14. Obsolete. amorous dalliance.
–adjective 15. of, pertaining to, or used in sports or a particular sport.
16. suitable for outdoor or informal wear: sport clothes.
–verb (used without object) 17. to amuse oneself with some pleasant pastime or recreation.
18. to play, frolic, or gambol, as a child or an animal.
19. to engage in some open-air or athletic pastime or sport.
20. to trifle or treat lightly: to sport with another's emotions.
21. to mock, scoff, or tease: to sport at suburban life.
22. Botany. to mutate.
–verb (used with object) 23. to pass (time) in amusement or sport.
24. to spend or squander lightly or recklessly (often fol. by away).
25. Informal. to wear, display, carry, etc., esp. with ostentation; show off: to sport a new mink coat.
26. Archaic. to amuse (esp. oneself).
—Idiom27. sport one's oak. oak (def. 5). [/QUOTE]

The funny thing is that hunting doesn't really fit that first definition, even though it's used as an example.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

I know several hunters that go out and sit around and drink beer all day and wait for a deer to show up. One guy actually said he never even stood up out of his chair and shot a deer. How the hell is that a sport?

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

One man's sport is another man's hobby...

AMD - It does take skill and being competitive to hunt. Whether the competition is with your buddies or with nature itself, plus you have to be a decent shot to have any kind of success.

jsarno - sitting in a stand drinking all day and shooting your gun is not a sport, that is a hobby. A sport is when it's a competition.

There is a fine line between many sports/hobbies. I think it has to do with execution.

Take golf for example: If you are out with your buddies for 18 holes, drinking beer and goofing off...it's a hobby. If you are golfing in some sort of competition, whether it be high school, college, amateur tourneys, pro tourneys, leagues, etc, then it's a sport.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

Hell, I was a two sport phenom last night.
I at dominated first base for my kickball team and then I made a strong (albeit short lived) showing in a 1-on-1 beer pong tournament.
I'm about ready for the offseason.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[QUOTE=ArtMonkDrillz;446453]Hell, I was a two sport phenom last night.
I at dominated first base for my kickball team and then I made a strong (albeit short lived) showing in a 1-on-1 beer pong tournament.
I'm about ready for the offseason.[/QUOTE]

beer pong sounds like fun.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[QUOTE=jsarno;446454]beer pong sounds like fun.[/QUOTE]I think I'm slowly starting to out grow it, but it can still be fun from time to time.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

So does this mean (even by definition) that playing playstation is a sport?

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

To me, a sport would entail (and I've taken an entire college course based around this question) any activity that involves competition, rules, and requires physical or spatial/locomotion acumen.

Auto Racing, so long as it is competitive and outlined in rules, would be a sport because to be successful, one needs to perceive the physics and movement of all the other cars around them, in order to pick the correct move and it's done in real time. Golf, by the same definition, would also be a sport, in the sense that one must perceive the flight of the ball prior to it being struck, and then actually use physical force to move the ball.

Chess is not a sport by this definition, because the physical/locomotion aspect is a non essential feature of chess. If the pieces were robotic instead of moved by the players themselves, it wouldn't really take away from the game at all. Same thing with poker.

So Car Racing/Golf=sports, Poker/Chess=non-sports.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[quote=jsarno;446463]So does this mean (even by definition) that playing playstation is a sport?[/quote]I would have to say no. No structured rules system there, especially from game to game.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

Ugh. Golf is definitely a sport. It's not even close to not being a sport. It takes intense coordination, strength, flexibility, skill, strategy, and smarts.

Just because it doesn't get your heartbeat going doesn't mean it's not a sport.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;446464]To me, a sport would entail (and I've taken an entire college course based around this question) any activity that involves competition, rules, and requires physical or spatial/locomotion acumen.

Auto Racing, so long as it is competitive and outlined in rules, would be a sport because to be successful, one needs to perceive the physics and movement of all the other cars around them, in order to pick the correct move and it's done in real time. Golf, by the same definition, would also be a sport, in the sense that one must perceive the flight of the ball prior to it being struck, and then actually use physical force to move the ball.

Chess is not a sport by this definition, because the physical/locomotion aspect is a non essential feature of chess. If the pieces were robotic instead of moved by the players themselves, it wouldn't really take away from the game at all. Same thing with poker.

So Car Racing/Golf=sports, Poker/Chess=non-sports.[/QUOTE]


I like this definition.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

The term sports very general by definition. I guess my basic take on Daly is he's not an athlete is the sense of someone who trains hard physically and is in great condition. Is he great at what he does? Sure. Would I be able to compete with him in golf? No way. But I gurantee I could run circles around him in just about any other sort of physical competition. But that doesn't make me an athlete either. So in the end I don't know what I'm saying.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[quote=jsarno;446463]So does this mean (even by definition) that playing playstation is a sport?[/quote]

Well there are plenty of gaming leagues and competitions these days... but is a Madden tournament for example qualify as a sporting event? Probably not I guess.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

Is playing Nintendo Wii a sport? Physical action, competition

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;446477]Well there are plenty of gaming leagues and competitions these days... but is a Madden tournament for example qualify as a sporting event? Probably not I guess.[/QUOTE]

The question was posed in more of a joking fashion than anything. But according to definition, it would be a sport. I find that amazing. You have to remember it does take some form of talent and practice to use a playstation controller and have excellent hand/eye coordination.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

I am a firm believer in anything which could cause any injury (something that would fall between a career ending injury and a hamstring pull) is a sport.

Competitive eating is not a sport (I've heard people say it is)

I do believe cheerleading is a sport though. One of my friends in the past was a cheerleader and broke her leg once doing it. Healed it up and went right back to doing it again. To me, that's definitely a sport.

I think bull riding is a sport too.. I enjoy watching it, that's for sure.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[quote=Schneed10;446467]Ugh. Golf is definitely a sport. It's not even close to not being a sport. [B]It takes intense coordination, strength,[/B] [B]flexibility, skill, strategy, and smarts.[/B]

Just because it doesn't get your heartbeat going doesn't mean it's not a sport.[/quote]
this could describe getting laid. is that a sport? i think that golf, bowling, horse racing, car racing, darts, poker, and anything along the lines of bar room athletics, are not sports. probably should be considered competitive contests. because i think Matty is on to something. being physical is a big part of sports. with this in mind, golf just doesn't cut it

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[QUOTE=dmek25;446504]this could describe getting laid. is that a sport? i think that golf, bowling, horse racing, car racing, darts, poker, and anything along the lines of bar room athletics, are not sports. probably should be considered competitive contests. because i think Matty is on to something. being physical is a big part of sports. with this in mind, golf just doesn't cut it[/QUOTE]

It depends on what you're definition of "physical" is (and I'm not referring to the getting laid question)

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[QUOTE=dmek25;446504]this could describe getting laid. is that a sport? i think that golf, bowling, horse racing, car racing, darts, poker, and anything along the lines of bar room athletics, are not sports. probably should be considered competitive contests. because i think Matty is on to something. being physical is a big part of sports. with this in mind, golf just doesn't cut it[/QUOTE]

I agree

"I am a firm believer in anything which could cause any injury (something that would fall between a career ending injury and a hamstring pull) is a sport."

couldn't you consider child birth a sport?

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[quote=Duffman003;446518]I agree

"I am a firm believer in anything which could cause any injury (something that would fall between a career ending injury and a hamstring pull) is a sport."

[B]couldn't you consider child birth a sport[/B]?[/quote]
i dont know about that. but after watching my wife give birth to my daughter, who was 10 lbs. 10oz. and my son, who was 12lbs 12oz, no way in hell would i ever go thu with it

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

How about posting on The Warpath?

We're all at risk for carpal tunnel

LOL

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[quote=DynamiteRave;446501]I am a firm believer in anything which could cause any injury (something that would fall between a career ending injury and a hamstring pull) is a sport.

Competitive eating is not a sport (I've heard people say it is)

I do believe cheerleading is a sport though. One of my friends in the past was a cheerleader and broke her leg once doing it. Healed it up and went right back to doing it again. To me, that's definitely a sport.

I think bull riding is a sport too.. I enjoy watching it, that's for sure.[/quote]

Do you ride bulls, Rave?

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

What about the Spelling Bee?

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;446485]Is playing Nintendo Wii a sport? Physical action, competition[/quote]In very, very specific situations, it certainly could be.

You would absoultely need a pretty thick rule book to create a sport centered around "Wii-playing".

Just playing for recreation without any rules or specific competition is not a sport by any means.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[QUOTE=Duffman003;446518]I agree

"I am a firm believer in anything which could cause any injury (something that would fall between a career ending injury and a hamstring pull) is a sport."

couldn't you consider child birth a sport?[/QUOTE]

What about an elderly person falling while walking and breaking a hip? I can see how you would like that definition to apply, but it can't in a lot of circumstances.

DRave, I am still trying to wrap my mind around cheerleading as a sport. I'm gonna have to think about that one.

ps- Bull riding is stupidity, but I can see how it could be a sport.
WHo the hell saw a bucking bull and said (in a strong southern drawl), huh huh, I want to ride that there bull????

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

This thread has wandered into the ridiculous.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

Let me settle this here. A sport, and I don't even care what the dictionary says.. but to me a sport is anything that involves some sort of organized competition. No injury needs to be involved... chess is a sport, is it not? Don't see too many injuries in chess...

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[QUOTE=ArtMonkDrillz;446462]I think I'm slowly starting to out grow it, but it can still be fun from time to time.[/QUOTE]

O'sheas in Las Vegas Has beer pong!!!
It's across the street from caesers palace.

Beer Pong is a sport there.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[QUOTE=jsarno;446719]

DRave, I am still trying to wrap my mind around cheerleading as a sport. I'm gonna have to think about that one.[/QUOTE]

OK, I thought about, and I can see how the competitions could be a sport, but not what cheerleading was intially designed for which is cheerleading at a football / basketball game etc. They are there for entertainment only, and I think even competitions are for entertainment, but do to the competitive nature of the competitions I am willing to call those a sport.

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[quote=dmek25;446523]i dont know about that. but after watching my wife give birth to my daughter, who was 10 lbs. 10oz. and [B]my son, who was 12lbs 12oz,[/B] no way in hell would i ever go thu with it[/quote]

vet min? . . .. .(j/k man thats a big boy!! congrads)

i havent been able to get this qoute just right, i think it is from ernest hemmingay about how there are 3 true sports that all other sports can fall under. pretty sure he made reference to old greek olympic sports about how there the three pure sports.

1 - racing: 40 yd dash, marathon, horse/car racing, swimming, etc.

2 - fighting: boxing, wrestling etc.

3 - ??????: i forgot what the 3rd one is and havent been able to remeber it for a few years now and its killing me. i hope its not something tongue and cheek like golfing.

IF ANYONE KNOWS THIS QUOTE AND KNOWS THE 3RD TRUE SPORT PLEASE HELP ME..

go skins!

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

I believe it was auto racing, mountain climbing, and bullfighting

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

bull fighting sounds right . . . man did i screw that up!

autoracing? hemmingway was around when they raced cars?

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

"There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games."

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[QUOTE=over the mountain;447253]"There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games."[/QUOTE]What about hunting the most dangerous game of all: old drunk hobos?

Re: What qualifies as a "sport", and what disqualifies a "sport"?
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;447287]What about hunting the most dangerous game of all: old drunk hobos?[/quote]

Bum fights is definitely a sport.