Sports are a form of physical activity based on competition and rules. They aim to develop participants’ physical abilities, and improve their mental health.
Many people participate in sports because they are good for their health, and to have fun. They also teach youth how to interact with others. However, what makes a sport a “sport” is not always clear.
The modern concept of a sport started in England in the late 17th century. It was initially conceived as an autotelic physical contest for adults, although it evolved into a form of entertainment for children.
Today, many different sports exist between single players. Others have multiple winners. Sometimes there are two teams, or there may be a tie. In other sports, results are determined by judges.
A sport is usually governed by a set of rules to ensure fair play. Judges may score objective measures, such as the time it takes to complete the course, or subjective measures, such as a player’s ability to run a certain speed.
Modern sports are often divided into national and international competitions. Teams that compete at the highest level put aside their recreational activities to participate in competitions.
Competitions are typically arranged in regular season and playoffs. The winner of a tournament is awarded the title of champion. Some sports allow tie-breaking methods.
Traditionally, ball games were a common pastime among ancient civilizations. However, this practice was largely driven underground by Puritans.
In the 18th century, boxing became a popular sport. It was accompanied by the development of televised sports such as Cornhole and Poker.