Who you calling sport?
A British court recently took up the question of whether the card game bridge should be considered a sport. The outcome of the case determined financing and tax breaks for the English Bridge Union if they can convince the powdered wigs that bridge should have a seat next to track and field or English football.
But if bridge can be up for debate, what else will claim it’s a sport? Where’s the line to become an athlete anymore?
Take e-sports, or what most laymen would call “watching someone play video games.” More than 128 million people in North America and Europe identify as fans of e-sports, and major arenas like Madison Square Garden and the Staples Center fill up with spectators watching “competitive gaming.”
The world’s 24-hour sports network even shows e-sports, but that standard may not be enough. Earning a highlight on SportsCenter means spelling bees and hot dog eating contests are also under consideration. Other than perhaps Babe Ruth and William “Refrigerator” Perry, an athlete’s appetite has usually been a sideshow to the actual game.
So I’ll go by the origin of the word — “sport” refers to any entertainment, leisure, pastime or amusement. Sounds a bit like how most of us treat golf, bowling or sailing. Maybe cards or a video game isn’t too much of a departure. But while the term “sports” may expand and evolve, “athletics” shouldn’t stretch as far.
Athletics have a few basics, and one of the fundamentals is getting the heart rate up. Next comes some running, maybe physical contact and bursts of energy. Maybe some shouting (participants or coaches), and the need to hit the showers. There’s thought and strategy — no different than a poker face or a pool sharp — but the pairing of brawn and brains is needed to make this list.
I’m afraid the bridge column in the newspaper will stay tucked away by the comics and crossword puzzle rather than the sports page, no matter what the British courts decide, and I’ll be calling bocce ball an activity rather than athletics. And rather than a Sports Prophecy talking about about what will happen in the world of sports — this one’s about what won’t make the cut here.