Are pro racing drivers athletes ?

[Blue Hen]

....the NASCAR Cup guys, for example ....

[Bucs90]

No. They are not. I judge "athlete" by the following:

If the activity were being done recreationally, as normal people just doing the same motion but on a smaller scale, would it be athletic and considered "sport"? For example:

Playing organized NFL football vs playing backyard football. Yes.
Playing organized NBA basketball vs a pickup game on the playground. Yes.
Running the 1600 meter race in the Olympics vs running 1 mile for recreation. Yes.
Boxing in a heavyweight championship fight vs sparring in a small gym. Yes.

So, what is the equivalent of driving in a NASCAR event? Driving a car, in a fast interstate, in the heat of the South, without air conditioning. Would that make it a "sport" and the driver of the car an "athlete"? I say not.

However, I do acknowledge the skill and knowledge needed to be successful in NASCAR, just NOT athleticism.

[Blue Hen]

I would suggest a better example......Driving in NASCAR Cup Races vs running Saturday night local small track races for hobbyists/amatuers..not just riding down the interstate in a family car.

[HellYeahHokie]

....the NASCAR Cup guys, for example ....

No more than fishermen. Maybe competitive sportsmen.

Though admittedly, it must take some fitness to be a NASCAR driver. You just don't see fat drivers , but there are fat baseball players. Tony Stewart is a little chunky, I guess. But maybe that's a practicality. If you can't fit through the window, you can't drive. :)

[Bucs90]

I would suggest a better example......Driving in NASCAR Cup Races vs running Saturday night local small track races for hobbyists/amatuers..not just riding down the interstate in a family car.

Hmmm. But thats still an organized, formal competition. I suppose I mean the action taken as a voluntary, unorganized and somewhat spontaneous event. Like a pickup football, basketball game. A spur of the moment jog in the afternoon.

So, a local small track race? Lets say there are 20-30 cars, being driven 80-100mph or so, with everyone jockeying for better positions. Would that not be similar, in athletic ability necessary, to 20-30 people on Interstate 95 going 80-100, passing each other? The driver of that race car, and the driver of the car on I-95, don't require any additional athletic ability for either action. Intelligence about winning the event, yes, but athletic ability? The athletic ability to drive a car on I-95 100 mph is the same needed to drive a race car.

[aufan59]

NASCAR is a sport. A physical activity where you compete on the playing field, race track, etc. is a sport. If you compete through a score card, like golf, then it is not a sport.

[HellYeahHokie]

NASCAR is a sport. A physical activity where you compete on the playing field, race track, etc. is a sport. If you compete through a score card, like golf, then it is not a sport.

Last I checked, golf was a physical activity played on a field.

If golf isn't a sport because it has a scorecard, do we also discount events that are timed with a stopwatch?

[ZOOMBAG]

Hmmm. But thats still an organized, formal competition. I suppose I mean the action taken as a voluntary, unorganized and somewhat spontaneous event. Like a pickup football, basketball game. A spur of the moment jog in the afternoon.

So, a local small track race? Lets say there are 20-30 cars, being driven 80-100mph or so, with everyone jockeying for better positions. Would that not be similar, in athletic ability necessary, to 20-30 people on Interstate 95 going 80-100, passing each other? The driver of that race car, and the driver of the car on I-95, don't require any additional athletic ability for either action. Intelligence about winning the event, yes, but athletic ability? The athletic ability to drive a car on I-95 100 mph is the same needed to drive a race car.

Some things have one foot in each camp, sport vs "skilled competition". I know for a fact football, basketball, baseball, hockey, etc... are sports. I know figure skating, and these "extreme" skiing/snowboarding, curling, etc.. things are NOT a sport. Bowling, golf, race car driving, horse racing????? Not sure....

[ZOOMBAG]

Last I checked, golf was a physical activity played on a field.

If golf isn't a sport because it has a scorecard, do we also discount events that are timed with a stopwatch?

I'm an avid golfer, but I have a hard time convincing myself I am playing a sport. I also play adult baseball (not that girl's game, softball, but the real thing) and I have no doubt that is a sport. Bowling is another one I have trouble with.

Then there are the timed events or races. Not sure track and field are really sport, but just athletic competition.

I do not classify "judged" competitions to be sports. Anything decided by a subjective panel review is clearly NOT a sport......like FBS football, for instance....

[aufan59]

Last I checked, golf was a physical activity played on a field.

If golf isn't a sport because it has a scorecard, do we also discount events that are timed with a stopwatch?

Golf isn't a sport because you don't play against your opponent. Nothing they do affects what you do.

[HellYeahHokie]

Golf isn't a sport because you don't play against your opponent. Nothing they do affects what you do.

So basically you are saying basically everything in track and field isn't a sport?

What a ludicrous definition of sport you have.

[HellYeahHokie]

I'm an avid golfer, but I have a hard time convincing myself I am playing a sport. I also play adult baseball (not that girl's game, softball, but the real thing) and I have no doubt that is a sport. Bowling is another one I have trouble with.

Then there are the timed events or races. Not sure track and field are really sport, but just athletic competition.

I do not classify "judged" competitions to be sports. Anything decided by a subjective panel review is clearly NOT a sport......like FBS football, for instance....

Well, then you are just getting into silly semantic arguments if think "athletic competitions" don't fall under the category of sport.

PS. Subjective panels for the BCS don't determine an outcome, just who the competitors are. That doesn't make the game itself 'not a sport'

[aufan59]

So basically you are saying basically everything in track and field isn't a sport?

What a ludicrous definition of sport you have.

No, I think that example proves the definition. Since when is running a sport?

[ZOOMBAG]

Golf isn't a sport because you don't play against your opponent. Nothing they do affects what you do.

Match play, $10 a hole?

[ZOOMBAG]

So basically you are saying basically everything in track and field isn't a sport?

What a ludicrous definition of sport you have.

I don't think track and field is a sport... I think Aufan has something there in that what you do needs to have some effect on your opponent(s) ability to perform. Track is "athletic", but hard to call it "sport". Bowling has the same problem as does golf. both require skill, but neither requires much athleticism, but nothing you do in either, has any real effect on your opponent. They are "games" but "games" are not necessarily "sport".

[Hero1957]

My theory is, if you can wear a pair of slacks and not even lose the crease while you perform your "sport", it is not a sport, it is a game.

[aufan59]

I don't think track and field is a sport... I think Aufan has something there in that what you do needs to have some effect on your opponent(s) ability to perform. Track is "athletic", but hard to call it "sport". Bowling has the same problem as does golf. both require skill, but neither requires much athleticism, but nothing you do in either, has any real effect on your opponent. They are "games" but "games" are not necessarily "sport".

Of course I'm onto something.

In a sport you must compete against an opponent. Being able to react to a a live opponent is where most "sports skill" is derived.

For example, you aren't a good QB because you can drop the ball into a bucket 60 yards away every time. You must be able to react to a live defense to be a good QB.

Your "sports skill" as a QB is defined on how you interact with the defense.

Everything else is simply muscle memory. Not a sport, just a trained exercise, like golf.

[HellYeahHokie]

No, I think that example proves the definition. Since when is running a sport?

Because you are competing in an athletic competition. How is that not a sport?

[HellYeahHokie]

Match play, $10 a hole?

hahaha. Good one.

I'd like to see him standing over a 3 ft par putt worth $100 after his opponent just stuck a 30 ft putt to make par.

[HellYeahHokie]

In a sport you must compete against an opponent. Being able to react to a a live opponent is where most "sports skill" is derived.
.

You've obviously never competed in track and field. Otherwise you'd never make such a silly statement.

[HellYeahHokie]

My theory is, if you can wear a pair of slacks and not even lose the crease while you perform your "sport", it is not a sport, it is a game.

Sounds like most baseball pitchers.

[ZOOMBAG]

You've obviously never competed in track and field. Otherwise you'd never make such a silly statement.

They call them the Olympic "GAMES", not sports....for a reason, I suppose...

[ZOOMBAG]

Sounds like most baseball pitchers.

The sorest, and most worn out I've ever been in my life was after throwing 130 pitches in 95 degree heat playing high school legion ball growing up in Texas. Sounds more like a 2nd basemen who never gets and assist for a whole game and goes 0-4 at the plate....

[aufan59]

hahaha. Good one.

I'd like to see him standing over a 3 ft par putt worth $100 after his opponent just stuck a 30 ft putt to make par.

So poker is a sport?

[aufan59]

Because you are competing in an athletic competition. How is that not a sport?

Is weightlifting a sport?

[HellYeahHokie]

Is weightlifting a sport?

Of course, when it's a competition, and not just a recreational activity.

[HellYeahHokie]

So poker is a sport?

It's not athletic. So no.

ESPN doesn't seem to mind.

[aufan59]

Of course, when it's a competition, and not just a recreational activity.

So if I weight lift in Alabama while you weight lift Virginia, it is just a recreational activity.

But when I weight lift in Alabama while you weight lift in Virgina, and we compare how much we lift live over the phone, then it is a sport?

If not, then how close do two people have to be for an otherwise 'recreational activity' to be considered a sport?

[Blue Hen]

Hmmm. But thats still an organized, formal competition. I suppose I mean the action taken as a voluntary, unorganized and somewhat spontaneous event. Like a pickup football, basketball game. A spur of the moment jog in the afternoon.

So, a local small track race? Lets say there are 20-30 cars, being driven 80-100mph or so, with everyone jockeying for better positions. Would that not be similar, in athletic ability necessary, to 20-30 people on Interstate 95 going 80-100, passing each other? The driver of that race car, and the driver of the car on I-95, don't require any additional athletic ability for either action. Intelligence about winning the event, yes, but athletic ability? The athletic ability to drive a car on I-95 100 mph is the same needed to drive a race car.

Well, in your other 'backyard' examples the amatuers are using the same stuff....footballs, basketballs etc. A family car going down the highway isn't even remotely a race car. So, I offered that example based on similar equipment.

[Blue Hen]

Well, they certainly aren't required to run and jump and do things with sticks and balls......so they're not athletes in that sense, but there's an argument for the conditioning required for the physical and mental endurance. Also the mental toughness and focus required is extremely demanding as is the bravado.....and when it comes to hand-eye coordination, I can't think of many sports in which that factor is any more critical....and in today's 'Cup' racing the drivers have to be so much more cerebral and have to know the cars,like engineers do, to make adjustments. I've read where heartbeat rates of drivers, during competition is the highest in sports.These guys can lose up to 10 lbs in a 3-4 hour race .Someone suggested that to be a 'sport' there must be interaction with opponents. We'll,racing inches apart , bumping and grinding for 4 hours at 195 MPH is some big time interaction...not with another competitor, but with up to 40 others.

Anyway,good discussion. I've developed a appreciation for the demands and skills required of those guys. USA Today published a list of the most difficult tasks in sports a few years ago. Hitting the MLB fastball, of course, was #1 ( no contest) but surprisingly, racing CUP cars was # 2....that's all according to their consulted sports scientists...whatever that means.

[HellYeahHokie]

They call them the Olympic "GAMES", not sports....for a reason, I suppose...

They call football, baseball, soccer, etc games too. What's your point?

[HellYeahHokie]

So if I weight lift in Alabama while you weight lift Virginia, it is just a recreational activity.

But when I weight lift in Alabama while you weight lift in Virgina, and we compare how much we lift live over the phone, then it is a sport?

If not, then how close do two people have to be for an otherwise 'recreational activity' to be considered a sport?

Now I think you are just being obtuse. If you are competing in an athletic event against other competitors, you are competing in the same location under the same conditions.

[aufan59]

Now I think you are just being obtuse. If you are competing in an athletic event against other competitors, you are competing in the same location under the same conditions.

No, I'm making my point that weight lifting is not a sport. Something doesn't change to a 'sport' because you start keeping score under same conditions.

Weight lifting, golf, bowling are all muscle memory against a static field.

My definition of a sport is that you play against an opponent on the field(not on a score card) in a physical activity.

[HellYeahHokie]

Something doesn't change to a 'sport' because you start keeping score under same conditions.

Actually, pretty much every sport involves keeping score under the same conditions.

Weight lifting, golf, bowling are all muscle memory against a static field.

Spoken like someone who has never competed in a competitive sport like track or golf. Because what other people are doing very much affects how you play the sport.

My definition of a sport is that you play against an opponent on the field(not on a score card) in a physical activity.

Well, you are entitled to define it anyway you like. My definition of a healthy meal is a bacon cheeseburger and onion rings. Just because every serious nutritionist disagrees with me doesn't mean I'm wrong.

[aufan59]

You can 'draft' to some degree in various track and field events, so we can call that a sport.

I'm just curious as to why something is a sport if you do it next to someone with a score card, but it is not a sport if you do the exact same thing away from someone without a score card.

[HellYeahHokie]

You can 'draft' to some degree in various track and field events, so we can call that a sport.

I'm just curious as to why something is a sport if you do it next to someone with a score card, but it is not a sport if you do the exact same thing away from someone without a score card.

Let me give you an example from golf.

If you are playing against an opponent, you are tied on the 18th tee, and it's a tricky par 3 with lots of hazards near the green. The safe play is to aim to the center of the green and hope to make a long putt. Your opponent hits first drops the ball 2 feet from the pin. How do you think that affects how you are going to play your tee shot? What if your opponent hit the ball in the water? What your opponent does affect how you play the game.

In track a field, its not just about drafting. If a runner goes out at a fast pace, you need to make a decision. Follow him, or run your own pace. What your opponent does affect how you race.

[MFootball]

For me, a "sport" is defined by the level of physical exertion required in performing the act. For a "game" to be considered a "sport", the participant must demonstrate athletic qualities.

Athletic (defined): of or pertaining to athletes; involving the use of physical skills or capabilities, as strength, agility, or stamina:

For example...

Bowling is an act of athletic movements to accomplish a task. The act of throwing a bowling ball is skillful, but it is also an "athletic" movement, requiring a certain level of strength and muscle coordination. Maybe the typical pace of it isn't fast enough to experience extreme fatigue, but the motion itself, if done many times over, will result in physical exhaustion. Go throw a bowling ball down the lane 200 times and see if your arm isn't dead tired.

The same goes for weightlifting. The act requires "athletic" ability, depending of course on difficulty (amount of weight).

I differ from you guys in the fact that I contend a sport is a sport when done BOTH recreationally and competitively. That is, it is a sport if it involves a level of athletic talent that can not be achieved by certain people. Not everyone has the capacity to throw a bowling ball as hard as professional bowler. Not everyone has the physical capacity to swing a golf club as hard or as precise as a professional golfer.

But when I ask myself (barring, of course, people with physical disabilities such as paralysis): "Can anyone perform the PHYSICAL aspects necessary to become a NASCAR driver?" I think the answer is most certainly yes. Anyone has the PHYSICAL CAPABILITY to press the pedals, control the gear shifting mechanism, and steer the car as well as a NASCAR driver. What differentiates a NASCAR driver from someone like myself, however, is the SKILL aspect of it. I could not be a professional NASCAR driver because I am not skilled enough, but certainly I am athletic enough to do so.

The argument has holes for sure, as everything is hinged on a personal definition (as demonstrated by HellYeahHokie's definition of a healthy meal). But my definition of a sport dictates that it must be a physical activity that, when performed, has physical limitations which prevent its replication by people who do not possess certain physical abilities.

[aufan59]

MFootball, the "skill" that you talk about in sports is derived from adjusting to your opponent.

A QB is not skilled because he can throw a football, he is skilled because he can throw a football into coverage while under pressure.

This is a lot different from forming a strategy around your opponents actions, which determines what you will do on a static field of play. Like in HYH's golf example. You may strategize based on what your opponent has done, but you don't react to them in real time.

Reacting to your opposition is the main facet of sports, and what makes a good athlete a good athlete.

[HellYeahHokie]

This is a lot different from forming a strategy around your opponents actions, which determines what you will do on a static field of play. Like in HYH's golf example. You may strategize based on what your opponent has done, but you don't react to them in real time.

Reacting to your opposition is the main facet of sports, and what makes a good athlete a good athlete.

I'm not sure how you define "real time", but if I'm adjusting my play 10 seconds after my opponent just played, that's close enough to real time for me. And guys running a race are most certainly reacting in real time to what their opponents are doing. Ever watch a middle-distance race where all the players are bunched together for a long stretch, till someone makes a move? Tell me that's not real-time adjusting to an opponents' actions.

Seems to me that your definition of sport means the players have to physically engage each other. Which certainly limits the number of things that could be considered a sport. Do you think boxing is a sport? Certainly it meets your definition of players reacting to each other...but the winner is determined by a vote (unless there is a KO). So does that make it not a sport?

[aufan59]

I'm not sure how you define "real time", but if I'm adjusting my play 10 seconds after my opponent just played, that's close enough to real time for me. And guys running a race are most certainly reacting in real time to what their opponents are doing. Ever watch a middle-distance race where all the players are bunched together for a long stretch, till someone makes a move? Tell me that's not real-time adjusting to an opponents' actions.

Seems to me that your definition of sport means the players have to physically engage each other. Which certainly limits the number of things that could be considered a sport. Do you think boxing is a sport? Certainly it meets your definition of players reacting to each other...but the winner is determined by a vote (unless there is a KO). So does that make it not a sport?

By real time, I mean instantly. Reflexes. Every sports skill that we value or awe takes reflexes more than anything. Anyone can lift weights and practice a stroke.

I conceded that running can be considered a sport, and yes, boxing is a sport.

[ZOOMBAG]

Clearly Sports: Football, Baseball, Hockey, Basketball, Soccer, LaCrosse, Rugby, Wrestling, Boxing, Water Polo, Tennis

Games: Golf, Bowling, Curling....

Athletic competitions: Swimming, Skiing, Track and Field, Racing (anything)

Artistic/Athletic competitions: Figure skating, Ski jumping, Snowboarding, Gymnastics, Synchronous Swimming...

[HellYeahHokie]

By real time, I mean instantly. Reflexes. Every sports skill that we value or awe takes reflexes more than anything. Anyone can lift weights and practice a stroke.

Anyone can throw a baseball at a batter or throw a football with someone chasing them too.

You've narrowed the entire definition of sport to something that requires reflexes? Well perhaps that's the only skill that you value or awe, but I'm in awe of many more skills that are involved in sports. I'm in awe of anyone who can stand over a 3 foot downhill putt with half a million dollars on the line and drain it.

[HellYeahHokie]

Clearly Sports: Football, Baseball, Hockey, Basketball, Soccer, LaCrosse, Rugby, Wrestling, Boxing, Water Polo, Tennis
.

Boxing is decided by humans voting. By your football definition, this is not a sport.

[ZOOMBAG]

Boxing is decided by humans voting. By your football definition, this is not a sport.

Ok.

[Bucs90]

I have a few criteria that make something count as a sport:

- You must sweat while doing it. (suppose swimming excepted)
- There must be a score or time to beat.
- You must need to train strength and/or cardio to excell in it.
- It must involve complex motor functions that need to be practiced.
- It must involve running, jumping or some type of sudden full-body explosive movment while participating.
- The largest output of energy must come from a human body, not an animal or machine.
- It cannot be done well while wearing long khaki dress pants.

If it matches all of the above, well, it's a sport. NASCAR doesn't qualify. Golf is out b/c of the khaki dress pants. If I can wear the same outfit to "play" a sport, then go out to eat without changing clothes....it ain't a sport.

[Blue Hen]

Does this mean that ESPN's pro poker players aren't athletes ?

[Blue Hen]

That makes pretty good sense, Mfootball.

[MFootball]

I think modern media has blurred the line between what is a "game" or "competition" and what truly is a "sport. You guys have to understand that ESPN's definition of "sport" only hinges on what they consider to be within their target market. Poker, NASCAR, and football all fall within the range of 18-45 year old males in terms of target market. Therefore, ESPN is willing to consider them of equal value and ability.

I am not here to discount the abilities required by NASCAR drivers. I follow it loosely, and I think the effort put forth by Jimmie Johnson is amongst the most dominant effort we have seen in the modern era of competition, but I do not think it is a "sport". It is correctly classified as a "motorsport" because the athletic movements are being accomplished by the car (ie. motor) instead of the driver. Therefore, the ideology that "not everyone can accomplish it" stands true. Not every CAR can accomplish what stock cars can. Therefore, it is a "motorsport", along side drag racing, snowmobile racing, motorcycle racing, etc. It is most certainly a skill, and a very rare one at that, but it not a "sport" because it does not incorporate necessary physical requirements, in my opinion.

I would contend that a "motorsport" is similar to a "sport" in the aspect that not all MACHINES can accomplish the physical tasks necessary to compete in motorsports, in the same way that not all HUMANS can accomplish the tasks necessary to compete in sports. So, essentially, my contention would be that it is not a "sport" in the general sense, but rather a "sport" amongst machines (where it is generally called a "motorsport"), requiring specific physical abilities to compete. The humans involved (ie. drivers), then, are simply agents to aid in the machine competition, but are not direct competitors in the event. The creation and maintenance of the machine, however, may involve some "athletic" ability, and that is where the line is most commonly blurred in my opinion.

ESPN is an entertainment network, first and foremost. Their considerations for "sport" should not at all be considered in defining what truly is and isn't a sport activity.

[Bucs90]

Does this mean that ESPN's pro poker players aren't athletes ?

That is correct. Poker players are NOT athletes, by any definition, interpretation or confusion. Not athletes. Ever, ever ever.

[MasterBevo]

you guys crack me up... ya'll are OVER-THE-TOP in your anal analysis of EVERYTHING! (not me, of course.;) )

Golf is absolutely a "sport"... it's PHYSICAL and mental competition between people... and, it's freaking hard.

I guarantee you, no matter HOW good you think you are, no one on this board can come close to playing golf as well as the LOWEST ranking member of the PGA tour... not even close.

I say.. anything i can bet on, is "sport"! :D

[aufan59]

Anyone can throw a baseball at a batter or throw a football with someone chasing them too.

You've narrowed the entire definition of sport to something that requires reflexes? Well perhaps that's the only skill that you value or awe, but I'm in awe of many more skills that are involved in sports. I'm in awe of anyone who can stand over a 3 foot downhill putt with half a million dollars on the line and drain it.

If you don't interact with your opponent in real time, then you can do the same exact activity without an opponent.

I just don't think the label of a 'sport' should be determined on where you play or whom you play with. A sport should be labeled such based on the rules of the game.

I'm not saying golf isn't challenging.

[Blue Hen]

Btw, the Associated Press named Jimmie Johnson its 2009 'Athlete' of the Year. Perhaps the AP should change the award's name ?

[Blue Hen]

That is correct. Poker players are NOT athletes, by any definition, interpretation or confusion. Not athletes. Ever, ever ever.

Of course I was joking about poker. I'd rather watch the NBA than that stuff.

[Hero1957]

Of course I was joking about poker. I'd rather watch the NBA than that stuff.

The NBA is filled with great athletes.
I would rather watch paint dry than the NBA.

[MasterBevo]

I just don't think the label of a 'sport' should be determined on where you play or whom you play with.

great... got it. YOU have a whacked definition of what a "sport" is..

So what?

[MasterBevo]

sport (spôrt, sprt)
n.

1.
a. Physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively.

b. A particular form of this activity.

2. An activity involving physical exertion and skill that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often undertaken competitively.

3. An active pastime; recreation.


sport   /spɔrt, spoʊrt/ Show Spelled[spawrt, spohrt] Show IPA
–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.


sport
Function: noun
Date: 15th century

1 a : a source of diversion : recreation b : sexual play c (1) : physical activity engaged in for pleasure (2) : a particular activity (as an athletic game) so engaged in

2 a : pleasantry, jest b : often mean-spirited jesting : mockery, derision

3 a : something tossed or driven about in or as if in play b : laughingstock

4 a : sportsman b : a person considered with respect to living up to the ideals of sportsmanship <a good sport> <a poor sport> c : a companionable person

5 : an individual exhibiting a sudden deviation from type beyond the normal limits of individual variation usually as a result of mutation especially of somatic tissue

[MasterBevo]

Tiddlywinks and marbles qualify as "sports"

[aufan59]

I'm fine with my wacky definition. I just don't think golf is a sport...

But apparently to your dictionaries, sex is. So Tiger Woods is a sports competitor after all.

[MasterBevo]

I'm fine with my wacky definition. I just don't think golf is a sport...

But apparently to your dictionaries, sex is. So Tiger Woods is a sports competitor after all.

Yea.. that last one surprised me too.. I mean, I always considered myself a sports fan. Just didn't know how much!

Interestingly, that last one is from Webster's-Merriam.

[aufan59]

Yea.. that last one surprised me too.. I mean, I always considered myself a sports fan. Just didn't know how much!

Interestingly, that last one is from Webster's-Merriam.

Well, the definition of sports is certainly vague and up for interpretation, which is why I choose to make my own, which excludes all non-sports.

[HellYeahHokie]

Well, the definition of sports is certainly vague and up for interpretation, which is why I choose to make my own, which excludes all non-sports.

The definition wasn't vague, you just don't agree with the definition of a word.

So keep calling it what you want and I'll continue to call a bacon cheeseburger and fries a healthy meal.

Doesn't make either of us right.

[aufan59]

The definition wasn't vague, you just don't agree with the definition of a word.

So keep calling it what you want and I'll continue to call a bacon cheeseburger and fries a healthy meal.

Doesn't make either of us right.

Using those definitions, everything is a sport as long as you are moving while doing it...

[Blue Hen]

Are professional rodeo bull riders athletes ?

[MasterBevo]

Are professional rodeo bull riders athletes ?

You wanna try riding one?

[aufan59]

You wanna try riding one?

So the Crocadile Hunter was practicing a 'sport' when he jumped on the back of a croc?

Or is it not a sport until there are two people jumping on crocs, and a ref with a stopwatch?

[MasterBevo]

So the Crocadile Hunter was practicing a 'sport' when he jumped on the back of a croc?

Or is it not a sport until there are two people jumping on crocs, and a ref with a stopwatch?

I really don't get why you care about this..

But, yea.. if there were published rules about how to ride crocs, people lined up to compete for the best times and technique, and a professional league for croc-riders... I'd say it was a "sport"...

As it is... croc-riding? No. Bull-riding? Hell yes!!