I have wanted to use Jordy’s posts about judging and reputation to jump into other things, especially as the posts pertain to activities such as figure skating. And I want to tie this to my ongoing interest
Comments
I have often thought about this in the context of the Olympics, which includes events in dressage, curling, and archery, and is often prompted to consider ballroom dancing. I use the definition that “sport” is a scored competition that is sufficiently athletic that while it is not prohibitive of winning, it is a distinct disadvantage to be over the age of 35.
Posted by: Ken Klein | Mar 6, 2014 1:05:04 PM
I stated my preferred definition in an earlier post linked above. I was convinced by a number of people (including commenters on this blog) that objectivity does not work, because too much in unquestioned sports, such as wrestling, remains subjective (e.g., was that a takedown?). Which is how I settled on the instrinsic/instrumental line–was the skill being evaluated for how well it was performed or its result. It gets to the same result without relying on a tenuous objective/subjective distinction.
What I’m trying to do here is bring decisionmaking into the analysis.
Posted by: Howard Wasserman | Feb 26, 2014 8:09:16 AM
Sigh for typo. Left shoulderblade.
This comment was mangled by an iPad
Posted by: Joe | Feb 26, 2014 7:58:00 AM
My preferred test: there is Objective Scoring. (Ball went in hoop, left shoulder place was pinned, racer passed the finish line first). There is Competition. And you can Hinder (make it harder for the opponent to win).
Figure skating might even meet the first one, but not the third.
Posted by: Joe | Feb 26, 2014 7:57:24 AM
This is an elegant and articulately formulated meditation on a poor distinction.
A score in football is not an event that exists by itself. It must be signaled as such by a person with authority, indicating their opinion that the ball was controlled in the zone, feet inbounds properly, etc etc. Sports are mediated by the rules. See John Roberts’ response about his role, vs the story of the three umpires. Balls and strikes ain’t nothin until I call them.
There have been good distinctions about what’s a sport and what is something else. I don’t think you hit on it.
Posted by: Joe | Feb 26, 2014 7:52:28 AM