Generally speaking, sport is a competitive physical activity that is governed by a set of rules. These rules are aimed at ensuring fair competition. Usually, the winners are determined by a judge. During a competitive event, participants are graded based on their “weight” or “result” as well as penalties and handicaps.
Sport can also provide enjoyment and physical benefits to participants. Aside from the physical challenges, sports may also provide social benefits. For example, a person can gain a greater understanding of his or her teammates through participation in sports.
In the late 17th century, boxer-entrepreneur Jack Broughton created a set of rules to regulate and rationalize sports. These rules were strengthened in 1867 by the Marquess of Queensberry.
In the late 19th century, sports became an important part of national identity politics. Aside from representing a nation’s identity, these games can be used as an opportunity for youth to socialize.
As a result, sports were integrated into the curriculum of many schools. Many schools and universities created centers for sports studies. The rise of sports as a social institution can be traced to the proliferation of national sports federations.
In the 20th century, sports began to diffuse across the world. This process involved social diffusion, as well as spatial diffusion. Some nations became dominated by sports, while others used sports to solidify their national identities.
The invention of the sports record, for example, is a good example of the technological advances of the time. It was first introduced in England in the late 17th century.