Sports are games played for fun and fitness. The modern form of sports developed in the late seventeenth century in England, where the concept of a sports record first appeared during the Restoration. Puritans had banned traditional pastimes and forced them underground, but organized games continued to grow and spread under the leadership of the Marylebone Cricket Club. This club organized the game of cricket and rationalized competition.
Competition in sports is based on rules and standards to ensure fair competition and consistent adjudication of winners. The results are generally decided by a judge or panel of judges, depending on the event. This process creates an air of formality in sporting competitions. It also fosters social connections. Sports often require a certain level of physical fitness and stamina, which is why it is important to be fit to participate in them.
Emotions are a major part of the sports experience, reflecting both the athletes’ self-evaluation of their performances and those of other spectators. These feelings may occur before, during, or even after a game. Some sports have subcultures that dictate the proper ways in which athletes should behave, such as observing certain rules during the national anthem or post-game victory celebration.
While there is no clear evidence as to when sports began, there are many historical records that suggest they date back to prehistoric times. In addition to traditional games, children have included sports in their play since prehistoric times. While there is no clear evidence of when or why sports developed as a form of autotelic competition, the concept of sports has been around for a long time. The first recorded sports show evidence of hunting as a means to gain food. Ancient civilizations eventually made hunting an end in itself.