Posted on 19/02/2016 09:57
We are continually hearing that those who participate in traditional pastimes are now wanting them declared as a sport.
This morning on the news the latest was Bell Ringing -- It was even said that it could be included in the Olympic Game.
So what is a sport and what is a pastime ???????
K 
Posted on 20/02/2016 13:27
A very interesting question! Some activities, that require physical exertion and degrees of skill are obvious as sport. Anything where someone is in physical competition with an individual or team is another obvious definition. But all these criteria, exertion, skill, competition can be true of activities that are not classed as true sports, but more as hobbies or passive activities.
To consider bell ringing as an Olympic sport would be a none starter I think, wonderfully skilled, physically demanding, but as far as I am aware, only UK carries out "change ringing", so who would the competition be? Wonderful competitions are held up and
down our "ringing Isle", but I didnt know it was an international thing? Could be wrong though.
Some "artistic" sports, such as dressage, synchro swimming, etc..... require a great deal more energy than more obvious "sports". I would equate a three minute synchro routine to a similar energy level as a three day cricket match, having done both! But most would consider cricket a more obvious sport!
Posted on 21/02/2016 12:34
TTDA, Interesting post of yours. In light of what you said, I wonder if the world sporting authorities should adopt the original Olympic Ideals of Fastest, Highest, longest and Strongest, being the true sports. The results of which are truly objective. Those which involve subjectivity (i.e. a panel of judges ) although sometimes strenuous is a grey area.
Don't know which category team games would come into. Tug of War is objective, Syncronised swimming is subjective.
Interesting !!!
K
Posted on 21/02/2016 13:23
Mickey Boy, are Motorhomers failed Caravanners?, the-'I can't reverse a Caravan so I'll buy a mini bus' type of person. You being an expert(obviously) I would welcome your insight
Write your comments here...yes, had trailer tents and caravans, I just hope others got/possibly will get as much pleasure spectating my attempts at this element of the sport. 
Posted on 21/02/2016 13:30
Mickey Boy, are Motorhomers failed Caravanners?, the-'I can't reverse a Caravan so I'll buy a mini bus' type of person. You being an expert(obviously) I would welcome your insight
Write your comments here...yes, had trailer tents and caravans, I just hope others got/will get as much pleasure spectating my attempts at this element of the sport.
Thankfully there are not may schadenfreuders around these days Mickey Boy, you are a dying breed. Sport, really?
Posted on 21/02/2016 13:35
Nowadays, with increased technology, more activities taken up and involving more nations/countries, the definition is very blurred. Athletes/participants may be in competition in a number of ways, that is they could be in a team competition, competing as an individual, competing against a recognised tariff, knockout event, year long event, single event. Some activities require intense ongoing training, others not so much. Others are more dependent upon the equipment technology or breeding! Some require certain physiological characteristics, (think highly successful black runners v few successful black swimmers). There will always of course be individuals who buck this trend.
Some Olympic events are recent additions, others are only included for one or two Games, and generally reflect something where the host nation can expect to win medals!
But in that spirit of true English grit, it is the taking part that matters!
Kennine