A frequent topic of discussion among friends and myself is whether certain activities or others, though commonly referred to as sports really are. Since the topic arose again yesterday, I thought about it again later last night.
This time, I thought of a brilliant solution that would end the argument once and for all. Surprised at myself that I hadn't thought of this solution before, I simply looked up the definition of sports. And, according to Wikipedia (and similar others), here's what I found out.
"A sport is commonly defined as an organized, competitive physical activity requiring commitment and fair play. It is governed by a set of rules or customs. In a sport the key factors are the physical capabilities and skills of the competitor when determining the outcome (winning or losing). The physical activity involves the movement of people, animals and/or a variety of objects such as balls and machines. In contrast, games such as card games and board games, though these could be called mind sports, require only mental skills. Non-competitive activities such as jogging and rock-climbing, are usually classified as recreations."
Well, reading the definition not only didn't clear the matter up for me with finality, I think it made the situation worse. For example, auto racing. My contention has been that auto racing isn't a sport, but a pastime because aside from the stamina issue, almost anyone can drive a car in a circle. And, regardless of the speed involved (and speed comes from the auto maker, not the driver) the average track is a safer place to drive, surrounded by other skilled drivers, than any expressway.
So okay, let's say I was wrong. I admit it. Because, according to the dictionary auto racing clearly meets the criteria for qualifying as a sport. But if that's true, then a significant number of truck drivers hauling down the road are sportsmen, too. Regardless of a possible beer belly, you have to be in pretty good physical condition to sit behind the wheel of a rig for eight, ten or twelve hour stretches, and most often, they're trying to meet some kind of a deadline. Freights got to be delivered on time, sometimes under terrible conditions -traffic, breakdowns, construction, inclement weather. And are there rules and regulations? You bet, just ask any traffic cop or federal highway authority.
Beyond that, what about the obstacles? A woman in front of the driver perhaps, who's talking on the phone with one hand, holding a coffee cup in the other and simultaneously screaming at the two kids strapped into the back seat. Aside from the question of who's steering the woman's car, truck drivers have to try to anticipate the woman's every move. Is she going to speed up, slow down, change lanes, should I consider another, safer, occupation? Talk about stress under pressure. it doesn't get any worse than that.
The more I think and write about this issue, the less doubt I have. Driving eighteen wheelers is not only definitely a sport, it's tougher than competing at Indy. The only question now is, where to erect the Hall of Fame, Detroit or Dearborn.
See you later.
Adios
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