The Impact of Popular Sports on Society
Sports are frequently thought of as having three basic components, making up a total sport: the playing field, the equipment, and the goal. These three components are usually interdependent and support each other, and form the foundation for what’s called a sport. For example, football relies on a sturdy playing surface, a solid playing field with no rough areas, and a strong goalpost; soccer relies on the same three elements. With such a close relationship between the different components of a sport, it is no wonder that many students feel confused when learning about different sports.
Each of the three components of sports – physical dexterity, exertion, and sport strategy – have distinct effects on how the sport will be played. Physical dexterity helps improve a player’s agility and speed, as well as his or her athletic power and reaction time. Exertion is what makes a player perform at high levels of intensity. Lastly, sport strategy helps determine which strategies are employed in games, as well as which rules must be followed. All three components are necessary for a fun, competitive game.
There are several different kinds of sports. American football, for instance, is a team-oriented contact sport that requires players to take off running from tackles and dive for the goal. Soccer, tennis, and basketball all place heavy demands on the players’ bodies and require quick reflexes and physical activity. Because of the unique demands placed upon athletes in each of these sports, they are monitored and regulated by governing bodies. These governing bodies carefully review and test the athletes’ performance during games to ensure that the games are fair, balanced, and safe for the participants.
There are two primary categories of sports activities: competitive and non-competitive. In competitive sports, players put on a physical makeup that enables them to excel at their sport. They have superior speed, agility, and physical strength. Generally, they excel at their respective sports because of their natural physical ability or genetic predisposition.
Non-competitive sports are generally less competitive, although they do not necessarily require a natural, physical power boost. Athletes engage in sports because of a desire for social change. Social change, in the context of these sports, can include issues like poverty, civil rights, disability, health, and other social issues. For athletes, participating in sports helps individuals who may feel discouraged by others or by themselves in their own environments.
Popular sports have an impact on global culture. Without the widespread presence of spectator sports in the United States and other developed countries, many people would not understand or appreciate America’s sports culture. Even though most major professional teams in the United States make their homes in America, many international players choose to live and play in countries outside of the United States because of the level of play and the atmosphere of their home countries. Without the existence of popular sports, many people in other countries who live in poverty would never know about the rich history and tradition of American sports.