Let's PLAY...

It's interesting how sport can be broken down into a list of different types. I guess I never really thought of it too deeply, but once you do you can really see how there really is. Guttmann even has everything broken down into specifics.

The image above is from Guttman's Ritual to Record. In my mind, I always thought games were competitive, with one winner. There were never any ties and there were always rules set into place to ensure that there was one outcome with one winner. However looking back there are these times when there was "spontaneous play" involved. Such as when I went to play tennis, I would just call up a friend and say "Let's go hit." And we would. There weren't trophies for the winner, we would just rally and play a couple of points out. Spontaneous play could easily turn into competitive games through bets, where the loser would have to pay for Dairy Queen, or something like that.
I like the idea that competitive games can be physical or intellectual. Such as chess competitions, although they only have to lift their hands to move their chess pieces, it can be a really grueling time because most of their energy is put into strategy and what best way they can go about defeating their opponent. Physical contests are where it all depends on endurance and strength. There is always going to be a bigger and stronger opponent, but they also have to incorporate strategy into the game or else they won't be able to use their power to their advantage.

There are seven characteristics that Guttmann speaks of and they are:
(i.) Secularism: which states that sports needs to have an absence of religion. This can be either a good thing because instead of honoring God, one would be honoring the player and his or her abilities.
(ii.) Equality of opportunity to compete and in the conditions of competition: There are three different types:
a- Equal Access: no matter where you are, one would be able to have access to that sport.
b- Equal Benefits: since everyone is able to play, then everyone should be considered equal.
c- Equal Competition: there is a level playing field in every sport, no one is favored over another.
Overall, in this category women and minorities are cut short most of the time.
(iii.) Specialization of roles: this allows players to focus on their area of expertise. This also allows for more people to be involved in sport because not everyone is trying to be the best at every single position. I.e. in football, the quarterback is not also the receiver. Their is a different person playing that position.
(iv.) Rationalization: consistency, practices and training allows for players to do their best in their given field. This allows for prevention in injury and also makes sure they are doing what they are supposed to be doing.
(v.) Bureaucratic organization: these are big governing bodies that govern sport.
(vi.) Quantification: allows for coaches, players, and teams to know who is the best out their at any given time.
(vii.) The quest for records: records allow for everyone to compare eras, and how well a player/team is doing. A progression of sorts, whether or not a team is doing well and is up to par or not. To be able to have records will allow for a team to build on what they have been taught if they can do better.