Modern sports have their roots in late 17th century England. The concept of the sports record first appeared during the Restoration, when the Puritans pushed traditional pastimes underground. These games were eventually replaced by more organized versions. The Marylebone Cricket Club, founded in 1787, was instrumental in establishing the sport of cricket and developing rationalized competition. The game has been an international sensation ever since. It was later added to the Olympic games. Its popularity is due to its unique combination of Asian and Western traditions.
Sports can be a powerful socializer. The emergence of mass media has increased the role of coaches as socializers. This process may be orchestrated by coaches or by players themselves. The emotions are internalized by the players, coaches, and fans, who internalize their scripts and are directed toward specific emotional displays. The role of a stage setter in sports is to prompt fans to express various emotions during games. The heightened emotions that arise during a game are a reflection of how the athlete perceives his performance.
Sociology of sport was first published in 1921 by German scholar Heinz Risse. In 1966, an international group of sociologists formed a committee to study the role of sports in society. Today, numerous universities have created centres dedicated to the study of sport and society. The definition of a sport is often the first step to understanding it. But it is important to remember that different cultures have different definitions of the same activity. As such, it is helpful to know the differences between play and sports to understand which one applies to which situations.