Most sports involve some type of competition. This is because it involves a struggle between individuals or teams, which generally ends with a winner. Sports also develop a competitive nature in individuals because they encourage individuals to compete. The concept of games and sports is central to each. However, not all games are sports. Some games are merely recreational pursuits, while others can be considered sports. There are several types of games, including fantasy sports, reality TV, and e-sports.
During the Industrial Revolution, scientific developments influenced sports. Technological advances allowed technicians to refine equipment and new games were invented to meet specific requirements. The transition from Renaissance to modern sports can be seen in the evolution of the concept of the sports record. Initially, the word measure meant “balance or proportion”, but soon began to refer to numerical measurements. The term sports record is a manifestation of the shift from an aesthetic to a scientific approach to competition and achievement.
Games became popular as the British Empire expanded its dominion over the rest of the world. Cricket, for example, followed the Union Jack to the ends of the world and became very popular in South Africa and Australia. Similarly, rugby football flourished in postcolonial cultures like the Philippines and Australia. The development of modern sports led to the development of national organizations that standardized rules and standards and registered results. The first modern sport was rowing, which developed into a spectator sport following after the first boat race and Henley Regatta. Athletics also developed and became popular after the first track and field meet. In the United States, the Amateur Athletic Association was founded in 1867, which further promoted track and field sports.
