America loves sports. There is even a network dedicated to bringing sports into our living rooms around the clock. However, I don’t believe everything televised on this network can be considered a sport.

The debate over what qualifies as a sport and what does not, has been discussed over and over. The definition of what is a sport seems to depend on the person making the argument. Over time the definition has changed with each individual’s experience or preference.

However, there is still an enigma when it comes to what is or is not a sport. I may not have the answer but, I do have my own criteria and the following is my personal opinion.

To be considered a sport, there are rules that must be applied to the event. An activity involving an athlete does not necessarily qualify it as a sport.

A sport must have some risk. If the competition doesn’t have a winner and loser, then more than likely it isn’t a sport.

Physical fitness is a must to be considered the top in any sport.

While there are many who have barely moved from the couch that can be called the best in certain games or hobbies, their winnings do not have a tangible measurable outcome.

So, contests requiring individual judging that directly determines the score are not sports in my opinion. For example, (and I may make some mad but…) diving and cheerleading cannot be considered sports. Both examples are dangerous and require athletes but many activities are risky, however, that doesn’t make them eligible as a sport.

Sports are competitions where subjective judgment calls that lead directly to real objective scoring such as basketball, baseball or any involving officials making calls that can determine the outcome of a game, are considered sports.

Competitions I do not consider sports are not inferior and do involve athletes. For example, cheerleading requires physical movement, control of one’s body, strength and the taking of chances that can cause potential severe bodily harm. So, many could argue this to be a sport. I just disagree.

Because cheerleading or even figure skating relies entirely on a judge to score the contest, they fail to meet my conditions. However, boxing and mixed martial arts, a judge is involved, but the fighters can triumph at any time with a knock out or by submitting to their adversary.

Also, sports cannot involve an animal or machine. It must be the human body that produces the primary form of energy. This, of course rules out NASCAR as well as horse racing. (Sorry racing fans!) While both are demanding abilities to master, it is not a sport because the car or horse steals the main form of energy from the driver or jockey, so for that reason, both lose its standing as a sport.

So, there is a line between sports and activities or hobbies and many have their own opinion of the difference. I will say, as a former athlete and one who played sports, I do believe it isn’t the sport that makes the athlete; it is the athlete that in the end, makes the sport.