Among ancient civilizations, ball games were common, and were a form of contest. The word measure once connoted a sense of proportion. But, in the late 17th century, word measure began to mean numerical measurements.
Sports are competitive physical activities, designed to develop physical ability and improve physical well-being. They provide entertainment for spectators, and influence representations of individuals and communities.
Today, sports have become a worldwide phenomenon. There are hundreds of competitive sports involving hundreds of people. These games range from athletics to golf, basketball, and volleyball.
Sports have become a source of affluence, prestige, and enjoyment for participants and spectators. Some people continue to participate in sports throughout their lives. Others stop participating because of age or motivation.
Sports are also an important form of expression for athletes. Their feelings and emotions are shaped by the subculture of the sport. These feelings reflect the athletes’ own self-evaluation of their performances and the judgments of other judges.
Sports are important in identity formation, particularly in youth. Sports offer a powerful representation of communities, and can contribute to the development of traditions. The emotional aspects of sports can also be shaped by the socialization process, in which young people socialize into sports.
Some sports are characterized by competitiveness, and participants break rules to gain an advantage. Others may cheat to gain financial rewards.
Sports are also characterized by emotional processes, which help define the roles of athletes, fans, and coaches. These processes can also help establish a link between sports and a nation’s identity.