Sports are activities performed in the pursuit of a particular goal. They involve competitive elements, such as weights, heights, and distances. Participants are graded on these parameters, usually subjectively. Sometimes, the results are corrected with penalties and handicaps. In some sports, however, objective measurements are used, such as the time it takes to complete a course.
The concept of a sports record was developed in the late 17th century. This period saw the rise of scientific developments. During this time, technicians sought to perfect their equipment. Athletes began to train systematically for physical maximums and new games were created to meet the specifications of athletes. As scientific development continued, sports became increasingly quantified and the concept of a sports record was born.
Sport became an important part of society in the 20th century. It was used to construct national identities. Initially, sports were played primarily by elites, but they were eventually played by outsiders. By the end of the 20th century, women and ethnic minorities began to participate in some sports. Today, women can play certain sports and play alongside men.
Sports also teach us to deal with emotions. Many feelings we experience are reflective of our evaluations and the perceptions of others. Some of these emotions occur before the performance, while others occur during the game itself. Some of these feelings are controlled by the subculture surrounding the sport, whereas others are controlled by rules. For example, certain rules help us handle our emotions during the national anthem or during post-game victory celebrations.