The Spirit of Sports
Sports have always been governed by some kind of unwritten code or traditions, that allow fair play, and ensure consistent adjudication of the outcome. In most organized sport, statistics of past performance are occasionally kept, and in less popular sports, this data can be widely shared or reported in sports news. However, the spirit behind the sport dictates that the game is mainly for enjoyment, rather than compete. Sports competitions aim to entertain, while maintaining a competitive edge. As a result, the spirit of the game can also be corrupted by greediness and other unhealthy traits.
The problem with these competitive games is that some people use them as a means of gaining unfair advantage, instead of using them to enjoy the game. Television coverage of sporting events is often manipulated or biased, and results are often declared before the match has begun. Sports may also be subjected to commercialization, with the extra money being paid for every point scored during a match. The influence of money in sports, especially recreational sports such as golf and tennis, often contributes to the degeneration of the game. The widespread use of video games, such as soccer and baseball, also contributes to the corruption in the spirit of the sport.
Sport, like physical exertion, must be performed in reasonable moderation. Too much exertion, too great an exertion, or the inappropriate use of equipment can all contribute to a harmful trend in sports. Sportswear, such as cleats, studs, and pads, should only be worn by those who can exercise self-control and control themselves during play. If a competitor cannot control themselves during a competition, the outcome will probably be unfair, especially if the competitor loses.