The regulation for each sport is typically done by the respective sport governing bodies. This results in a set of common, agreed rules. People who are responsible for leisure activities want to be recognized as such by joining sports bodies like the International Olympic Committee. The evolution of sports from leisure activities to more formal ones is happening in this manner. For example, BMX cycling and snowboarding are relatively new sports. Some of these hobbies have been around for a long time but were not codified. In fact, formal regulation is a relatively recent and improving development in sport. This method promotes sport globally and is extremely successful. It also promotes the universality of each sport, by ensuring that the same gameplay rules are being practiced worldwide, using a standardized/homogenous international gameplay rule system (sanctioned by the respective international sports governing bodies) that is applied uniformly on all member associations and recognized leagues. FIFA in association football and FIBA basketball are two examples. They have regulated international game rules that are being practiced in all US sports leagues. Basketball has a defense that cannot call foul.

Formula One motor race racing is an example in strict and constantly changing regulation. The regulating body appears more to regulate than to simply define the sport. F1 rules have seen significant changes, nearly every year. There are also many more. This can sometimes be done for safety reasons. Sometimes it’s to make the racing more entertaining as a spectator sport. And sometimes it’s to encourage competition through smaller teams. Some changes make it easier to pass, for example, or less likely that any one team will have an overwhelming technical advantage. Although it is strictly regulated most agree that the sport has greatly benefited from this, not least due to dramatic increases in safety.

Let see: Curling and it’s rules.

The level of organisation may vary depending on the sport’s national or global competitions. It could also occur in an ad-hoc or spontaneous fashion. An individual sport (e.g. A sport can be played individually (e.g., time trialling in biking) or in a club or for leisure and well-being (e.g. swimming).

Sometimes, overlaps between the sport’s regulation and other forms of regulation have created difficult situations. Safety (There has been a significant loss of life in football audiences from stand collapses or poor crowd control) and simple laws of nature (Some inadvertent, or other physical interchanges have occurred between participants: when does it make sense for the sport regulation authority to investigate and if required punish these? Can there be public relations or economic pressures on these issues?

Broadcasting of sporting events is also tightly controlled. Contracts restrict who can show footage.

The outline of sports

Here is an overview and topical guide on sports:

Sport: A physical activity that has a set of rules and customs. It is often competitively played. Sports can be played on land or in water.

Types of sports