Games, such as baseball or soccer, are governed by a set of rules. A system of comparable measures determines the winner and loser of a game. In competitive events, rules determine the process, which includes defining standards. In addition, a recognized organisational structure oversees the overall delivery of an activity. This provides a sense of structure and formality to the games. For example, the rules and regulations in baseball, basketball, and soccer all have standards for scoring.
While the definition of sport has changed over time, the basic components of any physical activity are the same: competition, exercise, social interaction, and improving physical skills. While competition at all levels is a key element of many sports, it also promotes physical fitness and mental well-being. People who participate in sports are usually more physically active than they otherwise are. The competitive nature of these activities fosters healthy lifestyles, boosting self-esteem and physical health.
A modern game’s origins date back to the late 17th century, when England’s Puritans banned traditional pastimes. The Puritans pushed these pastimes underground, but these reformed games eventually developed as a result of the leadership of the Marylebone Cricket Club. The Marylebone Cricket Club, founded in 1787, influenced the development of organized games and introduced the concept of a sports record. With this, the concept of competition was born.