Importance of Physical Activity As a Mind Sports

Sports are usually governed either by a rigid code or a set of unwritten rules, which allow for fair play, and to prevent unfair competition. In most organized sport, statistics of performance are kept, and this data can be openly announced or revealed by the organiser, particularly in popular sports. Unwritten rules may also govern games such as horse racing and rugby. The rules are not written down but are understood. For example, a player may be banned from playing while his team mate is suspended for misconduct.

The word “mind sports” was coined in 1978 by the Canadian lawyer John Major, who felt that there was a need for a universal standard of sport that encompassed all physical activity. It has come to refer to any competitive endeavour that requires the mental application of skills above and beyond what is needed for the performance of physical skill. Sport that falls under the heading of mind sports can include chess, puzzles, Sudoku, bingo, hopscotch, crossword, riddles, horoscopes, crosswords, Scrabble, poker, betting and horse-riding. The list goes on.

Organized sport requires strict adherence to a set of rules, irrespective of whether it is physical activity or games of skill such as mind sports. These rules help to define the playing field, establish objectives, provide guidelines for different types of sports and maintain competitions among teams. In non-organized sports like handball, skating, cricket and table tennis, the sporting disciplines are much less defined, although the same elements are inherent in all sports. For instance, the scoring system for hockey consists of a goal post, the ball, the body parts of the players and the equipment. A goal could also be scored when there is conversion, goal-touching or fighting.

In structured sports like cricket, rugby and Australian rules soccer, the sport rules are pretty well established and the same format for goalposts and bodies can be seen in all these games. However, there are still elements that differ. Cricket for instance, has penalties for encroaching and running out of bounds, while in soccer it is possible to be booked for embellishment or unnecessary celebrations. In other words, the intensity of intensity and the level of non-physical activity differ with the sport in question.

In contrast, the level of physical activity is much higher in non-sport orientated games like bingo and outdoor games like hunting and fishing. These games do not require a great degree of concentration and physical strength, whereas sports that require concentrated and focused physical power such as tennis, table tennis, running, swimming and aerobics are considered by many sports enthusiasts as mind sports. The physical exertion is necessary to excel in the game. Therefore, they have a great potential for athletes who aspire to become professional athletes in sports such as track and field, cricket, swimming and athletics.

Today, many athletes in various sports are now taking part in non-sport orientated competitions, so that they can build up their physical fitness, especially if they intend to represent their country in a particular sport. This can be seen in association football, rugby and football (football) in association with lacrosse, basketball, hockey, softball, baseball, wrestling and golf. Some are even taking part in national level competitive matches, in order to build up their physical fitness. Therefore, they can benefit from the mental stimulation that only a vigorous and intensive sport can provide.