Is Someone That Competes at Pool Considered an Athlete

CJ Wiley

CJ Wiley

ESPN WORLD OPEN CHAMPION
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I've heard the arguement over whether pool is a sport or a game all my life. Is the main issue whether you're an athlete if you play?

I looked up athlete to see if it was clear that athlete's played sports or games and this is what I found:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/athlete
Definition of ATHLETE: a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina

So a professional athlete can play either sports or games. Does this mean it's now ok to call pool a game, or is there somehow more "status" in being a sport? I don't think the general public would include pool in their list of "sports"......what do you think?

'The Sport is the Teacher' ?;)or 'The Game is the Teacher'
 
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In the definition you provided, the key word is stamina. I think you need a ton of it, both physical and mental, to compete at the top level. So at that level, I see it as a sport. However, at the amateur level, I see it as more of a game/sport hybrid.
 
The general public will not consider it a sport.
IMO an athlete meets the criteria as you have defined or as Webster's may define it.

Pool may not require lifting weights, running a marathon, etc.

It does require the ability to have stamina, a true stroke which requires repetitive practice (don't all sports and/or games require repetitive practice?), mental preparedness and focus ( isn't this also part of being a game or sport?).

When's the last time any of us were at a football/baseball/basketball sport? Aren't they referred to as games?

For a long time, no one considered bowling a sport. It requires a lot of stamina for tournament play, the ability to roll a 15-16 lb. round object with precision into a target area 60' away? Knowing how to adjust to various lane conditions and a plethora of other stuff.

Rodeo for the most part is not considered a sport either yet I beg to differ on this as well. How many people out there (those who actually make up our minds for us) are willing to out in the dedication and hours to climb on the back of a 2,000 lb. bull or a 1,200 lb. bronc? Yet they do not consider it a sport!

Pool also requires precision play which requires dexterity, eye, and hand coordination. Doesn't archery or competition shooting also involve those elements?

Doesn't a pitcher require the same to throw a small round ball to someone hunkered down and into a specifically designated strike zone?

To me, pool players are athletes in their own right. They always will be.
 
I have a friend that used to be pretty well week in and week out betting sports lines out of Vegas...Baseball, Basketball, Football, Pro and College....studied every aspect of the three Sports....A walking Sport's Encyclopedia....

We used tt frequently have good natured debate about Sport vs game....particularly concerning Golf. His contention was that if you can't play defense...then it's a game. A good safety is Defense..must be a Sport. ;)
 
I think any activity, where the participant has conditioned his body to function with precision repetitively and as consistently as pool or golf, I'd have to say yes to the question.
 
If golf is considered a sport, which I believe it should be, pool should receive the same consideration. Anybody who thinks pool doesn't require athletic ability should get to the table with a professional and witness their incredible prowess close up. Watching the top pros at DCC also showed the incredible stamina they must have to compete in a week long event like that. The focus and concentration at that level are tremendous, there is little margin for error. A couple of mistakes and you've lost to another top professional. That has to be incredibly draining mentally and physically.

While there are some exceptions, most of the top professionals seem to be in good physical condition as well.
 
Do some research,...

CJ Wiley said:
I've heard the arguement over whether pool is a sport or a game all my life. Is the main issue whether you're an athlete if you play?

I looked up athlete to see if it was clear that athlete's played sports or games and this is what I found:


Definition of ATHLETE: a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina

So a professional athlete can play either sports or games. Does this mean it's now ok to call pool a game, or is there somehow more "status" in being a sport? I don't think the general public would include pool in their list of "sports"......what do you think?

'The Sport is the Teacher' ?;)or 'The Game is the Teacher'
Click to expand...

CJ, with all due respect, I brought up this VERY point, about a week ago,and i'll better i wasn't the first,I assume that's what got you on his subject,it is absolutely a SPORT! Think about it, the Biathalon is a Winter Olympic Sport....You Cross Country Ski for a few miles, then STOP AND SHOOT, at a target.....so your heart is racing, and you have to control your body enough to hit a TARGET, gee....that sounds vaguely familiar.....Muscle And Mind Control=SPORT !
 
I wonder why they call the "Olympic Games" what they do?

David Marcus said:
CJ, with all due respect, I brought up this VERY point, about a week ago,and i'll better i wasn't the first,I assume that's what got you on his subject,it is absolutely a SPORT! Think about it, the Biathalon is a Winter Olympic Sport....You Cross Country Ski for a few miles, then STOP AND SHOOT, at a target.....so your heart is racing, and you have to control your body enough to hit a TARGET, gee....that sounds vaguely familiar.....Muscle And Mind Control=SPORT !
Click to expand...

I'm sure it's been discussed on here many times as well, however, what got me on the subject came from an earlier "FaceBook" discussion. I just wanted to understand why it matters that we are or aren't a "game".

I play several sports, games and exercises and while I consider myself an athlete I'm not hung up on pool being a "sport" per se. From a marketing perspective I think it's "going against the grain" to present pool as a sport to the general public. I would rather package pool as the "best game," rather than the "weakest sport".

I'm just not sure what the advantages are to be a "sport". Does it seem that "games" have less prestige? Then, why, I wonder do they call the "Olympic Games" what they do? "Olympic Sports" doesn't seem to have the same ring to it, and "the Games" are certainly strenuous and athletic in nature.
 
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This old hat again.....
Its really simple.... THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SPORT.... Everything is a game that you play "for the sport of it". I have never been asked " hey you want to play a sport of ---------". Do you ask your friends if they want to go watch a sport of ----------. No. "A Sport " is a made up term. End of topic.... Just for the record, it dont matter if its a game of bunt ball, all games are great if they are played right... out of the true spirit of "the sport of it"
 
"my sentiments exactly".

Mowem down said:
This old hat again.....
Its really simple.... THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SPORT.... Everything is a game that you play "for the sport of it". I have never been asked " hey you want to play a sport of ---------". Do you ask your friends if they want to go watch a sport of ----------. No. "A Sport " is a made up term. End of topic.... Just for the record, it dont matter if its a game of bunt ball, all games are great if they are played right... out of the true spirit of "the sport of it"
Click to expand...

That's very well said...."my sentiments exactly". :thumbup: ps: that was your post 666...just sayin ;) of course I'm not superstitious or anything, just noticed that for some reason.
 
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CJ "master of controversy" Wiley will hence forth be your new nickname. You surely know how to bring up topics that get people's blood pressure moving.:thumbup:
 
CJ Wiley said:
I'm sure it's been discussed on here many times as well, however, what got me on the subject came from an earlier "FaceBook" discussion. I just wanted to understand why it matters that we are or aren't a "game".

I play several sports, games and exercises and while I consider myself an athlete I'm not hung up on pool being a "sport" per se. From a marketing perspective I think it's "going against the grain" to present pool as a sport to the general public. I would rather package pool as the "best game," rather than the "weakest sport".

I'm just not sure what the advantages are to be a "sport". Does it seem that "games" have less prestige? Then, why, I wonder do they call the "Olympic Games" what they do? "Olympic Sports" doesn't seem to have the same ring to it, and "the Games" are certainly strenuous and athletic in nature.
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CJ,

I love this post. It's all subjective. Pool players, golfers, skateboarders are more deserving of olympic medals than a lot of "athletes" who actually win them. Many don't really care if they ever get them, while I'm sure many olympic athletes are driven by the prospect of "the medal." It doesn't really matter how it's perceived. Pool players play pool bc they love pool, and whether it's considered a sport or not means nothing to almost all of them.
 
CJ Wiley said:
I've heard the arguement over whether pool is a sport or a game all my life. Is the main issue whether you're an athlete if you play?

I looked up athlete to see if it was clear that athlete's played sports or games and this is what I found:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/athlete
Definition of ATHLETE: a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina

So a professional athlete can play either sports or games. Does this mean it's now ok to call pool a game, or is there somehow more "status" in being a sport? I don't think the general public would include pool in their list of "sports"......what do you think?

'The Sport is the Teacher' ?;)or 'The Game is the Teacher'
Click to expand...

Mr. CJ,
It is indeed a sport. Pool is a very old sport also. It has been around as long as some of the other sports have been! And longer than some of them have as well. Good thread.
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
It is a game

vapoolplayer said:
CJ "master of controversy" Wiley will hence forth be your new nickname. You surely know how to bring up topics that get people's blood pressure moving.:thumbup:
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It is a game he plays, just for the sport of it.;):thumbup:
 
No...I've played sorts all my life and to the day I travel the country playin softball, and even I think it's barely a sport, but in my opinion I think you play pool til you get bored. I might swing a lighter bat after 12 games in one day but I doubt you pick up a lighter cue after 12 hours. Not athletes not even close
 
First off, pool is not a sport it's a game. Second, pool players are not athletes. They are simply players in a game.
Good lord, If someone came up to me while I was playing One Pocket and said, "My, aren't you a fine athletic specimen." I'd shit in my Depends. :)
 
CJ Wiley said:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/athlete
Definition of ATHLETE: a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina
Click to expand...

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sportsmanship

Definition of SPORTSMANSHIP: conduct (as fairness, respect for one's opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport
Click to expand...

Is "Sportsmanship" a requirement of the participants ? If so..............?
 
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why bother asking these subjective questions that have been asked 4 zillion times,.



65% NO
35% Yes


NOW WHAT?
 
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