The question, "is bowling a sport?" has always been asked and debated; it has been asked for many years in the past, and will be asked for many more years to come. There are as many opinions about whether bowling is a sport as there are people interested in it. There will be no end to the theorizing about whether it should be called the "sport of bowling."

The Wikipedia Dictionary states that, "sport is an activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively. Used by itself, sports commonly refer to activities where the physical capabilities of the competitor are the sole or primary determiner of the outcome (winning or losing), but the term is also used to include activities such as mind sports and motor sports where mental acuity or equipment quality are major factors." This definition, in itself, should make it plain that we can call it the "sport of bowling."

I contend that every sport has various levels - that is, every sport can be considered a game, an entertainment activity, a past-time, or a recreational activity at one time or another. It depends on the degree of seriousness and competitiveness with which the participants approach the sport at the moment they are doing it.

As a game, entertainment, or recreational activity, bowling is fun for social gatherings where people get together to relax. No one is serious about the final outcome, much less the bowling score sheet. They are just enjoying each other's company and socializing, sort of like the softball game or the flag football game at a company picnic. There are no concerns about who is winning; neither are they even concerned with who's turn it is. At this level, we would not refer to it as a sport.

Anything where alcohol is consumed is not considered a sport. A competitive sportsman will not consume anything which may impair their ability to win. No one gets better at something when they drink alcohol though I have heard many people proclaim that they bowl better after a few drinks. I cannot disagree more. This argument stems from the fact that many people who bowl in leagues drink alcohol and will seemingly throw more strikes and score higher "after a few." At this level, league bowlers who consume alcohol in excess should not consider themselves to be participating in a sport. They are more concerned with the alcohol flowing instead of the oil pattern.

At the higher levels of competition such as the professional bowlers, the scratch (bowling terminology meaning "no handicap") tournament/league, there is no doubt that it should be called a sport. If we compare the definition, stated above, to the aspects of the sport at these higher levels of competition: they are governed by a set of rules and customs, are highly competitive, and are physically demanding because of the number of games that must be bowled in order to win. Additionally, their mindset and bowling accessories and equipment must be optimal or they will be at a competitive disadvantage. This is the sport of bowling in its most competitive form.

A person looking at the different levels of any sport should be able to differentiate between them. At the professional level, it can most definitely be called the sport of bowling because the level of competition is so high that it cannot be comprehended by the average person. At the "get-together-for-a-quick-game" level, it may or may not be called the sport of bowling depending on how serious the competition is. A family or company outing and a date with friends or girlfriends is never really serious. Can "Beer Baseball," "Beer Softball, or " Beer Football," ever be considered a "sport?"

I often jokingly say, "I gotta bowl when I drink." I submit that at this level, it definitely cannot be associated with the sport of bowling.

A Hui Hou