Childrens Illustrated Encyclopedia

501

EvEryonE who takEs part

in a sport does so for his or her

own individual reasons. Early-

morning joggers feel good

by keeping fit and trying to

beat a personal-best time

Backpackers enjoy the fresh air

and like to learn outdoor survival skills.

and in a sports competition, no

experience can match the sensation of winning. sports are games

and activities that involve physical ability or skill. Competitive

sports have fixed rules and are organized so that everyone has an

equal opportunity to succeed. Many of today’s sports developed

from activities that were necessary for survival, such as archery,

running, and wrestling. some sports, such as basketball and

volleyball, are modern inventions. and as the equipment

improves, the rules change to ensure that no competitor has an

advantage. sponsorship and television are now major influences

on sports. Leading players become millionaires, and most popular

events have huge international audiences.

EquipMEnt and uniforMs

uniforms are important in team sports.

they help players and spectators quickly

recognize fellow team members and

tell them apart from the opposing

side. underneath the basic

shirt and shorts or jersey and

plants, players wear

protective gear, especially in

games such as football and

hockey. shoes are

designed to suit the

playing surface—rubber-

soled for a basketball

court, for example, and

cleated (spiked) for

grass. other equipment

includes a standard ball

and, for some sports,

bats or rackets.

ruLEs

Each team sport has its own rules so that

everyone taking part knows how to play the

game. referees, umpires, or other judges stand

at the edge of the playing area and make sure

that the players obey the rules. in some sports,

they use a loud whistle to stop and start play.

they also signal with their hands or with flags

to let the players know their decisions.

Sports 501-

in a team sport such as

basketball, everybody must

cooperate, or work together,

in order to win. the stars

in a team sport are usually

the attacking players, who

score points or kick for a goal.

however, if every player tried

to be a star, there would be

no one to play a defensive role

and prevent the opposing

team from scoring.

so every player on the

team has a special job,

and each plays an

equal part in a

successful game.

One free

throw

Time out

Officials make sure each

game lasts the same time.

The ring of the basket stands 10 ft (3 m) above the floor.

SportS

Basketball hand signals

Personal

foul

Basketball

court

Many ancient sports are still played today

but some, such as foot-wrestling,

have long been forgotten.

fiELd

the rules of every team sport include standard sizes for the

field or court, its markings, and other features such as goal

posts. there may be more than one standard if the game

is played by both adults and young people. for example,

the dimensions of the free-throw lane and the backboard are

different for high school, college, and professional basketball.

the rules of some sports, such as baseball and soccer, give

the largest and smallest sizes allowed for the playing area.

Players must wear special

sports shoes to avoid

slipping on the floor.

US_501_Sports_1.indd 501 09/02/16 5:28 pm