If you make a quick search on forums online, you will see the question "Is bowling a sport?" a lot. This issue is caused by several factors, including bowling's absence in the Olympics, the fact that it does not require as much physical exertion and skill as some of the other sports, and even just how actual bowling players view bowling as a pastime or recreational activity.
It is hard to not be biased in writing this guide, as we are staunch believers that bowling is, in fact, an actual sport. However, let us try to consider all sides and stances and take a look at why bowling may or may not be considered a sport.
If you are prepared to know the different intriguing arguments for and against bowling as a sport, then continue reading!
Is Bowling Technically Considered a Sport?
The sport of bowling (see what we did there?) has had its ups and downs in terms of how it is perceived. Some say bowling is a dying art, while others say it is powerful and influential only in your local bowling tournament for casual players or even just as an activity that is learned or played in high school as a requirement in Physical Education.
Contrary to such beliefs, however, bowling is as strong as ever, with the likes of professional bowling personalities such as Jason Belmonte, Pete Weber, and Sean Rash, modern-day bowling is in a good spot.
However, let us take a closer look into the technical definition of the term "sport" and how bowling may or may not fit into such a category.
The Definition of a Sport
There are several definitions to the term "sport" or "sports."
Our most preferred technical definition is the following: A sport is a competitive activity or game that observes a standard set of rules and scoring system that involves either an individual or teams and requires physical exertion and physical skill to play for entertainment purposes.
We favor this definition over the others that can be found online or in textbooks simply because of how packed the definition is. Let us breakdown the important terms found in this definition:
Therefore, for an activity to technically qualify as a sport or belong to the family of sports, it must possess the five important criteria. Bowling absolutely fits the bill.
Competition:
By nature, it involves competition, whether it be over a season of 40 games of tenpin bowling (or nine-pin bowling) on a national or international scale, week-long casual tournaments, or tournament leagues that involve months of preparation and a week of competitive play.
Rules & Scoring:
Bowling also has a standard set of rules and scoring system. Although certain conditions may vary, such as oil lane conditions, the size and dimensions of bowling balls allowed by the league or tournament, or the level of play (from fun and casual to amateur to professional bowling), bowling still observes a clear set of rules and a universal scoring system.
For more comprehensive information, you may take a look at certain bodies and bowling authorities called the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) and the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) have provided rules and guidelines (as well as oil bowling lane conditions) in their respective websites.
Individuals & Teams:
Bowling involves individuals and teams. Whether you are looking at bowling from a fun and recreational standpoint or a league-oriented competition, there is no denying that bowling is played by a team. The community of competitive bowlers is proof enough that this activity involves dedication and an understanding of the skills required.
Physical:
Bowling definitely involves physical exertion and physical skill. There may be a million people in the world who say that bowling is something that is easy to pick up and master, but contrary to such a belief, bowling, whether played from a casual or professional standpoint, still requires training, practice, commitment, and dedication.
We may digress that the so-called barrier to entry for bowling is relatively low as the motion primarily involves a throw of a bowling ball aimed at a target in a bowling alley down a lane to consider yourself to have bowled in your life, but it would take years of practice, bowling ball use, replacement of bowling shoes, and all the other good stuff to be great at bowling.
Entertaining:
Last but not least is the entertainment value of playing bowling and watching a bowling game. From a playing standpoint, there are a few activities in the world that can rival seeing the number of pins knocked down or the number indicated under your name in the bowling score screen.
When watching bowling, on the other hand, seeing a professional bowler dominate the international circuit or league with skill and prowess in various oil lane conditions can really bring life to your day. To the right people, bowling is fun and an entertainment masterpiece.
Other Factors to Consider in Identifying Bowling as a Sport
Other factors that may be considered are the following:
- As a sport, bowling involves a ball (bowling ball), which is a very common piece of equipment used in other sports, particularly those that are widely accepted as such.
- Bowling balls have variety. Bowling requires different playstyles and throw executions. The variety of bowling balls is a testament to the several approaches that can be considered while playing in a bowling alley.
- Oil patterns and oil lane conditions are important to bowling and to the bowler, just like how the terrain is important to tennis players and golf players across the world.
- As a sport, bowling lanes have uniformity (in most cases) and the dimensions are very important from league to league, just like how basketball has certain guidelines and rules regarding the height of the basketball rim and the distance of the three-point line from the basket to score.
- The throw or roll motion of the bowling ball is found in other ball-oriented sports such as basketball, baseball, soccer, and softball.
Why Bowling is NOT Considered a Sport
Here's why a lot of people still consider bowling to not be a sport:
Bowling Does Not Require as much Athleticism
If you take a look at football, soccer, and basketball (sports that take center stage in terms of popularity), the players and athletes found in each sport truly epitomize sports in general. Most of their bodies are lean, muscular, and well-built, and perhaps even good enough to pass as bodybuilding or weightlifting professionals.
In the game of bowling, one does not typically see a bowler as a striking physical marvel, which takes away the potency of the stance that bowling requires athleticism and further proves the point that the physical aspect of bowling is not as strong or required as the most well-known and widely accepted sports.
Bowling is Not in the Olympics
Although bowling was a demonstration sport (a non-medal series of games) in certain Olympics, it has never been recognized as a medal sport, nor has it been included in the most recently held Olympic events.
As we all know, the Olympic games or the Olympic event is considered to be the most prestigious platform or center for displaying feats of skill and physical ability that transcend human boundaries.
Unfortunately, to bowl in this event is a rare sight which is why bowling games are not truly considered to be a sport by several individuals.
Bowling is More of a Hobby or Recreational Activity Like Golf
Whether it be group-oriented or team-oriented, the fact of the matter is that there are significantly more bowlers who play bowling as a hobby or recreational activity rather than an actual competitive game or sport.
This means that bowling would most likely lean closer towards non-sport activities, just like how golf is portrayed as a non-sport (although that is a completely separate topic perhaps for another time).
Why Bowling is Considered a Sport
Now that we have addressed some of the common arguments by bowlers and non-bowlers against the game of bowling as a sport, let us now take a look at some significant arguments by bowlers and non-bowlers in favor of the game of bowling as a sport.
The Role of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) and the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA)
If you need game information, pin statistics, ball regulations and configurations, oil lane conditions, team compositions, and dimensions of the lanes, then you are free to consult with the USBC and the PBA.
These two entities are unique bodies that exist because of the widespread popularity of bowling and the competitions involved in the sport.
If there was no need for uniformity and guidance in games of bowling, then these two organizations would not be required at all.
Bowling Requires Physical Coordination, Conditioning, Strength, and Accuracy
When you bowl or roll a bowling ball towards a set of pins, you not only have to consider the quality of the ball or the size of the ball, you also have to consider the execution of your bowl or roll motion, the number of pins remaining, and your overall physical attributes such as coordination, conditioning, strength, and accuracy.
These physical skills and traits are not qualities that randomly occur. They are honed and practiced with a team to improve in the execution of bowling in every passing game.
To bowl, therefore, is to master the physical aspect of bowling. To master the physical aspect of this sport, you must work on physical attributes and skills and not just rely on the bowl of the ball.
Involves a Competitive System (professional tournaments and leagues), a Clearly Defined Set of Rules, and a Universal Scoring System to Bowl
This game can get extremely focused on competition which is why there are rule-making bodies or entities that have provided a clearly defined set of rules and a universal scoring system.
The general uniformity of rules and regulations in of itself signifies that this activity is more than just recreational or casual, because when something requires an intervening body to operate within the confines of the game, then that should be the point people realize that something has evolved into a sport, if not something even greater.
To Bowl is Challenging and Requires Years of Training and Commitment to Master
Just like every difficult thing in life, becoming a master of something takes time, patience, willpower, and dedication. To bowl requires no less, especially in terms of physical skills and exertion. The game requires a high degree of commitment and spirit, which is why we should definitely consider it to be a sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bowling a sport: yes or no?
Yes. For the reasons mentioned above, we must absolutely consider it to be a sport.
Why do people think bowling isn't a sport?
People think this game is not a sport because of how they perceive it as either too casual or lacking in physical athleticism requirements.
Is bowling a sport or entertainment?
It is both a sport and a source of entertainment. There is no harm in being both, and that is what a game of bowling can bring to the table.
Is bowling an Olympic sport?
It is not a medal Olympic sport but it was involved in the Olympic events during certain years as a demonstration sport (a non-medal sport), specifically in 1936 and 1988.
In Summary: Bowling is a Sport!
We have walked through all the significant perspectives that shed light on whether or not this activity is a sport. So, is bowling a sport? In our minds, bowling is a sport! Of course, we cannot totally eliminate the opposition, but hopefully, with this guide, you are more convinced of it being a sport than you originally were.