What is sport? A simple but powerful classroom activity

This is my all-time favourite activity for the classroom. It's versatile, fun, and most importantly, it gets students talking.

At its core, this task is about getting students to think critically about what sport is and what it's not. I’ve used this exercise in nearly every sport-related subject I've taught, including sport sociology, coaching, and foundations of sport management. If your students are new to sport, or if you think they would benefit from seeing the bigger picture, give this outline a try or adapt it to suit your teaching style.

This version includes a small twist: drawing. Drawing is another one of my classroom favourites (yes, I've got a lot of favourites!). There is something powerful about asking students to show you what sport looks like visually before they try to define it with words. It opens the door to more honest, curious, and creative conversations.

Activity Outline

Purpose

To prompt critical thinking about the nature of sport, challenge assumptions, and encourage students to articulate and interrogate their definitions.

You will need:

• A4 paper (or post-it notes if you want to mix it up)

• Markers or pens

• A blank slide or whiteboard to collect ideas

Running the Activity

Step 1: Draw a picture (10 minutes)

Ask students to draw “sport” with no other details. Don't lead them with further explanation, just encourage creativity. Stick figures are fine; the weirder, the better.

Step 2: Share and discuss (10 to 15 minutes)

Have students describe their drawings in pairs or with the whole class. Then ask the group:

• What is included in these drawings?

• What is missing?

• Are all these things really sport? Why or why not?

Step 3: Create a group definition (15 to 20 minutes)

Split into small groups. Ask each group to write a one-sentence definition of sport. Bring the class back together and compare definitions. Expect debate. Someone will ask if chess is a sport. Someone else will say TikTok dancing is a sport. Have some fun!

Step 4: Challenge the definitions (15 minutes)

Introduce a few tricky examples and ask: is this sport? Why or why not? Here are some you can use:

• Quidditch

• eSports

• Professional wrestling

• Yoga

• Walking to work in activewear

Push students to consider what matters most. Is it competition? Physical skill? Recognition? Rules? Or something else?

Step 5: Wrap up with reflection (10 minutes)

Use questions like:

• Has your definition of sport changed?

• Who gets to decide what counts as sport?

• What does that mean for inclusion or recognition?

• How might different definitions affect funding, access, or legitimacy?

Why It Works

This activity turns the "what is sport?" question into something students genuinely care about. It's low-prep, easy to adapt, and helps students connect big ideas to their everyday experiences. It also sets the tone for a classroom that is curious, inclusive, and unafraid to question the status quo.

If you liked this activity or want more like it, make sure to register for our next GOAT Chat on May 15.