Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/1999/07/21/computer_gaming_not_a_sport/

Computer gaming not a sport says Sports Council

Playing Fields slams high-handed approach

By Mike Magee

Posted in On-Prem, 21st July 1999 11:31 GMT

When is a sport not a sport? When the English Sports Council decides it isn't, seems to be the answer. According to Edward Watson, at The Playing Fields, the English Sports Council would not even send it an application form when he applied to have computer gamings recognised as a sport. Watson said: "The method of our rejection was outrageous. They would not even send us an application form. At a minimum this is a pretty high handed and rude rebuff, at worst it is blatant snobbism, not to mention prejudiced." He did, however, receive this explanation from the Sports Council: "It seems clear that computer games could not meet the criteria in relation to physical skills, physical effort, physical challenge, nor indeed that relating to the essential purpose of the activity. It would not therefore be appropriate to send you an application form." But Watson says that he has competed in rifle championships at Bisley. "It is pretty debatable whether holding a rifle steady and squeezing gently on a trigger requires more effort than frantically scrolling your mouse around with one hand while simultaneously tapping away on the keyboard with the other hand." It's not cricket, is it? ®