Design the ultimate sport.

[E. Blackadder]

Why should we have to pick from a small number of relatively expensive sports to watch and play. All of the major sports have major flaws: Football: Lots of violence, but why are the guys patting each other on the butt? And is it really that big a deal to score a touchdown? And helmets. Don't get me started about helmets. Baseball: You hit the ball; you throw the ball; you catch the ball; you run. Sometimes it rains. Hockey: Lots of excitement, but why is that puck thing on the court? Soccer: They distinguish us from the lower animals. And they're called hands. Golf: Has mistaken itself for rocket science. Basketball: They're called rules. Why aren't they enforced? (palming; dribbling; travelling; etc.) Curling: Belongs right up there with Synchronized Swimming Javelin: What on earth are they throwing AT? Hurdles: Howcomzit they don't stay up when they're nicked? Boxing: If you want to punch someone's lights out, why wear a glove? Fencing: Masks??

How could this situation be improved?

[egg]

Sounds to me like you are looking for Rugby. It has the continuing action of hockey, it has all the violence of football without the helmets and they don't celebrate touches with a grand fiesta everytime. They play in the rain. They call the rules (are there any? as far as I can tell they run the Stanford-Cal play until they score).

[snafu]

EB, without the masks fencing is called homicide. Even with the safety equipment its still a rough sport at the competitive level.

_________________
Peace,
snafu
_________________________________________________
exam results, where the hell are my exam results!

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: snafu on 2001-12-21 14:00 ]</font>

[Ultimate Anyone?]

They've already designed such a sport, and coincidentally enough, it's called Ultimate.

As in Ultimate Frisbee!

Excellent sport, with no refs at all (or everyone's a ref, depending on how you look at it).

Unfortunately, there hasn't been a way to make it easily viewable on TV yet... give it time, give it time.

[Mr. Grim]

There's no violence, Rugby still wins

[Anonymous]

EB, what comedian did you copy that from? Sounds like George Carlin

[Dr T Non-Fan]

You'll have to separate the list between those you watch and those you play. I watch lots of sports that I wouldn't even consider playing (demographic issues).
Secondly, no one's putting a gun to your head. Don't watch or don't play. I don't think the earth stops moving either way. Your current choices make other people rich. That's the only criteria for their being available.

Hunting is what you want to do. Please, eat what you kill, and make sure it can kill you back, or at least maim you. A little risk for a little reward. Don't expect too many people to watch, though.

Gladiator matches are what you want to watch. Good luck.

[bland alterego]

RollerBall!

Jimmy Caan taught us the ultimate sport.
Violence
Constant Action
Simple rules
and big roaring motorcycles!

[E. Blackadder]

ttt: I think it came from within. (a snippet was taken from "Bull Durham.") Funny you should ask, because today I noticed an instance of plagiarism myself, in Omar Sharif's bridge column.

There was another post a few weeks ago complaining that I've ripped off GC material. (being IN an airplane rather than ON an airplane...)

Was that you? No, it was PseudolusCAS! :toast:
_________________
The Tao that can be defined is not the Tao.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: E. Blackadder on 2001-12-21 20:19 ]</font>

[Don Quijote]

I found it funny that another actuary defended fencing. Do we self select for strange hobbies as well as a strange career (BTW, epee is my weapon of choice, cuts down on the rules so that EB can both play and watch).

Despite my own choice, as a global answer, Rugby is the one. Not only the benefits mentioned above, but also "Advantage" and the fact that the teams and the fans all get together after the tournaments to drink beer and sing.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

DQ, to answer your first question: yes. We are a somewhat weird folk. It is only natural to gravitate toward less popular sporting activities. It depends on the availability of such activities, though.

Anyone know of an actuary that played Div-1A football or basketball? Just wondering.

[MountainHawk]

The perfect sport has been created. It is know as box lacrosse. If you are in the northeastern US or any of the major Canadian cities, check it out at a arena near you.

[Anonymous]

On 2001-12-27 18:41, Dr T Non-Fan wrote:
Anyone know of an actuary that played Div-1A football or basketball? Just wondering.


Commentates, yes ... played, I know of none.

[CJL]

I know an underwriter that played division 1-A basketball, and an actuary that played football at some lesser division school, but that's as close as I can get.