• Scott Kretchmar’s (2005) range of philosophic questions

opposition and contrast

The concepts that make sport possible, including winning vs. losing, success vs. failure, and self vs. opponent.

test of ability

A fundamental concept in sport examining how tests are established and what conditions deem them genuine.

genuine test

A test that effectively measures abilities under specific conditions.

uncertainty

The element in sports that influences the experience by balancing hope for success with the risk of failure.

sweet tension

The complex feeling athletes experience due to the interplay of potential success and the risk of failure.

contest

A competitive situation in which individuals face each other to determine a winner.

individual test

A personal evaluation of skills and abilities, distinguished from a contest when only one person is involved.

comparison

The assessment of performance, which is meaningful when opponents undertake the same test.

similarity among opponents

The notion that competitors may be more alike than different, striving for the same objective with varying levels of success.

meaningfulness of sport

The appeal of sport arising from its inherent uncertainty, challenges, and opportunities for measurable accomplishments.

athletic challenge

A situation in sports that tests an athlete's skill, often characterized by uncertainty and difficulty.

vulnerability in sport

The acknowledgment that success is achievable within a sporting context.

impregnability in sport

The recognition that failure is also a possibility in athletic endeavors.

change of dynamics in contests

How the addition of opponents alters the nature of an individual test.

measurable accomplishment

An achievement in sports that can be quantified, contributing to the perception of meaning.

hope of success

The aspiration athletes hold aiming for achievement in their sporting endeavors.

risk of failure

The potential for not succeeding, which adds to the dramatic experience of athletic competition.

degree of success

The varying levels of accomplishment that may separate competitors who are otherwise similar.

challenges in sports

The difficulties faced by athletes that contribute to the depth of their experiences.

Kretchmar's examination

The analysis conducted by Kretchmar on the nature and essence of sport, focusing on tests, contests, and experiences.

athletic experience

The holistic view of an athlete's journey, shaped by challenges, competition, and personal growth.