{{Short description|Object used for sport or exercise}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}} {{multiple image | align = right | perrow = 3 | total_width = 500 | image1 = Casco Voltors.jpg | image2 = Baseball bat helmet and glove mitt (16967297036).jpg | image3 = Cricket kit at Walker Cricket Ground, Southgate, London, England 02.jpg | image4 = Argentinische Ruckhand.JPG | image5 = Hockey equipment rom.jpg | image6 = 3 golf clubs and ball at Wakasu Golf Links, Tokyo.jpg | footer = Some sports equipment, from left to right, up to down: American football [[Football helmet|helmet]] and [[Ball (gridiron football)|ball]], baseball equipment ([[Baseball bat|bat]], [[Baseball (ball)|ball]], [[Baseball glove|glove]] and [[Batting helmet|helmet]]), cricket equipment ([[Cricket helmet|helmet]], [[Cricket bat|bat]] and gloves), [[field hockey stick]] and ball, [[ice hockey equipment]] and [[golf club]]s and [[Golf ball|ball]] }} '''Sports equipment''', also called '''sporting goods''', are the tools, materials, apparel, and gear that vary in shape, size, and usage in a particular sport. It includes balls, [[Net (device)|nets]], [[Racket (sports equipment)|rackets]], [[protective gear]]s like [[helmet]]s, [[goggles]], etc. Since the performer must use sports equipment,{{sfn | Qiu | 2020 | p=1}} it can also serve for protection.{{sfn | Shan | 2008 | pp=5}}{{efn|Over time, sporting equipment has evolved because sports have started to require more protective gear to prevent injuries.<ref>{{Citation|url=https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/10-tips-to-prevent-injuries-when-you-exercise|title=10 tips to prevent injuries when you exercise|author=Harvard Medical School|date=October 1, 2013|publisher=Harvard Health Publishing|language=en|access-date=March 3, 2020|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225102024/https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/10-tips-to-prevent-injuries-when-you-exercise|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
==History and development of sports== Historically, many sports players have developed their own sporting equipment over time. For instance, the use of a football dates back to [[ancient China]], between the [[Warring States period]] (476–221 BC) and the [[Han dynasty|Han Dynasty]] (220 AD).<ref>[[Cuju]], an ancient Chinese ball game dating back to the Han dynasty (206 BC – AD 220), is the earliest known recorded game similar to soccer, described as a competitive exercise involving kicking a ball through a net without using hands.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ancient Chinese Football |url=https://en.chinaculture.org/library/2008-01/25/content_46847.htm |access-date=May 24, 2024 |website=en.chinaculture.org |archive-date=May 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517052250/http://en.chinaculture.org/library/2008-01/25/content_46847.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> As football remains the most popular sport in the 21st century, the material of the ball has completely changed over the centuries; from being made out of animal skin, to being lined with multiple layers of polyester or cotton.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Football Size, Shape and Design {{!}} The History Of The Football {{!}} Football-Stadiums.co.uk |url=https://www.football-stadiums.co.uk/articles/football-size-and-history/ |access-date=June 22, 2023 |website=www.football-stadiums.co.uk |date=October 13, 2017 |archive-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622082231/https://www.football-stadiums.co.uk/articles/football-size-and-history/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}
As the sporting equipment industry improves, so do the athletes' performance. This is due to the fact that the equipment is more efficient, lighter and stronger, thus forming a biomechanical system that is interacting with the athlete.<ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1007/s12283-015-0183-5 | volume=18| issue=4|journal=Sports Engineering|pages=191–202| title=Biomechanics research and sport equipment development| year=2015| last1=Stefanyshyn| first1=Darren J.| last2=Wannop| first2=John W.| s2cid=109120639}}</ref>
Since the massive adoption of wearable, new sport equipment tend to be electronics and connected to deliver data performances.
Standards and monitoring processes apply in certain industries aimed at the elimination of [[child labour]] in the manufacturing of sports goods. One example would be the [[Atlanta Agreement]] of 1997 in relation to child labour in the football-making industry in Pakistan.<ref>Independent Monitoring Association for Child Labor, [http://www.imacpak.org/atlanta.htm Atlanta Agreement (a retyped copy)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618062031/http://www.imacpak.org/atlanta.htm |date=June 18, 2009 }}, accessed October 29, 2022</ref>
There are well-developed international trade markets for sports equipment: for example, a steady increase in sports equipment trade within the European Union and between [[EU member states]] and the rest of the world was reported during the period from 2017 to 2020.<ref>[[Eurostat]], [https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=International_trade_in_sporting_goods#EU_International_trade_in_sporting_goods_between_2017_and_2022 EU International trade in sporting goods between 2017 and 2022], ''Statistics Explained'', published with June 2023 data, accessed on 16 August</ref>
==Game equipment== ===Projectiles=== In [[ball sports]], [[ball|balls]] are a key element—usually as part of the [[Score (game)|scoring]] mechanism. Sports balls are usually in the shape of a [[sphere]], though they may also be [[spheroid]] or [[ellipsoid]]. Spherical balls include the [[baseball (ball)|baseball]], [[basketball (ball)|basketball]], [[Gaelic ball]], [[cricket ball]], [[golf ball]], [[lacrosse ball]], [[tennis ball]], and the [[Ball (association football)|ball used in association football]]. Spheroid and ellipsoid balls include the [[Ball (gridiron football)|gridiron football]] and [[rugby ball]].
In [[Flying disc games|flying disc sports]], [[frisbees]] are used for various [[Flying disc games|games]] such as [[Flying disc freestyle|freestyle]], [[disc golf]] and [[ultimate (sport)|ultimate]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-18 |title=The History and Evolution of Frisbee Games |url=https://frizbowlplay.com/blogs/news/frisbee-games |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Frizbowl |language=en |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230050530/https://frizbowlplay.com/blogs/news/frisbee-games |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 11, 2017 |title=The History of Frisbee and Flying Disc Freestyle |url=https://www.freestyledisc.org/freestyle-history/ |access-date=December 30, 2023 |website=Freestyle Players Association |language=en-US |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211023033/https://www.freestyledisc.org/freestyle-history/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In [[ice hockey]] and [[floor hockey]], a [[Hockey puck|puck]] is used.
===Goal=== {{Main|Goal (sports)}} In many games, goal posts are at each end of the playing field. In some games, such as [[association football]], [[hockey]] and [[water polo]], the object is to pass the ball or puck between the posts below the crossbar. In basketball, the object is to pass the ball through the [[Basket (basketball)|basket]]. In these sports, the goal usually has a [[Net (device)|net]]. In other sports, such as those based on [[Rugby football|rugby]], the ball must pass over the crossbar.
===Nets=== {{Main|Net and wall games}}
In [[tennis]], [[badminton]], and [[volleyball]], players launch the projectile over a net which is supported by two posts.
===Paddles=== In [[canoeing]] and [[kayaking]], a handheld tool used to propel a human-powered watercraft; * [[Paddle]]
In [[racket sport]]s, such as [[padel]], [[pickleball]], and [[table tennis]], a flat-faced non-netted tool used for striking balls; * [[Pickleball paddle]] * [[Table tennis racket]]
===Rackets=== [[Racket (sports equipment)|Rackets]], a netted tool used for striking balls or shuttlecocks in sports such as [[tennis]], [[Squash (sport)|squash]] and [[badminton]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sports Rackets Dimensions & Drawings {{!}} Dimensions.com |url=https://www.dimensions.com/collection/sports-rackets |access-date=December 30, 2023 |website=www.dimensions.com |language=en |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230050530/https://www.dimensions.com/collection/sports-rackets |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Rods and tackle=== [[Fishing rod]]s and [[fishing tackle]] are primarily used for fishing and [[sport fishing]].
===Sticks, bats, and clubs=== Sticks are used for sports such as [[hockey stick|hockey]] and [[lacrosse stick|lacrosse]]. Bats are used for sports such as [[Baseball bat|baseball]], [[Cricket bat|cricket]], and [[rounders]]. Clubs are used mainly for [[golf club|golf]].
===Wickets and bases=== [[Wicket]]s, [[popping crease|creases]] and balls are used in [[cricket]], and [[Base (baseball)|bases]] are used in baseball.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 11, 2006 |title=Cricket for Baseball Fans {{!}} Cheryl's Mewsings |url=https://www.cheryl-morgan.com/?page_id=23 |access-date=December 30, 2023 |website=www.cheryl-morgan.com |language=en-US |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230050531/https://www.cheryl-morgan.com/?page_id=23 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Player equipment== ===Footwear=== {{multiple image | align = right | direction = horizontal | total_width = 400 | image1 = Air Jordan VII (Maillot N°9 de la Dream Team).JPG | width1 = | image2 = AdidasEtruscoBoot.jpg | width2 = | footer = [[Air Jordan]] shoe by [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]] (left); football boots with metal cleats by [[Adidas]] (right) }}
In many sports, athletes wear [[Cleat (shoe)|cleats]]. These include cricket spikes, [[football boot]]s, [[golf shoes]], and [[track spikes]].
Cyclists wear [[cycling shoes]], which may be designed for special interaction with [[Bicycle pedal|pedals]].
Wheeled shoes include [[roller skates]] and [[inline skates]].
Skiers wear [[Ski boot|ski boots]], which attach to [[skis]] via [[Ski binding|bindings]]. Similarly, snowboarders have [[snowboard boots]] and [[Snowboard binding|bindings]].
Athletes wear [[ice skates]] in most ice-based sports, although there are exceptions such as [[broomball]] and [[curling]].
Athletes with limb differences (such as those in the [[Paralympics]]) may use extremity [[prostheses]], such as the [[Flex-Foot Cheetah]] running blade.
===Protective equipment=== [[File:Shoulder_Pads.jpg|thumb|right|Shoulder pads used in [[gridiron football]] and [[ice hockey]]]] Protective equipment is often worn for sports including [[motor sport]] and [[contact sport]]s, where there is a danger of injury through collision of players or other objects.
In many sports, athletes wear helmets. These include: * [[Batting helmet]] * [[Bicycle helmet]] * [[Football helmet]] * [[Hockey helmet]] * [[Motorcycle helmet]] [[Padding]] is used to protect various body parts, most often as [[elbow pad]]s, [[shin pad]]s, and [[Shoulder pad (sport)|shoulder pad]]s. Specialized equipment, such as the [[jockstrap]] and [[mouthguard]], is used to protect certain body parts. Ice hockey players may wear [[Neck guard|neck guards]]. Some athletes wear [[:Category:Sports gloves|sports gloves]] to protect their hands.
=== Clothing === {{Main|Sportswear}}
Many sports have a common set of clothing, usually called a uniform or kit, including the [[Kit (association football)|association football kit]], [[baseball uniform]], [[basketball uniform]], [[cricket whites]], and [[cycling kit]]. As part of the uniform, athletes may wear [[Jersey (sport)|jerseys]]; they may also be called shirts, [[Hockey jersey|sweaters]] in ice hockey or [[Guernsey (Australian rules football)|guernseys]] in Australian rules football. These jerseys may [[Away colours|change color]] when the team is [[Road (sports)|on the road]].
===Training equipment=== Examples of training equipment include [[exercise ball|swiss ball]]s, [[resistance band]]s, tennis balls, balance discs, cones, [[barbells|weights]], [[chin-up bar]]s, weight machines, and gym equipment. Also, protective equipment such as [[weight lifting belt]]s and [[bench shirt]]s are used for weight training and [[powerlifting]].{{cn|date=May 2024}}
===Special sports equipment=== Special sports equipment, is the equipment usually worn by the athletes according to their needs or desires. *'''Special equipment in sports branches:''' **'''Cycling''': ***[[Cycling jersey]]: a sleeved jersey covering the upper torso. ***[[Bib shorts]]: the shorts worn by cyclists which come with [[cycling pad|pads]] for added comfort. ***[[Socks]]: typically mid-length socks. ***[[Cycling shoes]]: specialised shoes with stiff soles for more efficient energy transfer and cleats cliping into [[bicycle pedal|clipless pedals]]. **'''Football''': ***[[Leggings|Football leggings]]: Football leggings, mostly used in winter. It is used to prevent the body from getting cold and injury due to the cold weather after warm-up training in winter. ***Football captain's tape: Football captain's tape, is a compulsory (required) piece of equipment. Football captains are chosen by the coach, the accessory provided must be worn by the captain. ***Football shinguard: Football shinguard, is a special piece of equipment, that football players wear according to their specific wishes. ***Football bracelet: Football bracelet, is a special need equipment and players write the name of a family member or loved one according to their wishes. *** Football footband: Football footband, is worn by footballers in the ankle area between the crampons and the toe and is need or for pleasure. ***[[Eyeshield|Football Visor]]: Football visor, is a piece of plastic attached to the facemask of the football helmet. It helps prevent damage to the eyes and face. **'''Volleyball''': *** Volleyball wristband: Volleyball wristband, is mostly used by volleyball players. Volleyball players use it for better grip of their hands. *** Volleyball knee pads: Volleyball knee pads, is the equipment used by volleyball players to protect their knees, when they jump high, jump sideways and fall to the ground. *** Volleyball leg pads: Volleyball leg pads, allows volleyball players to play safely. ** '''Basketball''': *** [[Basketball sleeve]]: Basketball sleeve, is a piece of equipment that basketball players wear according to their wishes and tastes and is not mandatory. *** Basketball armband: Basketball armband, is a piece of equipment that basketball players use according to their tastes or needs. *** Basketball headband: Basketball headband, is a piece of equipment that basketball players wear according to their wishes and tastes and is not mandatory. *** Basketball handband: Basketball handband, is like a need for basketball players to protect their hands and grip the ball more comfortably, but it is not mandatory. *** Basketball bracelet: Basketball bracelet, is a piece of equipment, that is generally used only as an accessory by basketball players. ** '''Tennis''': *** Tennis armband: It is a non-mandatory accessory worn by tennis players. *** Tennis hairband: Tennis headband, is an accessory especially used by athletes according to their own color and taste. *** Tennis hat: The tennis hat is often used by tennis athletes. Used as an accessory.
==Vehicles== Vehicles (sometimes specialized) are used as equipment for some sports, including [[motor sport]], cycling, [[aeronautics]], sailing and [[hot air ballooning]].
Small vehicles with [[flatbed truck|flatbeds]] are often used to carry injured athletes off the field, most commonly in [[American football]].
==Various sports== [[File:Budget Sport.jpg|thumb|Budget Sport, a sports equipment store in [[Tampere]], [[Finland]]]] {{div col|colwidth=30em}} * [[:Category:Sports equipment]] (various sports) * [[Kit (association football)|Association football clothing and equipment]] * [[Baseball clothing and equipment]] * [[Climbing equipment]] * [[Cricket clothing and equipment]] * [[Cycling kit]] * [[Golf equipment]] * [[Protective equipment in gridiron football|Gridiron football equipment]] * [[Ice hockey equipment]] * [[Rugby shirt]] * [[Snowboarding equipment]] * [[Triathlon equipment]] {{div col end}}
==See also== * [[Equipment]] * [[Equipment manager]] * [[Outdoor gym]] * [[Protective equipment]] * [[Chin-up bar]] * [[Athletic Equipment Managers Association]] * [[Protective gear in sports]] * [[Ice sock]]
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}} ===Works cited=== * {{cite journal | last=Shan | first=G. B. | title=Sport Equipment Evaluation and Optimization — A Review of the Relationship between Sport Science Research and Engineering | journal=The Open Sports Sciences Journal | volume=1 | issue=1 | date=May 19, 2008 | doi=10.2174/1875399X00801010005 | pages=5–11| doi-access=free }} * {{cite journal | last=Qiu | first=Zhenyu | title=The Influence of the Design and Manufacture of Sports Equipment on Sports | journal=Journal of Physics: Conference Series | volume=1549 | issue=3 | date=June 1, 2020 | article-number=032039 | issn=1742-6588 | doi=10.1088/1742-6596/1549/3/032039| doi-access=free }} ==External links== {{Commons}}
{{Sports equipment brands}} {{Sport}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sports Equipment}} [[Category:Sports equipment| ]]