Reconsider the classification of esports, as a sport rather than a game.

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

I would like the Government or Parliament to revisit the classification and recognition of esports in the UK, as currently it is recognised as a game, and not a sport. This hinders the industry as it has meant that there is no national governing body or officially recognised governance.

This is dire, as esports not having the level of funding and officiated guidance that sports in the UK have is negatively affecting an industry that even the Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport stated has "[the] potential to develop as an area of real national strength in the UK." The recognition of esports as a sport could open the door to more support and help officiate it within the UK, which is nationally, in some cases, decades behind other countries in terms of progress.

Why it was rejected

It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

The Government is not responsible for recognising an activity as a sport.

It is up to practitioners whether to refer to an activity they undertake as a sport, and recognising a governing body for a sport would be a matter for the UK's sport councils, not the Government or House of Commons.

Timeline

28 Sep 2023	Petition opened for signatures
6 Oct 2023	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21

Status Rejected

Rejected 6 Oct 2023

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