The good old days were fun times to be a kid. Play was primarily low-cost and creative, not high-tech or expensive. Childhood games were played indoor

The good old days were fun times to be a kid. Play was primarily low-cost and creative, not high-tech or expensive. Childhood games were played indoors and outdoors. These games continue to be passed on from generation to generation and are still enjoyed today. In fact, some of these childhood games have now become competitive sports. Individuals battle it out to be recognized as champions. Here are five childhood games that became competitive sports. 
 
1. Dodgeball In the game of dodgeball, two teams of players play by tossing balls at their opponents while attempting to avoid getting hit themselves. Children enjoy playing this on the playground and during gym class. Today, dodgeball has become a competitive sport. The Worldwide Dodgeball Federation was formed in 2011. One of the main competitions is the Dodgeball World Championship held annually from 2012. About six to twelve players form the dodgeball teams and games are held on playing courts. Although most of the rules are the same as the childhood game that we know and love, there are a few variations. 
 
2. Tag Tag, also known as it or touch and go is a playground game that involves one player chosen to be “it” following other players in an effort to "tag" and take them out of the game by touching them with their hands. The player who is tagged becomes “it.” While additional variations of the game, such as frozen tag and shadow tag, have developed over time, the fundamental idea has remained the same. Brothers, Christian and Damien Deveaux of the UK turned this childhood game into a professional sport known as World Chase Tag. Men and women from all over the world compete in teams of six players. 
 
3. Musical Chairs Musical chairs, also known as Trip to Jerusalem, has become a staple at children’s birthday parties and family gatherings. In this game, one chair less than the number of players is placed in a circle. The players move around the chairs as music plays and players must find a chair to sit in when the music abruptly stops. A player is eliminated if they are unable to occupy a chair. The game continues until there’s a winner. The World Musical Chairs Federation began in 2012 and rules for competitions were created. In the Musical Chairs World Championship games, players must be seated within seven seconds and can’t use other body parts to force their way to a seat. 
 
4. Hide and Seek Find me if you can! Children love to hide in inconspicuous places with the hope of not being found. Today, this childhood game is played on an international level. In 2010, hide and seek was first played at the Nascondino World Championship in Consonno, Italy. One player from each team of five is given sixty seconds to hide on a field with obstacles. They are given ten minutes to move from their hiding spot to a large air mattress without being caught by the seeker. The first player to reach the home base is awarded the most points. 
 
5. Marbles Ancient civilizations such as Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and some Native American tribes played the game of marbles using stones, clay or nuts. From the 1920s, marbles, a childhood game, became competitive. Children ages seven to fourteen participated in competitive marble tournaments such as the National Marbles Tournament in New Jersey in 1922. The British and World Marbles Championship has been hosted annually on Good Friday at the Greyhound Inn in Tinsley Green, Sussex, since it was first organized in 1932.

Childhood Games That Are Now Competitive Sports

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