Natural to artificial: a spectrum of sport spaces fit for the Anthropocene

Over time, sport has progressively moved indoors and toward more controlled environments, a set of related processes dubbed ‘artificialisation’ and ‘indoorisation’. This has mirrored broader anthropocentric changes in society globally. In reflecting on the evolving relationship between sport and the natural environment, and the shifts in who and what is considered in the production and reproduction of sport practices, we use MacInnis’ method of delineation to advance the Natural to Artificial Spectrum as an invitation to have more nuanced conversations surrounding sport’s relationship to the natural world. The implications of a sport practice’s placement on the spectrum–and its shifts along the spectrum over time and across geographic space–span across participant health and wellbeing, sport experiences, competitiveness and alignment with international (largely Western) standards, environmental attitudes and behaviours, participation and maintenance costs, environmental impacts, and climate vulnerability.