English Bridge Union loses its court battle for sport recognition

The English Bridge Union (EBU) has lost its legal battle against Sport England to have it recognised as a sport.

The EBU, in mounting the legal challenge, was attempting to overturn Sport England’s decision that bridge’s lack of physical activity meant it was not a sport, leaving it ineligible for funding from the body.

In the High Court, Mr Justice Dove found that Sport England had been acting within the law. The judge said Sport England's current policy defined sport as involving "physical activity" and that its decision to reject bridge’s application was correct.

A key point raised in his decision was that he had not been asked to answer the “broad, somewhat philosophical question” as to whether the activity was in fact a sport.

Rather, the issue considered was whether Sport England had "erred in law" when refusing to classify bridge as a sport.

The EBU, in making its arguments to have the game recognised as a sport, offered that the tactical, taxing card game brought clear benefits for the mind, particularly for older people. It was also raised that bridge is recognised as a sport by the International Olympic Committee and several European countries.

Peter Stockdale, communications officer for the EBU, on why it had taken its case to court said, “It is primarily about recognition. There are a number of opportunities and organisations that are only available to you if you are a sport.”

Phil Smith, the director of sport for Sport England, after the decision said, “Sport England’s job is to help the nation to be more physically active, a role given to us by our Royal Charter. “We recognise that may people enjoy playing bridge, but that’s not going to play a part in the fight against inactivity”.