Qualifications : No Machines

This argument is used to disqualify sports like competitive shooting ( pistols or rifles) , archery auto racing (again) or the mental sports (chess, other competitive boardgames). This argument works for somethings but not for others. Many of these things, like shooting require a lot of skill even and physical effort from the competitor. Sailing requires strength and skill but it really is the machine that wins the race. ( It requires BOTH a good crew and a good boat to win a race) Exemptions are granted for simple machines like clubs, bats or rackets. A purest might even challenge these.

I can't say that I agree 100% with the premise that if a machine is used that it's not a sport. but it clearly could be an indicator. I think it is more complicated.

Bicycle racing : Is a sport
Robot Wars: Not a sport