Encyclopedia of Traditional Sports and Games
To support the intergenerational transmission of traditional sports and games, it is essential to record and document them. The objective of the “Encyclopedia of Traditional Sports and Games” project, led by the World Ethnosports Confederation (WEC), is to research, compile, inventory, list, and publish traditional sports and games from various regions across the globe. A primary goal is to develop a comprehensive and reliable reference guide to serve as a source of accurate information on traditional sports and games. This initiative aims to preserve the history of traditional sports and games, revive those nearing extinction, and ensure their passage to future generations.
This encyclopedia, prepared by experts with a structured approach, aims to facilitate access to accurate information about traditional sports and games, to catalog and classify them, and to make this information readily available to a broad audience. It will foster an interdisciplinary perspective and provide reliable, efficient access to information in today’s digital age.
In this project, traditional sports and games are researched in various regions and cultures, complemented by resource scanning and field compilations. The research encompasses Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and the Caribbean, North America, Central Asia, and Türkiye, the latter of which is designated as the pilot region.
Each entry includes the sport or game’s name, regional variations in naming, prevalence, required equipment, participants, a description of how it is played, and its recognition locally and internationally (such as federations, foundations, clubs, festivals, and events) and photographs accompany each entry.
Qualified experts in history, literature, physical education, child development, folklore, and other social sciences are invited to contribute to the encyclopedia. After an article is written, it undergoes editorial review and necessary revisions before being published on the website in alphabetical order under either "Traditional Sports" or "Traditional Games."
How to Become a Writer
Writers interested in contributing can apply on the Encyclopedia of Traditional Sports and Games webpage. They may request topics not yet assigned and become official authors.
Compensation is provided on a per-word basis, with rates updated annually according to market conditions.
Articles are categorized into three types: A (4000 words), B (2000 words), and C (500 words).
For publication and compensation, authors must sign a Copyright Assignment Agreement, transferring copyright to the encyclopedia.
Authors can also propose new, unlisted topics within the system, and may be assigned as writers for these entries.
Articles may be submitted in Turkish, English, Russian, French, Spanish, or Arabic.
