Kenttälajien

Kenttälajien, a Finnish term, translates to "field sports" or "outdoor sports." It broadly encompasses a variety of athletic disciplines that are traditionally practiced in open-air environments, typically on fields, tracks, or natural terrain. This category is often associated with athletics, which includes running, jumping, and throwing events. However, the term can also extend to other sports like football (soccer), rugby, American football, baseball, softball, and even certain forms of equestrianism and cycling that take place in outdoor arenas or fields.

The defining characteristic of kenttälajien is their reliance on a natural or specifically prepared outdoor space. This contrasts with indoor sports, which are conducted within a gymnasium or arena, or water sports, which take place in bodies of water. The environmental conditions, such as weather and ground surface, can significantly influence the performance and nature of these sports. Historically, many of these sports originated from activities practiced outdoors for training, recreation, or even as a means of survival. The term emphasizes the environment in which the sport is played, highlighting the connection to the natural world or dedicated outdoor sporting grounds.