In team sports, a captain is an honorary title given to the member of the team primarily responsible for strategy and teamwork while the game is in progress on the field. This role has been particularly important during eras and situations in which coaches have been precluded by the rules from interacting with players on the field, or coaching from the sidelines, while the game is in progress. Team captains are often given the responsibility of interacting with game officials regarding application and interpretation of the rules.

Various sports have differing roles for team captains. See:

• Captain (hockey)
• Captain (football)
• Captain (cricket)
• In martial arts, the class lead instructor, acting under the direction and authority of the Master or a senior belt, may be called the captain.