Chapter 13 - Barriers to Participation

Chapter 13 - Barriers to Participation

1. Terminology

   • Discrimination - "Unfair Treatment of a person, racial group, minority; action based on prejudice"
   • Inclusive Sport - " Where all people have the right to equal opportunities according to their particular needs"
   • Prejudice - " To form an unfavourable opinion before meeting an individual, often based on inadequate facts"
   • Social Exclusion - "When certain sections of society are left out of the mainstream"
   • Stereotyping - "a set of simplistic generalisations about a group that allow others to categorise them and treat them accordingly"

2. The performance Pyramid

   • Excellence
     • Performance
       • Participation
         • Foundation

3. Sport and Mass Participation

   • Target groups:
     • Young People (16-24)
     • Lower social classes
     • Women
     • Ethnic Minorities
     • Disabled People
     • The Elderly
   • Factors Limiting Participation
     • Opportunity - attitudes of friends, time and money
     • Provision - transport, equipment and facilities
     • Esteem - levels of self-confidence, perceptions of others, discrimination

4. Under-representation of women in sport

   • Explanations:
     • Less Media coveage
     • Lack of time and money
     • School PE programmes
     • Fewer sponsorship opportunities
     • Stereotypical myths
     • Fewer role models
     • Fewer female coaches and officials
   • Solutions:
     • Greater social acceptance
     • More media coverage
     • Refutation of stereotypical myths
     • More women are qualifying as coaches
     • More clubs for women to join and more competitions
     • Childcare is provided at some leisure centres
     • The Women's Sport Foundation
       • Sport improves body image and self-esteem
       • Reduces stress and depression
       • Develops skills necessary for success in the workplace
       • Lowers risk of obesity
       • Increases the chance of academic success
       • Increases the overall quality of life
   • Why Inside?
     • Comfortable environment
     • Seen as good for health
     • Non-contact activities
     • More socially acceptable
   • Sociocultural factors:
     • Equal opportunities
     • Increased media coverage
     • More female role models
     • More opportunities to play football
     • More clubs to join
     • Rejection of stereotypes
     • More leisure time

5. Race and Religion in Sport

   • Causes:
     • Conflict with religious observances
     • Higher value placed on education
     • Racist abuse
     • Fewer role models
     • Lower self-esteem and fear of rejection
   • Solutions:
     • Training more ethnic minority teachers and coaches
     • Single-sex provision for Muslim women
     • Punishing racist abuse
     • Organising campaigns against racism
     • Making more provision in PE

6. Under-representation of the disabled in sport

   • Reasons why disabled people do not participate in physical activity;
     • Negative self-image
     • Lower income levels
     • Lack of appropriate transport
     • Lack of specialist coaches
     • Lack of specialist equipment
     • Fewer competitive opportunities
     • Low levels of media coverage
   • Inclusiveness - "The idea that all people should have their needs, abilities and aspirations recognised"
   • Integration - "Able-bodied and disabled people taking part in the same activity at the same time"
   • Segregation - "People with disabilities participating separately amongst themselves"
   • Disability Sport England Functions:
     • Promotion of the benefits of exericse
     • Supporting relevant organisations
     • Increasing awareness and knowledge in society
     • Encouraging disabled people to play an active role in sport
     • Enhancing the image of sport

7. Effects of social class

   • Upper Class - polo, equestrian and field sports
   • Middle Class - hockey, tennis, golf and rugby union
   • Working Class - football, darts, snooker and rugby league