3. Health of a Nation

Barriers to Participation Contents Mass Participation Participation Pyramid Organisations in Mass Participation Participation initiatives Whole Sport Plans Barriers to Participation Gender Race and religion Disability Social Class Age

Mass Participation “Opportunity, provision and esteem to take part in any sporting event you wish to” Opportunity Time, money and attitudes of friends & family Provision Availability of facilities. Equipment, coaching and appropriate activities (Tangible) Esteem Self confidence to take part and perceptions of others Low expectations and under achievement from specific groups

Performance Pyramid Excellence Performance Participation Foundation Early development of physical competence Commitment of time to an activity Significant move towards organised sport National training squads Large base due to lots of opportunities for mass participation Low-level competitions and coaching County/high level club or above Reaching top level of their sport Very little coaching Talent scouts and club coaching Regular training and coaching- desire to win Highest level of coaching/facilities etc.

Organisations in Mass Participation NGBs They are required to open their sport to all sections of society, including the grass roots level… - Develop policies linked to specific target groups (e.g. disabled or ethnic minorities) - Training more sport-specific coaches - Develop mini or modified versions of the games to encourage all ability (e.g. Short tennis) - Making facilities more accessible, affordable and attractive (Grass roots and inner cities) - Improving awareness of sport through publicity, advertising and role models Sport England (Community) “Creating an active nation through sport” Start- improve participation levels annually by 1% (specifically in target groups) Stay- retain people in sport, increasing club memberships and numbers receiving coaching Succeed- become the ‘best’ nation for participation by 2020 Youth Sports Trust “Improving the lives of young people using the power of sport” Key organisation in development of school sport Works with a range of partners including Sport England and Sports leaders UK

Participation Initiatives You will need to be aware of contemporary initiatives happening from the various organisations. The best way to do this is to check their websites for updates… www.sportengland.org www.youthsporttrust.org Towards an Active nation Club Matters Active ageing Tackling economic disadvantage Sport for disabled people Be inspired

Accountability for the NGBs Whole Sport Plans Contract between Sport England and each of the 46 funded NGBs Tasked with delivery of increased participation for young people under 16. 60% of NGB funding focused on the 14-25 year old age group. To be eligible for Whole Sport Plan funding NGBs must… Meet high standards of governance Meet high standard of financial control. Publish all funding in line with government transparency. Accountability for the NGBs

Barriers to Participation In an ideal world, everyone will have the opportunity to take part in any sport as often as they like. However, reality doesn’t always match this… Prejudice- forming an unfavourable opinion before meeting an individual often based on inadequate facts. Discrimination- unfair treatment of a group based on a prejudice view Stereotyping- Simplistic generalisations about a group which encourages others to categorise people and treat them accordingly Social Exclusion- Certain sections of society are left out of the mainstream; occurs when there are a range of linked problems e.g. unemployment, low income and poor housing Inclusive sport- All people have the right to equal opportunities according to their specific needs. Activities may be adapted accordingly

Gender Not all women want to participate, however issues arise when they are denied freedom to chose. Barriers Solutions Stereotypical myths Physical activity can damaged femininity Social acceptance of female independence Women are not aggressive Increased media coverage and role models Less media coverage Stereotypical myths refuted through education. Fewer role-models and sponsorship opportunities Increased number of female coaches and officials Lower prize money More clubs to join and competitions to play in Negative effects of school PE policy Childcare offered at leisure centres. Kit Women’s Sport Foundation promote benefits of participation. Lack of choice “This Girl Can” campaign Lack of time- work or family commitments Lack of disposable income Fewer female coaches and officials This Girl Can

Race and religion People are pigeon-holed to certain sports or positions based on ethnicity rather than interest or ability American football- Black players normally a running back not a quarter back Barriers Conflict with religious observances Higher value placed on education (less support from family) Fewer role models (especially coaches) Low self esteem and fear of rejection Racist abuse Solutions Training more PE teachers and coaches from ethnic minorities Educating as to the effects of stereotyping Ensuring single sex provision for Muslim women Publicising and severely punishing racist abuse Organising campaigns (Kick it out) Making provision in PE programmes (Relaxing dress code and showering rules)

Disability Society continues to discriminate against, and impose barriers on, disabled people’s participation in physical activity Barriers Myths and stereotypes Lack of specialist coaches Negative self image and lack of confidence Lack of specialist equipment Low income levels- ¾ rely on benefits Fewer competitive opportunities Lack of transport Low levels of media coverage and role models Solutions Educate people about myths (challenge attitude) Provide transport to facilities Increased number of competitions at all levels Provide opportunities for success Increased media coverage Increased investment in disabled sport

Social Class Traditionally there has always been division of British society into social classes. Based on power- Wealthy controlling the poor. Sport reflects society, so this was mirrored in sport. Think back to “Emergence of Modern day sport” Today there are traditions where certain group’s try to maintain their class identity through sport. Sports involving horses still have an upper class association Certain games are popular among middle class and working class groups. None of these activities are exclusive to specific groups of people, but due to stereotypes, prejudices, wealth and esteem the divides remain in today’s society.

Age Giving children every opportunity to participate in sport… Foundation level with initiatives in school and local community Elderly given increased opportunities and self esteem encouraged… Masters or Veterans competitions to still allow elite level performance Masters Hockey Adaptations to Games- Walking Football Access to sports centres and recreational facilities Free or at low cost at non-peak times Encouraged into “life-long” activities Swimming Tennis Badminton