1. Recreational Drugs
DEFINTION: These are drugs taken for enjoyment, not to enhance performance. They are often addictive and can damage health.
There are two different types:
Socially acceptable (e.g. alcohol or nicotine)
Socially unacceptable (e.g. cocaine, ecstasy or cannabis)
You will need to know the effects of smoking and alcohol on general health and on sporting performance.
You do not need to know the effects of socially unacceptable drugs.
Recreational Drugs & Risks (GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.1)

2. 1. 2. Nicotine (Smoking) Alcohol Recreational Drugs
DEFINITION: Nicotine is an addictive substance found in cigarettes.
HEALTH EFFECTS: Nicotine can cause a number of breathing-related diseases, including bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer.
PERFORMANCE EFFECTS: Nicotine can damage both the cardiovascular system and the respiratory (breathing) system.
It reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, meaning people become tired quicker.
It also damages alveoli (in the lungs) meaning less oxygen enters the body and people become breathless quicker. 2.
Alcohol
DEFINITION: An addictive liquid found in some drinks.
HEALTH EFFECTS: Too much alcohol can lead to a number of health problems including heart failure, high blood pressure and increased weight. It also damages the inside of your liver and therefore too much alcohol can lead to liver disease or cancer of the liver.
PERFORMANCE EFFECTS: Alcohol slows down peoples reaction times and makes them lose concentration and co-ordination. It can also make people less agile/mobile due to weight gain.
Recreational Drugs & Risks (GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.1)

3. Risks & Hazards
DEFINTION: When taking part in physical activity there are a number of risks and hazards that you need to be aware of in order to help you prevent injury.
You will need to know what you do to prevent the risk of injury AND explain how the risk is reduced (by using an example).
Recreational Drugs & Risks (GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.1)

4. Risks & Hazards
Remember – All the things below are used to help reduce the risk of injury.
1. PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire)
HOW DOES IT REDUCE RISK: It helps identify any health issues or injuries. This allows training programmes to be changed/adapted to avoid further damage.
2. Warm-up & Cool down
HOW DOES IT REDUCE RISK: It helps to move joints and increase temperature of muscles. This helps to prevent muscle strains/tears and helps to avoid joint injuries.
3. Checking Equipment & Facilities
HOW DOES IT REDUCE RISK: Equipment and facilities need to be checked before activity to ensure no dangerous/sharp objects are found or broken equipment is used.
4. Playing by the Rules
HOW DOES IT REDUCE RISK: Some rules in sport are in place to prevent injuries from occurring. For example, no two-footed tackles are allowed in football.
5. Physical Readiness
HOW DOES IT REDUCE RISK: Making sure athletes are physically ready (and fit) to take part in sport will reduce injuries such as heart attacks (if someone is too old for activity) or shin splints (if someone is too young for activity).
Recreational Drugs & Risks (GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.1)

5. Risks & Hazards 6. Protective Equipment & Clothing
HOW DOES IT REDUCE RISK: Protective equipment is used in sports to prevent players getting injured.
Helmet – prevents concussion or head injuries by acting as a shock absorber.
Goggles – protect the eyes from debris by providing a shield.
Shin pads – Reduce the chance of cuts by placing a barrier between the skin.
Shoes – Increase friction so the foot does not slip when running or turning OR supports ankles to prevent sprains when turning , jumping or landing.
7. Balanced Competition
HOW DOES IT REDUCE RISK: Playing in the right level of competition and not doing something too hard means people are less likely to cause themselves (or others) injury.
Weight categories – Means people of the same weight play against each other (e.g. boxing).
Mixed or Single gender – Some sports allow mixed gender (e.g. badminton), whilst others only allow the same gender to play against each other (e.g. boxing).
Age – Age limits (especially at youth level) make sure people play against same age opponents.
Handicap System – Some sports give an advantage to players who are not as skilled (e.g. golf)
Recreational Drugs & Risks (GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.1)