SPORTS STUDIES

• Barriers


  Things that can prevent someone or a group of people from taking part in sport
• Ethnic minorities can be defined as communities of people who live by a different set of cultural values and traditions compared to the general population of a given country
• Retired people / people over 50 are older adults who typically will not be working any more and may receive their pension, or potentially be working on a part-time basis
• Women's role may be to stay at home to bring up children and look after the home

  Preventing time from being available to exercise and take part in sport
• Older siblings may be required and expected to look after younger siblings on behalf of the parents


  Preventing the time from being available for the older siblings to take part in sport
• Ethnic minorities are more likely to earn less money than those who are white British


  Affecting how much disposable income is available, with those earning less being less likely to take part in sport
• Religious restrictions can impact on participation rates in sport


  The day itself as well as preparation days for the event
• The lack of female role models from ethnic minorities portrayed in the media

  Has a negative impact on participation, which could make women feel that they should not be out participating in exercise and sport
• Restrictions may exist for ethnic minorities who are not permitted to be around males


  They can only attend female-only sessions, such as female-only swims. Such sessions may be less available than mixed sessions
• Older individuals may have more commitments, such as looking after grandchildren

  Restricting participation time
• Older people may not have enough money to pay membership or sports fees

  Especially if they have little pension
• There may not be venues or facilities that provide suitable activities for older people

  E.g. some places may not offer walking football
• Most role models are young


  Which can have a negative impact on elderly participation, as they may feel that older people should not be taking part in activities and sport, as sport is only for young people
• Older people may be less inclined to drive


  Therefore, it may be essential that easy transport links are available to go to and from facilities. If not, this limits accessibility
• Families of older people may be worried about their safety in playing sport

  For fear of injury or falls, so may not encourage participation
• Not all facilities offer a crèche or other form of childminding service

  Therefore, parents are reliant on family or friends looking after their children if they want to take part in sport
• Not all sports cater for young children


  Some teams may state a minimum age that children have to be before joining the team. This restricts participation in sport for some younger children
• Disposable income may be limited for families with children

  Due to other commitments and payments that are required. This limits the amount of money that is available for sport and physical activities
• Not all facilities offer a crèche or other form of childminding service

  Therefore, single parents are reliant on family or friends looking after their child/children if they want to take part in sport
• Single parents will have less disposable income than families with two parents

  Thereby restricting money available for taking part in sport and physical activity
• There is a lack of female role models who are athletes as well as parents

  Therefore, some single mothers may fear they will be judged for spending time taking part in sport once they become a parent
• Single parents who have active children are expected to transport their child/children to and from training sessions or fixtures


  Therefore, if a parent has limited transport or little money for transport, this can restrict the child's ability to take part in sport and activities
• Children and teenagers do not have a salary

  Therefore, they will not have the money for sport. They will have to rely on parents paying for training and memberships
• Some older siblings may be required to look after younger siblings

  Thereby preventing the older sibling from leaving and taking part in sport
• Children and young people may be dependent on the provision and accessibility of sport and equipment at their school

  Therefore, if the school does not offer sport, they may not take part elsewhere
• Children and teenagers who are not old enough or can't drive

  Are reliant on family or friends for transportation, or local services. They cannot attend without transport
• Some facilities do not have the provisions required for disabled individuals


  E.g. wheelchair basketball and tennis with a specialist coach and equipment
• Those who identify as disabled are less likely to earn as much money as those who are able-bodied

  Thereby reducing the amount of disposable income available for sport
• Some people may not know what is available due to a lack of awareness


  E.g. disabled people may not know there is a local wheelchair tennis team for them to join if they wanted to
• Some facilities do not have the accessibility required for disabled individuals


  E.g. wheelchair ramps to access the facility
• Working full time means any spare time may be used to get 'other' tasks done

  Such as housework or cooking, reducing time available for taking part in physical activity
• Working full time can be tiring

  Which can hinder a person's desire to find the energy and motivation to take part in sport and exercise
• Some full-time work may require lots of travelling


  I.e. to different locations, thereby decreasing time available for exercise and sport, especially if they have to drive home at the end of the day
• Working full time with unsociable hours


  I.e. those who work night shifts, may have less provision for sport, as activity times may be during hours when they are sleeping
• Those with a smaller disposable income are less likely to pay for membership fees


  Compared to those who have a larger disposable income
• Those with a smaller disposable income are less likely to pay for exercise equipment or clothing


  Compared to those who have a larger disposable income
• Evidence suggests those earning least are more likely to adopt unhealthy lifestyle behaviours


  Such as unhealthy eating, smoking and drinking; therefore, they may not have the desire or interest for sport nor the money to cover the costs associated with sport, such as equipment, clothing or shoes
• Poor area conditions in disadvantaged areas have shown to negatively impact on sport uptake


  I.e. lack of or poor-quality facilities
• Disposable income


  The money available to people after they have paid bills and other financial commitments
• Unemployed / economically disadvantaged person


  May not be able to participate in sport and physical activity