13.1 Concepts of Physical Activity and Sport

Question 1

What is physical recreation?

Answer 1

• Defined as ‘the active aspect of leisure’
• Leisure is free time which can be spent actively or passively

If spent actively- can be classified as physcial recreation as it is entered into voluntarily during a persons free time

Emphasis is on participation and taking part in physical recreation without focusing on winning

Question 2

What are the key characteristics of physical recreation?

Answer 2

• Fun/enjoyable , non-serious & informal in nature so winning is not important; taking part is the main motive for participation
• Physically energetic- Involves effort being applied into physical activity
• Participating is a matter of ‘choice’/voluntary & up to you whether you take part or not
• Flexible- how long you take part for & rules being followed can be adjusted by participants as they wish
• Self regulated- any decisions during actvities are made by participants themselves

Question 3

What are some of the benefits of physical recreation?

Answer 3

• Develop self confidence/self-esteem via a sense of achievement
• Stress reduction occurs
• Skills develop/fitness increases as a result of taking part in physical recreation activites
• Social skills improve
• Sense of fun/enjoyment is gained

Question 4

What are the benefits of physical recreation for a society?

Answer 4

• Increased health and fitness helps reduce strain on the NHS & lowers obesity rates
• If more individuals from different social communities join clubs & socially interact, it can help increase social integration & improve community cohesion
• Can lead to an increase in employment & economic benefits when more people use facilities & buy equipment to participate
• A more positive use of free time increases social control & reduces crime rates

Question 5

What is Sport?

Answer 5

• Viewed as a serious and/or competitive experience

Question 6

What are the key characterisitcs of sport?

Answer 6

• Highly structured- Has set/strict rules
• Involves use of specialist equipment
• Officials are present who are trained or appointed by national governing bodies
• Strategies and tactics are involved to try to outwit opponents & win
• Rewards are recieved as a result of success
• High levels of commitment & or strict training are involved to maintain & improve fitness & skill levels