Public schools and rational recreation

Question 1

The development of modern sport began in English public schools.
Why were the boys in English public schools encouraged to play sport?

Answer 1

Occupy boy’s free time / riotous behaviour / inappropriate activities
Discipline / social control / safety
Preparing boys for roles in society / leadership
Develop athleticism among boys / physical endeavour and moral integrity
Adherence to letter and spirit of sport / sportsmanship / fair play
Promote teamwork / team building / loyalty to house / school
Develop muscular Christianity
Character building

Question 2

Early forms of modern sports were primarily developed by men for men. It is only since the
start of the 20th century that women have become more actively involved in sport.
(i) How did 19th century public schools contribute to the technical development of ‘rational
recreation’?

Answer 2

Rules / numbers / boundaries / facilities;
Inter-house / intra-school competitions / matches;
Training / coaching;
Skills / tactics / positions;
Leadership / captain;
Kit / equipment;
Introduction of officials;
Division between players and spectators

Question 3

Early forms of modern sports were primarily developed by men for men. It is only since the
start of the 20th century that women have become more actively involved in sport.
(ii) How did 19th century public schools and universities help to spread rational recreation into
wider society?

Answer 3

Universities as ‘melting pots’ / lots of different types / styles of game / new sports;
Codification / rules standardised;
Provided facilities;
Factory / church teams;
Officers to troops;
British Empire – over the world / missionaries / diplomats / military / clerics;
Old boys network;
Clubs / NGBs formed;
Teachers to schools;
Competitions / fixtures / leagues / internationals.

Question 4

The way sports are played and the structure of physical education lessons have changed
over time.
The figure below shows a football match between England and Scotland in 1880. It is an
example of ‘rational recreation’.
Using the figure above and your own knowledge, outline the characteristics of rational recreation.

Answer 4

Played regularly / free time / middle & upper classes / boys in school;
Complex, written rules / number of players / boundaries / time;
Highly structured / administrative / NGBs / levels of competition;
Teams are wearing kit / division of labour / positional roles / strategies / tactics;
Technological aspects such as ball / goal posts / equipment;
Skills based;
Moral values / etiquette / code of conduct;
Spectator development;
Officials;
Urban development.

Question 5

Sport has remained a major recreational activity in the UK since the 19th century. The majority of sports were rationalised in the 19th century.
(i) What is meant by the term rational recreation?

Answer 5

Played regularly / often / fixtures / leagues / regionally / nationally-based.
Written / complex rules / codification.
Standards of behaviour / etiquette / civilised / fair play / sportsmanship.
Highly structured / set times / number of players / boundaries / officials / kit /
equipment.
(Accept organised)
Skill based / refined / complex / tactics developed.
(Not just rules!)
Spectators as well as participants

Question 6

Sport has remained a major recreational activity in the UK since the 19th century. The majority of sports were rationalised in the 19th century.
(ii) Why were the majority of sports rationalised in the 19th century?

Answer 6

Society becoming more civilised / better mannered / less violent / Acts of
Parliament banned activities – mob football.
Upper / middle classes controlled society / social control (of working classes).
Industrialisation – need for disciplined workforce / factory teams.
Era of social reform / philanthropists.
Role of church / Protestant work ethic / church teams / boys clubs.
Lack of space meant no room for popular recreations / urbanisation.
Administration needed as more clubs / national governing bodies / ‘melting pot’.
Transport and communication developed.