Rational Recreation

Question 1

Define Rational Recreation

Answer 1

In the 19th Century, these were sports pastimes for the lower classes which were designed by the middle classes to be well ordered, organised and controlled

Question 2

Characteristics of Rational Recreation - Respectability

Answer 2

Respectability - it was non-violent in nature and the emphasis was on fair play

Question 3

Characteristics of Rational Recreation - Competition

Answer 3

Regionally / nationally / regularly played competitions - watching Saturday-afternoon football for the masses was particularly popular in their time off work

Question 4

Characteristics of Rational Recreation - Organisation

Answer 4

Stringent administration / codification - strict and complex written rules were set down by NGBs for the conduct of a sport

Question 5

Characteristics of Rational Recreation - Rules

Answer 5

Referees / officials - they were present to enforce the newly developed rules in sporting contests

Question 6

Characteristics of Rational Recreation - Facilities

Answer 6

Purpose-built facilities - sport took place in specially constructed grounds, pitches or tracks (set around urban areas with large populations to draw on for spectators), less space in urban areas

Question 7

Characteristics of Rational Recreation - Tactical

Answer 7

Skills / tactics based - players had positional roles they became ‘specialist’ in; performers trained to improve their techniques and fitness levels to increase their chances of winning

Question 8

State three characteristics of lawn tennis as a ‘rational recreation’ activity

Answer 8

Played regularly - players had more free time to play
Middle class development - spread nationwide, created clubs / set up an NGB for tennis
High levels of structure / skill
Rules were introduced
Social game for both sexes - suitable for women, civilised and could be played in appropriate clothing
Required equipment / facilities