Age can affect performance and may also
influence participation in physical activities. In
most sports it is good to start young, although
some competitive events may have age
restrictions. For example, the minimum age for
taking part in the London Marathon is 18.
DISABILITY
Disability People with disabilities can take part in
many activities. Resources and opportunities for
disabled people to take part in sport are increasing
– but more availability is still needed at a local level
for people with disabilities who are not internl
athlationaetes.
GENDER
Gender The idea that some physical activities are more or less
exclusively male and others female has more or less disappeared,
but some activities still offer one sex more opportunities than the
other. A boy who loves netball may struggle to find a team, while
(arguably) women’s cricket and football are taken less seriously
than men’s.
RACE
Gender The idea that some physical
activities are more or less exclusively
male and others female has more or
less disappeared, but some activities
still offer one sex more opportunities
than the other. A boy who loves netball
may struggle to find a team, while
(arguably) women’s cricket and football
are taken less seriously than men’s.
HEALTH AND
WELLBEING
ILLNESS
Illness Individuals who are ill cannot
take part.
HEALTH PROBLEMS
Health problems These can affect participation in
physical activities. For example, people who have
asthma may not be able to take part in activities
which involve a lot of running, although swimming
might be good for them.
IMAGE
FASHION
Fashion Many activities require the ‘right’
equipment – e.g. you need boots to play football.
Some brands of sports equipment can be very
fashionable – and expensive – partly as a result
of media coverage of famous sportspeople. Sales
of sports equipment and clothing are influenced
by the time of year. For instance, sales of tennis
equipment increase around Wimbledon
fortnight, and more fitness clothing and
equipment are sold around New Year.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Media coverage The media influences many people’s
choice of physical activity. Media coverage increases
the popularity of some sports. The London Marathon
is an excellent example: many competitors are
inspired to take part by watching the race on TV. In
this case, the media has a strong and positive effect.
RESOURCES
AVAILABILITY
Availability If people are to take part in physical
activity and sport, suitable facilities and resources
must be available.
LOCATION
Location Participation in sport depends on what is locally
available. Some places may not have any facilities for some
activities.
ACCESS
Access Facilities need to be easily accessible. If they
cannot be reached by foot or bike, easy access by
public transport (bus or train) is important. Good
parking may also be a consideration.
TIME
Facilities need to be available at the right time. This
probably means that they should be open in the evening
and at weekends, and, for students, during school
holidays. Participants need to make time for practising
and training.
PEOPLE
FAMILY
Children frequently take part in the same physical activities
as their parents. They also often follow the same sports and
support the same teams.
PEERS
The influence of the peer group – people of the
same age – is very important. It is much easier
to succeed in any activity with the
encouragement and support of friends.
ROLE MODELS
These are people whose actions are emulated by others. They can be a
variety of people in different roles. Successful sportsmen and women,
such as Rebecca Adlington, David Beckham, Kelly Holmes and Chris Hoy,
are often in the media spotlight and may become role models, inspiring
others to take up the same sport.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC
COST
Most activities have some associated costs – hire of facilities,
lessons, equipment, shoes etc. If people cannot afford to take
part, their socioeconomic status has influenced their
involvement
STATUS
This relates to a person’s current situation or position in society e.g. employed, in education or
looking for work. Status can affect participation in physical activity as people may not have time.
Alternatively, status can influence the type of sport a person is involved in, or enjoys to watch.