Cxc physical education notes

1. FACTORS AFFECTING SPORT
PARTICIPATION

2. GENDER

3. GENDER
• Historically, certain sports have been associated more
with one gender than the other, leading to stereotypes
and barriers for participation.
• Historically men have had greater access to resources,
funding and opportunities in sports compared to
women. This can limit women's asceses to training
facilities, coaching, equipment and competitive
opportunity .

4. • Additionally, societal norms often dictate which sports are
considered appropriate for individuals based on their gender. For
example, there may be stereotypes suggesting that certain
sports are more suitable for males (e.g., football, basketball)
while others are more suitable for females (e.g., gymnastics,
figure skating). These expectations can discourage individuals
from participating in sports that are not traditionally associated
with their gender.
• However, efforts have been made to promote gender
equality in sports which have lead to increased
participation opportunities and greater recognition of
women’s achievement in sports.

5. TRADITION AND CULTURE

6. Tradition and Culture can significantly influence a person’s
participation in sports in several ways:
• Sport Preferences – Cultural traditions and values often shape
individuals preference for certain sports. For example sports
like soccer, cricket or basketball maybe be popular in certain
cultures due to historical or social factors while others may
prioritize sports with deep- rooted traditional significance for
example in Trinidad and Tobago, goat and crab racing are
traditions that have been Hield every easter since 1925.
• Additionally families and communities often introduce and
encourage participation in specific sports from a young age,
passing down traditions and values associated with those sport.

7. • Representation and Role Models- Seeing athletes from similar
cultural backgrounds succeed in sports can inspire and
motivate others to participate in sports, while the lack of
representation may hinder participation in sports.

8. AGE

9. Age can significantly impact sport participation in various ways.
Here are some ways in which age affects sport participation:
• Physical ability and limitation - As individuals age, their
physical capabilities may change. Younger individuals often have
higher levels of energy, strength, and flexibility, which can make
them well-suited for certain sports activities requiring speed,
agility, and endurance. However, as people get older, they may
experience declines in physical abilities, such as decreased
muscle mass, reduced flexibility, and slower reaction times, which
can affect their ability to participate in certain sports or perform at
the same level as before.

10. • Life Transitions and Time Constraints: Age-related life transitions, such
as starting a family, pursuing higher education, or entering the workforce,
can impact individuals' availability and priorities for participating in sports.
Adults may have competing demands on their time and resources, making it
challenging to engage in regular sports participation. Conversely, retirees
may have more leisure time and flexibility to pursue sports activities.
• Injury Risk and Recovery: The risk of injury increases with age due to
factors such as decreased flexibility, slower reaction times, and accumulated
wear and tear on the body. Older individuals may be more susceptible to
injuries while participating in sports, requiring longer recovery times and
potentially impacting their willingness or ability to continue participating in
certain activities.
• Additionally there may be age restrictions in some sports to protect young

11. • From injury whilst they are growing, for example power lifting.

12. DISABILITY

13. Disability can significantly impact participation in sports, presenting both challenges
and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Here are some ways in which
disability affects participation in sports:
• Physical Limitations: Individuals with disabilities may face physical limitations
that impact their ability to participate in certain sports or perform specific
movements. These limitations can vary widely depending on the nature and
severity of the disability. For example, individuals with mobility impairments may
have difficulty running, jumping, or balancing, while those with visual impairments
may face challenges in tracking moving objects or navigating unfamiliar
environments.
• Accessibility Barriers: Accessibility barriers in sports facilities, equipment, and
programming can pose significant challenges for individuals with disabilities. Lack
of wheelchair ramps, accessible changing rooms, adaptive sports equipment, and
trained staff can restrict participation opportunities and discourage individuals with
disabilities from engaging in sports activities.

14. • Limited Opportunities: Individuals with disabilities may have limited access to
organized sports programs, leagues, and competitions tailored to their needs and
interests. In many cases, mainstream sports programs may lack the
accommodations and support necessary to accommodate diverse disabilities,
leading to exclusion and underrepresentation of individuals with disabilities in
sports. Despite these challenges, there are growing opportunities for individuals
with disabilities to participate in adaptive sports programs specifically designed to
accommodate their needs. Adaptive sports involve modifying rules, equipment, and
facilities to enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully and competitively in
sports activities. These programs provide valuable opportunities for physical activity,
skill development, socialization, and personal growth for individuals with disabilities.

15. RELIGION

16. Religion can have various influences on sports participation, affecting
individuals' attitudes, behaviors, and opportunities in sports. Here are
some ways in which religion can impact participation in sports:
• Religious Beliefs and Practices: Religious beliefs and practices can
shape individuals' attitudes towards sports participation. Some
religious traditions may emphasize physical activity and fitness as
important aspects of holistic well-being, encouraging participation in
sports as a means of promoting health and vitality. In contrast, other
religious traditions may have specific beliefs or practices that
influence attitudes towards certain sports activities. For example,
some religions may have dietary restrictions, dress codes, or
prohibitions on activities that can impact sports participation.

17. • Sabbath Observance and Religious Holidays: Religious
observances, such as weekly Sabbath or specific religious holidays,
can affect individuals' ability to participate in sports activities. Some
religious traditions have strict prohibitions on activities such as work,
travel, or recreation during certain times, which may limit opportunities
for sports participation. Individuals may need to balance their religious
commitments with their desire to participate in sports, leading to
adjustments in their schedules and priorities
• . Gender Roles and Expectations: Religious beliefs and traditions
can impact gender roles and expectations, which may in turn
influence sports participation. Some religious communities may have
specific norms and restrictions regarding the participation of women in
sports, limiting opportunities for female athletes. Conversely, other
religious traditions may promote gender equity and encourage the

18. SOCIO ECONOMIC FACTORS

19. Socio-economic factors play a significant role in shaping participation in
sports. Here are some ways in which socio-economic factors affect
participation in sports:
• Access to Facilities and Resources: Socio-economic status can
impact access to sports facilities, equipment, and resources.
Individuals from higher socio-economic backgrounds may have
greater access to well-maintained facilities, state-of-the-art equipment,
and professional coaching, which can enhance their opportunities for
sports participation. In contrast, individuals from lower socio-economic
backgrounds may face barriers such as limited access to facilities,
lack of transportation, and financial constraints that restrict their ability
to participate in sports activities.

20. • Cost of Participation: The cost of participation in sports can be a significant
barrier for individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Expenses related
to equipment, registration fees, uniforms, travel, and participation in leagues or
tournaments can quickly add up, making organized sports inaccessible to many
families. Additionally, the cost of specialized training, coaching, and sports camps
can further widen the gap in opportunities for individuals from different socio-
economic backgrounds.
• Parental Support and Involvement: Socio-economic status can influence
parental attitudes, beliefs, and involvement in their children's sports participation.
Parents from higher socio-economic backgrounds may have more time,
knowledge, and resources to support their children's involvement in sports,
including transportation to practices and games, financial support for equipment
and fees, and advocacy for access to quality sports programs. In contrast,
parents from lower socio-economic backgrounds may face competing demands
on their time and resources, limiting their ability to support their children's sports
participation.

21. RACE

22. Race can significantly affect participation in sports due to various socio-
economic, cultural, and historical factors. Here are some ways in which
race can impact participation in sports:
• Representation and Role Models: The underrepresentation of
certain racial groups in sports media, and as role models can impact
individuals' perceptions of who belongs in sports and what is
achievable for them. Limited visibility of athletes from a racial group
can contribute to feelings of exclusion and underrepresentation,
affecting participation rates among these groups.

23. • Discrimination and Bias: Racial discrimination and bias can manifest
within sports settings, affecting access to opportunities, treatment by
coaches and officials. Discriminatory practices such as racial profiling,
unequal treatment, and lack of representation can create barriers to
participation and contribute to inequality in sport outcomes among
different racial groups.
• Stereotypes and Expectations: Racial stereotypes about athleticism
and physical ability can influence individuals' perceptions of their own
capabilities and opportunities in sports. Stereotypes that portray
certain racial groups as inherently more or less athletic can contribute
to self-doubt, lack of confidence, and diminished aspirations among
individuals from marginalized racial groups, impacting their willingness
to participate in sports.