Section C: Contemporary studies in physical education and sport

1. The conceptual basis of physical education and sport

Syllabus

• Defining the field of study– Play / physical recreation / sport / physical education

• Leisure and recreation• Physical and outdoor recreation • Towards a concept of play • Towards a concept of sport• Physical education and outdoor education • Relationships between play, physical recreation,

sport and physical education

See PDF document titled ‘The Play+Sport+Continuum’ for information on defining the field of study

What is meant by physical activity?

• Is an umbrella term encompassing any activity that requires an individual to exert a certain amount of energy, resulting in an increase in their heart rate

• Physical activity may include:– Different activities from playing games to

adventurous activities;– Recreation or competitive and organised sport

Recreation, physical recreation and active leisure

• Long been connected with relaxation and recuperation • Considered a benefit to society as well as the individual• Reasons for participating in recreational activities:

– Socialise – Keep fit (feel good factor) – Sense of well-being and self-fulfilment

• Recreation is now viewed as activities in which people participate in their leisure time• Can incorporate sedentary activities such as reading • Consists of activities or experiences usually chosen voluntarily by the participant• Recreation is

– (often) activity based– An extension of play – Occurs in leisure time – Is not an obligation – Is socially acceptable – Is morally sound

• Is valuable to individuals and society

Characteristics of recreation

• Freedom and free time • Self-expression • Satisfaction and self-fulfilment • Quality of experience• No pressure or obligation to take part • Range of activities • Experience and development

What is physical education?

• Is an academic discipline (an organised, formal body of knowledge)

• Primary focus is the study of human movement

• Is an educational process which aims to enhance total human development and performance, though movement and the experience of a range of physical activities within an educational setting

Aims of physical education

– Develop a range of psycho-motor skills– Maintain and increase physical mobility and

flexibility, stamina and strength– Develop understanding and appreciation of a

range of physical activities– Develop positive attitudes and values, such as

sportsmanship, competition and abiding by the rules

Objectives of physical education

• Physical education can affect different areas of development– Physical – Motor development – Cognitive development – Affective or emotional development

Outdoor and adventurous activities

• Take place in the natural environment, including situations which are dangerous and challenging

Outdoor education

• Participation in outdoor and adventurous activities in the natural environment, developing educational values

Outdoor recreation

• Participation in outdoor and adventurous activities within the natural environment in an individual’s free time

Risk

• The possibility of incurring injury or loss; being exposed to danger or a hazard

• Outdoor activities pose situations of real and perceived risk– Real risk – from the natural environment, such as rock

fall– Perceived risk – this is where the sense of adventure

comes from, and leaders need to be aware of this. If the perceived risk is too great for the ability level of the performer, feelings of anxiety could become overwhelming.