Equality and sports
Embedded in British law equal opportunities is the term used in our society to emphasise the importance of treating all people the same, unhampered by artificial barriers, discrimination, prejudices or preferences
Define equal opportunities
-The right to access the same opportunities, regardless of factors such as race, age, sex, mental/physical capabilities
The explanation of equal opportunities given identifies discrimination and prejudice as important factors which can determine whether equality of opportunity is present within society or not
X
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Negative stereotypes can also adversely affect an individual’s chances of taking part in sport
Sporting opportunity should be open to all and we are committed to:
-developing a culture that enables the values everyone’s full involvement, creating an environment in which everyone has opportunities to play, compete, officiate, coach ETc. Overcoming potential barriers for those wishing to play sport, particularly if they are from groups who are currently under represented in sport
Benefits to raising participation
- Improve health and fitness
- reduce blood pressure
- strain on the NHS is reduced and lower risk of diabetes
- meeting new people
- higher levels of self-confidence
- perform better at work
Data
- Sport England’s data on sports participation has shown some improvement since it started its regular buy a new active people survey is in 2005- 2006
— however 58% of adults were still reported not to take part in any physical activity
Barriers to participation include
- lack of time: add physical activity into their daily routine
- negative social influences, poor PE experiences: invite family and friends the exercise with you, clubs, Duke of Edinburgh
- lack of motivation: invite friends to join a club or exercise class
- lack of skill: select activities that require less skill such as walking or jogging
- lack of resources/costs of participation: activities that require a few facilities such as walking or jogging
- Family obligations/domestic responsibilities: exercise with children is also beneficial for them
The three main groups to focus on in terms of barriers to participation are
- people with disabilities
- individuals from ethnic minorities
- Women/teenage girls
Disabilities and their participation in sport
People with a disability will have a low level of participation in sport
Society often discriminate against disabled people in sport
Overt discrimination – highly visible and could occur when verbal abuse is aimed at an individual with a disability. Covert discrimination is harder to see
What are the barriers to people with disabilities participate in the more sports
- negative self image or lack of confidence
- relatively low incomes – high cost of participation e.g. membership fees
- lack of accessee into and around facilities such as no lifts or ramps
- low-level media coverage
- lack of specialist clubs/coaches/competitors
- myths/stereotypes about capabilities
What are the solutions for this discrimination
-provide more opportunities for success, increase investment in disabled sport – subsidising it and making it more affordable, providing transport and improve access, improve technology, training of more specialist coaches, educated people with myths and stereotypes, design and activities for people specifically with disabilities
