Outdoor Leisure Industry
Adrian Durrant
‘Leisure has been identified with elitism and class privilege since the earliest civilizations. However, leisure probably began with primitive cultures once the pressures for sustenance, security and basic needs were removed or in celebration after the hunt or during inclement weather. In simpler society’s, the line between work and leisure is not indelibly drawn. In times past, and even in many parts of the world today, there are people who work so hard and long to sustain themselves and their families that their lives are devoid of what we might term ‘leisure’. Peasant life often means working to survive, and playing when opportunity permits. In simple social systems leisure is part of the rhythms of life: night and day, the climate, the seasons, the harvest.’ (Torkildsen 2005)
This was an early view of how leisure was seen, over the years leisure has changed and gradually changed and formed with society into what we see it as today.
‘In the 1960’s we witness the start of leisure and recreation management as we know it today in the United Kingdom. An explosion of leisure facilities began with the birth of the community multi-sport centre at Harlow. National centres also followed, the opening of the crystal palace national sports centre, and then came community arts and recreation centres. The creative arts music, fashion, festivals and exhibitions, have flourished and tourism and visitor attractions have burgeoned. (Torkildsen 2005)
The main contributor too many of these new facilities has been the national lottery. Of whom give grants to worthy causes of which the leisure and recreation departments has openly greeted. With new initiatives between the lottery as well as sport England to provide leisure facilities for all. You would have thought it would have been an easy objective but for many, barriers still exists to prevent them from participating.
In the UK, there are many social influences, which affect participation and non-participation in sport these include.
Health affects participation in sport by allowing those healthy to easily take part in many aspects of sport. Nevertheless, when you are ill sport loses its motivation and enjoyment levels people will not want to take part or can’t take part when they are not healthy. Health is a huge barrier, which affects sports from grass roots to professional no matter how you think you feel if you are ill, you will not be able to perform to the best of your abilities. In addition, many centres do not offer advice on training whilst ill.
Finances affects participation in sport because in our modern world everything will cost, you cant get anything for free, those without finances can get grants and reductions to costs of leisure activities. For those good enough sponsorship is available to help pay towards the ongoing costs of training, equipment and transportation. Sport is a big money business nowadays for any leisure activities from watching football to going to the gym it will all cost. And unfortunately, if you can’t afford it you will suffer.
Facilities affects participation in sport because some facilities are better equipped and managed offering a lot better facilities for a price. Some facilities are low maintenance unmanaged facilities, which offer areas to take part without having to pay. Examples of these are playing football in a local recreation centre rather than going to play on a new all weather floodlit pitch. The obvious benefits are that for a team they can train on the all weather pitch any weather and any time as it is also floodlit but the local recreation centre will get churned up and muddy easier affecting the performance of the team and the individual increasing the risk of injury amongst players.
Time affects participation in sport because now many people work full time leaving them little time for leisure activities, as they are too tired to go out again. Teenagers generally have a lot more time for leisure activities as schools finish at 2:30-3pm leaving them more time and energy to participate. The only disadvantage would be in the winter when it gets dark early younger people would not be able to go out alone to participate.
Transport affects participation in sport because without it many people would not have access to the facilities. With public transport becoming ever more unreliable everybody needs a car to survive the modern world transport to different venues different times and sometimes on a short time limit people do not have the time to walk or cycle with his or her busy schedules.
Weather affects participation in sport because many people cannot participate in the cold weather due to arthritis and general lack of motivation the weather in the UK is generally wet meaning there are many indoor areas to play but these generally cost quite a bit to rent out for what may be a small group. Indoor gyms are very good for getting fit but many have a high membership cost which does keep the members down making it great for those with money.
Religion affects participation in sport because some religions and ethnic groups are not allowed to eat at certain times which means taking part in sport could be potentially dangerous as they will get undernourished and dehydrate a lot quicker. Also some people are not allowed to remove certain items of clothing or are allowed to be seen not wearing these items for these people special sessions should take place so as they can participate without the worry of breaking their religion.
Culture affects participation in sport because different cultures see different sports as good or bad to their culture whilst some countries endorse such things as sumos wrestling other countries see it as potentially dangerous to the health of the participants. As a multi culture society, centres need to be looking to endorse all areas of leisure and recreation.
Race affects participation in sport because not everyone has the same view on racism. This is a main social factor as people may be scared or unhappy to take part because of the way they are for they cannot change the colour of their skin and why should they be discriminated against. The football association openly endorse the campaign ‘lets kick racism out of football’ as many top quality players are not of white origin these social barriers are slowly being eliminated but not soon enough.
Skill level affects participation in sport because for some facilities a good skill level is needed not only to take part but also to improve some venues put off those people whom are not at the standard of others. This is unfair to all concerned and beginner’s classes for all aspects of sport are appearing to eliminate these problems within the community.
Disability affects participation in sport because many establishments do not allow complete access for those with disabilities. For example, a disabled person can swim with any able person but if they may cause a threat or danger to others then it is unfair for them to take part on both accounts. Because of this, pools should have sessions especially for those with disabilities so as they can openly take part without the worry and fear for others around of them.
Gender affects participation in sport a lot because as a rule the media concentrate their attention on top sportsmen around the world the coverage given to women is a small minority. With this, the men get the bigger and better sponsorship deals and pay for doing just the same if not less than a woman does. Such sports as football and rugby are male dominated with the premiership being a mans domain, when do we ever hear about the women’s rugby world cup? Many women find it hard to participate as there are always people looking down their noses at women who try. This is until they make It to the top of their game for example Paula Radcliff whom is probably the best female marathon runner in the world but still then got knocked to rock bottom at the Olympics but has again come back to show what a great athlete she is by winning the new York marathon in November 2004.
Ageism affects participation because many leisure facilities aim their target audience at 20-40’s so those obviously older will have problems getting in. By maybe having to get extra forms signed by their doctor and in some cases being refused access this is a very big barrier to older people but some centres do run special 50+ sessions to cater for these people. But unfortunately, they are only done in certain sports, which again creates a barrier to those who wish to participate.
