L.0.2 - Barriers to participation

Introduction.

In sport we have to take in a range of different performers, who come from various different backgrounds cultures and beliefs, each of these has its own demands and regulations for participation in sport and so it is the job of different organisations and sporting parties to overcome this, finding ways to include and allow everyone to participate in sport.

The sports Development / Performance pyramid is an explanation of how participation and ability can be measured in sport. It helps to highlight the route a performer can take to become an elite performer. It includes four different sections;

-The Foundation stage
At this stage sport practisers are classed as novices, where the achievement and learning of basic skills and techniques are achieved. A scheme run by the government which helps to widen the amount of children participating in sport is called the 5x60 scheme.

-The participation stage
This stage consists of anyone who participates in sport regularly, for reasons such as socialising, health or fitness or enjoyment, to develop their skills in an activity.

-The performance stage
The Performance level consists of anyone involved in sport who aims to improve their skills. A participant will show commitment to help perfect their skills and they will be at a club or regional standard.

-The elite stage
Consists of skilled performers who aim to achieve set standards that are measurable usually through competition. Activities at Excellence level usually have rewards that motivate the individual, such as trophies or money.

At each stage of the sports development continuum there are different factors which can sometimes prevent and hold back individuals from participating in sport, these are known as ‘barriers to participation’. Some examples of these would be as below, each of which will be