What is leisure time?
What affects whether people use their leisure time in an active way?
What are the characteristics and objectives of physical recreation and play?

Play, physical recreation and sport
Characteristics
 ‘Spare time’ during which you choose what to do- Personal Choice
 Available once all other commitments are completed
 E.g. Going to school ,part-time job, homework etc
 Various ways to spend it
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Some choose to relax
Some look for excitement and danger
Objectives
Relaxation
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Benefits to individual
 Relaxation, Socialising and improved fitness
Benefits to society
 Social and racial mixing, civilises society and encourages conformity (reducing crime)
Difficult to separate as improved fitness level of an individual will reduce demands on NHS
Social and racial mixing
Socialising
Benefits of leisure
Improves fitness
Encourages conformity
/ reduces crime
Civilises society

Play, Physical recreation and sport
Factors affecting participation in leisure activities
 Socioeconomic status
 Disposable income and free time
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Stereotyping
 Traditional view limiting participation e.g. Female bodybuilder or male dancer
Disability
 Availability of specialised facilities and coaching
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Age
 Activities seen as being suitable for certain people e.g. Only young people go skateboarding
Ethnicity
 Less emphasis placed on leisure than educational achievement or religious observances
Lack of facilities
 Poor quality of facilities despite necessary income and free time

Characteristics
Recreation is defined as the active aspect of leisure time
 Voluntarily entered into during free time- Personal Choice
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Focus on participation- not results
Flexible
 Rules, duration and space used
Available to all
Benefits
 To individual
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Stress relief
Relax and unwind
Meet new people
Do something you are proud of- self fulfilment
Improved health and fitness
 To society
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Community integration
Less strain on NHS
Crime reduction
Employment opportunities
Economic benefits

Characteristics
 Fun- designed for enjoyment
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Spontaneous- spur of the moment decision
Simple and childlike
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Flexible
Self administered- participants in control
Simple equipment- ‘Jumpers for goalposts’
Objectives
For a Child
 Mastering Reality
 Social skills- making friends
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Physical skills- co-ordination
Emotional skills- accepting defeat
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Environmental skills- safety awareness
Cognitive skills- decision making
Moral skills- fair play
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For an Adult
Escaping from reality
Relaxation