Physical Recreation and Play What is leisure time

Physical Recreation and Play 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?

Leisure time 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 � Some choose to relax � Some look for excitement and danger Objectives � Benefits to individual Socialisi ng Relaxati on � Relaxation, Socialising and improved fitness � Benefits to society Social � Social and racial mixing, civilises society and encourages conformity (reducing crime) Benefit s of leisure Civilises society racial � Difficult to separate as improved fitness level mixing of an individual will reduce demands on NHS Encourag es conformit y/ reduces crime Improve s fitness

Leisure time cont. Play, Physical recreation and sport Factors affecting participation in leisure activities Socioeconomic status Disposable income and free time Stereotyping Traditional view limiting participation e. g. Female bodybuilder or male dancer Disability Availability of specialised facilities and coaching 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

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

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