Chapter 13: Factors affecting access to sport and physical activity IV – the structural level

1. Chapter 13: Factors affecting access to sport and physical activity IV – the structural level

2. Homework • Write a 300 word essay on the topic of: “Mr. Ebrington should spend more money on the First V basketball team than Wednesday afternoon sport.”

3. The importance of resource accessibility to sport and physical activity Figueroa’s fourth level, the structural level, is concerned with the distribution of resources and rewards and how this distribution affects access and participation. Resource allocation can be in the form of human, physical or financial resources.

4. The importance of resource accessibility to sport and physical activity (cont.) Human resources and access Human resources refers to coaches, umpires, administrators and anyone else who contributes to the running of the club or organisation. The quality of human resources is a significant factor in improving access for individuals that will ultimately benefit the participants. For example, good quality coaches (Kirron) and effective managers (Mr. Ebrington).

5. The importance of resource accessibility to sport and physical activity (cont.) Physical resources and access Physical resources refers to the venue and equipment. The degree to which physical resources affect access and participation is closely associated with location and cost. For example, some activities can be done anywhere with little equipment and at a minimal cost, as opposed to activities that require expensive equipment and specialised venues.

6. Question for understanding? 1. How does the physical resources at SJC affect participation rates in: • Basketball • Soccer • Golf • Canoeing

7. The importance of resource accessibility to sport and physical activity (cont.) Financial resources and access Financial resources refer to all monies that are necessary to pay for the maintenance or hire of facilities, equipment, administrative costs etc. The distribution of money to various sports can vary from the top or professional level down to the individual – the more money that filters down to participants, the cheaper it will be to participate in that activity.

8. The role of values and beliefs in the distribution of resources • Resource distribution and allocation will reflect the values and beliefs of those making the resource distribution decisions. For example, where do most resources, money or expenditure take place in your school? • CLT Cars • Brekkie Van • 2 x Minibus and van • Jimmies on the Dam • Sport (Basketball) • Education • Such decision makers can use resource distribution to meet their own needs or community needs, depending on the justifications and rationale for their decisions.

9. The distribution of resources (cont.) The motivation of media, government, business, schools and sporting associations when distributing sporting rewards When people and organisations provide or give away resources and rewards, there is an expectation that there will be a return on their investment. Such returns or investment purposes are usually for financial, self-interest and altruistic reasons. The main bodies with such vested interests include: media, government, business, schools and sporting associations and clubs.

10. Question for understanding • Has the SJC First V boys basketball team enhanced the schools reputation? • Does the success of SJC basketball improve students health and self-esteem? • Should Mr. Ebrington offer scholarships for other sports?

11. The media’s distribution of resources and rewards • The media in its various forms saturates the Australian market and culture, with television being the most powerful media influence on physical activities and sport. • Sports with wide media coverage can attract millions of dollars in sponsorship and broadcast rights.

14. Manchester United signs record shirt sponsorship deal United's seven-year deal with Chevrolet, the American-based car giant, will take effect from the start of the 2014-15 season once its existing arrangement with Aon ends, and is understood to be worth up to £210 million ($315 million).

15. The media’s distribution of resources and rewards (cont.) • Funding begins at the elite level of sport and eventually sees the benefits in the form of resources and rewards trickle down to the local level in the form of accessibility, rewards and resources. For example, Australian Rules football enjoys many successful benefits down to the school level.

16. The issue of financial rationalism vs social justice The media’s allocation of resources and rewards is typically driven by financial rationalism. Financial rationalism – the distribution of finances based on reason and knowledge of sound economic theory rather than on religious belief, charity or emotional response. Media empires are business empires that exist to generate profits for their owners.

17. List the Top ten sports covered by television and newspaper: • 1. Rugby League • 2. Australian Rules football • 3. Cricket • 4. Football • 5. Motor racing • 6. Ruby union • 7. Tennis** • 8. Golf • 9. Netball** • 10. Athletics & swimming**

18. According to the top ten media-exposed sports, females only feature in the bottom rung of the list. Some of the primary reasons explaining this are the media’s obsession of featuring action sports that attract a higher viewer rating and therefore sponsorship dollars that attracts millions in revenue. These masculine sports are very large part of the Australian culture, with many Australians participating in most of these sports.

19. Why might this change this month??

21. What is the big ticket item at the Olympic games? • WHY?

23. London 2012 Olympic Sponsors

24. Government distribution of resources and rewards • The federal government • When it comes to supporting sport and physical activity for all Australians, • the federal government has two aims: • increased participation in sport and physical activity via access to a number of program initiatives • to provide athletes with the opportunities and resources to develop their athletic skills at an elite level.

25. Government distribution of resources and rewards (cont.) • To assist the federal government, the Australian Sports Commission was created to implement the Australian Government’s National Sports Policy. • The Sport Commission’s two delivery arms that carry this out are: • the Australian Institute of Sports ($80 million per year) • the sports performance and development division.

26. Government distribution of resources and rewards (cont.) • State and territory government • The state government and territories have focused on participation in sport by supporting the improvement of facilities and the development of sporting programs and initiatives through its own branches, which include: • The Department of Local government, Sport and Recreation • Queensland Sport and Recreation • Queensland School Sport Associations.

27. Government distribution of resources and rewards (cont.) • Local government • Local governments are key stakeholders in sport and recreation. • Local governments are a major provider of sport and recreation infrastructure and maintenance. • Local governments receive and distribute funding. • Local government funding is based on economic viability reports that can affect access for some groups.

28. Issues influencing government decisions concerning the allocation of resources and rewards • The government’s allocation of resources is influenced by the ideas of: • nationalism – government program aimed at funding and developing elite athlete programs as an attempt to build national pride; however, at the expense of marginalising other Australian sporting groups • equity – government policy committed to ensuring that equity and accessibility are catered for at all levels.

29. Interesting websites Going for gold but at what costs? • http://www.theage.com.au/national/going-for-gold-but-at-what-cost-20080823-40xd.html • AIS Wikipedia • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Institute_of_Sport