Individual differences Factors outside the control of a performer that influence their performance and level of participation
Age Age affects physical maturity which, in turn, affects performance: Flexibility: decreases with age Strength: maximal strength increases until we are fully grown and then decreases with age Oxygen capacity: decreases with age Skill level: can improve with age, experience and increasing strength Recovery from injury: takes longer as you get older Age divisions overcome this problem
Gender There are a number of physical differences between men and women that affect performance: Physique: women are generally smaller, have smaller lungs and heart and a higher % of fat Oxygen carrying capacity: tends to be lower for women due to smaller heart and lungs Strength and power: tends to be lower for women due to less muscle mass Hormonal imbalance: affects females more due to menstruation Metabolic rate: tends to be lower for females due to higher % body fat and lower muscle mass Under 11s can compete together because girls tend to mature faster than boys. From 11 onwards, males and females compete separately
Disability Four categories: physical, mental, permanent, temporary Facilities legally have to cater for the disabled: Access (widened doorways, wheelchair access, ramps), parking (marked disabled bays), provision (lifts, disabled toilets) Sporting adaptations: all sports can be adapted to cater for specific needs, e.g. wheelchair basketball and football for the blind/visually impaired Disability classifications: exists for all activities to make competition fair
Physique Many differences in peoples physical shape and size. The following are the main factors creating the individual shape of a person: Height, Weight, Body fat, Muscle girth, Bone size Somatotyping is a method of identifying people by their body shape. Endomorph Mesomorph Ectomorph
Enviroment The environment can affect an athlete s participation and their performance in physical activity. Weather: can affect ability to train/compete Pollution: high levels are a serious health risk Altitude: living and training at high altitude can be advantageous Humidity: high levels make it difficult to keep body cool and increase risk of dehydration Terrain: some sports require specific landscape
Risk and challenge Some people participate in physical acitivity for the element of risk or challenge Outdoor adventerous activities, such as rock climbing and white water rafting have many challenges and risks Risk assessment: before a sport or activity can take place Risk control: this is the responsibility of the participants (e.g. wearing correct safety equipment, not wearing jewellery etc.)
Activity levels Different activities have difference effects and make different demands on he body. Competitive or recreational competitive activities require a high level of commitment due to training and competition Performance level as the level increases, more commitment is required Individual factors may influence the demands placed on them Benefits to the participant - level of participation affects the benefits received
Training Training is affected by the amount of time and funds available. Level of participation the higher the level the more training required Available time professionals have most time available for training because participation is their full time commitment Available funds the more funds available the better training will be e.g. better facilities and equipment
Culture Culture, ethnicity and religion can all affect participation. Some ethnic groups and religions do not place as high a priority on active leisure as they do on educational achievement and religious observances