Chapter 6

1. Chapter 6 Sport Programs and Professions

2. Evidence that Sport is a Central Theme for Our Culture • 98% of Americans participate in some aspect of sport • 70% of Americans are sport fans • Greater than 80% watch sports every week • Participation in youth and adult sport has increased • Women’s sports are highly visible and economically stronger

3. The Leisure Myth • Assumption that more leisure time equates to more sport involvement • Unfortunately this concept is not true • Currently, people have less time for leisure compared to early 20th Century • Most workers claim to work more hours compared to 5 years prior

4. Types of Sports Participation • Recreational participant • Amateur athlete • Nonprofessional athlete • Professional athlete

5. Child and Youth Sport • 46 million youths participate in organized sport (National Council on Youth Sports) • Children participate at younger ages • Youth participation can be categorized as school or non-school participation

6. Child and Youth Sport, cont’d • Duquin (1988) states seven guidelines to promote healthy emotional and physical youths: • Fun and enjoyable activity • Safe for development activity skills • Foster moral sensitivity • Encourage taking pleasure in the body/movement skill • Promote spirit of discovery, creativity • Provoke commitment to lifelong involvement • Inspire a sense of community

7. Interscholastic Sport • Regulated at the state level • Most states determine a school’s classification depending upon enrollment • Funded by tax revenues via school budgets • Standards for coaches vary from state to state • Women coaches have declined over the years

8. Intercollegiate Sport • This has become more important economically besides providing entertainment value • Two organizations dominate governance – NCAA and NAIA • Junior Colleges are organized by the NJCAA • Many people work professionally within this concept

9. College Intramural Programs • Consists of recreational and club programs • Provides for students, faculty, staff, and family participation • Summer camps create lucrative businesses • Fees are low due to funding through the college, student fee, etc.

10. Professional Sport • Main purpose: make money • 1 out of 42,000 make it into professional sports • Average career is less than 10 years for a professional athlete • Organized through various parent organizations, i.e., NBA, NFL, etc. • No formal qualifications for entrance into professional sports

11. Recreational Sports • Usually organized and governed by a sponsoring agency • Range of sports are very broad • Sensitive to the needs and interests of those they serve • Promotes social and competitive outlets

12. Sport for People with Disabilities • Before World War II, there were no opportunities for the disabled population • United States Olympic Committee has established the Committee on Sports for the Disabled (COSD) • Paralympic Games now are held following Olympic Games • Any mentally retarded person above 8 years of age can participate in the Special Olympics • Section 504 of the 1973 Act allows equal access to participate or observe sport events

13. Areas of Sport Involvement Requiring Nonparticipation • Besides playing or coaching, there are roles created that apply to the interest of sports • Sports management and administration • Athletic training • Title IX has increased sport opportunities for women • Minorities are more visible and active participants compared to years past

14. Chapter 6 Sport Programs and Professions