Introduction
In this assignment, I will start by selecting three different target groups that require
special provisions for exercise. I will then describe these target groups and will give
examples of specific challenges that these groups may face when exercising. After this, I
will go on to explain the specifics of these challenges and will explain why this impacts
their sports participation. Following this, I will Identify and describe the types of provision
that exist for these different target groups and will give specific examples of provision
available in each target group. Next, I will compare and contrast the provisions available
in each of the three target groups. I will then explain how the provision meets the specific
needs of each target group, using examples to do this. I will also explain the strengths and
weaknesses of each type of provision. To take this assignment further, following this, I will
make recommendations on how the provisions could be improved to better suit the target
groups, using evidence to support my recommendations. Next, I will make
recommendations on how the provisions could be adapted in order to suit different target
groups or include those not in a target group, once again using evidence to support my
recommendations.
Finally, in the last section of this assignment, I will go on to describe the six elements of
the exercise referral process and the purpose of each stage. I will then explain how each
step would work in a real-world situation.
Providers
Sport and active leisure can be offered by and supported through a range of different
types of provision. There are four different types of providers involved in the development
and provision of sport and active leisure:
• Voluntary sector
• Public sector
• Private sector.
• Parentships
Public
The public sector covers a range of different types of sports and active leisure providers
and organisations. A good example of public sector providers of sport and active leisure
are facilities that are run by local authorities – for example, local sports centres. These
can offer indoor and outdoor sports and activities.
County sports partnerships, like local authority sports and leisure facilities, receive their
money from the National Sports Council, who in turn receive their funding from central
government. Sports’ national governing bodies (NGBs) also fall into that category- for
example, the Rugby Football Union and the Lawn Tennis Association. Neither county sports
partnerships or NGBs necessarily provide facilities, but they are involved in the
development or sports and active leisure both locally and nationally.
,Private
Private sector organisations primarily aim to make a profit. They can range from local
businesses to national brands. They will often be marketed as exclusive facilities or clubs
and will offer the newest, highest- quality products.
A local example of a private company could be a private health and fitness club. These
companies will offer customers the latest facilities and equipment. Members of the public
may be required to pay joining fees and monthly membership fees in order to be able to
use these clubs. Examples of other local private clubs include golf clubs and tennis clubs.
A national example of a private company or sport provision could be a premiership football
club. The majority of these clubs are focused not just on winning competitions and
trophies, but also on making money. Large football clubs are able to make a large profit
through ticket sales and merchandise, such as branded shirts and sports kit. They can also
use their ‘created’ brand to sell other services – for example, credit cards, football
schools and satellite TV stations.
Voluntary
The voluntary sector exists for the development of sports and activities, and for those who
participate in sport and active leisure. The types of provision involved in this sector can
include local sports clubs, which offer people with a less expensive way to take part in
sport and active leisure than private clubs and facilities. The clubs and organisations in
the voluntary sector operate for the ‘good of the sport and active leisure’ provided, not to
make a profit. Voluntary clubs are also often involved in fund-raising activities in order to
help support them. This supplements their income and pays towards the club’s outgoings.
The majority of people involved in the voluntary sector are volunteers. Examples of
voluntary sector provision include:
• sports-specific clubs – for example, cricket, athletics or netball• clubs for specific groups
– for example, inclusive sports clubs for people with disabilities.
Three specific groups
Older people
According to (personsschools.2020) “Older adults are people over the age of 50”.
As people age, the potential for their health becoming a barrier to exercise or activity
increases. However, often the barriers that older adults face are based on their
perceptions rather than actual physical barriers and can usually be overcome. Despite
this, increasing age can affect an individual’s health in multiple ways that can influence
their ability to participate in sport and exercise. This is because older people may
experience weight-gain and decreasing flexibility and strength, and find it harder to
recover from injury. As a result of these factors, they may lose confidence in their own
physical abilities. This is supported in the following by (blog.nasm.2020) which highlights
the real life barriers or challenges older people face when exercising or taking part in
sport. “Poor body image makes them fear exercising in gyms or other public areas (2,6).
, Chronic illness, disability, joint pain, etc., are common health problems that can
keep older adults from exercising (6,7). They may fear pain, further injury or sickness, or
simply assume that they can't physically do the work”. This shows how physical factors of
aging can present barriers to participation for older people. Cost is also a factor that could
create a massive barrier for older people, especially for those who are retired and as a
result have significantly less amounts of money to spend.
Therefore, it is important that provisions for this specific group make sure that older
people have access to a range of types of activities that they may find more interesting or
manageable, but also affordable.
Disabled people
A person may be disabled because they have an injury, illness or impairment, or they may
also find something in society that prevents them from being able to take part in a sports
related activity. The terms below how some of the disabilities people have that may
present a challenge when taking part in sport or exercise:
• Wheelchair bound – someone who needs to use a wheelchair to become mobile
• Visually impaired – someone who is blind or partially sighted
• Hearing impaired – someone who is deaf or has limited hearing
• Physically impaired – someone who has a physical disability
• Learning impairment – someone with a learning disability
Some people may have an impairment that, for example, means that they require a
wheelchair; but that person may still be able to exercise effectively and independently.
However, there may be obstacles in their environment, such as steps leading into a sports
area, which stops them or makes it a lot more difficult to access sports-related activities.
Disability can also create barriers as often people may find that there is not an inclusive or
specific club or group for the sport that they are wanting to play locally – for example,
wheelchair rugby. This may mean they have to travel to a club further away, which may in
turn presents additional barriers, such as access to transport and cost.
Overall, provisions for this specific group need to consider the fact that people with
disabilities have a wide variety of exercise needs depending on the individual and
Prenatal women
The prenatal group is for pregnant women. The prenatal or antenatal period is from
conception to birth. Exercise during pregnancy helps women to stay to remain healthy and
limit their weight gain and keep it within a safe range. However, there are certain
restrictions on what kind of exercise they should do to keep them and their baby safe.
There are also a significant number of perceived barriers that keep women from taking
part in physical activity. According to (sciencedirect.2020) “Barriers to physical
activity were predominantly intrapersonal such as fatigue, lack of time and
pregnancy discomforts.” This shows how the physical effects of pregnancy can affect a
woman’s ability to participate in sport or exercise. Therefore, it is important that
provisions for this specific group consider how all pregnancies are different and effect
women in very different ways – some women are very healthy and other have problems.
