GCSE AQA P.E Factors affecting participation

Sponsors can sponsor a competition, the stadium or the team itself (e.g. Heineken Cup, Emirate's Stadium, UK Athletics team sponsored by Norwich Union).

The Sponsors:

Pros: Increased publicity, status and more sales of products. Cons: Negative events may tarnish reputation of company.

The performer:

Pros: Free clothing and equipment, payment, don't have to worry about financing training. Cons: Could be tied into a contract involving public appearances at sponsors' events.

Sport/Event:

Pros: Financial support. Cons: Sponsor may have some control over dates/times/clothing.

Forms of media:

• TV
• Radio
• Books
• Newspapers/magazines
• Internet

Pros of media coverage:

• Attendances may rise (people want to see their heroes)
• Supporters are better informed
• Easier to gain sponsors
• Encourages participation
• Develops sports 'personalities'
• Gives viewers a close up of the action.

Cons:

• Attendances may drop (people can watch at home)
• Variety of exposure for different sports (some get lots, some get none)
• Less privacy for sports personalities
• Events are sensationalised to promote media, rather than the sport.
• Changes to event timings, the season and the rules 

Examples of conduct in sport.

Golf: own up if they break the rules, which may lead to disqualification.

Cricket: opposing fans sit peacefully together, no police presence or video surveillance is needed.

Football: opposing fans are segregated due to violent clashes in the past. High police presence and video surveillance is needed.

Rugby union: players are not allowed to argue with the referee. Etiquette demands opposing players to clap eachother at the end of a match, and all disagreement is left on the pitch.

Football: players often crowd the referee to argue with his decision. Fights often happen after the game has finished.

Amateurs:

• Participate for pure enjoyment
• Participation is more important than the result
• Train in their leisure time
• Playing is a choice
• They have a job

Professionals:

• Participate for the money
• Winning is the most important thing, because they earn more if they win.
• Train full-time
• Have to play if told to
• The sport is their job

Public sector funded facilities: paid for by the government out of taxes and National Lottery funding.

• Available for anybody.
• Cheap
• Include leisure centres, swimming pools and outdoor pitches
• Schools share facilities for ECAs

Private sector funded facilities: owned by private companies to make a profit.

• Members only
• More expensive
• Have a wider range of facilities, with more sophisticated equipment
• Schools have to pay to use the facilities for ECAs.