Sport and Recreation Experiences Level 1 introduces learners to experiences across the Sport, and Health and Recreation course groups of the Health and Physical Education (HPE) course suite.
The term ‘sport’ is used to describe those activities that involve physical exertion and involve organised competition based on formal rules or patterns of behaviour. Sport activities are undertaken with the intent of taking part in competitions. While there is a focus on continually improving individual and/or team performance and achievement, most participants prioritise this below reasons of social connection, wellbeing and enjoyment.
The term ‘recreation’ is used to describe those activities that require physical exertion, but are predominantly engaged in for the purpose of enjoyment. The intention and purpose of engaging in recreation is focussed around the feelings and outcomes produced rather than the specific or chosen activity.
There is a logical connection between sport and recreation, and in fact sporting activities may fill a dual purpose for many participants.
Participation in sport and recreation activities can play a significant role as part of a balanced healthy lifestyle and it is important that young Australians are equipped and confident to engage in regular physical activity.
Many factors influence participation in physical activity in either a positive or negative way. The potential population health outcomes of increased participation in sport and physical activity have dominated public policy, but many other personal and social outcomes resulting from participation in sport and active recreation are gaining credibility. Developmentally appropriate physical recreation and sport (at all ages) is based upon three broad outcomes – fun, fitness, and friendship.*
Australian society has changed, and continues to change. Australians are not moving as much as we used to. This trend is leading to increases in preventable disease and poorer health across the nation. Sport and Recreation Experiences provides an opportunity for learners to connect with a range of community based recreational and competitive sports activities. These groups are a catalyst for social connection and a valuable support for maintaining lifelong physical activity and health. Tasmania is aiming to become the nation’s fittest state.** For this to occur our state will need to foster a generation of lifelong learners who embrace and enjoy active participation in regular physical activity.
Sport and Recreation Experiences can contribute to building a positive lifelong health culture in Tasmania and support physical literacy,*** both individually and across the wider community.
The development of physical literacy is a lifelong process that is ongoing and dynamic. It is not developed to a point of completion but requires continual refinement and re-focusing based on life stage and circumstances, paving the way for a healthy and physically active life.
Sport and Recreation Experiences provides opportunities for young adult learners to meet and progress through important stages of their physical literacy development outlined in the final 3 of 7 milestones (Refinement and Adaption, Consistency and Extension, and Lifelong Engagement and Participation.) ****
Sport and Recreation Experiences provides a seamless platform for a range of flexible and multiple paths to related study, community and lifelong sporting and recreational pursuits. The course targets any senior secondary learner and provides a valuable opportunity to young adults during their final years of compulsory education in recognising the need to encourage physical activity and balance other out of hours' time pressures associated with study, part time work and transition to adult life.
Refer to:
*Sport Participation in Australia, Clearing House for Sport
**Health Tasmania Strategic Plan 2015 - 2020, Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services
***Physical Literacy, Australian Sports Commission
****The Draft Australian Physical Literacy Standard - Developmental milestones for lifelong participation, Australian Sports Commission