Pe Study Notes

Sports Policy And The Sports Environment
Rules Of Sports And Activities:
• Player safety must be the highest priority and good sportsmanship and fair play should be emphasised.
• Rules are designed to:
- assist the flow of play
- protect participants from injury (collision sports increase potential injury)
- participants are aware of the boundaries/limitations of the game/activity (fairness)  penalties, removal from field, fines.
• Injury has the potential to cause temporary and even permanent disability and as many clubs have invested money in their players they do not want them sidelined due to an injury that could have been avoided.
• Many sports and activities have well-defined rules to protect players from injury:
- softball catchers must wear face masks when they are in the catcher’s position
- rugby league have illegal movements/rules (e.g. head high tackles)
- hockey goalkeepers must wear protective gear
- marathon runners are obliged to consume fluid during even to prevent heatstroke
- netball players must cut nails and remove jewellery
• It is important that players demonstrate respect for official and the game (role models).
Modified Rules For Children:
• Many sports have modified rules to safeguard the risk of injury to young and developing players and to promote enjoyment, involvement and accommodate the specific needs of children – in terms of equipment size, court dimensions, rules and the playing environment.
• Some rules that have been designed to protect the safety off the players include:
- modifying equipment and distances in Little Athletics to promote success
- lowering backboard/hoop in basketball to increase chance of success
- use T-ball stands in softball to make contact easier
- simplify (less rules) in sports (e.g. Kanga Cricket, Netta Netball) so only basic understanding is required.
- award trophies/certificates for achievements other than winning e.g. Participation, Most Improved
• Children have physical