Physical activity is an essential part of every child's physical and social development. As such, all children should have access to regular, well-organised sporting and recreational activities. In Queensland, many activities are available through the school curriculum and through school and community sport and recreation clubs.
For more information regarding recent figures on children's participation in culture and leisure activities visit the the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) website, which has research in the area of Junior Sport.
The ASC has developed a new national framework for junior sport. The Junior Sport Framework (JSF) seeks to assist National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) to provide more and better opportunities for young people to participate in all levels of sport. To find out more about the Junior Sport Framework, visit the Australian Sports Commission website.
When very young, a child's experience of physical activity is likely to consist of backyard play with other children, parents or guardians. Evidence suggests that this backyard play is less prevalent than in previous generations.
The following ideas will help provide appropriate sporting opportunities for children aged six to eight. They aim to provide activities that are fun, where each child can experience success regularly, improve their skill base, and be involved in controlled competition as an integral part of the program.
In the year a child turns nine, he or she is eligible to participate in the second developmental level which involves the child in formal organised competitive programs.
If Queensland kids are to get active and stay active, comprehensive plans need to be developed and regularly evaluated and improved by all key stakeholders. Above all else, well-resourced programs need to be developed that are enjoyable - sport for young people must be fun!
The Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Queensland) - promotes equality of opportunity. Sections 39, 105 and 111 are particularly useful in interpreting the Act in relation to Sport.
The Junior Sport Development Model provides a guide to children's sporting needs based on their development stages. The model outlines good practice in junior sport and will help providers of junior sport deliver appropriate, quality sporting experiences for young people.
The Department of Communities has looked at a number of existing Junior Sport Policies from clubs and associations and generated a generic model for a junior sport policy.
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