The Legacy of Rational Recreation A2 PE

Objectives To build on knowledge from AS on history of sport. To define the terms, rational recreation, popular recreation, urbanisation, industrialisation. To outline the development of sport through history. To compare sport from different time periods.

Popular Recreation Rational Recreation Natural/simple Purpose built Facilities Local Regional/National Unwritten rules Codified Cruel/violent Respectable, fair play Wagering Control of gambling Popular Recreation Rational Recreation Rural Urban sub-urban Occasional Regular Courtly/popular Exclusive/elitist

Comparison of the social features of pre and post industrial Britain Pre- Industrial Post Industrial Seasonal time Limited transport Illiteracy Harsh rural lifestyle Two class society Agricultural Unruly, lack of police Low technology Machine time Improved transport Improved skills More civilised New middle class Industrial Law and order Technological advances

In the first half of the century opportunities were restricted due to a lack of – Acceptance – of their traditional activities due to ‘respectable’ middle class values Space to play – due to urbanisation/overcrowding Health/energy – due to poor living and work conditions Independence – due to being more controlled by social superiors Rights – due to changes in criminal law and enforcement of new values e.g. RSPCA Time – due to a 72 hour working week and reduction in number of saint’s days

In the second half of the century opportunities for working class sport improved due to - Various Factory Acts were passed which improved working conditions Some factory owners began to look after their staff in order to win their loyalty and improve the health and morale of the workforce. Local councils began to build public parks and baths for recreation and health Between 1870 and 1890 most workers had been given their Saturday half day Transport became more accessible to all classes allowing ease of access to play and spectate Some factories paid for an annual excursion to the seaside for the workers

Swimming Who? All classes , but separately When? Regularly throughout the year Where? Spa towns – Bath, Tunbridge Wells, English seaside, Floating baths on rivers, Public baths in towns Why? For the gentry – cold water cure in sea or warm water in the spa for therapeutic reasons Hygiene for the working classes – Wash House Acts Recreation, especially for the middle classes in organised galas in newly formed swimming clubs Gentry – bathing machines in sea for privacy Public baths with facilities for washing and swimming How?

Rowing Who? Upper class amateurs When? Regularly Exclusive regattas such as Henley or the University Boat Race on the Thames at Putney Where? Competition for its own sake not financial gain As a social occasion of high status Why? Exclusive to the upper class ARA included an ‘exclusion clause’ which prevented any non-amateur from competing. This included anyone who made their living in manual work How?

Football Who? Gentlemen amateurs and working class professionals When? Regularly – every week during season Where? Urban areas, purpose built grounds with stands Why? Regional competition To entertain working classes To earn a living for the working class players How? With sportsmanship According to FA rules Special kit and marked out pitches Increased newspaper coverage

Athletics Upper and middle class amateurs Lower class professionals Not competing together Who? When? Regularly Purpose built tracks for professional races attracting large crowds - also ‘ Harrier’ clubs for the working class amateur to do ‘Hare and Hounds’ and eventually distance running Amateur clubs for the Gentlemen Where? Why? Money for the professionals Honour and pride for the amateur How? With sportsmanship and casual approach to training for the amateur With rigorous preparation for the professional

Cricket Lower class professionals and upper class amateurs playing together for county teams Who? Regularly When? Competition for both Earn a living for the professionals Pride and love of the game for the amateur Why? Where? Large purpose built venues holding many spectators e.g. Lords and the Oval in London With high skill, famous names e.g. W.G Grace Clubs and teams controlled by the gentlemen amateurs Professionals kept in their place How?