Increasing+Female+Participation+in+PE

A 2004 study conducted by the //Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation// (ACHPER) Healthy Lifestyles Journal, investigated the participation rates of female students in physical activity, in particular rugby union. It is fact that there are lower rates of physical activity in female students as they progress through their secondary schooling. A study of 1144 female students ranging from 12-17 years old was conducted to gain a higher understanding of the perception of rugby union and other contact sports to the students. The study found a clear trend in decline of physical activity in female students with age, “However, a majority of respondents felt that playing a contact sport would be fun and exciting, and agreed that they would be willing to try rugby union if they were taught the correct skills to avoid getting injured” (Ademson, Howat, Murray, 2004). This leads to believe that there is potential to increase secondary female participation in rugby union if the game was to be perceived by the students as fun, exciting, offers positive social team interaction and most importantly, safe.

To improve the participation rates of female students in secondary schools the points that must be addressed are those that were found within the study as listed above. Schools can get in contact with the ARU, who can organise an information/public speaking session by a Wallaby or a Wallaroo, this will create an interest and excitement about rugby as a national player will be visiting their school. Teachers can then register their school in their local female school rugby competition, after the presentation by the Wallaby/Wallaroo there will be a heightened interest in the sport, so there is an increased likelihood of student participation. The teacher coaching the team has to make sure that the training sessions are fun and inclusive, this will increase social interactions within the team, creating a positive environment. At the height of importance, the training sessions must be conducted in a safe environment, with coaching techniques and drills focusing on technique for student safety. On the ARU website there is a link to a “Smart Rugby” page ( []), which is full of useful and upto date coaching drills and skill techniques, as well as complete lesson plans that can be used within coaching sessions aswell as in regular HPE lessons, giving students the ability and confidence to perform skills safely and accurately. If the students receive a positive experience out of rugby then they are more likely to pursue further physical activity throughout their schooling days.

Adamson,Howat, Murray, 2004, ACHPER Healthy Lifestyles Journal: Perceptions ofsecondary school girls towards playing Rugby Union, retrieved 24/3/11 from http://search.informit.com.au.ezproxy1.canberra.edu.au/search;res=AEIPT;search=DN=138901

AustralianRugby Union, (2007), Smart Rugby, Retrieved 24/3/11 from []