AVAILABILITY OF SPORTS EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES AND SPORTS PERFORMANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ETIM EKPO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

AVAILABILITY OF SPORTS EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES AND SPORTS PERFORMANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ETIM EKPO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

 

  • Background of the Study

Every business enterprise requires methods as well as six facilities and equipment with which to operate, successfully. Just like the former requires some acres of land and farming utensils for farming so also does a builder need a piece of land and materials to erect buildings: likewise teaching aids for teachers to teach the students to learn. The issue of facilities and equipment in teaching and learning sports and Physical Education, in schools have long constituted problems in Nigerian Secondary Schools. The number of facilities and equipment for Physical Education respectively have been generally inadequate.

 

Physical Education facilities are permanent plants or constructions which in many cases cannot be moved from place to place. There are many examples of Physical Education facilities, Track and Field arena, football fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, hockey fields, gymnasiums, sport halls, etc. They last for many years as they are kept well. Physical education equipment are those movable sports items that last for some months examples are balance-beam, high jump poles and cross bars, and some other outdoor playing equipment, some on the other hand are expendable items such as balls, whistles, pants, vests and records. These items will last for one or two years. The aim of establishing Educational Institution of any type is that learners who pass through them shall be helpful to acquire the relevant skills, values, attitudes and competence that would lead to the development of the individual as well as that of the teaching learning process is the availability of instructional resources of sport equipment and facilities. It has been shown by (Onwuka, 1996) that in Curriculum Instructional materials are necessary for proper implementation of any Curriculum.

Several studies conducted by Rey, (1987); Hiljard and Akinson (1998); Ajisafe,(1999) have shown that the existence of a stimulating environment enhances learning and achievement. Lingreen, (1986) asserted that environmental factors as indicated in socio-economic differences as well as infrastructure account for as much as twenty points differences in the intelligence quotient of learners. Based on those findings it has been stressed by Lingreen (1986) that much have to be done to enhance the existence of facilities for learning not only in schools but also in the homes of students. Many subjects form part of school curriculum at any level. In Nigeria, Physical Education forms an important part of the curriculum of secondary level of Education. Many people have been known to make a living from the subject. Sport therefore forms and integral part of the Physical Education programme.

Nkangude, (2002) explained that sports is an activity arising from the integration of acceptable body parts, with or without equipment and facilities, into developmental actions by expenditure of physical and/ or mental effort, which may be measured by time, space) distance, cognitive, aesthetic and fitness values through recreational or competitive attitude. The source states that sports and games are often used interchangeably. He asserts that a game can be used to mean the complete match and an activity period as in tennis.  It can be used to mean a type of an activity such as football game or a single meet with conglomeration of participants competing in different sports such as Olympics Games.

In the view of (Brown, 2002) there are many factors that lead to successful sports programmes. Three of the most important factors are finance, equipment facilities and personnel. The source stressed that in addition to good leadership, these elements to a great extent, determine the quality and quantity in sports programme. He remarks that a formula that expresses the relationship between the element is money = staff + equipment and facilities = quantitative and qualitative programme. Every sport exists on finances, equipment and facilities. In many institutions these resources, through improvisation and innovation, meaningful experiences can be provided for the participants. Modern and well planned equipment and quality facilities have a magnetic influence on students and participants. Their attractiveness tends to draw participants into the programme.

 

According to Eton, (1980) a facility refers to a Nkangude, (2002) agreed with the above view when he defines facilities of sports as a fixed immovable sports items used for competition, teaching or training of the sports participants. It includes football pitches, athletic arena, indoor sports ground, basketball uprights, swimming pool, etc.

Nkangude, (2002) stated that sports equipment are non- Fixed, movable or portable sports items used for competitions, teaching or for training sports. They include balls, rackets, nets, whistles, stop watches, etc. The term “kit” is used to apply to personal equipment worn, used and kept by an individual athlete or sport man or participant. For any meaningful and successful execution and participation in sports and games, there must be the availability of different sports equipment and facilities necessary for such sports.

Secondary Schools in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area have Physical Education as one of the subjects offered by the students and sports activities form a way or part of this course. There are cases where students and teachers cannot take part in some sporting activities as facilities and equipment are not available.

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