Role Models

1. Role Models What: Consider the characteristics that a role model might have Look at the importance of role models in setting participation trends or shaping attitudes Consider the effect role models can have on the popularity of activities

2. Just as in any form of life, sport creates its own role models and they can be extremely influential, particularly on young people. A role model is someone who other people might aspire to be like, who they look up to and who is seen as a good example to follow Common Characteristics -Competing or playing fairly - being inspirational -Good level performer - Successful -Setting trends for others to follow - being accessible -Shaping attitudes by the way they conduct themselves

3. Task: Who is your most important role model and why are they so inspirational for you? List 10 people you consider to be role models….(from the world of sport!)

4. Steven Gerrard

5. Tanny Grey - Thompson

6. Lance Armstrong

7. Pressure on role models Any role model lives with their life in the media spotlight and while this is probably the greatest pressure, there can be others, including: -media pressure and lack of privacy -possible targeting by other performers to attempt to damage image - being sought after and then dropped by companies cashing in on their role model image. - the pressure of their status affecting their ability to perform - the difficulty of coping with the unexpected fane and money and being able to handle this - being expected to be available to promote and increase participation levels in particular activities.

8. Examiners tip ‘ The influence of role models is a very common topic and will usually relate to how it may be able to increase level of participation and performance in a sport or activity. You should be able to give an example of a current role model’