FREQUENCY OF CONTACT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Playing sport and taking part in other forms of physical recreation is often a social activity in which energies are focused on a common goal. It can provide participants with an opportunity to make and maintain friendships, develop extended networks and keep in touch with family or friends. A slightly greater proportion of participants in sport and physical recreation had daily or weekly contact with their family and friends (97%) compared with non-participants (94%). The participation rate in sport and physical recreation was shown to be highest amongst people who had daily contact with their family and friends (77%) with the participation rate remaining high for those had contact at least once a week (73%). The overall participation rate decreased as the frequency of contact decreased, dropping to 61% amongst those who had monthly contact, and to 38% of people who had only quarterly contact.
6.5 Participation in sport and physical recreation, Frequency of contact with family or friends - 2010 |
|
| Participated | Did not participate | Total | Participation rate | Non-participation rate | Total |
| '000 | '000 | '000 | % | % | % |
|
Everyday | 6 417.2 | 1 933.0 | 8 350.1 | 76.9 | 23.1 | 100.0 |
At least once a week | 5 729.0 | 2 148.5 | 7 877.5 | 72.7 | 27.3 | 100.0 |
At least once a month | 271.1 | 173.8 | 444.9 | 60.9 | 39.1 | 100.0 |
At least once in three months | *23.5 | *38.5 | 62.0 | *37.9 | *62.1 | 100.0 |
No recent contact(a) | **18.0 | 35.6 | 53.6 | *33.5 | 66.5 | 100.0 |
Total | 12 458.7 | 4 329.4 | 16 788.2 | 74.2 | 25.8 | 100.0 |
|
* estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution |
** estimate has a relative standard error greater than 50% and is considered too unreliable for general use |
(a) Includes the category 'no family and no friends'. |
Source: Unpublished ABS data, General Social Survey, Australia, 2010. |