An Education Law perspective on legal principles and risks in junior gymnastics in Namibia and South Africa

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study was to gain a deeper understanding of the legal implications and common law principles regulating teaching and coaching of junior gymnastics. The objectives of the study were to investigate: (1) which legal principles regulate educational gymnastics and junior gymnastics coaching and participation; (2) the nature of legal risks in coaching of educational and junior gymnastics in Namibia and South Africa; (3) the nature and level of legal knowledge of PE teachers of educational gymnastics, and educator-coaches and gymnastics coaches of junior gymnastics in Namibia and South Africa; and (4) how PE teachers and educator-coaches and gymnastics coaches of junior gymnastics in Namibia and South Africa apply legal principles in their coaching of educational and junior gymnastics. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Education of the North-West University. An interpretative phenomenological approach was used when research was conducted and evaluated in order to provide contextual depth with multiple views to better understand and interpret the said phenomenon. A purposeful sampling strategy were chosen from both Namibia and South Africa. All participants gave written consent and their anonymity in the study was ensured. Fourteen PE teachers, with one or two years’ experience, nine gymnastics coaches with three or more years’ experience, 10 parents and three government officials involved in sport development and gymnastics participated in the study. Data were collected by means of in-depth individual interviews and open-ended questionnaires as well as group interviews. Two main themes emerged from the data: theme 1 included physical aspects of liability and theme 2 included psychological aspects of liability. In chapter 5, the key findings that emerged from the study were discussed, and recommendations were made as to possible implementation in practice or improvement on existing systems and procedures. The study is marked by a combination of a legal, educational and sport perspective and the legal implications of legislation and common law were incorporated throughout. Recommendations for further research were made.