Inclusion in Sport and Physical Activity

Everyone in Canada should have the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity. It a recent ParticipACTION forum it was pointed out that those with disability can be expanded to those with limited access due to items like strollers or walkers. When this is taken into account statistics that state 1 in 6 Canadians have a disability can increase to much more. As a result it is important to create environments of inclusion making sure that activities are available and accessible to everyone.

A great resource that provides an overview of how to play a sport as well as modify it for inclusion is available on the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability website. Anything from badminton to triathlon can be adapted for inclusion.

Benefits for those with disability from participation in sport and physical activity include improvements in health and well-being, improved self-esteem and self-confidence, and improve mood. Inclusion in sport is researched in developing countries as well.

Practical resources are available that provide information on inclusion.

Easy Adaptation and Universal Design: All Abilities Welcome
Recreation Your Way: A Resource Guide Designed to Help Facilitate Inclusive Recreation in Your Community.
Resources Overview: Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability

"Active Start" for the Long Run

While sport participation is a major factor in the development of most North American children, age appropriate activities are even more important for instilling a long term love of sports. And it’s even better if you can get your child to be involved in a variety of activities throughout the year.

It’s alright if you want to develop your 3-year old into the next Sidney Crosby or Alexandre Bilodeau. While flooding your back yard or making a moguls course provides opportunities for developing sport-specific skills, research now shows that the focus of these efforts should be on learning the basic skills applicable to all sports. So it really is best to incorporate some of the fundamental movement skills first and foremost.

The first of the seven stages of the Canadian Sport for Life Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Model is called “Active Start” where girls and boys from the day of their birth until 6 years of age, should focus on fun daily activities. Basic skills and movements like running, jumping, throwing, catching and kicking should be of prime importance. As well, children should be interacting with other young kids which helps them build on their interpersonal skills – something that can be carried into adulthood.

We know that the benefits of playing sports are numerous. In order to keep our kids engaged in sport and prevent burnout, recommendations suggest kids should participate in a variety of physical activities long before specialization begins.

Keep it fun. Keep it simple. Mix it up.

Video: American Development Model USA Hockey “This Is Hockey”

Soccer Fever!

If there is one event that is capturing the world's attention right now it is the Euro2012 Soccer Championships!  Fast, furious and very-very action packed, this game has it all.  While watching these elite athletes on the field, it's easy to forget that they were children once, testing out their mettle on their hometown field.   

What are Small-Sided Games? 

Small-sided games(SSG) are any games played with less than eleven-a-side teams.  The objective of small-sided games is a stair step approach for young players to grow into the adult game.

When you see kids playing, remember they are there to have fun, so parents and coaches should try to take it easy with them.  Children are essentially self-oriented and naturally relate to one or two others, not to large groups, that is why many people are seeing the benefits of a small-side soccer game.

Some great reasons for having a small-sided game:

1. More time is spent with the coach
2. Increased playing time
3. More space to be successful
4. Increased contact with the ball
5. Energetic workouts due to increased participation
6. Children have more opportunities to make quality decisions
7. Kids have more fun!

The object of the coaches/parents is to make the soccer experience of every player and their families as enjoyable as possible and to provide and open and fun environment for their kids to run around and play.  Who knows, by introducing a love of the game at a young age, you might be watching one of those kid's grow up to play in a Euro Championship game of their own!

Resources from the SIRC Collection

1. Caruso A. The value of small-sided soccer. Soccer Journal [serial online]. January 1987;32(1):43-45.

2. Chen R, Yi X, Yang S. Experimental Study of Small-Sided Games in Youth Soccer Training. Journal Of Beijing Sport University [serial online]. 

3. Hill-Haas S, Dawson B, Coutts A, Rowsell G. Physiological responses and time-motion characteristics of various small-sided soccer games in youth players. Journal Of Sports Sciences [serial online]. 

4. Jeffreys I. Coaches guide - classifying and using small-sided games for soccer endurance. Performance Conditioning Soccer [serial online]. 

5. Köklü Y. A Comparison Of Physiological Responses To Various Intermittent And Continuous Small-Sided Games In Young Soccer Players. Journal Of Human Kinetics [serial online]. 

6. Rudolf P, Václav B. HEART RATE RESPONSE AND GAME-RELATED ACTIVITY OF YOUNGER SCHOOL-AGE BOYS IN DIFFERENT FORMATS OF SOCCER GAME. Ovidius University Annals, Series Physical Education & Sport/Science, Movement & Health [serial online].

Early Sport Specialization

Popular culture pushes the idea that to succeed at sports, children need to know at a very early age what sport they want to commit themselves to for the rest of their lives in order to get that future scholarship or to reach the professional ranks.

While there are a few athletes that have benefited from early specialization, there are more studies coming out that show that it doesn't necessarily give your child an edge and can often be bad for their physical and mental health.

Many pediatricians agree that children should be participating in a variety of activities in order to develop a wider range of skills and to help them become a well-rounded athlete.  Playing a variety of different sports throughout the year is a form of cross-training that is extremely beneficial to a young body's physical development.

Common issues with early specialization:

Overuse Injuries - Using the body the same way over and over again can lead to stress fractures, tendonitis and growth plate injuries that occur when the body uses repetitive motion and is not allowed to rest. 

Burnout - occurs when athletes push their bodies too hard with little or no recovery period.

Early retirement from training and competition - Sometimes young athletes can get so discouraged by injuries, burnout and competition that they lose all interest because they no longer find the sport enjoyable. 

The recommended age for sport specialization is around 12 or 13 years of age and until then children should be encouraged to participate in a variety of sports and overall, have some fun.

References from the SIRC Collection

1. Callender S. The Early Specialization of Youth in Sports. Athletic Training & Sports Health Care: The Journal For The Practicing Clinician. November 2010;2(6):255-257. 
2. Capranica L, Millard-Stafford M. Youth Sport Specialization: How to Manage Competition and Training?. International Journal Of Sports Physiology & Performance. December 2011;6(4):572-579. 3. DiFiori J. Evaluation of Overuse Injuries in Children and Adolescents. Current Sports Medicine Reports (American College Of Sports Medicine). November 2010;9(6):372-378 
4. Jones L, Petlichkoff L. Early Sport Specialization Versus Quality Physical Education. Chronicle Of Kinesiology & Physical Education In Higher Education. May 2008;19(2):5-7. 
5. Malina R. Early Sport Specialization: Roots, Effectiveness, Risks. Current Sports Medicine Reports (American College Of Sports Medicine. November 2010;9(6):364-371. 
6. Wiersma L. Risks and benefits of youth sport specialization: perspectives and recommendations. / Benefices et risques de la specialisation sportive des jeunes: perspectives et recommandations. Pediatric Exercise Science. February 2000;12(1):13-22.

Engagement

SIRC Newsletter now available online: Engagement

With London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics still in everyone’s minds, it’s important to leverage this momentum to get more people engaged in sport. Sport has always promoted inclusion within the community; it supports participation and fun regardless of your gender, religion, ability, ethnicity, age or disability. Sport provides an avenue for leadership and valuable life skills are learned through teamwork and collaboration. We all know what sport can do, now it’s up to us to take advantage of this opportunity and encourage people to get involved and have some fun!

Read more:  http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/september12/index.html

Sports Day in Canada!

Sports Day in Canada is a national celebration of sport at all levels. On the ground, in the week leading up to September 29, over a thousand organizations, schools, teams and towns will hold a blitz of Sports Day in Canada events, with community-wide festivals, try-it days, open houses, games, competitions, meet-and-greets, tournaments, fun runs, spectator events and pep rallies that celebrate sport at all levels.  Find an event near you and help us celebrate the power of sport at work in communities across the country.

Plus, wear your heart on your sleeve on national Jersey Day, September 28. And watch the national Sports Day in Canada broadcast on September 29. Come out and show your support!

Coaching: How to deal with life’s littlest challenges!

Children are encouraged to participate in sport because physical activity and play can be a great outlet to help the body get out excess energy and release endorphins.  Children will test, explore their environment, and act impulsively sometimes but as a coach it's important to be able to recognize when there is a problem more significant than normal development.

If you have a challenging child on your team, there are few methods a coach can implement.

1. If you see the child do something well, reinforce the behaviour with praise.  Remember that children will want attention regardless if it is positive or negative.  It may not be easy to ignore troublesome behaviour, especially if it affects others on the team, so use that time as an opportunity to address the child calmly and help them to work through the problem.  It's important to recognize what caused the behaviour so you can be aware of what the child is experiencing.  On the other hand, if the child is too upset it's sometimes best to have them sit and watch the practice for a while until you and they feel like they can join in again.

2. Watch for potential warning signs.  Certain behaviours or actions can be indicators for depression, anxiety, bullying, or problems at home.  Children want to be heard, so take the time to listen and understand where they are coming from.  If a child's behaviour concerns you, don't hesitate to talk to the child or the parents about what you've observed. 

3. Provide structure, consistent limits and set firm guidelines of what you expect.  Children need repetition and consistency, so ensure your practices are planned ahead of time to avoid surprises.  Unstructured practices have a likelihood of increased disruptions and negative behaviour since children like push the limits of what they can get away with.  Keep clear and calm communication between you and your team, keeping in mind that shouting is not always an effective method.  For example, shouting at a child who may suffer from anxiety could have harmful effects on their self-esteem and their ability to play well.

4.  Focus on a child's strengths.  This is a great way to build up self-confidence and promote positive interactions within your team.

5. Encourage your team to have fun.  Many children put pressure on themselves or get pressure from parents to succeed in sports and this stress can push a child to act out.  Incorporate some games into the practice to get your kids engaged and happy to be out on the field.

A well-rounded coach will be the one who is in tune with the needs of the individuals within the team and can create a structured, positive environment for children to play and learn.

References from the SIRC Collection: 

1. Beyer R, Flores M, Vargas-Tonsing T. Coaches' Attitudes Towards Youth Sport Participants with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. International Journal Of Sports Science & Coaching. December 2008;3(4):555-563.
2. Curley J. Coaching a Swimmer with Attention Deficit Disorder and/or Auditory Processing Disorder. World Clinic Series. January 2008;40:465-477.
3. Flores M, Beyer R, Vargas T. Attitudes Toward Preparing Youth Sport Coaches to Work With Athletes with Hidden Disabilities. Palaestra. January 2012;26(1):5-6.
4. Grzegorek W. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in athletes?. Coaching Volleyball. December 1997;:18-19.
5. Hardy C. More than just burning energy. Journal Of Sport & Exercise Psychology. December 1993;15(4):470.
6. Heil J, Hartman D, Robinson G, Teegarden L. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in athletes. Olympic Coach. Spring 2002;12(2):5-7.

Gettin' Down and Dirty with Obstacle Racing

Obstacle racing which has exploded in popularity since 2009, requires participants to navigate various obstacles, such as fences, mud pits, and climbing nets, that have to be overcome in order to complete the race. When Tough Mudder launched in 2010 it attracted 20,000 participants in the US, and had Canadians jumping on board with 35,000 participants last year. Many Canadians are also familiar with the Spartan race that also keeps growing in numbers.

These races are not a walk in the park and injuries do occur. Usually it's just scrapes and bruises, but there have been some serious injuries. So why do people keep coming back?

• Many want to try something different; they enjoy the diversity of the activities
• Not a competition (depends on the host)
• Enjoy the physical strength and mental challenges
• Teamwork; camaraderie
• Increased focus and concentration to complete the activity
• Fundraising
• It's exciting, some may find singular activities monotonous

First of all, most courses are designed with a team in mind, meaning you can't get through them without someone giving you a helping hand. Anyone can sign up, regardless of your fitness level, although preparing a bit for an upcoming race would probably be a good idea. Ages vary with most participants being in their 20s or 30s and mainly consists of men, but the number of female participants is growing.

Obstacle course training is a highly effective method of developing a diverse set of skills and abilities. It offers a variety of activities for participants to challenge themselves physically and psychologically and adds a sense of pride, accomplishment and camaraderie with the other athletes when you finish the race.

If you feel you are up to the challenge, Tough Mudder will be hosting events in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal this year and the Spartan Races will be held in multiple cities across Canada. If you have never participated in one of these races before, it's a good idea consult your doctor when starting any new vigorous exercise program.

References from the SIRC Collection: 

1. Get Your Mud On. Runner's World. October 2011;46(10):100.
2. Mellen G. Getting Dirty for Good, Clean Fun. Sportstravel. April 2012;16(4):45-52.
3. MUD RACING GOES MARTIAL. Black Belt. August 2012;50(8):22.
4. Mullins N. Obstacle Course Challenges: History, Popularity, Performance Demands, Effective Training, and Course Design. Journal Of Exercise Physiology Online. April 2012;15(2):100-128.
5. RADDING B, OLIVERO T. GET IN THE RACE. Men's Fitness. October 2011;27(8):36.
6. Schaefer K. ONE TOUGH MUDDER. ESPN Magazine. June 27, 2011;14(11):114-119.

Coaching - "Invisible" Disabilities

Participation in organized sport activities has been shown to increase self-confidence, social skills and peer acceptance. Young people with "invisible" disabilities (e.g. learning, emotional/behavioural, and speech/language) can often be overlooked because they have no outward physical characteristics that suggest they have diverse learning needs. As a coach, there are many ways to foster an effective and inclusive sport environment so that everyone can have a great team sport experience.

Focus on a player's ability - Discover what your player can do rather than focusing on what he/she can't do. If you are unsure, ask them to tell you their capabilities, skills, interests and goals and then work together to plan challenging and engaging sessions that are geared to the person's needs.

Be ready to adapt - Possible adaptations include changing up your teaching style (more demonstrations, less verbal instruction), rules, equipment and environment (quieter may mean less distractions).

Communicate effectively - When providing directions, gain eye contact with your player(s), keep explanations concise and re-state if necessary. When providing demonstrations, break down specific drills one step at a time and build up slowly.

Set the stage for success - Some athletes with "invisible" disabilities may be aware of their difficulties and be anxious about situations that are unfamiliar, unknown, or perceived as difficult. To lessen anxiety, try providing an overview of the practice activities and the order in which they will occur. Routines also provide structure and predictability which can allow a stressed player to relax and become more engaged.

Promote social acceptance - Sometimes it can be challenging for players with "invisible" disabilities to have positive social interactions with others. A coach can address this by calming insisting that everyone follows the rules, takes turns and in general have players be aware of others. Organized sport can be a great platform for youth to develop social skills without negative consequences like teasing or ridicule; therefore, it's important to be sure to provide positive feedback and lots of support.

Coaches can encourage participation in sport for a person with a hidden disability by taking a pro-active approach, not worrying about making the occasional mistake and reminding themselves that every player just wants to be respected and valued.

References from the SIRC Collection:

1. Abraham A, Collins D. Taking the Next Step: Ways Forward for Coaching Science. Quest. November 2011;63(4):366-384.
2. Beyer R, Flores M, Vargas-Tonsing T. Strategies and Methods for Coaching Athletes with Invisible Disabilities in Youth Sport Activities. Journal Of Youth Sports. June 2009;4(2):10-15.
3. Hassan D, Dowling S, McConkey R, Menke S. The inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in team sports: lessons from the Youth Unified Sports programme of Special Olympics. Sport In Society. November 2012;15(9):1275-1290.
4. McMaster S, Culver D, Werthner P. Coaches of athletes with a physical disability: a look at their learning experiences. Qualitative Research In Sport, Exercise & Health. July 2012;4(2):226-243.
5. Pine S. Inclusive coaching course opens minds and doors. Sports Coach. 2005;28(2):18-19.
6. Young J. The State of Play: Coaching Persons with Disabilities. Coaching & Sport Science Review. April 2010;50:9-10.