British Blind Sport
Classification for athletes with a visual impairment involves an eye test that must be carried out by an Ophthalmologist / Optometrist. The athlete will receive an official classification and must bring this information to competitions.
The form that must be completed by an Ophthalmologist / Optometrist can be found at: www.britishblindsport.org.uk/sightform.doc
British Wheelchair Athletics Association
We were formed in 1982 with a view to promoting field athletics to wheelchair users. We have been very successful in that regard and, since our formation; no British Disability Athletics Team has attended any major games without members of BWAA being part of that team. We can now boast Paralympic medalists, World Championship medalists and World Record holders in our membership.
We meet at Stoke Mandeville on the second weekend of every month and any person who is interested in taking up throwing or finding out more about coaching or organising a throws group is more than welcome to attend. We have qualified and experienced coaches in attendance at every training weekend.
Contact should be made through our secretary Barbara Hoole – barbarahoole@hotmail.com / 01772 600988
We are also more than happy to assist new athletes by guiding them around the throwing frames that will be necessary for participation and helping them with advice as to what frame would be right for them.
BWAA supports athletes to compete in five field disciplines; shot, discus, javelin, club and the pentathlon. The athletes use specially designed throwing frames for these events.
The only event unique to seated field athletics is the ‘club’. In this event a wooden club (397gm) is thrown using a similar technique to discus throwing. Pentathlon, the most demanding of events, is a combination of three field and two track events to be completed by the athlete in a single day. The combination of events making up the pentathlon may differ according to the athlete’s classification.
Athletes compete on classes from F51-58 according to their functional ability and we will assist with finding the correct class for them. We have access to International Classifiers who can attend our training weekends.
From April to September we hold monthly Grand Prix competitions and are organising an International Games at Stoke Mandeville in June 2009.
For Teachers / Coaches – if you are coaching a seated field athlete for the first time we advise you to treat the athlete as any other. It is important to coach the individual; every athlete has individual needs and the coaching techniques used need to be adapted appropriately.
We have good contacts with UKAthletics and the British Paralympic Association and any athlete who shows that they have potential will be helped to advance their International and Paralympic chances.
Contact: Barbara Hoole, Address: 30 Grape Lane, Croston, Leyland, PR26 9HB
Email: barbarahoole@hotmail.com Phone: 01772 600988 Website: www.bwaa.co.uk
British Wheelchair Racing Association
How do I have a go at wheelchair racing?
Currently, contact BWRA for information on local contacts or of forthcoming training events at which newcomers are welcome to try out a chair.
How do I get a racing chair if I want to start training?
If you think meet the criteria for one of our 25 racing wheelchairs please complete the application form today. BWRA also has a small number of chairs available for short term loan, together with assistance with chair positioning, technique, gloves, etc. For those new to the sport, buying a previously used racing chair (BWRA can advise) is usually preferable, since, juniors grow (!), and seniors can shrink (!) after a short period of wheelchair racing training, and developing fitness can mean a changing chair position. Previously used chairs can be purchased from £400 upwards and new racing chairs cost from around £1400 upwards. There are charities, including WheelPower who can assist in the purchase of chairs, especially for juniors.
Do I need carbon fibre wheels?
These are not for the beginner, or for those who do not push faster than 15mph, where aerodynamics start to kick in. And they are not very practical for training (they use tubular tyres, which cannot be repaired, and the wheels are damaged if used punctured).
Can juniors only race on the track?
No, depending on their age, juniors can race in road races and fun runs as per non-disabled juniors. Indeed, to develop as an athlete, it is recommended that all wheelchair racers do not train solely on the track, but use road/cycle path training.
Can I race in my day chair?
It is possible - many top racers completed some of their early races in a day chair. Before getting a racing chair it is recommended that prospective wheelchair racers train in their every day chairs to develop initial fitness and stamina - completing pushes of up to an hour in their day chair is very beneficial.
What about gloves?
Ready made gloves can be purchased, but these are not ideal for the new starter (they require experience of good technique for best use). For new starters, leather gloves, taped to provide protection and support, are a better introduction - maintenance is slightly higher, but cost significantly less.
For Teachers / Coaches - potential wheelchair racers will be those who:
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are prepared to train long and hard,
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self motivated and can work with limited supervision - many sessions will be alone.
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are able to pick up new skills quickly
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are persistent, and will practise to make perfect
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have an interest in equipment and the technical aspects of the sport
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typically are longer, leaner (or could be!)
Eligibility - see UKA / IPC websites for guidance... ‘wheelchair user’ does not necessarily mean eligibility, and ‘non-wheelchair user’ does not necessarily mean ineligibility - refer to UKA / BWRA for advice.
Wheelchair racing is a lot more like cycling than running. To be able to train for speed, also requires the athlete to have a strong endurance base, and so sprinters also require in the early stages to be road racing.
What is it?
The BWRA acts as the governing body of wheelchair racing in Great Britain.
Who can join?
Membership is open to all individuals and groups who support the aims of the association.
How is it run?
It is run by its members who elect an executive committee of Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and other members to carry out their wishes at an AGM.
What does it do?
It undertakes to coordinate and promote the involvement of disabled people in wheelchair racing.
It acts as an information contact for:
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athletes, race directors, coaches, teachers, local authorities and the media.
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It organises National Championships in wheelchair racing for its members.
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It organises season-long road and track Grand Prix competitions.
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It maintains and develops coaching resources for wheelchair racers.
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It helps in the creation and development of clubs for wheelchair racers.
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It organises regular training weekends and camps.
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It liaises with bodies for integration into mainstream athletics events.
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It prepares and selects athletes for international teams and works alongside the UKA World Class Programme in developing athletes to compete at Paralympic level
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It works with international bodies to promote wheelchair racing around the world.
What will I get?
Members receive a regular newsletter, designed to provide as much information as possible for all levels of wheelchair racing from junior to veteran and from recreation to international elite. Regular features include race results and reports, forthcoming events and entry forms, training tips, equipment for sales, health, diet and nutrition information, insurance cover for calendared races.
If you want to do the London Marathon, The Great North Run, keep fit or start on the track towards the Paralympics......wheelchair racing is for you!
Website: www.bwra.co.uk also see www.tunnel2k.com
The BWRA operates under the auspices of the British Wheelchair Sports Foundation,
Registered Charity No.265498.
CP Sport (Cerebral Palsy Sport)
CP Sport promotes and develops sport for disabled people and works in particular with athletes with cerebral palsy. It provides opportunities for athletes to train and compete at grassroots level through to Paralympic Competition.
Contact: Sue Todd Email: sue.todd@cpsport.org
Phone: 0115 925 7027 Website: www.cpsport.org/athletics
Dwarf Athletics Association
General Information
There are over 200 types of restricted growth which can be grouped together as Dwarf conditions, the most common condition being Achondroplasia.
When starting to work with Dwarf athletes as a sports coach there are a few skeletal and potential joint stability problems to keep in mind.
Many people with Achondroplasia have a Kyphosis or Scoliosis of their spine and constant shock to the back can cause damage to the back area. They may have a spinal stenosis which is a pinching of the spinal column caused by having restricted room within the vertebrae for the spinal column to pass through.
Most have quite lax joints and their elbows, hips, and knees especially can be unstable. This is usual seen in the joints being extremely flexible, many Dwarf athletes can have a bowing of there legs which may result in problems with their ankles. This is also an area to keep an eye on.
The more involved in regular exercise individuals are, the better the muscle tone around these areas is maintained and the more stable these joints become.
As an Association we discourage our members from certain sports which repeatedly apply a shock into the spinal area. In athletics, we are of the opinion that, High Jump, Long Jump, and Middle – Long Distance Running have potential to cause long term damage to people with restricted growth conditions. These are a guideline as to what might not be suitable sports for people who live with a restricted growth condition.
Please note that for the Paralympic Pathway – only specific throws events are available, please contact UKA for more information.
Athletes with a restricted growth condition benefit greatly from regular exercise and competition. The Dwarf Athletic Association runs a National Championship every year and many athletes move on to other events and start to train with local athletic clubs.
Regular exercise can make a big difference to a person with restricted growth lifestyle and wellbeing, exercise tones the muscle and helps lax joints become more stable. It also helps to keep their weight under control, which is paramount towards a healthy lifestyle. Keeping weight off and regular exercise can prevent and delay the need for invasive surgery to stabilise back and joint problems.
When starting to work with a Dwarf athlete coaches may want to consider their loose joints and associated back problems. Restricted growth athletes compete in Shot Putt, Discus and Javelin with great success. Currently, there are only Shot Putt and Discus events available for Dwarf Athletes at the Paralympic Games.
The DAA advise the use of the following weight implements for Dwarf Athletes:
DAAUK Field Implements Weights
Field implement weights - Female Open Under 15’s Under 13’s
Shot 3 kg 2.72 kg 2 kg
Discus 750 g 600 g 500 g
Javelin 400 g 400 g 400 g
Field implement weights - Male
Shot 4 kg 3.25 kg 2.72 kg
Discus 1 kg 750 g 600 g
Javelin 600 g 500 g 400 g
As long as a Dwarf Athlete and their coach take in to account the maintenance of their joints and back there is no reason why the athlete cannot enjoy track and field athletics. Any back pain or discomfort should be taken very seriously as a Spinal Stenosis is not uncommon in Dwarf athletes.
If any advice is needed the Dwarf Athletic Association can be contactedhrough their website www.daauk.org
Mencap Sport
Mencap Sport was established in 2005 when Mencap took over the work of the English Sports Association for People with a Learning Disability. It supports the development of opportunities in sport in England
Mencap Sport works in 3 main areas:
• Working with governing bodies of sport and other sports providers to increase and improve opportunities at all levels, through training and partnership work
• Organising a national competition programme and supporting gifted and talented athletes to train towards and compete in international INAS FID competition.
• Campaigning on issues like inclusion, Paralympic Games, UK School Games etc
Mencap Sport manage the annual Open National Championships for athletes with a learning disability, can advise on issues such as classification, and manage the national athletics squad from which athletes are selected for GB team events.
Can only Mencap members take part?
No – Mencap Sport activities are open to all athletes with a learning disability
How do I get a classification?
The forms, together with a guide, are available from the Mencap Sport website, and we can help you gather the evidence you need to apply for a classification.
Who can take part in learning disability sport?
In sport, the learning disability eligibility criterion is defined by INAS FID (the International Federation for Intellectual Disability Sport) and is based upon the World Health Organisation definition.
That is, athletes must have been identified as having a general learning disability/IQ below 75, limited adaptive behaviour and onset before the age of 18
Learning disability does not include physical or sensory impairment, emotional/behavioural impairments or specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia and some forms of autism.
Athletes taking part in the talent identification programme do not need a formal classification to join an athletics club. Please be aware that all competitions linked to UKA and many other competitions available in the UK will require you to apply for a classification and provide evidence in support of the above criteria.
For more information about eligibility in learning disability sport & how to get a classification , please visit www.mencap.org.uk/sport
What’s the difference between Paralympics and Special Olympics?
The Paralympics are the pinnacle of disability sport and include a number of different classification groups. Following discussion between the IPC and INAS-FID (the International Federation for Intellectual Disability Sport), events for athletes with a learning disability might be re-instated in time for the 2012 Paralympic Games following an 8 year exclusion due to issues with the classification process.
The International Paralympic Committee fully supports the participation of athletes with a learning disability and supports the research that is being undertaken into the classification process to ensure fair competition. The IPC will make a decision in 2009 about the reintroduction of athletes with a learning disability. This will have a direct knock-on effect on the Paralympic Games in 2012 and other ICP sanctioned competitions in the UK and Internationally.
Special Olympics is only open to people with a learning disability, and unlike Paralympic competition, events are banded so that athletes compete against other athletes of roughly equal ability. Medals are awarded in each band. This means that there might be several 100m sprint events, with gold, silver and bronze awarded in each.
Helpful tips on getting started
Because there is no adaptation needed to the sport for someone with a learning disability to take part, there are many events to get involved with. However, adaptation and awareness is needed to coaching techniques and other aspects to help athletes with a learning disability get the most out of the experience.
Athletics Clubs offer people with a learning disability the opportunity to get involved – please refer to the UKA Club Search on the UKA Website or contact UKA / Mencap Sport for more information.
There are also some regional disability athletics events – details can be found on the Mencap Sport website.
Tips for Teachers in Identifying Talent
Mencap Sport publishes Consideration Standards for the national squad (15+) and the national championships (13+). These can be used as a guide to performance. Please refer to the website for these Standards
Contact details
Contact: Nick Parr
Web: www.mencap.org.uk/sport
Phone: 01924 234 912
Email: sport@mencap.org.uk
Address: 6a Caldervale Road, Wakefield, WF1 5PE
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