A Guide To

Visually Impaired
Friendly Sport
Visually Impaired Friendly Sport
Contents
Introduction 2 Safety Considerations 16
Welcome 2 Obstacles 16
Contributors statements 3 Fire evacuation 16
Insurance 16

Understanding Sight Loss 4 Safeguarding Children, Young People

Eye conditions 4-5 and Vulnerable Adults 17

Benefits of Sport and Pathways in Sport 18

Physical Activity 6 Case Study: VI Cricket 19

Preparation 6 Classification 20
Advertising 6 Categories of classification 20
Travel 7
Session venue and time 7
Equipment and facilities 7 Clean Sport 21

Coaching Sessions 8 Adapting Sport for VI People 22-23

The Inclusion Spectrum 8
Case Study: Disability Sport Activity -
A Practical Example 9 About 24
Steps principles 10 British Blind Sport 24
Case Study: Movement Matters 11 Scottish Disability Sport 24
Communicating with visually Guide Dogs UK 24
impaired people 12 Blind Children UK 24
Correct terminology 12
Creating a buddy system 13
Guiding visually impaired people 14 Contact Details 25
During sports activities 15
Sports that require a sighted guide 15

Page 1
 Introduction
Welcome to the British Blind Sport ‘Guide to This resource will enable coaches, leaders and
Visually Impaired Friendly Sport’ produced in parents/carers to:
partnership with Scottish Disability Sport and
Guide Dogs UK. •Learn about sight loss and eye conditions.
• Have a better understanding of the needs of
At British Blind Sport we believe that every people with a visual impairment.
person with a visual impairment (VI) has the • Apply their knowledge to meet the needs of
right to participate in sport and physical activity. people with a visual impairment.
We understand that there are many hurdles and • Use basic communication skills to support the
barriers to overcome in order for each and every needs of people with a visual impairment in
VI person to have the same accessibility as a sport and physical activity.
sighted person. This resource has been created • Understand where you can obtain further
with the specific purpose to assist anyone who support to ensure your club/group is fully
is delivering sport and physical activities with accessible and inclusive to people with a
support, ideas and guidance on how to include visual impairment.
people with a visual impairment.
By making small and simple adaptations
This resource is all about helping sport you will be able to include people with
providers to be VI friendly through their a visual impairment in your sports and
provision of activities, training, resources and activity sessions. The information and
support. These include: tips that you will find in this resource will
be beneficial to all the participants in
- Sports Coaches your group, not just people with a visual
- PE Teachers impairment.
- Community Coaches
- Multi-sport / Multi-skill Coaches
- Sports Clubs
- Volunteers
- Fitness Industry Professionals
- Sport Development Professionals

Page 2 Visually Impaired Friendly Sport

 British Blind Sport is Guide Dogs and
committed to providing Blind Children UK are
sport and recreational genuinely delighted to
opportunities for all blind support this initiative
and partially sighted to enable blind and
children and adults partially sighted people
across Great Britain. to participate in sport.
Our work ensures that For those with sight
we are able to provide loss, being able to
support from grassroots enjoy the same freedom
through to elite level. of independent movement as everyone else is
Sport and recreation can be so much more critical, with personal mobility and navigation
that the activity itself. As British Blind Sport skills playing a major part. Getting out and
sees sport as the springboard for wider about safely enables people to make the most
opportunities, increased health benefits, new of the opportunities available, to participate fully
friendships and renewed confidence. The in their communities, and to live the life they
positive effects of participation in sport for a choose, To support this, Guide Dogs and Blind
visually impaired person, irrespective of ability Children UK offer a wide range of services to
or experience, cannot be underestimated. We adults and children with sight loss, including
also know that ensuring participation in sport practical support and advice, white cane
is a positive experience for a visually impaired mobility and life skills training, the provision of
person is often due to a skilled and confident guide dogs, and volunteer ‘sighted guides’,
coach or teacher. This resource is a fantastic to those for whom a dog is not suitable.
tool for those coaches and teachers who want We believe this initiative is a vital enabler to
to help others achieve their goals and who encourage visually impaired people of all ages
are committed to making a visible difference to actively engage in sport with all the mental,
through sport. social and physical benefits this brings.

Alaina MacGregor Richard Leaman

British Blind Sport Guide Dogs UK

Scottish Disability Sport

(SDS) is delighted to be
working with British Blind
Sport in the production
of a resource which will
accompany workshops
which promote inclusive
sport. The workshop
has been designed
by RNIB Scotland
and Guide Dogs UK
in conjunction with SDS to allow coaches,
teachers, volunteers and anyone working with
participants with a visual impairment to grow in
confidence and competence.

Gavin Macleod
Scottish Disability Sport

Page 3
 Understanding
Sight Loss
Sight Loss Eye Conditions

Sight is classified in more than one measure. There are a number of conditions that result
The main measures are ‘Visual acuity’ and in sight loss. These varying conditions affect
‘Visual field’. blind and partially sighted people in different
ways. For example, a visually impaired person
Visual acuity is a person’s ability to see fine may be totally blind or have blurred peripheral
detail. vision. It is important to remember that people
are individuals with different levels of vision
Visual field is the boundaries of what a person and varying support needs. There are four
can see in one instant i.e. the entire area which conditions that cause the majority of sight loss
can be seen without moving the eyes. amongst visually impaired people:

Sight loss is broken down into two main Macular Degeneration

categories; severely sight impaired and sight Macular degeneration is an eye condition that
impaired: affect a small part of the retina at the back of
the eye called the macular. It causes a loss of
Severely sight impaired vision in the centre of the visual field, affecting
• This category is also known as blind. vision when looking directly at something.
People with this condition will usually have
• Under government legislation, a person who peripheral vision, but may struggle to recognise
is severely sight impaired would be unable the faces of their teammates.
to perform a job for which eyesight is an
essential element for the task.

• They will not be able to see a demonstration.

• They may become quickly disorientated

during an activity.

Sight impaired
• This category is also known as partially
sighted.

• Partially sighted people will have some useful

vision that they can use to navigate the world.

• They may not be able to see a demonstration.

• They may not be able to recognise you from a

distance.

Page 4 Visually Impaired Friendly Sport

Glaucoma
Glaucoma causes a loss of peripheral vision due to damage to the optic nerve or increased eye
pressure. This condition occurs gradually and will result in a significant reduction of peripheral
vision over time. While treatment exists for glaucoma, it can’t repair the existing sight loss.

Cataracts
Cataracts cause blurred or cloudy vision, as result of yellowy pigment on the lens of the eyes. This
condition is the main cause of visual impairment across the globe. To treat cataracts, surgery can
be used to remove the cloudy lens.

Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy can affect anyone with diabetes. It causes floaters and blurred vision, resulting
from damage to the retina due to high blood sugar levels.

Other conditions
Along with these four conditions, there are many other causes of sight loss. Visit the RNIB website
for information on a specific eye condition. While there are a vast number of eye conditions, the
simulations above provide an overview of how sight loss affects visually impaired people.

http://www.rnib.org.uk/eye-health/eye-conditions

Page 5
 BENEFITS OF Preparation
SPORT AND As with any sports or activity session,
preparation is paramount. The following adages
are a good reminder to sports coaches and
PHYSICAL leaders of the importance of preparation.

ACTIVITY - Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance

- Fail to Plan – Plan to Fail

The emotional effect of having a visual This section will outline some key factors to
impairment cannot be quantified. Sport and consider when delivering sport sessions to
physical activity can be a very effective catalyst people with a visual impairment which will help
to ensuring a healthier and happier lifestyle. with planning and ensure that the participant
has a quality experience.

“33% of inactive visually impaired people Advertising

want to do more sport.” (BBS Barriers to
Participation) The promotion and marketing of your sports
session, club or activity is important to ensure
“ Nearly half of blind and partially sighted people people are aware of what your club offers,
feel ‘moderately’ or ‘completely’ cut off from where you are located and what activities and
people and things around them.” programmes are accessible.
(Pey, Nzegwu and Dooley, 2006)
The way in which a people with a visual
impairment communicate and source
This research and data demonstrates how information may be different to sighted people,
important sport it is to encourage people who so it is important to consider the following when
are visually impaired to get involved in sport and advertising sessions:
physical activity. Sport and recreation is not just
a hobby for someone with a visual impairment • Provide information in an accessible format
but provides an opportunity to: if required (e.g. braille, clear print or suitable
electronic version for a screen reader).
• tackle social exclusion.
• Advertise your sessions with local and
• make new friends. national VI organisations such as British Blind
Sport, RNIB or your local Blind Society.
• raise confidence and self esteem.
• Many County Councils or Local Authorities
• develop spatial awareness and muscle provide a Sight Support Service for people
strength. living with sight loss. This could be an
excellent method to promote your club or
• provide a sense of accomplishment and sessions to your target audience and engage
achievement. with visually impaired people. British Blind
Sport can advise on your local contacts.
Contact BBS for further information.

• Use social media to promote your services.

Evolving technology makes social media
a very accessible and popular medium for
visually impaired people.’

Page 6 Visually Impaired Friendly Sport

• Use appropriate images of visually impaired may be particularly difficult for a visually
athletes in your marketing material. This will impaired person. Floodlights also may cause
directly speak to your target market and help difficulty – where possible and if practical,
to inspire other visually impaired people to organise sessions in good light or evenly lit
take part. indoor spaces.

Equipment and Facilities

Further Reading
To ensure a visually impaired person can be
• British Blind Sport has developed a guide to included in your session you may need to
creating documents in an accessible format. source some accessible equipment.
This can be found at
www.britishblindsport.org.uk For visually impaired sport, the adaptions made
to sports or games are as simple as making
• EFDS Inclusive Communications Guide: some of the equipment larger or brighter
http://bit.ly/efdsguide - so easier to see - or audible (able to hear).

Travel Jingle Balls – balls with ball bearings in them are

popular sports equipment for VI sports, such
Following British Blind Sport research into as Cricket, Goalball, Football. Jingleballs are
‘Overcoming Barriers to Participation’ a key available from the RNIB.
barrier identified by visually impaired people is
travel. Sound Balls – tennis balls with bells inserted
inside used for tennis.
As many VI people rely heavily on public
transport it is advisable to check public Tactile markings – using raised tape, or taping
transport options and promote the nearest string to the boundaries of a playing area will
train station or bus route in any promotional or help a VI person understand where a court,
marketing material. pitch or playing area is.

Additionally, there may be community transport It is advisable to guide a visually impaired

options available. Local Sight Support Services person around the venue or facility to help with
will be able to provide information as to what orientation.
services may be available.
Consider the acoustics in the facility, is it easy
Some participants may rely on a sighted for instructions/explanations to be heard?
guide or support worker who may assist the
participant in getting to and from your club or Further Reading
session.
Sport England Accessibility Audit Check List
Session Venue and Time
https://www.sportengland.org/media/30255/
It might be necessary to provide a meet and Accessible-Sports-Facilities-Audit-Check-List-
greet service for a visually impaired participant, October-2012.pdf
especially on their first visit to a club, venue or
session. This can be discussed and arranged BBS Barriers to Participation research
during any prior communication with a visually
impaired participant. http://www.britishblindsport.org.uk/overcoming-
barriers-to-participation/introduction/
Ensure that staff at the venue have been briefed
that a VI person will be attending the session.

It is important to consider how sunlight, and

the time of the session may affect a visually
impaired participant. Indoor poorly lit spaces

Page 7
 Coaching Sessions Open
Activity
The Inclusion Spectrum
Disability Modified
The Inclusion Spectrum is an activity based model, Sport Activity
developed by Stevenson and Black (2007), which enables Activity
coaches to understand what inclusion is and how to Inclusion
Spectrum
include disabled people in sport and physical activity
sessions.

It is widely used in the disability sport industry and Parallel

Separate
accepted by sport coaches and sport coaching Activity
Activity
professional bodies as the most effective model.

A simple activity in which anyone Participants are split into

Open can participate with little or no Parallel groups according to ability.
Activity modification Activity Each group will complete
the same task but at levels
One an example of an open sports appropriate to their skill, fitness
activity is swim training, where all or they in which they play the
participants are participating in the game.
same activity at the same time. (or a
group fitness session). Using a football session as an
example, a parallel activity would
involve a small group practicing a
Everyone completes the same task passing drill with a larger ball with
Modified but with some adaptions to the ball bearings, whilst the rest of
Activity rules, playing area or equipment to the group completed the practice
support the inclusion of everyone at the same time using standard
equipment.
An example of a modified sports
activity could be during a tennis
sessions, when a larger ball may be
used to help a visually impaired person Individuals or groups
to see the ball. Separate purposefully participate in a
Activity different activity.

All the participants play a disability A separate activity may be

Disability specific sport or game. This is an necessary to help a visually
Sport example of reverse integration. impaired participant develop a
Activity certain skill or technique. This
An example of a Disability Sport could involve working 1-2-1 with
Activity would be to include all an individual. It is important to note
participants in the sport of Goalball. that a separate activity should not
This will not only ensure all participants be used all of the time.
are included in a session but help all
participants develop other skills, such
as communication and team work.

Page 8 Visually
VisuallyImpaired
ImpairedFriendly
FriendlySport
Athletics
Case Study: Disability Sport
Activity - A Practical Example

Goalball
Goalball is a game played by two teams of three Including Goalball as part of a session requires
players with a maximum of three substitutions minimum adaption, only eyeshades or some
on each team. It is open to both male and form of blindfold and a ball with internal bells.
female visually impaired athletes. Sighted Further information: www.goalballuk.com
players can also play domestically.

The object of the game is to score a goal

by bowling the ball along the floor so that it
crosses the goal line of the opposing team. The
defending team has to prevent the ball going
into their goal by stopping it while remaining in
their team area. They must then try to control
the ball and attack by bowling the ball back
again thereby trying to score in the other goal.

• All players wear eyeshades so that they are

totally blindfolded.

• Goalball is played on an indoor court that is

18m long and 9m wide.

• The ball contains internal bells, which help

players locate it during play.

Page 9
 STEPS Principles
The principles of STEPS provide a framework Equipment
to assist sports coaches to make adaptions
to specific elements of coaching and activity • Use auditory balls.
sessions. These elements are: space, task,
equipment, people and speed. • Use larger, brighter equipment.

Adaptions can be made to the whole group or • Consider the colour of equipment. Avoid
for just an individual. placing green cones on the grass. Wear
brightly coloured clothes to ensure you are
It is important to remember that not all recognisable.
visually impaired people will require the same
adaptions, just as not every participant will have • Create tactile makers to determine the
the same abilities and needs. boundaries of playing areas. This can easily
be created by using tape and string.
Listed are below are some examples of what
you will need to consider to ensure the inclusion People
of visually impaired participant.
• Create a buddy system with other participants
Space who can help, support and assist a visually
impaired participant.
• Organise the coaching/playing area in the
way for each session. This will help assist • Some sports such as cycling, running will
orientation. require a specialist sighted training partner.

• Guide a visually impaired participant around Speed

the facility and coaching space/playing area
and describe features. • Slow down the practice or game to ensure
the skill is practiced and learnt effectively.
• Consider the impact of light during the
session.

Task

• Give clear oral explanations. Practice with

another coach by asking them to close their
eyes, then describe the activity to them and
see how much they understand.

• It may be necessary to provide details

of complex skills, drills or rules to the VI
participant in large print or electronically so
that they are able to read instructions to better
understand the task and session.

Page 10 Visually Impaired Friendly Sport

Case Study: Jordan, Age 12
Movement Matters
Sighted children learn by watching others;
children with a visual impairment often need
to be specifically taught skills and concepts
they would not otherwise pick up. Habilitation
provides personalised training and support in
mobility, orientation and independence skills
from babyhood to adulthood. Habilitation
training unlocks possibilities – helping children
and their families to understand that sight loss
does not have to be a barrier to reaching their
potential.
How has Habilitation helped Jordan?
Jordan has learnt the skills to use a long cane
and he can now walk independently when out
and about with his family.

What Jordan says about his support?

“All the support I’ve had has helped me
lots. It has improved my confidence and my
independence.”

Parent’s Comments.
“Jordan feels a lot more confident with his
cane and it has helped him enormously. I feel I
can let go of him now and try and let him be a
confident young man. Keeping up his training
will be invaluable to him in the future.”
As a result of this intervention Jordan is better
equipped and motivated to be more active
which is just one outcome from Movement
Matters service.

Independence skills allow better access

to sport through improved access, fitness
and confidence.

Case Study: Movement Matters - Habilitation For further information about the
training from Blind Children UK Movement Matters service contact Blind
Children UK – contact details can be found
Habilitation, which is provided through the at the back of this resource.
‘Movement Matters’ service by Blind Children
UK provides training to help blind children
and young people move around safely and
independently.

Page 11
 Communicating their left eye, so by making a small change to
where you stand to demonstrate a skill or task
may make a huge difference.
with Visually Can the VI person access the venue
Impaired people independently? Do they need support in the
changing area? To overcome any safety issues
with young children discuss options with the
It is important to understand the needs of a child’s parents, guardians or carers beforehand.
visually impaired person. Do not be afraid to ask
questions to obtain as much information as you • Remember to always to introduce yourself by
can that will aid in coaching and delivery. name to a VI participant.
• Always ask a VI person how much they can Correct Terminology
see.
It is important to always use the correct
• Find out if the VI person has had any sight terminology when referring to people with a
previously. This may affect their understanding visual impairment and discussing sight loss
of a sport, game or task. in general. Using the wrong type of language
can create a barrier so by using appropriate
• Try to establish if there is a preferred situation terminology it will help you build lasting
or environment that promotes better vision, for relationships with your participants and grow
example a VI person may have better vision in your participation programmes.

Words to use Words to avoid

Person with a visual impairment The blind
Person with sight loss The handicapped
Visually impaired person The disabled
Partially sighted people Visually impaired
Blind people (when referring to an individual)
has an impairment Suffers from

While it is important to use correct terminology, do not over think every sentence you say.
For example, saying the term ‘See you later’ will not be offensive.

Further Reading

• Media Guide to reporting on persons with • EFDS Inclusive Communications Guide –

an impairment; International Paralympic Access for all: inclusive communications
Committee:
http://www.efds.co.uk/resources/case_
http://www.paralympic.org/sites/default/files/do studies/2697_access_for_all_efds_inclusive_
cument/141027103527844_2014_10_31+guid communications_guide
e+to+reporting+on+persons+with+an+impairm
ent.pdf • EFDS Talk To Me Research

http://www.efds.co.uk/resources/
research/3253_talk_to_me_-_word_version

Page 12 Visually Impaired Friendly Sport

Creating a
Buddy
System
A simple and very effective method
of including a visually impaired
participant into a sports and physical
activity session and to increase
communication is to develop a
“buddy” system.

This involves identifying another

participant in the group to support,
help and guide the visually impaired
participant. The role of “buddy” could
consist of simply telling the VI person
when to pass, or when to expect to
receive the ball, explaining the next
section of the session or guiding to
the participant to appropriate place in
the sports hall.

A buddy system ensures that a VI

person is made to feel part of the
group and isn’t completely reliant on
the coach or leader. This also allows
the coach to focus on all participants.
A buddy system also encourages
communication, promotes social
interaction and allows friendships to
develop.

It is important, if possible, to ensure

that the same individual is not always
the buddy to the visually impaired
participant. This is to prevent any
resentment that an individual may
feel. Another favourable outcome of
the buddy system is that individuals
who take on the responsibility of
being a buddy can develop their own
confidence and leadership.

Page 13
 Guiding Visually
Impaired People
A VI participant may require a sighted guide to • Offer your elbow or shoulder to the VI person
assist them to and from your sports session. for them to take hold of. Ask them which side
A VI participant may also require a sighted they prefer to be guided on. If guiding a child,
guide during the sports or activity session to they may want to hold your hand instead of
either assist when changing drills or tasks, or for your arm, or may just want to touch your arm.
the complete sports activity (such as running). Ask them which technique they prefer.

General Guiding • Ensure you are always one step in front of the
person that you are guiding, don’t walk too
A VI participant may rely on a sighted person to fast or too slowly, ask if they are happy with
assist them in accessing your sports facility. Not the pace.
having access to a sighted guide may cause a
barrier to participation. • Communicate at all times e.g. steps (up or
down), handrails. Describe what is around
One method of overcoming this barrier is to them and explain any changes in ground
access the services of organisations such as surface.
Guide Dogs UK.
• When guiding a VI person to a seat, place
My Guide is a service provided by Guide Dogs their hand on the back of the chair/bench. Do
to support people who are visually impaired not back them into the seat.
to get out and about. The services matches
people with sight loss with a trained volunteer • When walking through doorways ensure that
who acts as a sighted guide and enables the VI person steps behind you and ensure
people to do the things they want to do, which that they do not get struck by the door or
can include taking part in sport and physical catch their fingers, etc.
activity.
• Explain any loud noises.
As well as providing sighted guides, Guide
Dogs UK will also train people to become • Keep your guiding arm still and relaxed. Don’t
guides through the My Guide service. If there start waving it about or pointing at things.
are a number of VI people accessing your
session, club or facility consider providing this • Remember to give the person you are guiding
training to your staff, coaches and volunteers adequate space around obstacles.
to break down the barriers experienced by VI
people. Fore more information about the My
Guide service visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/
services/my-guide

Below are some key points to consider when

guiding a visually impaired person.

• Identify yourself and ask the VI person if

they would like some assistance; don’t just
presume that they do or don’t.

Page 14 Visually Impaired Friendly Sport

During Sports
Activities
The VI participant may require assistance during Sports that require a sighted guide
the session, especially when changing drills
or sets and particularly when equipment is Some sports will require a sighted guide for the
involved. VI participant to fully participate, some popular
examples include, Guide Running and Tandem
It is recommended that this person is not the Cycling.
lead coach but is an assistant coach, sports
volunteer or support worker. As described Further information about Guide Running and
earlier, a buddy system would be an excellent How to Guide can accessed in the VI Friendly
method of providing the necessary guiding Athletics Guide. Additionally British Blind Sport
support during sports activities. in partnership with England Athletics have
developed a ‘Sight Loss and Guide Running
Workshop’ which educates runners on how to
be guides. For more information please contact
British Blind Sport directly.

Page 15
 Safety
Considerations
Insurance
There are some health and safety
considerations that sports coaches/leaders and Ensure that all sports session have adequate
parents/carers may need to take into account insurance to protect you, your participants and
when a VI person takes part in sport. your club. Having a VI participant within your
session will not affect your insurance cover.
Health and Safety considerations should not be
a barrier to including participants. Further Information
Specific risks should be considered as part of HSE – Health and Safety Executive
the usual risk assessment for the activity and http://www.hse.gov.uk/
action taken to minimise any potential risks as
much as possible.

A template risk assessment form is available at

www.britishblindsport.org.uk

Obstacles

• A VI participant may not see obstacles and be

unable to avoid them.

• Give detailed descriptions of the activity area

and explain in advance any obstacles or
hazards. Always let the VI participant know if
they are to spend any period of time on their
own.

• Use a guide if necessary.

• If there are other people using the activity area

make other coaches/leaders and participants
aware that there is a VI participant who may
not see other participants or equipment.

Fire Evacuation

• Make sure that there is a procedure in place

to support a VI participant if they require it in
a fire evacuation and that they know what it
is, for example assigning a buddy or guide to
provide assistance.

Page 16 Visually Impaired Friendly Sport

Safeguarding Children, Young
People and Vulnerable Adults
As a sport coach, leader or volunteer it is vitally Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
important to prioritise safeguarding the welfare
of children and vulnerable adults. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps
employers make safer recruitment decisions
In this resource the term ‘children’ refers to and prevent unsuitable people from working
children and young people under the age of 18. with vulnerable groups, including children. It
replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)
Different Home Nations may have different and Independent Safeguarding Authority
legislations regarding the definition of a (ISA). The equivalent body in Scotland is the
child, and vulnerable adults please refer to Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme .
your National Sports Organisation for further
information. DBS Checks are available free of charge for
volunteers
Anyone directly or indirectly involved
with providing sport and physical activity
opportunities have a responsibility to: Further Information

•Adhere to Code of Conduct / Code of https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/

Practice. disclosure-and-barring-service

•Recognise signs of child abuse and www.disclosurescotland.co.uk

understand the impact of abuse on children.
Sport Coach UK offer a number of training
•Respond in an appropriate manner to children courses and resource materials for sports
who may disclose that they are being abused. people www.sportcoachuk.org

•Know where to go for further information. Child Protection in Sport Unit

https://thecpsu.org.uk/
•Take appropriate action if concerns are raised.
1st4sport
•Ensure a clear process is in place for staff/ www.1st4sport.com
volunteers to gain a Disclosure and Barring
Service (DBS) check. National Society Prevention of Cruelty to Children
www.nspcc.com
•Understand the need for photography and
videography guidance. Childline
www.childline.org.uk

Page 17
 Pathways in County and Regional Competition structures
are usually managed by the sports National
Governing Body (NGB). As well as ensuring a
Sport player pathway an NGB has a role to increase
participation, develop coaches and nurture
Sport can provide many amazing opportunities and develop elite athletes to win medals on the
for VI people. A number of sports offer international stage. Further information about
exciting competition opportunities from the services of an NGB and the competition
local competitions through to international structures and player pathways can be found
competitions such as the Paralympic Games. on the respective NGB websites.

As a sport coach/leader it is important to have National Competitions

an understanding of the landscape of sport
and the competitive opportunities that may be National competition is next step in the player
available to a VI person. pathway. Often athletes who access this level
of competition are part of NGB World Class
Inter-school - School Games Programmes.

Often organised by the County Sports World Class Programmes

Partnership in England. VI children of
school age will have the opportunity to be Developed and funded by UK Sport, the World
included in School Games. School Games is Class Programme covers all funded summer
national initiative funded by Government and and winter Olympic and Paralympic sports. The
development by the Youth Sport Trust. programme operates at two levels:

Inter - club • Podium - supporting athletes with realistic

medal winning capabilities at the next
Competitions are held between local Olympic/Paralympic Games (i.e. a maximum
clubs, which is often the first experience of of four years away from the podium).
competition for a participant. Having a low level
competitive experience is incredibly value for • Podium Potential – these are athletes whose
any participant, it introduces rules, structure performances suggest that they have
and officials. It also promotes and develops realistic medal winning capabilities at the
team cohesion and the values of winning and subsequent Olympic and Paralympic Games
losing. (i.e. a maximum of eight years away from the
podium).
County / Regional Competitions
Further information about World Class
Many sports will offer a County / Regional Programmes can be obtained via the UK Sport
Competition Structure. Events for Visually website. www.uksport.gov.uk
Impaired Athletes will either be included in
mainstream competitions, included as part of International Competitions
a pan disability competition or be a separate
VI competition. Elite competition can bring life changing
experiences and opportunities including;
In some cases athletes may compete in a employment, sponsorship, overseas travel
mainstream event without any adaptions or and the opportunity to compete on the world
specific event for a visually impaired person. stage. It is important as a coach to understand
They would complete alongside mainstream the potential and possibilities available for VI
peers. athletes.

Page 18
2 Visually Impaired Friendly Sport
The Paralympic Games Other International and
Professional Pathways
Sport for people with disability has existed
for over 100 years. In 1948 the first Games The Paralympic Games are not the only elite
for Disabled was held at Stoke Mandeville international competitions available to visually
Stadium. The official Paralympic Games took impaired athletes. Many sports do not have a
place in Rome, Italy in 1960. Great Britain has paralympic pathway, but athletes do participate
always had a record of performing exceptionally professionally and compete internationally.
at Paralympic Games, in the London 2012 Cricket is an excellent example of a professional
Paralympic Games 288 British athletes sport for the blind and visually impaired with an
competed for ParalympicsGB and won a total elite competition pathway.
of 120 medals, finishing in third place behind
China and Russia.

Case Study: Ed Hossell

VI Cricket
Name: Ed Hossell vision caused by Macular Degeneration.
Classification: B3
“I was first introduced to cricket by my Dad
Ed became part then started playing at school at young age
of the National before I lost my sight. I then found about for
Visually Impaired visually impaired trials and sessions, and it was
Cricket programme suggested that for serious competitive VI cricket
during 2013 having that I join Somerset Visually Impaired County
progressed through the Cricket Club.
development leagues
to become one of Cricket has always been my favourite sport and
England’s brightest I enjoy the team atmosphere and competition.
prospects with the bat. It is chance to push myself and improve. I have
competed in the T20 Finals, the World Cup in
Ed has 6/60 vision in both eyes with full field of South Africa and the International Test Series
vision apart from a blind spot in the centre of against India.”

England VI Cricket Team 2015

Page 19
 Classification • This classification is relevant for people who
want to compete in domestic or recreational
competitions.
Classification is the grouping of athletes with
equal impairment level to ensure a fair and even • An optometrist or ophthalmologist at a high
competition. street optician can complete a sight medical
test form.
‘It is a vital part all competitive pathways.
• Trained British Blind Sport classifiers interpret
Success at competitions should be defined by the medical test form and classify the athlete.
an athlete’s skill and ability, not their impairment.
The sight classifications should give all athletes • These classifications are not valid for
the confidence that they are competing against international competition.
others equally. The classification process
groups athletes with a similar level of visual • Visit the British Blind Sport website for more
impairment together. information: http://www.britishblindsport.org.
uk/classification
Categories of Classification
International Blind Sports Federation’s
There are five main categories of classification Classification
that British Blind Sport records. An athlete’s
category will be based on the visual acuity or • An optometrist or ophthalmologist completes
visual field of the eye with the most vision. All a medical diagnostic form in the athlete’s
classification tests will be conducted with the home country.
corrective glasses or lenses worn by the athlete.
• Trained international classifiers interpret this
Types of Classification Testing form and classify the athlete.

There are two main types of classification • International classification can only happen at
testing; British Blind Sport’s classification an IBSA-sanctioned event.
process and the International Blind Sports
Federation’s (IBSA) international classification • These classifications can’t be conducted
testing. outside of competition.

British Blind Sport’s Classification • Visit the IBSA website for more information:
http://www.ibsasport.org/classification
• British Blind Sport is the leading organisation
in the UK for sight classifications.
Category Acuity Field
B1 No light perception up to and including the Not applicable for the B1 category
ability to recognise hand movements
B2 Ability to count fingers at any distance to an 5 degrees or less
acuity of up to and including 2/60
B3 Above 2/60 up to and including 6/60 More than 5 degrees and less than 20
degrees
B4 Above 6/60 up to and including 6/24 Not applicable for the B4 category
B5 Above 6/24 Not applicable for the B5 category

Only B1, B2 and B3 domestic classification bodies are responsible for deciding whether B4
are recognised internationally and for major, and B5 players are eligible to compete in their
domestic competitions. National governing competitions.

Page 20 Visually Impaired Friendly Sport

Clean Sport • Promote Clean Sport.

• Provide necessary information, timely and

British Blind Sport and our sporting partners appropriate to the level of athlete that you are
are committed to supporting and encouraging working with.
clean sport.
UKAD offer an extensive education programme
Doping in sport is a significant issue. Supporters for coaches, support staff, athletes and parents.
and spectators question the honesty and ethics Visit www.ukad.org for further information
of the competition and may lose faith in the
sport. Clean sport - free of doping - results in Reporting Doping
fair competition, with supports understanding
that only the athlete’s skill and ability is playing a If you suspect doping in sport contact UKADs
role. anonymous and confidential Reporting Doping
in Sport Hotline 0800 032 2332.
Along with affecting the integrity of competition,
doping can have a significant impact on the Further Reading
health of athletes and can result in lasting health
issues. • Free Anti-Doping Advisor course, UK Anti-
Doping - http://www.ukad.org.uk/edn/about
As a sport coach or leader it is important
that you share the values of clean sport and • Anti-doping newsletter, UK Anti-Doping -
promote these values to your participants http://www.ukad.org.uk/email-newsletter
and the parents of participants to increase
awareness of the seriousness of doping in • World Anti-Doping Agency -
sport. https://www.wada-ama.org

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) is the National

organisation dedicated to protecting a culture of
clean sport.

The role of remit of UKAD includes:

• Raising awareness of the issues related to
Anti-doping.

• Ensuring sports bodies are compliant with the

World Anti-Doping Code.

• The prevention of doping in sport through

education programmes.

• Intelligence-led athlete testing across more

than 40 Olympic, Paralympic and Professional
Sports.

As a sport coach/leader you need to:

• Understand the role of UKAD and where to go

to access further information.

• Develop a coaching environment that nurtures

a culture of personal excellence, rather than
win at all costs.

Page 21
 Adapting Sports for Visually
Impaired People
Many sports are made accessible by making some simple and obvious changes to rules or
modifications to playing area or adaptions to equipment. The information below provides some
useful hints and tips to demonstrate how sport can be adapted.

There are two adaptive formats of

Football. Blind Football and Partially
Sighted Football.

Each format is played with 5 players.

Blind Football is played with an audible
ball, partially sighted football with a
futsal ball (size 4 football).

In swimming a tapper may be used to help

inform a VI swimmer that they are nearing
the wall. A tapper is a person using a lane
cane with a small soft ball at the end, who
taps the swimmers.

Court sizes are

Guide runners support VI people in athletics adapted in sports
events on the track and on the road. such as tennis,
and boundaries are
In cycling VI people ride on tandem raised so that a VI
per-son can feel
bikes and are supported by a ‘stoker’.
with there feet the
areas of the court.
For paratriathlon a sighted guide
supports participants throughout the race.
Sports including
Sighted guides are also used to assist and
tenpin and golf,
ensure safety of VI people in golf, tenpin
and target sports. use a handicap
system to ensure fair
inclusion a VI person.

Page 22 Visually Impaired Friendly Sport

 Blindfolds are worn in
Blind Football
Goalball
Boccia
Equestrian
Blacked out goggles are
used in Swimming for
B1 classified swimmers.

Many sports
make use from the sense In acoustic shooting sights are adapted,
of touch and create they collect and measure the level of light
tactile aids to support reflected from the target and convert
it into sound. The centre of the target
participants.
is white and the outward circles are
In Sailing tactile maps increasingly darker grey. As the shooter
are used to help VI approaches the white centre, more light
people navigate. In is reflected into the sight and therefore a
higher frequency sound is heard.
Boccia a tactile board is
used so that players are For full information about adaptions,
aware of the positioning modification and sport specific rules
of their ball on please consult other British Blind
the court. Sport Educational Resources or
contact British Blind Sport for advice
and guidance.
www.britishblindsport.org.uk

In tennis equipment is modified,

the racket is shorter and in cricket
the stumps are larger and usually painted white to aid VI
people. Both sports have modifications in the rule regarding
the number of bounces of the ball before reaching the player,
and this varies depending on the sight classification.

Page 23
 About About Guide Dogs UK

Guide Dogs UK help people with sight loss

enjoy the same freedom and independence as
About British Blind Sport everyone else. Guide Dogs are best known for
our guide dog service and have been expertly
British Blind Sport helps blind and partially breeding and training guide dogs for more than
sighted people get active and play sport. Sport 75 years. There are now over 4,900 guide dog
and recreational activities can enhance the lives partnerships in the UK. In addition, our buddy
of people with visual impairments, by improving dogs are giving children and young people a vital
their health and increasing their social interaction. boost in confidence. Furthermore, Guide Dogs Uk
We encourage adults and children to participate campaigns alongside people with sight loss and
in activities at all levels from grassroots to the other organisations for rights that most sighted
Paralympic Games. people take for granted. Guide Dogs also fund
and carry out research that aims to improve the
British Blind Sport works across many areas to lives of people with sight loss.
increase participation and ensure VI people have
equal access and a high quality experience of About Scottish Disability Sport
sport. Key work areas include:
• Competitions and leagues. Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is the Scottish
• National events. governing and co-coordinating sports body for
• Creating local opportunities in partnership with people of all ages and abilities with a physical,
local sports deliverers. sensory or learning disability. SDS has the vision
• Educating clubs, coaches and facility providers. of developing opportunities and improving
performance in disability sport for children,
About Blind Children UK athletes and players with a physical, sensory or
learning disability
Blind Children UK, formerly National Blind
Children’s Society, is a leading charity for children In Scotland, SDS has published a national
and young people with a vision impairment. strategy “Inspiring Through Inclusion”, which
Blind Children UK provide a range of services will direct the work of the Association and build
including: on the interest generated by both the London
• Family support; offering emotional and practical 2012 Paralympic Games and the Glasgow
support and advice. 2014 Commonwealth Games. SDS lists its
• Movement Matter; providing mobility and life major partners as sportscotland, Scotland’s
skills training. Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities
• Education Support; providing expert advice plus National Disability Sports Organisations and
and support to ensure blind children are support Voluntary Organisations concerned with disability
in school. and sport.
• Access Technology and Grants; providing
advice on technology and sensory equipment.

Page 24 Visually Impaired Friendly Sport

Contact Details Scottish Disability Sport
Scottish Disability Sport
Caledonia House
British Blind Sport South Gyle
Plato Close Edinburgh
Pure Offices EH12 9 DQ
Tachbrook Park
Leamington Spa Phone : 0131 317 1130
Warwickshire Web: www.scottishdisabilitysport.com
CV34 6WE Email: admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com

Phone: 01926 424247 The content of this resource remains the

Web: www.britishblindsport.org.uk property of British Blind Sport. Copyright of the
Email: info@britishblindsport.org.uk images remains with the photographer and/or
Registered charity number: 271500 organisations as agreed.

Blind Children UK British Blind Sport would like to thank Scottish

Central Office Disability Sport, Guide Dogs UK, Blind Children
Hillfields UK Goalball UK and ECB for their expertise and
Reading Road support in producing this resource.
Burghfield Common
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 3YG

Phone: 0800 781 1444

Web: www.blindchildrenuk.org
Email services@blindchildrenuk.org

Guide Dogs
Central Office
Hillfields
Reading Road
Burghfield Common
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 3YG

Phone: 0118 983 5555

Web: www.guidedogs.org.uk
Email: guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk
With over 2 million people living with • Guide visually impaired people.
sight loss in the UK, there is a need for • Consider health and safety issues.
specialised, accessible sporting provision. • Provide advice on competitive sporting
opportunities.
In this guide, British Blind Sport will teach
you the tools and techniques needed to British Blind Sport is the National Disability
reach visually impaired people and deliver Sports Organisation for blind and partially
accessible sporting opportunities. sighted people in the UK. The charity
has 40 years of experience developing
You will learn how to: sporting opportunities, classifying visually
• Use the correct terminology. impaired athletes and sharing research
• Create accessible advertising literature about people with sight loss in sport and
for your sessions. recreation.
• Consider and resolve barriers to
participation. This resource has been funded by Scottish
• Develop accessible and inclusive Disability Sport, Guide Dogs UK and The
sporting sessions. Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers.
• Communicate with visually impaired
people.

British Blind Sport is the leading voice for the blind and partially
sighted community in sport and recreation in the United Kingdom.

Tel: 01926 424247

Email: info@britishblindsport.org.uk
Website: www.britishblindsport.org.uk

Address: Pure Offices, Plato Close, Tachbrook Park,

Leamington Spa, CV34 6WE

Copyright © 2016 by British Blind Sport. All rights reserved

British Blind Sport is a registered charity, No. 271500.

This publication can be requested in larger print,

braille and on audio CD.
This resource has
been funded by BBS