Playing by the ‘Right’ Rules and Inclusion is Possible

Is competition, diversity and inclusion somewhat of a contradiction in the world of sports? What if one changes the rules? Michelle Friedrich, Physical Education teacher-to-be and Ken Black, founder of The Inclusion Club provided answers to these questions for the DITEAM12 project partners and the professional community.

As an example, Michelle Friedrich presented the Easy Play Model, which consists of “3 characteristics: Optimal competitiveness, play-easy approach, self-regulation. No referees, fair play, no score/recordkeeping, players compete in teams which are continuously rearranged within the group to ensure balanced games” .

Do you want to learn more about the literature findings and best practice examples? Please click here to listen to Michelle elaborating on the question How can competitive sport for children be more educational?

For the sport practice, Ken Black suggests that players can “Manipulate space and use a zonal approach”. This means that players with comparable abilities are placed in one zone within a basketball court, for example. The ball has to pass each zone during the game, so that “everyone has the opportunity to participate”.

Are you curious about learning more? Please find Ken’s Practical Guide To Inclusive Team Sport here.

 
These are findings which the DITEAM12 project group has gathered in addition to a comprehensive literature review. All was presented during a videoconference which took place on 19 August and which was attended by several dozen participants from across the globe.