Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics

A Guide for Supporting Visually Impaired Adults and Children in Athletics Visually Impaired (VI) “Our vision is to ensure Friendly Athletics that blind and partially sighted people have as A Visible many opportunities as Welcome to the Visually Impaired Athletics possible to participate Resource produced by British Blind Sport in in sport. The key to partnership with England Athletics. raising participation is ensuring that there are At British Blind Sport we believe that every Difference plenty of coaches and person with a visual impairment has the right teachers across the to participate in the sport of their choice. We UK who understand how to create an inclusive understand that there are many hurdles and sporting environment. The purpose of each of barriers to overcome in order for each and every our bespoke educational resources is to raise Through VI person to have the same accessibility as a awareness and knowledge of how to include sighted person. This resource has been created a visually impaired person to ensure that they with the specific purpose to assist anyone who have a positive and meaningful experience in is delivering athletics activities with support, the sport of their choice. I am delighted that ideas and guidance on how to include people England Athletics provided expertise when we Sport with a visual impairment. put together this resource and I would like to thank them on behalf of British Blind Sport and This resource is all about helping mainstream the visually impaired community.” athletics providers to be VI friendly through their provision of training, resources and support. Alaina MacGregor These include: Chief Executive Officer, British Blind Sport • Athletics clubs “We are proud that This resource will enable coaches, leaders and athletics is perceived parents/carers to; by many as being a trailblazing sport in the • Have a better understanding of the needs of area of inclusive delivery. people with a visual impairment. We have made a • Apply their knowledge to meet the needs of deliberate commitment people with a visual impairment. to ensure that all resources, events and • Use basic communication skills to support the delivery programmes are inclusive at the point needs of people with a visual impairment. of use in recognition that the sport of athletics should be accessible to all and that there • Understand where you can obtain further should be no divisions. support to ensure your club/group is fully accessible and inclusive to people with a I would like to take this opportunity to visual impairment. thank British Blind Sport for their continued partnership and expertise. We hope that you By making small and simple changes you will be enjoy reading this resource and that it provides able to include people with a visual impairment inspiration to you to take action in whatever in your mainstream athletics sessions. Many of important role you play making athletics a the tips you will find here will be beneficial to all visually impaired (VI) friendly sport” the participants in your group, not just people with a visual impairment. Chris Jones Chief Executive, England Athletics

Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 1 Contents “Whether you join in “Great sporting sport recreationally or experiences start with compete to represent great coaches. When Section One: Understanding Visual Impairment Page 6 your country, the working with visually 1.1. What Is Visual Impairment Page 6 positive experience impaired (VI) children of participating in and adults, it is more 1.2. Understanding Common Visual Impairment Conditions Page 7 sport starts with a important than ever for knowledgeable coach coaches to be skilled in Case study: Noel Thatcher (VI runner) Page 9 or teacher. British Blind knowing how to provide Sport have recognised the right support so Section Two: Making Athletics Accessible for Visually Impaired Participants Page 10 the need for coaches and teachers across that the VI person has a positive experience the UK to understand how to adapt sport and whether it’s their first time on the track to 2.1. Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 10 activities to be fully inclusive for visually impaired winning a Paralympic medal. I fully support Case study: Coral Nourrice (Coach) Page 12 children and adults. These fantastic resources British Blind Sports educational programme to help to break down barriers to participation educate coaches and teachers to ensure that 2.2. Guiding Page 14 as well as assist and provide tips on how to visually impaired people can maximise their make each sporting experience enjoyable sporting potential.” Case study: Gemma Ferguson (Guide runner) Page 16 for every visually impaired person regardless of their ability. We know sport can be the Sally Gunnell 2.3. Health and Safety Page 18 springboard for so many things for a VI person Patron, British Blind Sport such as; to increase confidence, develop spatial Case study: Dave Heeley (VI runner) Page 19 awareness, grow a social network and provide Section Three: Competitive Athletics for Visually Impaired Athletes Page 20 a sense of accomplishment. With this in mind, I wholeheartedly support this educational 3.1. Classification Page 20 programme as I recognise British Blind Sports ambition to make a visible difference through 3.2. Competition Page 20 sport.” 3.3. Pathways for Visually Impaired Athletes Page 25 Rt Hon David Blunkett MP Member of Parliament for Case study: Erin McBride (VI runner) Page 26 Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough Section Four: Further Information Page 28

4.1. Resources and Guidance Page 28

4.2. Useful contacts Page 28

Further information about British Blind Sport Page 29

Further information about England Athletics Page 29

Summary and Best Practice Page 31

Acknowledgements Page 33

Page 2 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 3 Courtesy of England Athletics Page 4 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 5 1.2. Understanding Common Visual Colour confusion (also known as colour Section One Impairment Conditions blindness) Understanding Visual Impairment Although it is not generally seen as a visual The common conditions below are all types impairment, due to its relatively high incidence, There are two terms regularly used to refer correctly (to ensure they are facing the correct of ocular visual impairments. This means the it is worth mentioning. This is when people to people with a sight loss condition. These direction) before taking part in an activity. condition has affected a part of the eye. There see colours differently e.g. red green colour are severely sight impaired (blind) and sight are also cortical visual impairments, which confusion occurs in 8% of males. It is found impaired (partially sighted). British Blind Sport • They may not know when they are standing occur when the processing of information more commonly in males due to its genetic uses the term Visual Impairment (VI) to refer too close to a fellow participant. received from the eye is at fault, and not the eye origin, causing faults in the cones on the back to all levels of sight loss. Please note that itself. of the eye. throughout this document a person with a • They may become disorientated part way visual impairment (either adult or child) is often through an activity and need your voice to find Albinism You may become aware of a participant with referred as a ‘VI participant’. the correct direction. This condition occurs due to a lack of colour confusion in tasks that are colour centred pigmentation in the skin or eyes; causing a e.g. “run to the red cone”. An easy remedy to 1.1. What Is Visual Impairment Sight impaired (partially sighted) reduced visual acuity. Bright light will cause this situation is to ask the participant to name discomfort to people with this condition. This is the colour of the item you want them to collect. Visual impairment can be broadly defined as ‘a • People with a visual impairment in this important to consider when holding a session limitation in one or more functions of the eye or category may or may not be able to see print. in a brightly lit venue or in direct sunlight. Partial sight and blindness can be broadly visual system’. It can be congenital (someone is If sunlight or floodlights are shining into an defined as a limitation in one or more functions born with the impairment) or acquired and can • They may not be able to recognise you from a environment, it may alter a person’s vision. of the eye or visual system, most commonly range from: distance when you greet them at the start of impairment of visual acuity (sharpness or the session. Nystagmus clarity of vision), visual fields (the ability to Nystagmus is the involuntary movement of the detect objects to either side or above or below PARTIALLY BLIND SIGHTED • They may not be able to see a demonstration eye, with the person’s eyes appearing to shake the direction in which the person is looking), due to light conditions or their position in or oscillate. This condition is often a factor contrast sensitivity and colour vision. relation to you. in other visual impairments such as Albinism. Sight is classified on more than one measure. People with nystagmus may find it difficult to Conclusion The main measures are ‘Visual acuity’ and No light perception follow a moving football, due to the movement There are some sight loss conditions that occur ‘Visual field’. of the eye. There may also be an angle of as part of a syndrome. These conditions affect • When no information is detected by the eye, sight that the nystagmus affects the least. This more than one part of the body. For example, Visual acuity the brain is prevented from processing any means that the visually impaired participant may Usher’s Syndrome affects both hearing and A person’s ability to see fine detail e.g. reading information it gets from the eye. look indirectly at the point of interest. sight. text is often tested by reading down an eye chart. How sight is affected by a visual impairment Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) There are many different eye conditions that varies greatly depending on its cause, This condition affects both the visual acuity result in sight loss. If you need to know about Visual field and where in the eye(s) or brain the visual and visual field, often resulting in tunnel vision. specific eye conditions, please visit the RNIB The boundaries of what a person can see in impairment occurs. Visual impairment can range It will take time for a participant to adjust to website: one instant i.e. the entire area which can be from the total loss of sight, to a disturbance new light levels when transitioning from poorly- seen without moving the eyes. within the field of vision e.g. loss of vision from lit to well-let environments. If the change is RNIB eye conditions: www.rnib.org.uk/eye- the lower half of the field of view, to random loss very significant, it may leave the participant health/eye-conditions The following are general categories of (patchy) of vision from within the field of view, temporarily blind. Some forms of RP are visual impairment: to tunnel vision. The age or stage of onset that progressive and may result in individuals losing the visual impairment occurs will have an effect all their sight over time. Severely sight impaired (blind) on the child/adult’s physical, psychological and emotional development. Retinoblastoma • People with a visual impairment in this Retinoblastoma is cancer of the eye. The category will often use Braille to access text. resulting visual impairment will vary depending on the size and location of the tumour and • They will not be able to see a demonstration. whether it affects one or both eyes.

• They will need to orientate themselves

Page 6 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 7 Case study: Noel Thatcher

highlights are winning gold and setting a world record at Barcelona in 1992, and winning the 5k race in Sydney in 2000, again setting a world record. One of his proudest moments was at the 2004 Games in Athens when he carried the flag for the Great Britain team at the opening ceremony.

His achievements at the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta earned him an MBE in the 1997 New Year Honours for his services to athletics for disabled people. He was inducted into the England Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

“Throughout my career I also received the support of several guide runners. I trained with various guides but during competition chose to race solo. It is important to note that each athlete’s vision and preference is very different, therefore a coach and athlete must explore what works best for them. Not all visually impaired and registered blind athletes need a guide. The rules for athletics also limit the use of guides to B1 athletes, and a choice for B2.

Noel says “Guides are worth their weight in gold medals! For me, my guides were absolutely Noel Thatcher MBE began his sporting pivotal to my winning races. For the visually career with British Blind Sport and is now a impaired person who would like to run but Patron for the charity. who lacks the confidence, a guide can make a huge difference whether you simply just want to Essex resident and physiotherapist Noel is no go running in the area that you reside or have stranger to BBS, having been a long standing aspirations to take part in various competitions.“ member of the organisation and often crediting BBS athletics youth events as the kick start to Unlike distance track and road events usually, his sporting career. with a guide there are technical challenges including a fair amount of physical interventions British Blind Sport started Noel on his path to – shoulder knocking and pulling – and lots of Paralympic success when he participated in a verbal feedback and encouragement. BBS VI schools athletics championships as a young person. Noel says ‘I could never have Noel’s experience from grassroots participation predicted the impact it has had on my life’. to podium success means he has some amazing and moving stories to tell. He is a Noel represented the United Kingdom at the great ambassador for what can be achieved Paralympics for long distance running in 1984, and no doubt will be an inspiration to visually 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004, winning a impaired people across the UK, and in particular total of five golds during that time. His career for the younger generation to look up to and aspire to emulate.

Page 8 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 9 Here are some things to consider when working in the description and instructions? How Section Two with VI participants: 3.did The each Impact participant of Visual know Impairment when it was their Making Athletics Accessible for turn?In The Did Pool they Environment know exactly what they should Visually Impaired Participants • As facial expressions are learnt, don’t be be doing each time? What information is misled by a lack of facial expressions. needed to create a mental image of the skill or facility owner, have any questions about having technique? Practise using this detail with your 2.1. Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics a guide dog at a facility, speak to the dog’s • Check the participant understands other participants, they will also benefit. owner or contact Guide Dogs via their website: instructions by asking questions and using The emotional effect of having a visual http://www.guidedogs.org.uk impairment on a person cannot be quantified. their name. It is good practice to ask the VI • Avoid having your back to a window or bright person to explain in their own words what sunlight as the reflection will make it more Athletics can help to develop a number of skills Participant information but it can also be a vehicle for building self- actions are expected, as this clarifies what difficult for a VI participant to see. has been understood. esteem as well as providing a safe environment • Provide a named contact, email and phone to extend experiences. number and encourage VI participants • Consider what descriptions you use when to contact you in advance to discuss describing an activity or action. Some VI There are a number of factors to consider when any additional support or find out further participants may not understand certain delivering athletics sessions to people with a information. visual impairment which will help with planning descriptions due to gaps in their knowledge or having no reference for that shape or action and ensure that the participant has a good • Ask for disability information on any PARQ such as star jumps, high knees etc. experience. forms or membership forms so you are aware in advance if a VI participant is attending. Advertising • General orientation can be difficult when the acoustics of the environment make it difficult • Contact the VI participant (and/or their to focus on the origin of the noise e.g. the • Provide information in an accessible format parents/guardians/carers) before a session leader/coach. This is especially so when there if required (e.g. braille, clear print or suitable to find out things like the level and type of is more than one group training in an area. electronic version for a screen reader. sight loss, whether they have had any sight See Further Information section for more previously and whether they require a guide. information). • When approaching a person or a group, always say who you are by name. You may • Advertise your sessions with local and Coaches, leaders and volunteers national VI organisations such as British Blind have to do this more than once to allow them to become familiar with the sound of your Sport and RNIB. It is important that coaches, leaders and voice. • Use appropriate images of visually impaired volunteers are knowledgeable about working • Good clear communication is vital – give athletes in your marketing material. with visually impaired participants (see further • Try and verbalise body language. Some VI detailed explanations of drills, activity rules information section for more guidance). participants may not be able to read facial etc. Session venue and time Like any interaction between people, it is expressions or make eye contact. about assessing a situation and behaving • When demonstrating, it may be necessary • Provide information about the nearest public appropriately. transport and if possible provide a meet and • Address a VI participant by name or lightly to do manual demonstrations with a VI touch them on the side of the arm to indicate participant. Always make sure you check with greet service from there to the venue. Remember that just as we are all different, so you are talking to them specifically. This them that they are happy for you to do this • Consider the impact of daylight on some sight each person with a visual impairment you meet is something to particularly bear in mind if first and tell them what you are going to do. conditions and organise sessions in good will be different too – sight levels, personality, people are talking in a group, to make sure a daylight where possible. ability, culture, fitness levels. It is important VI participant is included in the conversation • Some VI participants, particularly beginners, not to generalise visual impairments across or knows that you are referring to them. may require additional support in athletics. Guide dogs participants or across sight conditions but to This may be to provide hands-on support, understand how much the person can see and • Use everyday language such as “see,” “look” act as a guide or caller or to provide Some VI participants may have a guide dog. how to maximise, where possible, the use of or “read.” communication support, including the Find out if there is anywhere at the facility you any sight they have. use/meet at, that the dog can be left whilst its reinforcement of skill repetition or instructions owner is training. This is often in the reception • If you know you have VI person coming to along with reassurance. Ideally, the additional or offices where the dog can lie down and be your session, prepare yourself. If possible, support would be an Athletics Leader or supervised. The temperature of this area needs listen to sessions given by someone else with Coaching Assistant, although they could be to be considered and water should be made your eyes closed. How much detail is given a learning support assistant or a volunteer available for the dog to drink. If you, or the who is familiar to the VI person and able to

Page 10 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 11 communicate with them such as a parent or • Make sure all activities in the session are sibling. accessible including the fun activities! There’s nothing worse than taking part in the athletics • Ensure you involve VI participants in all parts drills and then being unable to take part in the of the club/group including social activities. fun game at the end with your friends.

• Keep the activity area clear of obstacles such • Be aware that depending on the person’s as equipment that could cause someone to eye condition, their level of vision may trip or fall e.g. a rake next to a long jump pit. change from one day to the next depending Keep equipment in a well-defined area and on lighting, tiredness, general health etc. clearly inform the group of where that area is Someone may be able to do a task one day, and what is contained there. but then find it more difficult the next.

• Do give precise instructions to help VI • Be aware that VI participants may experience participants find their way, for example, “the disorientation in certain situations such as equipment is to your left hand side”. It’s no when rotating during throws. use saying “it’s over there” and pointing.

• Where possible, think about colour contrast – if you’re using cones on a grass area use white or blue ones, avoid using green ones.

Case study: Coral Nourrice (Coach)

Coral Nourrice is a change/improve certain aspects of her running coach at Newham technique. I overcame these with time and also and Essex Beagles ensured I asked her for feedback. She soon who has coached a started running Personal Bests which gave us VI sprinter. “When I both an indication that we were on the right was first approached path. by a VI athlete, the initial challenge was to “Working with a VI athlete has helped improve get to know her and my communication and over time we both understand the nature of her visual impairment communicated with each other better – there as well as how to integrate her into the current was a mutual trust between us and the rest of training squad. the squad. Coaching her has been a learning curve but it has opened my eyes and given me “I communicated with her via email and a better understanding of disability athletics. telephone before meeting face to face. We discussed her impairment and I also gained “I’d advise other coaches working with VI additional resources and advice from England athletes for the first time toensure you Athletics before introducing her to the squad communicate effectively, get to know and pairing her up with two guides. the athlete as an individual and seek feedback from them just like you would “There were some challenges for me, with any other athlete. It can be a rewarding remembering the athlete’s impairment when experience if you go into it open minded and marking out distances for sessions and working are willing to adapt and make changes when with obstacles during a session, however the and if necessary. You should also be willing to main ones were more athletics related, because seek advice / educate yourself in this area if the athlete was slightly older, it was harder to necessary.” Courtesy of England Athletics

Page 12 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 13 2.2. Guiding • Simple, clear, concise advice and feedback is Field events - Guiding and calling General Guiding critical. Anyone working with children, young Guides are used during field events to help Unfamiliar surroundings can sometimes people or vulnerable adults in a position • Let the VI runner know if there are any orientate VI participants to the throwing, prove challenging for someone who is visually of responsibility should be Disclosure and weather, light, surface or gradient changes jumping or activity area prior to participating. impaired (even if they run without a guide) so Barring Service (DBS) checked. imminent. A caller then uses sound to help the athlete there may be occasions where they require orientate themselves whilst performing. A assistance outside of the athletics activity e.g. Some VI participants will need a sighted guide • Use verbal caution and warning in advance coach/leader could perform these roles if before or after a session, at a competition, at a to support them to take part in athletics. How wherever possible. required. club social event. Note that guiding someone a guide and VI participant work together will when walking is different to guiding someone depend on personal preference, level of sight • Remember obstacles are high and low, and • During throwing events in particular the safety when running. loss and experience. The role of the guide is sometimes unexpected (e.g. tree branches, of bystanders is paramount. It is important to support the VI participant to enable them to dogs, potholes). that all participants have understood and • Identify yourself and ask the VI person if take part and in doing so keep them as safe as respect the safety instructions of throwing they would like some assistance; don’t just possible. Pairings events. presume that they do or don’t.

To enable the leaders to run the group safely • Ideally pairs should be of similar height and • A sighted support should always confirm that • Offer your elbow or shoulder to the VI person it is recommended they do not act as guide stride length. the throwing area is clear before a throw takes for them to take hold of. Ask them which side runners during the session. place, and that no one is behind or in front of they prefer to be guided on. If guiding a child, • The guide should be faster than the runner. the thrower. they may want to hold your hand instead of Having a pool of guides will ensure a visually your arm, or may just want to touch your arm. impaired participant does not have to rely on • The speed/ability of the guide should be • Familiarise the VI participant with the activity Ask them the technique they are used to. one person in case of injury, illness, holidays relevant to the session or distance. area. This may be through detailed description etc. and/or physically moving around the area and • Ensure you are always one step in front of the • The pair should be able to synchronise arm allowing them to gauge distances and feel person that you are guiding, don’t walk too Running and Sprinting - Guiding and leg movements. objects or surface texture with their feet or fast or too slowly, ask if they are happy with Before you start hands e.g. the length of a long jump runway, the the pace. • Similar interests and humour definitely help! feeling of the take-off board and landing area. • Before the first guided session runner and • Communicate at all times e.g. steps (up or guide should meet or talk on the phone. Safety • Orientate the athlete so they begin the activity down), handrails. Describe what is around facing the right direction and are aware of them and explain any changes in ground • Carry out a risk assessment (or ensure the • Use a strap/guide rope which is strong and where they are in relation to the activity area surface. club/leader/coach has) to ensure that any risk not too stretchy or long. e.g. which way they are throwing. has been reduced as much as possible. • When guiding a VI person to a seat, place • Run ‘tight’ (shortened guide rope and closer • Use acoustic orientation during the activity their hand on the back of the chair/bench. • Start slow, if possible run some strides. together) and slow down when needed. to help the athlete maintain orientation e.g. Do not back them into the seat. clapping or calling at the end of the long jump For off-track running • Don’t put yourself at risk of injury. runway. • When walking through doorways ensure that the VI person steps behind you and ensure • Choose a simple, flat, traffic free route to • Wear visible tops. • Maintain safety of guide/caller and athlete at that they do not get struck by the door or begin with. all times, particularly if the caller is stood in the catch their fingers, etc. throwing area. • Tell somebody where you’re going. • Explain any loud noises. • Make sure the VI participant is kept informed • Know the route and the quick routes home. as to the distance they have thrown or • Keep your guiding arm still and relaxed. Don’t jumped so they are constantly updated as to start waving it about or pointing at things. Communication their status within competition. • Remember to give the person you are guiding • Try describing the running environment out • During a training session it may be useful adequate space around obstacles. loud e.g. “Left turn 10m”, “ramp” “tree root”. to allow the visually impaired participant the opportunity to take part in measuring the • Use a countdown to inform of approaching length of the throw or jump to help them obstacles such as “kerb in 5,4,3,2,1” develop their understanding of distances, and to appreciate improvements in their own performance, and that of their peers.

Page 14 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 15 Case study: Gemma Ferguson (Guide runner)

“I took part in pavements are sometimes the most even the Run England surfaces available. We just expect these things Leadership now to be honest. We can’t really overcome in Running the general public and footpaths! You just learn Fitness training to adapt and let the runner know when the pot course and they holes and bumps are coming up. contacted me My runner loves seeing the improvements and shortly after about taking part in the races. We have completed an opportunity to JOINTHE5000 5km race and Race for Life. She run with a blind does kayaking, yoga, has a full time job etc. so lady. I thought it we have just put it into our routine of exercise. would be a very For me, I have just enjoyed the experience! cool thing to do, I was a run leader for my club last year but I and I do it because I believe if someone wants enjoy this more. It is great to give people the to get active, they should have the opportunity opportunity to get out when they cannot do it to do so. Choosing to be active is the hardest themselves. step, having someone support you to achieve your goals and keep you on track is important. “To other potential guides I say ‘Just do it!’ It really isn’t complicated, I had little to no help “Personally, I run as part of a running club within or advice, and we were just put in contact and Loughborough University. I typically run half were both as clueless as each other! At the marathons but have led groups of all abilities start we literally guided each other as my and distances throughout the past two years. runner let me know how to communicate. I thought it would be a great opportunity to do There really is no science; you just do what more 1:1 work with individuals and their fitness. the runner needs and every runner is going We didn’t have goals at the beginning, we to be different. There will be trips and falls, but just had a lanyard and we just chatted about if you expect them, then they won’t be a shock anything and everything whilst I explained what and you can prevent them happening. One time was coming up. We started with interval training I literally caught my runner mid fall. We still joke and then gradually started continuous running about my super-fast reactions, but I knew she with the goal of a 5km road race. It is so simple, was getting tired and not lifting her feet as much you just run and to your runner, you are like a so was ready for any scuffs on the pavement human sat nav! that could lead to a fall. Despite the obvious threat of falls, I feel that sometimes it is made “We’ve had a few issues with the general into such a mountain when it is a tiny mole hill. public along the way. My runner is amazing, It is basically just like running with a friend. she is so determined and committed so is very easy to run with; but the public are not “Lots of visually impaired people want to be very accommodating of us and the fact that active. Instead of trying to get people who we need to run beside each other. We have maybe aren’t that inspired or interested in sport, had umbrellas in the eyes and been pushed I would say go to the people who physically off the pavement! Another challenge is uneven cannot do it themselves but want to. Take away pavements. As my runner gets tired she doesn’t barriers and don’t make it a big deal, just do it!” lift her feet as much and man-holes and bumps have caused some accidents, and unfortunately [1] Clément Bucco-Lechat; CC BY-SA 3.0 Page 16 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 17 2.3. Health and Safety participant who may not see other athletes running in front of them or equipment left There are some health and safety out e.g. a hurdle placed on the track without Case study: Dave Heeley considerations that parents/carers and warning. teachers/coaches may need to take into “Running has changed my life in a way I can’t account when a VI person takes part in • Fire evacuation: explain. I used to smoke and drink but now I’m athletics. Specific risks should be considered as Make sure that there is a procedure in place much healthier and have fitness levels I never part of the usual risk assessment for the activity to support a VI participant if they require it in dreamed of. It gives me a real feel good factor and action taken to minimise any potential risks a fire evacuation and that they know what it and I’ve met people from all over the world. as much as possible. is, for example assigning a buddy or guide to I never would have guessed when I took up provide assistance. running what an impact it would have on my Health and Safety Considerations life, I’ve even changed my career because of it- • Traffic: now I’m a motivational speaker and even do TV • Obstacles: • Use a guide runner and guide rope if and radio shows! A VI participant may not see obstacles and be necessary able to avoid them. for road running. Courtesy of England Athletics “If I had to give advice to other visually impaired • Give detailed descriptions of the activity area • Use traffic-free routes until the guide is people thinking of taking up athletics I’d say ‘Do and explain to a VI participant any obstacles confident and competent. Dave Heeley is a long distance runner and it!’ It will change your life, build your confidence or hazards. Always let the VI participant • Wear high-visibility clothing. member of West Bromwich Harriers. He was and give you independence as well as a social know if they are to spend any period of time diagnosed with a sight condition called Retinitis life and better well-being. It makes you a bigger on their own. There are health and safety considerations Pigmentosa (RP) at the age of ten. He started part of the community and you never know • Use a guide if necessary. relating to visual impairments but these running whilst at school and competed in track what else it will bring, it’s unbelievable where it • If there are other people using the activity must never be a reason to exclude VI races and cross-country but at the age of 16 might take you! area e.g. on a track, make other coaches/ participants from any athletics sessions. Dave’s sight deteriorated so much that he leaders and participants aware there is a VI became blind and stopped running and playing “Sometimes athletics clubs and groups all other sports. 35 years later Dave agreed to might be a bit frightened or embarrassed run the London Marathon to raise money for if a visually impaired person turned up. Guide Dogs for the Blind and has been running They worry about offending them, saying ever since. In 2008 Dave completed the epic the wrong thing or having to give up their challenge of 7 marathons, in 7 days, over 7 own training to look after them. But if you continents, which began on 7th April in the just chat to them you’ll find out they’re just Falkland Islands (Antarctica) then Rio (South like everyone else and more often than America), Los Angeles (North America), Sydney not there are plenty of people in the club/ (Australasia), Dubai (Asia) and Tunisia (Africa), group who would be really keen to help with the challenge ending with the Flora London as a guide runner. Having a visually impaired marathon (Europe), on 13th April. runner can help promote the club and lead to participation by other disabled people, building “When I agreed to run the marathon I found out another side to a club. an old friend was a runner so he took me out in a pair of borrowed trainers and then, a few “Guide runners are brilliant, without them I weeks, later the guy who had persuaded me to couldn’t do what I do and I owe them a lot but run the marathon also started guiding for me. guiding has been positive for them too. They feel more confident to interact with disabled “The biggest challenge I’ve found as my running people in general now and not worry about has developed was finding guides who were doing or saying the wrong thing. It helps the right speed and could run when I wanted to get them out for a run and they’ve always run. Through running I met other people though got someone to run with. It gives them new who were happy to guide for me and when my experiences that they wouldn’t have had, first two guides were injured a friend put me who would have known that one of my guide in touch with Tony and he’s still guiding for me runners would have run around the world with now, he’s always said that becoming a guide me!” runner helped motivate him to keep running.

Page 18 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 19 3.2. Competition Rules • One interchange of guide-runners is permitted Section Three: for each athlete per race and the interchange Competitive Athletics for In competitive athletics, classification only refers Competition rules will be determined by must take place without any hindrance to Visually Impaired Athletes to athletes wanting to progress through the either UK Athletics (UKA) or the International other athletes. In track events it must take Paralympic pathway, Any VI athlete can enter Paralympic Committee (IPC) depending on the place on the back straight, for road races it 3.1. Classification any open meeting and compete regardless of event, please refer to www.britishathletics.org. must take place at the 10km, 20km or 30km their classification outcome or having actually uk/competitions/rule/ or www.paralympic.org/ marks. Classification is the grouping of athletes with a completed the classification process. This athletics/rules-and-regulations/rules for up to specific impairment to ensure that there is a fair is only required if competing in Paralympic date rules. • The athlete must cross the finish line in front playing field. Athletes will first obtain a national stream, competitions, such as Parallel Success of the guide-runner or the athlete will be classification and then if they show potential series of events delivered by British Athletics. General disqualified. and are going to be competing overseas they Classification T11-13 will allow an athlete’s will then obtain an international classification. results to be added to the National ranking In order to compete fairly T/F11 athletes must Track Sight classifications are recorded by British on the Power of 10 website under ‘disability’ wear approved opaque glasses to block out Blind Sport as B1, B2 and B3. However, the rankings section and under an athlete’s class any light. • In events of 800m and above, T11/T12 classification terminology for athletics starts with and event. B4 and B4+ athletes will appear on athletes can have support from someone the letters T/F (Track/Field). a personal profile within this website or under • No guide animal is permitted in the other than an official to call intermediate times the main age group rankings. competition area. from an area inside the competition area. It is important to note any sight classification/ testing is done with best correction in best eye It is important to notify organisers of Guide running • In 100m-400m events each athlete and i.e. whilst wearing corrective equipment such as competitions when completing the competition guide-runner are allocated one lane each. glasses or lenses. entry form: • T11 athletes compete accompanied by a guide-runner. Guide runners are also • In relays, either the athlete or the guide-runner B1 – (T/F 11): These athletes are unable to • That the athlete has a visual impairment and permitted for T12 athletes by choice and are can carry the baton. see at all and are considered totally blind. They their classification category. not considered assistance or pacing. T13 or must wear blackened goggles when competing B4/B4+ are not permitted to run with a guide Field and will require a guide. • What adaptations may be required for them in competition. to participate e.g. to take part with a guide • F11/12 athletes can be accompanied onto B2 – (T/F 12): These athletes can recognise runner. • The athlete may receive verbal instruction the field of play by someone to act as caller shapes and have some ability to see. There is from the guide-runner. and/or guide and assist the athlete by a large range of vision ability within this class. Reasonable adjustment orientating them before each attempt. Athletes can choose whether to use a guide or • The guide-runner can run or walk but is not not. Under the Equality Act 2010 VI athletes should allowed to use a bicycle or other mechanical • Acoustic orientation is permitted before, be allowed to take part in athletics competitions means of transport. during and after each attempt. B3 – (T/F 13): Athletes who have the most with the support of a guide. Guides should be sight but legally are still considered to have a provided by the athlete and should not have to • The athlete may use an elbow lead or tether • For T/F12 athletes visual modification of the visual impairment. They cannot use a guide. pay an entry fee. They will not be considered to (guide rope). The tether is made from non- existing facility is permitted (i.e. paint, chalk, be participating in the competition in their own elastic material and must not store energy powder, cones, flags, etc). Acoustic signals B4 and B4+: These classifications are not right. Guides may be of either gender regardless and/or offer a performance gain to the athlete. may also be used. classifiable under national or international of the restrictions of the race or the gender athletics rules. of the athlete. Guides should be identified in • For races of 800m or longer the guide-runner • For T11 athletes acoustic assistance is advance to the Race/Meeting Referee and should be no more than one full stride length permitted, however, no visual modification to For more information on sight should wear some visible or warning clothing to ahead of the VI athlete. the existing facility is permitted. classifications visit identify them to other runners. • The guide-runner is not allowed to push, pull • Get a sight classification via British Blind Sport or otherwise propel athletes in order to gain http://www.britishblindsport.org.uk/classification an advantage at any stage during a race.

British Athletics National and International • For races of 5000m or longer, athletes are enquiries: [email protected] allowed to use two guide-runners.

Page 20 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 21 [2] Fanny Schertzer; CC BY-SA 3.0

Page 22 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 23 • T11/ T12 athletes use a take-off area which measurement is made to the edge of the 3.3. Pathways for Visually Impaired consists of a rectangle 1.00m x 1.22m take-off area furthest from the landing area. Athletes marked by use of chalk, talcum powder, light Visually Impaired athletes are eligible to • Integrated competitions (competitions with sand etc. that the athlete leaves an impression • F11-F13 IPC Athletics Implement Weights for compete at the Paralympic Games and the IPC events for both disabled and non-disabled on the area with their take-off foot. All jumps throws are below. B4/B4+ athletes will use World and European Athletics Championships participants) e.g. Parallel Success events, are measured from the nearest impression left implement weights related to their age group provided that they have a valid international England Athletics Championships. by the take-off foot. Where an athlete does under UKA rules and regulations: athletics classification and IPC License. not take off from the take-off area, but before, There are many other athletics competitions • Pan-disability competitions e.g. DSE that VI athletes can compete in: (Disability Sport Events) regional and national Age Classes Discus Discus Javelin Javelin Shot Put Shot Put championships. Group Male Female Male Female Male Female • Mainstream (non-disability) competitions e.g. county, regional and national championships, • Visually impaired specific competitions e.g. Open F11-13 2.00kg 1.00kg 800gr 600gr 7.26kg 4.00kg open meetings, league meetings, road races. Metro Blind Sport, Actionnaires events.

Under 20 F11-13 1.75kg 1.00kg 800gr 600gr 6.00kg 4.00kg

Under 18 F11-13 1.50kg 1.00kg 700gr 500gr 5.00kg 3.00kg

Under 16 F11-13 1.00kg 1.00kg 700gr 500gr 4.00kg 3.00kg VISUALLY IMPAIRED ATHLETE PATHWAY

BRITISH ATHLETICS PODIUM PARALYMPIC PATHWAY COMPETITIONS (List not exhaustive, mainstream The Paralympic Pathway for Athletics currently includes PODIUM opportunities available at every level) POTENTIAL

a number of impairment groups, including blind and • GB/HOME COUNTRY partially sighted athletes. REPRESENTATION TALENT All events and eligibility are subject to appropriate DEVELOPMENT • ENGLAND ATHLETICS classification and future amendments by the IPC: NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Blind & partially sighted – most track and field events • BRITISH ATHLETICS PARALLEL SUCCESS EVENTS TALENT PATHWAY

EVENT ACADEMIES PARA ATHLETICS INTRODUCTION DAYS • ENGLAND ATHLETICS • A partnership between British • Athlete and Coach Development: a partnership between British NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Athletics and England Athletics for Athletics and England Athletics national coach leads, coach education • BRITISH ATHLETICS and mentoring • Classiﬁcation opportunities PARALLEL SUCCESS

EVENTS IMPROVE PERFORMANCE • CLUB EVENTS

CLUBS • OPEN MEETINGS • Development events • BRITISH ATHLETICS • Advice & Info PARALLEL SUCCESS EVENTS INCREASE PARTICIPATION • SCHOOL GAMES BRITISH BLIND SPORT Courtesy of British Athletics • DSE COMPETITIONS For more details of other Disability Sport Organisations please visit our website - englandathletics.org/disabilityathletics AND EVENTS Additional opportunities and pathways to international competition are available through some of these organisations,

CLUB & COACH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES contact them direct for more information • NDSO COMPETITIONS During T11 jump events, athletes can be Other guidance is only allowed after the officials AND EVENTS accompanied by two persons to: have determined whether the jumping attempt SCHOOLS was valid. a) assist and guide the athlete by positioning them on the runway before each attempt. b) provide acoustic orientation before, during and after each attempt.

Page 24 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 25 Case study: Erin McBride

there were markings that I didn’t see. Coaches would raise their arms and then drop them to instruct go, but again, because I can’t see this I always started after the other athletes. At competitions results are always posted in small print or pencil and usually through glass so I can’t read the results and then have to ask my parents to read them and tell me.

“I think that because I have introduced my own coping strategies coaches and officials Courtesy of Getty Images often just forget about my disability, but it is still there. Coaches should think about the disability Erin, who was born in 1998 is a T13 sprinter and then how it would affect them if they in 100m, 200m and 400m and a member of were training. Ask the athlete before going to Liverpool Harriers Athletics Club. She started competitions about their impairment. My coach out in primary school sports days and schools and I discuss the sessions and adapt them competitions until she was spotted by a cross around my eyes if I feel it will affect my sight country coach from Liverpool Harriers AC during the session. He has had to learn this as who asked her to come to the Harriers. Erin well! did cross country races until she had a bad injury and thought it was best to stop cross “Nothing has changed as a visually impaired country and move to track. Since then Erin has athlete but as an individual, it has taught me won silver and bronze at the 2013 UK School how others are affected by their disability and Games in 200m and 100m respectively, and how strong they are. Athletics has taught me has won bronze at the 2013 IPC Athletics World discipline, loyalty, how to monitor my own body Championships in the 400m. She is currently in particular running conditions and how this ranked number one in Europe for the 100m, affects my sight for a race or training. 200m, and 400m (summer 2014). “Visually Impaired athletes should not think “I love athletics and it has already given me the because they can’t see that they are unable to opportunity to travel, and meet so many people complete a session made for a sighted athlete. who have other disabilities. There is always a Also, they should be comfortable to tell/ask story to tell from each athlete, but we are all the people if they need help seeing something. For same when you perform, train and compete. example, competition results after a race are always in small print which leaves the athlete “Whilst in training and races it was always not knowing their results, but it is okay to ask apparent that I was the slower athlete and I for help from others. had to tell myself constantly that they don’t have a disability, and don’t have to focus on “Try, don’t be put off, it’s an opportunity to seeing 20m in front of them. Lane choice is show your parents that you can manage your also an issue as sighted athletes can see either disability.” side of themselves, but this is not the case for me. Some sessions were harder to complete because either the weather affected my sight or

[3] Fanny Schertzer; CC BY-SA 3.0

Page 226 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 27 English Federation of Disability Sport • Establish long-term support structures to Section Four (EFDS) sustain BBS Specialist Sport Sections to drive Further Information • Address: SportPark, Loughborough and deliver provision locally, regionally and University, 3 Oakwood Drive, Loughborough, nationally. Leicestershire LE11 3QF 4.1. Resources and Guidance • SCUK Impairment Specific Factsheet- Visual Impairments • Telephone: 01509 227750 BBS offer the following products and services: • Website: www.efds.co.uk • Running and Sprinting with Guides Simple factsheets giving basic information • Sight Classification. A guidance document containing basic advice about working with some of the main Further information about on guide running including relevant rules, impairment groups. British Blind Sport • Membership – for entry to BBS events plus safety considerations and tips for getting Available from: www.sportscoachuk.org/ other benefits. started. resource/impairment-specific-factsheets British Blind Sport (BBS) Available from http://ucoach.com/coaching/ British Blind Sport is a registered charity (No • Signposting and advocacy. event_specific/#disability 4.2. Useful contacts 271500) and the leading voice in sport for the blind and partially sighted in the UK. The • Expert knowledge of visual impairment in • Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running British Blind Sport (BBS) charity was set up in 1975 by visually impaired sport and recreational activities. Workshop • Address: British Blind Sport Head Office, people, to enable them to have a controlling A 2hr workshop with theory and practical Pure Offices, Plato Close, Tachbrook Park, interest in various sports. • National Database of VI organisations and elements to develop awareness of sight loss Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV34 6WE groups. and guide running. This workshop should be • Telephone: 01926 424247 People with a visual impairment want to and used in conjunction with a taster session for • Email: [email protected] can, participate in a full range of sporting • Educational resources. VI runners to help increase participation by VI • Website: www.britishblindsport.org.uk activities; the degree of adaptation needed people in running. varies greatly and may centre on the use of • Links to local support structures (County Organised locally by England Athletics area England Athletics audible or tactile aids. Sport Partnerships, Local Authority Sport staff, contact: www.englandathletics.org/ • Address: Athletics House, Alexander Stadium, Development Officers, Disability People yourarea Walsall Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham B42 2BE BBS believe in the many benefits that sport Organisations, National Governing Bodies, can offer people with a visual impairment, Statutory, Services, VI Clubs, and Funding • Guide Running Videos • Email: [email protected] including improved health and mobility, Organisations). Video clips to show examples of guide • Website: www.englandathletics.org/ broadening horizons, making new friends, and running including negotiating obstacles, disabilityathletics becoming more independent. BBS encourage Further information about crossing roads, going up and down kerbs, blind and partially sighted children and adults England Athletics changing gradient and stopping in danger. IPC Athletics to participate in sport at all levels, from Available from: http://ucoach.com/video/ • Website: www.paralympic.org/Athletics ‘grassroots’ to Paralympic representation. England Athletics is the National Governing guide-running-off-track/ British Athletics Body for athletics in England. Our mission is In addition BBS provide help and support to the to work in partnership with the wider athletics • Providing Accessible Information • Website: www.britishathletics.org.uk many professionals working with people with a family to create a vibrant, safe and progressive Formats • Address: Athletics House, Alexander Stadium, visual impairment, particularly within leisure and sport - embracing athletes of all abilities Guidance on providing information in Walsall Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham. recreation, sports development, education and and from all communities - to grow the next accessible formats for disabled people with B42 2BE social services. generation of athletics champions. We develop a variety of impairments. Advice included on • Email: [email protected] grass roots athletics, supporting affiliated providing information in braille, easy read and Through connectivity and engagement with key clubs to prosper, developing more and better clear print and how and where to do this. Action for Blind People (Action) stakeholders and partners such as National coaches, recruiting and supporting volunteers Available from: http://bit.ly/efdsguide • Telephone: 0303 123999 (helpline) • Website: http://www.actionforblindpeople. Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport BBS aim to: and officials. England Athletics provides competition opportunities at an international, • England Athletics Photo Folder org.uk • Raise numbers of people with a visual national and area level. Our local Club and A variety of photos including VI runners and impairment participating in sport. Coach Support Officers and Athletics Activators guides to help clubs/groups to promote their Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) can provide support to make your club or group sessions to visually impaired people and • Telephone: 0303 123999 (helpline) • Achieve sustainable outcomes through VI friendly. organisations. • Website: http://www.rnib.org.uk partnership working. www.englandathletics.org/photofolder The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association For contact details visit • Telephone: 0845 3727416 • Engage the VI community into a variety of www.englandathletics.org/yourarea • Website: http://www.guidedogs.org.uk sporting opportunities and events.

Page 28 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 29 Summary and Best Practice

Do • Allow the person to take your arm and then guide them if necessary. • Identify and introduce yourself. You may have to do this more than once to allow a visually • Use everyday language. For example, “see,” impaired person to become familiar with the “look” or “read.” sound of your voice. • Remember some people may not have seen • Use clear communication and vary the tone of other people perform basic motor skills, so your voice. don’t make assumptions that they know how basic tasks are performed. • Use instruction and explanation; less demonstration. • Ensure adequate space for running e.g. two lanes rather than just one. • Ensure the VI participant has had the opportunity to orientate/familiarise themselves with the activity area and facility. Don’t

• Have a sighted guide to support where • Presume all people with a visual impairment appropriate. can’t see anything.

• Use tactile demonstration where appropriate. • Rely on demonstration – it may not be seen.

• Ensure the activity area is well lit. • Single out the person with a visual impairment. • Ask the participant what they can see and what support they require.

• Verbalise actions.

• Think safety first!

• Think about the colour of equipment used, and use audible equipment where possible.

• Remember everyone is individual and every eye condition is different.

• Ask the person questions to check they have understood.

• Make all activities accessible including the fun activities/games and social events.

• Give verbal directions and describe hazards where necessary. [4] Clément Bucco-Lechat; CC BY-SA 3.0

Page 30 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics Page 31 Acknowledgements Image Attributions

British Blind Sport would like to thank [Front page] “Libby Clegg” - Courtesy of England Athletics and British Athletics for British Athletics their expertise and support in producing this resource. [1] “Antoine Perel” by Clément Bucco-Lechat; http://bit.ly/cbljump - BBS would also wish to extend their many Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (http:// thanks to Action for Blind for their support creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) during the production of this resource. [2] “Ihar Fartunau” by Fanny Schertzer; This resource has been produced with http://bit.ly/fshighjump - Licensed under the support of the Sport England Inclusive CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons. Sport Fund. org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

[3] “Terezinha Guilhermina” by Fanny Schertzer; http://bit.ly/fsgui - Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

[4] “Milos Grlica” by Clément Bucco- Lechat; http://bit.ly/cbljavelin - Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

Courtesy of British Athletics

Page 32 Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics British Blind Sport is the leading voice for the blind and partially sighted community in sport and recreation in United Kingdom.

Email: [email protected] Website: www.britishblindsport.org.uk

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;