A Guide to Paradragon
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A GUIDE TO PARADRAGON USA March 2021 rev.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. PURPOSE 2. INTRODUCTION 3. THE WHOs, THE WHATs, THE WHYs 4. USDBF GOALS FOR PARADRAGON 5. SECTIONS LIST OF APPENDICES A. Club/Team expanding to include Paradragons B. Paradragons looking for team/club C. Experienced paddlers looking for competitive program D. Resources E. Glossary 1. PURPOSE Dragon boat racing is an exhilarating sport that offers a variety of levels of competition from local community events to World Championships. A Paradragon program will increase awareness and introduce more individuals to this dynamic sport, which is open to and encourages athletes of all ages, gender, and impairments. This Guide is a road map for interested individuals, clubs and organizations to grow and develop Paradragon programs in the United States, that can offer a competitive and/or a recreational opportunity to individuals with impairments. Here is some background information to the WHOs, the WHATs and the WHYs of the newest IDBF dragon boat division. 2. INTRODUCTION The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the World Governing Body for Dragon Boat Sport. The IDBF seeks to provide maximum opportunities for Paradragons to participate in the sport of dragon boating through its provision of specific Paradragon racing. The IDBF Rules for Paradragon Racing sets forth the way in which Paradragon racing is to be conducted at IDBF events. The United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF), which is the governing body for dragon boating in the USA, supports establishing a guideline for interested clubs, teams and paddlers, in alignment with the IDBF-Para Athlete Commission (PAC) Framework. 3. WHO is Paradragon USA? USDBF is the governing body of dragon boating in the United States. The mission of the USDBF is to promote the growth and development of dragon boating in the U.S. for fitness, recreation, and team building at all levels of competition. Paradragon USA is an initiative within USDBF tasked with creating an awareness to promote Paradragon opportunities, within the United States, that aligns with the current IDBF initiative. WHAT is Paradragon? Paradragon is the term used by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) to describe paddlers who have some form of physical, psychological, neurological, sensory, developmental or intellectual impairment that affects the way in which he or she participates in the sport of dragon boating. Paradragon also refers to a dragon boat racing division which is inclusive of anyone with an impairment. WHY a Paradragon Division? In 2018 the IDBF-PAC created a framework to test the feasibility of a Paradragon division. These earlier ‘framework’ rules were built on the ideas of opening our sport to people of any age and gender who were living with an impairment that prevented them paddling as an unimpaired person might. Following successful trial implementation (most notably at the 2019 European Club Crew Championships), IDBF decided that it was time for a formal rulebook. WHY a Paradragon Division cont’d The IDBF Para Athletes Commission was charged with the development of ‘Rules for Paradragon Racing’ formally accepted in October 2020. Many sports have categories for specific impairments. For example, in the Paralympics, paracanoe and rowing eight events recognize three distinct impairments; to compete in Paralympics you must have one of these rigorously defined impairments. IDBF wants anyone with an impairment to be able to race at an international level. IDBF seeks to provide maximum opportunities for Paradragons to participate in the sport of dragon boating through its provision of specific Paradragon racing categories. WHAT is the difference between a Para Athlete and Paradragon? PARA ATHLETE is a term readily recognized across international sport, whether that be basketball, skiing, swimming, or rowing etc. The term is used as a descriptor that is mainly used for non-dragon boat audiences. PARADRAGON on the other hand is an intimate term used within the sport of dragon boating to refer to the race category, and to the paddlers, involved in Paradragon racing. 4. USDBF Goals for Paradragon Program To support increased awareness and encourage participation for Paradragons in all Regions of the USA. Paradragon USA will offer and support opportunities for everyone who wants to experience the sport of dragon boat. A long-term objective is to establish a USA Paradragon program to participate at both Club Crew World Championships and World Nations Championships. Now is the time to create awareness of the opportunity for Paradragons to become involved in the world of dragon boating and to experience all it has to offer in an official and recognized capacity. 5. SECTIONS Are you a paddler, coach, team, sponsor, organization, volunteer, or someone looking for more information? This guide is divided into a series of sections to help you navigate the elements of a Paradragon program. Each section has an appendix that will provide you with details of that corresponding section. SECTION 1 Is your club looking to expand to include Paradragon paddlers? Are you a club looking to form a Paradragon team? This section will guide you through the stages of forming a new team or expanding your team to include Paradragon paddlers. Refer to Appendix A for details SECTION 2 Are you visually or hearing impaired? Do you have a physical, psychological, neurological, sensory, developmental or intellectual impairment? This section will guide the paddler to explore options in finding a club/team to join. Refer to Appendix B for details SECTION 3 Are you a Paradragon looking for a competitive program? This section will assist experienced Paradragon paddlers find competitive opportunities & programs. Refer to Appendix C for details SECTION 4 This section will outline resources regarding: • SAFETY AWARENESS • GENERAL DISABILITY AWARENESS TRAINING • EQUIPMENT • RACE/FESTIVALS • LEADERSHIP ROLES • INFRASTRUCTURE Refer to Appendix D for details APPENDIX A Guidance to forming/expanding Paradragon Team/club. This section will guide you through the elements you should consider before starting a Paradragon Club/Team or expanding your team to include Paradragon paddlers. Before getting started, know the general direction you want your team / club to take so when you start your research you know the following: • What needs to be considered for either a new or expansion of a team/club. • Questions to ask to determine feasibility, challenges, and likelihood of success. • Challenges to consider: accessibility and safety issues or obstacles to clubhouse, training facility, dockside, loading/unloading boats. What is your knowledge of or familiarity with various impairments? What resources are available to you and the athlete? • Embrace the challenges and reap the rewards of coaching para athletes. The challenges and rewards will affect the individual, but also others on the team or in your club, family members, loved ones, spectators and you as a coach. Be open minded and view coaching a para athlete as an opportunity for growth, yours and theirs. • Not all impairments are equal in terms of support and assistance. Some impairments will require physical assistance, prosthesis, support animals, sign language, wheelchairs, etc. ESTABLISH AND DOCUMENT WHO YOU WANT TO BE • Team Mission and Description: The Mission and Description will define the team’s core purpose or reason for being. The mission will be the foundation for all the team’s efforts and goals. • Culture: Reflect the value, beliefs, and philosophy of the team’s operations. DEVELOP TEAM STRUCTURE The next is to develop your team structure. This level of thought and organization will be foundational to your team/club’s success. • Define Roles & Responsibilities: o Roles: Refer to one’s position on the team. o Responsibilities: Refer to the tasks and duties of a particular role. • Coach: The coach is a vital component for the athletes who succeed and attain their goals. • A great coach will serve many roles: technical supporter, motivator, leader, psychologist and maybe most importantly, as a role model for the athlete to follow in the competition arena. Well-developed coaches will understand their various roles as it pertains to their overall program. • Approach the para athlete and talk to them about their goals and any other team experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask about their condition. • Focus on the individual’s ability not the impairment. Be adaptable, you may have to make changes to your workout sessions in short notice. • Be patient. • Athlete recruitment: Consider the following points in your recruitment strategy: o Who is your target audience? o Identify potential barriers for athletes wanting to participate. o Identify the benefits of your sport. o Share success stories of another team/club o Showcase your community – many people do not get involved in sports because they worry, they don’t fit in. Alleviate this fear by showcasing the range of ages, genders, races, body types, fitness levels and backgrounds of your members. o Consider holding an open house to introduce and showcase your team. o Establish a working relationship with support networks to assist recruitment efforts. Outlined below are some examples of groups and/or organizations. ▪ YMCA, Gyms, Aquatic Centers, Fitness Centers ▪ Rehab Hospitals ▪ Vocational Rehab ▪ Shirley Ryan AbilityLab ▪ Social Service Agencies ▪ Schools and Universities ▪ VA Medical Centers ▪ Park and Recreational Districts ▪ Adaptive Sport Agencies ▪ Disability