As a person who works regularly with programs and teams in underserved areas, I am often humbled by the number of volunteer coaches and parents that spend countless hours going above-and-beyond for their players. That doesn’t include the obvious day-to-day duties like running practices or e-mailing parents. That is to be expected.
I’m talking about coaches that navigate a wheelchair up and down the field so that their player feels like just another member of the team, or the director who takes kids to college campuses on weekends so that they get some exposure to higher education. Unfortunately, there are no medals or honors for coaches like these.
In modern-day sports, many youth-based program leaders prioritize instant gratification. They focus on money, recruiting, or winning. I tip my hat to those volunteers that come out, season after season, with not a cent to earn. They simply love the game and realize the impact they can have on their local lacrosse community. Each story is unique, yet incessantly inspiring.
For many years now, the integration and inclusion of people with disabilities in lacrosse has been an important priority for USA Lacrosse. As often as I can, I try to get out in the community in order to get a better understanding of the programs we serve and what they do.
It’s always my true pleasure to meet these teams and hear parents and coaches rave about the impact that an adaptive lacrosse program has had on children’s lives. As if their glowing reviews weren’t enough, I have often seen first-hand the empowering outcomes of a positive lacrosse experience.
The opportunity to participate allows these players to unite with family and friends in a shared activity. It also offers adaptive players an opportunity to achieve success and build confidence instead of dwelling on what they cannot do.
The values and principles that we want children to gain from sport are clearly embedded in the roots of this small lacrosse community. Parents aren’t yelling at the coaches or questioning calls. Athletes don’t hesitant to pass the ball to a nearby teammate or congratulate an opponent on a job well done.
There are no winners or losers, and no one keeps score, but I have seen more genuine joy on these lacrosse fields than in virtually any other place. The irony of it all is that we would consider many of these participants ‘disabled’ by society’s standards, but I actually believe they are the ones who get it right. The lacrosse world should take note.
One of our goals at USA Lacrosse is to grow awareness and educate the lacrosse community about the impact of adaptive options. Several years ago, in hopes of continuing the conversation, we developed an Introductory Adaptive Lacrosse Guidelines document to provide guidance for schools and organizations wishing to create programs for students with physical and mental limitations.
Our goal, then, as it continues to be today, is to familiarize readers with how adaptive lacrosse participants can be included through integrated training models in order to use lacrosse as a tool to promote healthy lifestyles and positive play experiences. Here are a few of the helpful hints included in the Guidelines:
● Lacrosse for adaptive athletes can provide the same types of social opportunities, companionship, and competition that it provides to other athletes. As much as possible, try to keep the athlete involved with his or her athletic process.
● Specific disabilities present specific challenges to the adaptive participant. Keep in mind that some special coaching considerations are necessary for adaptive lacrosse participants.
● Be sure some consideration has been given to matching the athlete with a volunteer/coach who makes him or her comfortable.
● Check-in with the athlete during their session and encourage the athlete to assist, if able, with moving equipment whenever possible.
● For participants with hearing impairments, speak clearly so the athlete can read lips. If outdoors, stand facing the sun so that your face is visible when speaking.
● Provide technical instruction and be prepared to update goals when the athlete shows improvement.
● Some adaptive athletes may not be able to self-monitor for hydration, pain, or overheating, so be familiar with their condition and remind them to drink water. Allow for breaks and check with them for activity-related injuries.
● Hold the athlete accountable to improving and find ways to keep him or her motivated to move to the next level.
● Triggers, such as sudden or loud noises, physical contact, specific places or people can cause an episode of anger or frustration. Triggers cannot always be anticipated. Learning each individual’s triggers and encouraging the athlete to follow an individual pace and comfort level can help prevent them.
● Adapt your style of coaching to meet the needs of the participant. The athlete is the best resource for working with the disability. Be open and ask how to help.
● For participants with cognitive and brain impairment, allow for more time and provide more direction. Teach at a slower pace, followed by review.
Learn more about adaptive lacrosse or join the Adaptive Lacrosse Mentors group by visiting usalacrosse.com/adaptive-lacrosse.
