Adaptive sport is about adjusting the activity, equipment, rules or environment so more people can join in. It can be casual, social, school based, club based or competitive.
Some adaptations are simple, like using a larger ball, giving more time to respond, changing the size of the playing area or allowing a support person to help with instructions.
Other adaptations involve specialist equipment, classification, coaches or competition pathways. The right option depends on the person, the sport and the setting.
Shorter games, more breaks, smaller teams or different scoring.
Read moreEquipmentChairs, ramps, tactile markers, flotation aids or lighter equipment.
Read moreCoachingDemonstrations, visual cues, plain language and repeatable routines.
Read moreEnvironmentQuieter times, smaller groups or lower sensory load.
Read morePathwaySome sports offer classification and competition pathways for eligible athletes.
Read moreStartLow pressure sessions can help people test a sport before joining.
Read moreNo. Adaptive sport can support many access needs, including physical, sensory, intellectual, psychosocial and communication needs.
Yes. A mainstream club can adapt coaching, rules, equipment or the environment so more people can participate.
Adaptive sport changes the way a sport is played or delivered so more people can take part. This may involve equipment, rules, communication, support people or a different session structure.
Yes. A mainstream club can adapt parts of training, coaching or competition, especially when it listens to the participant and plans carefully.
Sometimes. Some adaptations use specialist equipment such as sports wheelchairs, ramps, audible balls or modified bikes. Other adaptations are simple changes to rules, pace, space or communication.