First Session Checklist for Inclusive Sport

Last updated: 14 July 2026 Reviewed as a practical guide, not legal or medical advice

Before the day

Do a little preparation, not a mountain of paperwork.

1

Confirm the contact

Know who you are meeting and where they will be when you arrive.

2

Check the venue

Ask about parking, toilets, surfaces, entry points and where spectators or support people can sit.

3

Pack simply

Bring water, medication if needed, communication supports, snacks, comfortable clothing and any equipment discussed.

4

Set a goal

The first goal might be watching, meeting the coach or joining in for ten minutes. That still counts.

What to tell the organiser

Share the information that helps participation.

You do not need to share private information that does not affect the session. Helpful information might include communication preferences, mobility access, sensory triggers, fatigue, medical alerts, behaviour support strategies, how the person shows stress and what helps them reset.

It can be useful to keep this short. A few clear points are easier for a volunteer or coach to remember than a long history.

“Short instructions and demonstrations help.”
“A support worker will attend and stay nearby.”
“Loud whistles can be hard, so we may step out for breaks.”
“Please speak directly to the participant first.”

On the day

Arrive with permission to take it slowly.

Try to arrive early enough to find the entry, toilets and the person you are meeting. If the participant wants to watch first, that is not a failure. Watching can be part of joining.

After the session, write down what worked and what did not. Sometimes the second session is better because the space and people are no longer unknown.

Helpful next reads

Keep the first step gentle.

Helping a child start inclusive sport

A family-friendly guide for the first few weeks.

How to find inclusive sport

Choose a setting that fits the person.

Communication and confidence

Support communication needs in sport settings.

Questions people ask

Helpful questions

What if the participant only watches?

That can still be a useful first visit. Watching helps some people understand the space, noise, people and expectations before taking part.

Should we leave if it is not working?

Yes, if the person is distressed, unsafe or exhausted. Leaving calmly can protect confidence and make it easier to try again later.

How soon should we follow up?

Within a day or two is helpful. Thank the organiser, mention what worked and ask what could be adjusted next time.

What should I do if the first session goes badly?

Pause before deciding. Ask what made it hard, what could change and whether another session, coach, time or sport might work better.

Should I arrive early?

Arriving early can help with parking, toilets, equipment, meeting the organiser and settling into the space before the session becomes busy.

What should I note afterwards?

Write down what worked, what was difficult, whether the person wants to return and what needs to be adjusted before next time.

Also useful

A calm checklist for the first session.

Do a little preparation, not a mountain of paperwork.

Confirm the contact

Check the venue

Pack simply

Set a goal

Share the information that helps participation.

Arrive with permission to take it slowly.

Keep the first step gentle.

Helping a child start inclusive sport

How to find inclusive sport

Communication and confidence

Helpful questions

Related resources

Winter inclusive sports guide

For parents and carers

For support coordinators

Find inclusive sports