Disabled Youth in Sport Rivalry: What are the Trends – Virtual or Real Competition? (original) (raw)

Sport for Individuals with Disabilities: Research Opportunities

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 1988

Societal factors have not only influenced the sport-for-individuals-withdisabilities movement in general, but the research efforts as well. In addition to the effect of the legal mandates enacted in the 1970s (Education for All Handicapped Children Act, Rehabilitation Act, Amateur Sport Act of 1978), the sport for the disabled movement has been influenced by changes in the Olympic, youth, and women's sports movements. In addition, the trends and issues facing international sport for athletes with disabilities can influence sport for individuals with disabilities in the United States. Although a few studies had been conducted, it wasn't until the 1970s and 1980s that a concerted research effort was directed toward athletes with disabilities. Recognizing this trend, the USOC's Committee on Sports for the Disabled established a Subcommittee on Research (DePauw, 1986). As an initial step toward enhancing knowledge and understanding of disabled sport, a Disabled Sport Resource Clearinghouse (DSRC) was established under the guidance of the Research Subcommittee. In this Clearinghouse are directories of individuals who are conducting sport research, as well as bibliographic information on research on sport for individuals with disabilities. In addition, this subcommittee identified seven areas of research common to athletes with disabilities. Through the assistance of disabled athletes, professionals, and coaches of disabled sport, the research areas were verified and specific topics were suggested. The following is a list of the areas of research (the reader is referred to DePauw 119861 for complete discussion of these areas): 1. Effects of training and/or competition; 2. Selection and training of coaches, volunteers, officials; 3. Technological advances in sport research; 4. Sociological/psychological aspects of sport; 5. Differences/similarities among disabled and able-bodied athletes; 6. Demographics of sport for the disabled; and 7. Legal, philosophical, and historical bases for sport.