Does an athlete need to be classified? Classification is sport specific and a formal competition requirement for competitive events. Some sports offer provisional classification process, rather than formal or national classification. This supports an athlete to get started on their competitive sports journey. 

👉See our Classification Page for more information.

Are there sports that don’t require reliance on a guide? Yes and this will depend on the athlete. Sports such as goalball and judo do not have direct 1:1 guides. Other sports such as rowing, sailing and golf have systems in the sport where everyone participating has a companion or coach guidance. Other sports like snow sports, archery and swimming may rely on having someone present to offer feedback and cues depending on the functional vision and goals of the athlete. 

What should I expect from a coach? A coach should understand their sport and understand the athlete. It is important to discuss your goals, communication needs, safety and work together on adapting their approach to support your involvement. Blind Sport NZ can support with training, advice or tips for this. 

What are some things I could ask a club before joining? You can ask about the adaptive equipment they have and any experience. Other questions could be if you can bring along a guide or teammate for the same price and session; also discuss what might help them understand how to support your learning or participation. You do not need to disclose your diagnosis, but it will be useful to explain functional vision or prefered support and communication. It is also good to see if a site orientation visit can be planned. 

Does a vision impairment mean discounted membership? Some sport codes offer reduced fees or flexible options for adapted sessions or memberships. For example Snow Sport NZ has a great option for this. Memberships vary by sport and factilities, so it’s best to ask the club directly.

How can schools or clubs access training and support? Easy! Blind Sport NZ provides training, resources, and guidance.👉 Contact us at community@blindsport.nz to learn more.

What are key safety considerations in sport for athletes with vision impairment?

Always understand the individuals needs first, but here are some general tips: 

Maintain a clear and consistent environment by removing or marking trip hazards such as bags, cones, or uneven surfaces, ensuring the athlete is aware of their position in the space and informed if you (as the guide) are leaving, discussing boundaries with others if a guide dog is present, and being mindful of any additional health or support needs, particularly relating to the head or eye area.

What sport options would suit multiple disabilities?

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Sports such as goalball, boccia, modified athletics, swimming, tandem cycling, sitting volleyball, and fitness or movement sessions can be adapted for a range of abilities, with the STEPS model (Space, Task, Equipment, People, Speed) used to modify activities to suit individual needs.

Do athletes need special equipment to get started and what are some common adapted equipment? No. Many sports can begin with standard equipment and simple adaptations however the more official the level, the more official the equipment is needed. Some sports might benefit from using raised stickers or foot mats to indicate positioning; other ideas are to providing a range of colours or sizes. Other sports require specialised equipment such as in shooting. Examples include balls with sound, running tethers, and guiding tools. 👉 See our individual sports pages for more information.

Visit our Classification page. 

What movement skills support participation in sport for athletes with vision impairment? Balance, coordination, strength, and spatial awareness support most sports.They help athletes move safely, control actions, and respond to their environment.

How do athletes build confidence when learning new skills? Through orientation time, repetition, and relationship building with peers, guides and coaching team. Consistent communitcation is key too, such as using a clock face system of reference or N, S, E, W depending on the athlete's preference and sport. 

What communication skills can support support skill development in sport? Verbal description, directional language and checking comphrehension of sport phrases or slang. 👉 Blind Sport NZ can provide training on this and link in key contacts in accessible communication.

Where can you build up sport skills? Walking, online audible yoga sessions, local gym or even home sessions can all help build up strength and confidence. You could book our free accessible sport kit and try out some equipment at home before committing to buy. Contact organisations like Blind Low Vision NZ for their Sport and Leisure advisors and Functional Adaptive Movement (FAM) who could help point you in the right direction.

👉 Blind Sport NZ can also help discuss questions with you if you get in touch.