We Want to Play Too

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that persons with disabilities be integrated to the maximum extent possible, and that these persons cannot be excluded from participation. Intramural directors need to be proactive in this area. The benefits of intramural sports are vast, and they help many students become part of the college community. Forming an alliance with the Disability Services on campus, the first step, is the most vital aspect of making these programs successful. It is important to remember the difference between what can be done and what must be done. Even with the best of intentions, it is impossible to accommodate everyone, but modified games can be more inclusive. Program facilitators can use their imagination to modify rules to get even more students involved. Beginning a program like this can be a challenge, but the long-term impact is a program beneficial to persons with and without disabilities

Medical services available for the participants of intramural sports at the schools of the Mid-American Conference

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the type and extent of medical services available for participants that become injured during participation in intramural sports at the schools of the Mid-American Conference. Another goal was to determine the method(s) for providing these services in terms of personnel and financial resources.Surveys were sent to the twelve member institutions of the Mid-American Conference. These schools were chosen based on their similarities to the researcher's institution to utilize their feedback for comparison between Ball State University and schools of similar enrollment and resources. A 100% return rate was achieved and all responses were deemed usable.Studies conducted during the last twenty-five years point out the growth experienced by campus intramural and recreational sports programs across the country. Initially, this growth was not accompanied by increased concern for the safety and well being of the participants of these programs. More recently, however, schools have been addressing this need by utilizing certified and student athletic trainers, student supervisors trained in CPR and first aid, or a combination of both.The results of this survey indicate that most schools are moving away from utilizing the services of specialized athletic training personnel. The responses may indicate that the number and severity of injuries sustained by participants of intramural sports do not warrant the services of specialized athletic training personnel. The majority of schools have chosen to train student supervisors of the intramural/recreational sports department in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation so that they may respond to life threatening injuries appropriately. Any injuries that are not life threatening are not dealt with by the intramural/recreational sports department, but are referred to either the student health center or a local hospital or doctor.Many programs have continued to grow, and will continue to see increases in the number of participants involved in their programs. It will be very important that these programs seek to insure the safety of each participant, and to provide necessary care for those that become injured as a result of participation. Many studies have been done to determine the most effective method for providing such care, and future studies must continue to evaluate the practices within the field of intramural and recreational sports.Thesis (M.A.)School of Physical Educatio

Medical services available for the participants of intramural sports at the schools of the Mid-American Conference

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the type and extent of medical services available for participants that become injured during participation in intramural sports at the schools of the Mid-American Conference. Another goal was to determine the method(s) for providing these services in terms of personnel and financial resources.Surveys were sent to the twelve member institutions of the Mid-American Conference. These schools were chosen based on their similarities to the researcher's institution to utilize their feedback for comparison between Ball State University and schools of similar enrollment and resources. A 100% return rate was achieved and all responses were deemed usable.Studies conducted during the last twenty-five years point out the growth experienced by campus intramural and recreational sports programs across the country. Initially, this growth was not accompanied by increased concern for the safety and well being of the participants of these programs. More recently, however, schools have been addressing this need by utilizing certified and student athletic trainers, student supervisors trained in CPR and first aid, or a combination of both.The results of this survey indicate that most schools are moving away from utilizing the services of specialized athletic training personnel. The responses may indicate that the number and severity of injuries sustained by participants of intramural sports do not warrant the services of specialized athletic training personnel. The majority of schools have chosen to train student supervisors of the intramural/recreational sports department in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation so that they may respond to life threatening injuries appropriately. Any injuries that are not life threatening are not dealt with by the intramural/recreational sports department, but are referred to either the student health center or a local hospital or doctor.Many programs have continued to grow, and will continue to see increases in the number of participants involved in their programs. It will be very important that these programs seek to insure the safety of each participant, and to provide necessary care for those that become injured as a result of participation. Many studies have been done to determine the most effective method for providing such care, and future studies must continue to evaluate the practices within the field of intramural and recreational sports.School of Physical EducationThesis (M.A.

Caring for a sick or injured child during the COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown in 2020 in the UK: An online survey of parents' experiences

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, the first UK lockdown (March to May 2020) witnessed a dramatic reduction in children presenting to primary/emergency care, creating concern that fear of the virus was resulting in children presenting late. Methods An online survey was co-developed with UK parents to understand the impact of the lockdown on parents' help-seeking for, and care of, their sick/injured child(ren). The survey was advertised through social media and snowballing to parents whose children had been ill/injured during the lockdown. Analysis used descriptive statistics, SPSSv25 and thematic analysis. Results The survey was fully completed by 198 UK parents. The majority asked for help (144/198): from their family doctor (78), national helplines (48) or an Emergency Department (23). Most reported that their decision-making had not changed, although how they sought help had changed. A few parents reported that the severity and duration of illness had increased because of uncertainty about and/or difficulty accessing services. Parents did not always report seeking help for symptoms rated red or amber by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Parents reported accessing information through the internet or using information that they already had. Parent Contribution This was a collaboration with parents from survey development to dissemination, with two parents being integral members of our research team. Conclusions Our questionnaire was completed by parents who were not deterred from seeking help for their sick or injured children. Even for these parents, the lockdown changes to services created uncertainty about, and barriers to, accessing medical help for their children