What do we mean by SN

I will try and explain on this page my views on how this all occurred.

When I became involved in this project almost 30yrs ago, I struggled with the terminology of how to promote it and how to be fair to all.

In those days we had organisations like Mencap/Spastic Society/Blind etc, but all these in my view are labels put on people. Some of these names have now changed i.e Scope/ Visually impaired.

A person is a person regardless of colour or disability, we are promoting a sport that can be adapted for all.

My organisation had many names over these 30yrs, but the best term we used was the organisation

Judo for All.

Even this statement or label SN might be wrong, but looking at it, SN Judo sounds and looks a lot better than seeing SPECIAL NEEDS JUDO.

I HAVE BEEN GUILTY OVER THE YEARS OF USING SOME OF THESE TERMS, BUT I AM PROUD OF THE WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE IN GIVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO MANY PEOPLE OF PARTICIPATING IN THE SPORT OF JUDO.

I believe through this work, I have also been labelled ?

I am known has a Special Needs Coach although I run 3 clubs in Cardiff and have a good mainstream following.

I attend many mainstream events with my players in GB and Europe and the same with my SN players.

Over the years I have seen this project change, perhaps from what it was originally meant to represent.

This has not been anyone's fault, perhaps its been the fault of the labels we used??

Just look and think about Special Needs or SN Judo, who is eligable to participate??

There are many people in society that could come under this term.

I have always used the theory that if an athlete attended a special school or had a physical disability and would not cope with mainstream events, they would be eligible for SN.

This might not be all peoples views, but providing they are pooled in a category of similar skill and ability, It should be fair.

What I have not liked in SN is what I call cheating, athletes using the SN programme to gain medals and higher grades. I have seen this project from the beginning and over these years, have noticed athletes, who in my opinion should have been mainstream.

Which would you clasify has SN??

Visually impaired

Hearing impaired

Behavioural problems

IQ under 75%

Physical disability

ADD

ADDH

Downs Syndrome

IQ over 75% but under 100%

Cerebal Palsey

Over 60

Dyspraxia.

Dyslexia.

These are just some forms of reasons that are competing in SN, all might clasify, but they must be put in levels and skills compatable with themselves.

The INAS-FED registration process is going to be a must for future major European and World events.

Going back to the terminology and labels; some countries still use Handicapped some use other forms like; Learning Disability./Learning Difficulties/.Intellectual disability/ Mentally Retarded. These can cover vast areas.

My main concern throughout the years has been that all athletes ;

GET A FAIR AND MEANINGFUL CONTEST OR EVENT.

Should an athlete with NO intellectual disability or physical disability but has a behavoural problem, be classed has SN or MAINSTREAM ????

Judo for ALL