Inclusion in sports is not just about allowing participation – it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported. Yet, even in spaces designed to be inclusive, systemic biases and microaggressions often undermine the very purpose of inclusion.
A recent futsal game I attended revealed how these dynamics play out in real time, illustrating how well-intentioned participation can still fall short of true equity. The game was marred not by the competition itself but by pervasive misunderstandings about disability, accommodations, and respect.
The Incident: Disrespect Disguised as Care
From the outset, tensions were evident. Two invited substitutes – talented, smaller adult men – were targeted with ongoing harassment throughout the game. The opposing team questioned their age, gender (implied facetiously), and skill level, fueling an undercurrent of hostility. Despite their involvement being entirely appropriate and approved, their very presence was repeatedly challenged.
When one of our players sustained a hard hit to the face, the injury response revealed another layer of discrimination. Instead of respecting the space of those directly managing the situation – the coach and the injured player’s parent – the opposing team overstepped boundaries by offering unsolicited assistance. Members physically touched the injured player, crouching near him and getting uncomfortably close, despite clear requests to give space. When asked to step back, they resisted, dismissing disability as a valid reason for those boundaries. One player even verbally asserted their opinion as though they had authority over the injured adult’s care. This behavior starkly highlighted a troubling pattern: using disability as justification for overstepping boundaries while simultaneously dismissing it as a reason to respect autonomy.
The Turning Point: Misunderstanding Success
As the game continued, the opposing team’s frustration grew. After three consecutive goals were scored by players with disabilities – a remarkable and celebratory achievement – their objections escalated further. They questioned the legitimacy of our substitutions and accommodations, implying the goals were somehow invalid due to perceived “dominant play.”
This not only undermined the players’ hard-earned success but also dismissed the supportive dynamic that made it possible. When two rostered players scored back-to-back, followed by another achieving their first-ever goal, it was a moment of pride for our team. Yet instead of celebrating this milestone, the opposing team confronted the referee, questioning the validity of our accommodations and even my presence on the bench to support a team with no substitutes.
The confrontation escalated into a near-physical altercation, with one opposing player needing to be restrained multiple times. While the referee managed to de-escalate the situation enough to conclude the game, the damage was done. The environment had shifted from one of recreational camaraderie to one dominated by hostility and exclusion.
Lessons and Measurable Actions for True Inclusion
This incident underscores the need for sports organizations to go beyond token gestures and implement actionable steps to create a genuinely inclusive environment. Here’s what we can all learn and must do to move forward:
- Respect Autonomy and Expertise When someone experiences an injury, respect the care being provided by the appropriate individuals – whether a coach, a parent, or the injured adult themselves. Disability does not give others the right to overstep boundaries or dismiss requests for space. However, if the facility policy states differently, then of course staff and officials should be regarded with a different level of permissions.
- Train for Inclusivity Educate all participants – players, referees, and staff – on the importance of accommodations and how to respect them. This includes understanding the role of substitutes, gender flexibility, and the unique challenges faced by any player, especially when accommodations are involved.
- Recognize and Celebrate Achievements When athletes with disabilities achieve success, it should be celebrated – not questioned. Comments that undermine their accomplishments perpetuate harmful stereotypes and diminish the inclusive spirit of the game.
- Set and Enforce Boundaries Leagues must implement clear policies that define acceptable conduct and ensure that disputes don’t devolve into harassment. Establish a formal mechanism for resolving conflicts to keep the focus on fair play and sportsmanship.
- Build a Culture of Sportsmanship True success in sports is not just about the score – it’s about how we play the game. Recognizing and reinforcing sportsmanship among all participants fosters a positive and inclusive environment for everyone.
A Call to Action
Sports organizations have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to foster environments that truly embody inclusion. This means addressing biases head-on, setting clear expectations, and ensuring that every player, regardless of ability, is respected and valued.
It’s not enough to simply allow participation. Inclusion must be active, deliberate, and supported at every level – from the players on the court to the referees, staff, and spectators who form the larger community. Only then can we create spaces where everyone has the chance to play, grow, and succeed.
True inclusion requires more than words; it requires action. Let’s make that happen.
