Making active games accessible

Can the rules be simplified or relaxed?

Think about the accessibility of the area you are playing in. Can everyone move around the space? Do you need to make some areas out of bounds? 

Any unsuitable terrain could be included in the no-go zones to make the game accessible and fairer to everyone playing. 

Make sure the circle space and the surrounding terrain used are suitable for everyone in your group.

Remember to create a circle with enough space for everyone, including anyone using a mobility aid, to move around easily.

Can people move differently across the space? Do people have to run to play the game?

Some people may choose to walk or take on a more stationary role, such as guarding the den.

Can you adapt the level of noise in the game? Does it need to involve noise, such as whistles or shouting?

When the noise level rises, gently remind everyone of the game rules and encourage them to use indoor voices.

You could provide ear defenders for the person to wear. You could allow people to take noise breaks.

If playing inside, shutting external doors and windows can help reduce noise too.

Make sure there’s a way to include everyone in this game or activity.

This might be allowing them to take on another role instead, such as timekeeping, scorekeeping, playing or stopping music, or refereeing.

People could play a game in pairs or small teams to support each other. They might run, hide, throw or catch together.

If taking this approach, apply it to everyone in the group rather than an individual.

Take time and have patience while telling everyone what to do.

Give short instructions clearly and concisely. If you need to, pause, then repeat the same instruction using the same words.

You could let young people help explain to each other what to do, too.  

You could demonstrate the game or have a practice round to make sure everyone knows what they’re doing. Remember, it doesn't matter if people make mistakes.

You could have visual resources to explain the game or a printed copy of the instructions for anyone who may need them. 

If anyone's colour blind, make sure to have distinct colour markers and tokens to help them to tell each one apart.

You could think about how people are tagged.

If people may struggle to tag each other or may be uncomfortable or sensitive to touch, you could use tag-rugby Velcro belts. 

People then need to pull off a Velcro tag to tag someone.

You could point to people or hover your hand above their head to signal they’re on, rather than tapping someone on the shoulder.

If someone isn’t comfortable holding hands with someone else, allow them to hold a piece of material, such as a Necker or piece of rope, with the other person to connect them.

A lot of games can be played standing up or sitting down, either on the floor or on chairs. 

Make sure any actions are things everyone can do. For example, people could kick a ball rather than throw it if that’s easier for everyone to do. 

Adapt games so that they’ll work for everyone in your section.

You could use bigger targets, softballs or equipment that makes a noise.

For example, you could use a lighter ball, such as a beach ball, or use pegs rather than tying knots.

If someone needs different equipment, it may make them feel less self-conscious if everyone uses this equipment, rather than singling anyone out.

You can remove the competitive elements of the game if this would better suit the group.

You may also want to reward teamwork, listening and cooperation instead of, or as well as, winning and points.