Search

ABSTRACTBackground: Inclusion of disabled persons is one important fundament of the modern society. The implementation of inclusion of disabled athletes in football corresponding to the UN human rights convention is in discussion. Because of significantly higher limitations of disabled athletes in junior ages, inclusion activities should start in junior football and first findings are presented in this study.Methods: In a retrospective trial over 4 football seasons, all inclusion measures of a regional football association in Germany were descriptively analysed. Instrument of the inclusion measures in junior football was the relegation of disabled children to the next lower age level.Results: 329 (49%) of 671 applications for a temporary inclusion measure were approved and in detail investigated. Medical reasons for inclusion were mainly general physical retardation (46%), severe disability (23%), chronic cardiopulmonary disease (6%), orthopaedic disease (6%), which were mainly performed in the pre-pubertal age group under 11 years. As high as 84% of disabled children were satisfied with a 1-year inclusion measure, while 16% showed the need for repeated inclusion activity of more than one season, mainly with neurological disease (38%). No case of termination of the inclusion measures because of any incidents was seen.Conclusion: The results of this study emphasize for the first time implemented criteria and successful implementation of inclusion measures for disabled children in junior football by relegation to a lower age level.