Wildfire Darts - The Etiquette of Inclusion

Slide 1:

Written by Russ Strobel, Disability Support Officer, Darts Australia 2011 wildfire137@darters.net

Introduction:

Introduction Life has been good to me. I’m not saying it has all been milk and pizzas but it has been…good. Sure, I could moan long and loud about the injustice of a life haunted by a lethargic metabolism, because being overweight isn’t easy. I could write much about the frustration of wrestling a fat man out of bed each morning, but would I really be fair in doing so? I could grumble endlessly about nagging arthritis and the occasional need for ointment on areas once a source of pride, but I will fight the temptation to do so, because life, as I am determined to prove, has been good to me. Life has been good to my family too. I have been blessed with three healthy, happy children. I have a loving wife, kind in-laws, a caring father and a loyal and playful dog. For our sins we also have a cute, lazy, fluffy and really fat cat. Sure, he could moan long and loud about… no, we won’t go there, but the point I’m trying to make is I really don’t have anything to complain about, I’m one of the “lucky” ones.

Slide 3:

I live in Australia, and as everyone knows, it’s a lucky country. We have good weather, good food, plenty of time to do the things we enjoy and we hold true to the philosophy of non-despondency most of the time, all…good. As if life hasn’t been generous enough, last September 4 th 2011 at 4.29pm little Isaiah was born and I celebrated Grandfather-hood for the very first time. So from amidst all this goodness where does the idea of promoting darts to those with disability arise? Well you may ask…

Slide 4:

Although life has been gentle with me in many ways, I have not escaped the occasional emotional, tempest. In mid 1994 my mother passed away at the age of just 61 from pancreatic cancer. The suffering and loss just a few fleeting months beyond diagnosis led me to question in depth, life and my direction in it. My mother’s death had a transforming effect on my priorities. Experiences during her final days eventually sent me on a quest to examine what really matters in life. I read many inspiring and helpful books during the years that followed, glimpsed many clues to the purpose of being, but never quite clarified the issue to my complete and personal satisfaction.

Slide 5:

After four years of objective, sincere and intelligent investigation the only conclusion I could arrive at with any conviction was that there is far more to life (and death) than first appears. So I closed the books, turned my attention to the here and now, and began to adopt issues that were unmistakably waving to attract my attention.

Slide 6:

For most of us the world is a wondrous place, but for the time being at least, it’s far from perfect. Sad things do happen to the kindest of people, but then life, as we know, didn’t come with any promise of immunity. Our best defence against such pain is to offer support to those in need where we can, doing our best to look upon others as our brothers and sisters and helping to the degree that we are able. The world doesn’t need martyrs it just needs people with compassion, and the strange thing is, as we have been told many times, in helping others we really do help ourselves.

Slide 7:

I said at the start, life has been good to me and I have made my peace with the world despite its many imperfections, and mine. What motivates me these days is my desire to help others find the place that I am in, and if on my travels through life I notice something that can aid the process, then I’ll do my best to bring it to their attention.

Slide 8:

The most improbable of things can sometimes reveal themselves as weapons in the fight against uncertainty, fear and depression. They are often right there in front of us and yet their simplicity hides them from recognition. This publication has been written because I have indeed found something on my journey that needs to be brought to your attention. It’s close at hand, but it is camouflaged by its simplicity. Share a few minutes with me as we look at the possibilities associated with one of the most common yet most fascinating of sports. Let the magic begin…

“DO YOU KNOW WHAT MY FAVORITE PART OF THE GAME IS?”:

“DO YOU KNOW WHAT MY FAVORITE PART OF THE GAME IS?” “IT’S THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY.” Mike Singletary - American Football Hall of Fame

Statistics at a Glance:

Statistics at a Glance Australia has approx 9000 people over 15 years of age with Permanent Spinal Cord Injuries (PSCI) Australia has between 350 and 400 new cases of PSCI each year. 80% of those who suffer PSCI are male (5 males to every 1 female) Approx 73% are trauma related Average length of stay in hospital is nearly 4.5 months 40% will never return to the workforce

Slide 11:

11 The most common age group is 15 – 24 year olds 46% were traffic related of these: 51% were motor vehicle occupants 49% were unprotected road users (mostly motorcycle riders) - 92% were male 28% were due to falls of these: 64% were from heights above 1mtr 36% were ground level or less than 1mtr

Slide 12:

35% were leisure related In order, most common first: Water-based sports Motocross and trail-biking Major football codes Pedal Races Equestrian

Slide 13:

All Disabilities ( Aust Bureau of Statistics) 1 in 5 Australians (20% of total pop.) report a disability (4 million people) 319,900 children aged under 15 years (8%) report a disability (ABS 2004) Cerebral Palsy (Cerebral Palsy Australia) A child is born with cerebral palsy in Australia every 18 hours. Australia has 33,000 people with cerebral palsy Degenerative Muscular Disorder (Australian Institute of Health & Welfare) 1: 1000 (30,000+) Australians are affected by neuromuscular diseases. Multiple Sclerosis (MS Australia) 15,000 Australians with MS Acquired Brain Injury (National Health Survey) 1 in 50 people suffered an acquired brain injury (ABS) 432,700 Australians (2.2%) Spinal Cord Injury (Spinal Cord Australia) 9000 people over the age of 15 (300+ new cases each year) Autism (Autism Spectrum Australia - Aspect) 1 in 600 (120,000) people suffer from Autism

Depression:

Depression Each year 800,000 Australians are diagnosed with depressive illness.

Slide 15:

During my training as a hospice volunteer I learned of a very clever nephew who arrived on the doorstep of his recently widowed Aunt with a most unusual gift. He had come to give her a fish tank containing an Axolotl (Mexican walking fish). This strangest of gifts captured her imagination as each time she passed the tank or sat in her lounge-room she totally lost herself in wonder looking at the fish walking up and down the glass.

Slide 16:

The gift worked wonders, not because she was so fond of Mexican walking fish, in fact she had never seen nor even heard of them before, but simply because the gift was so unusual it automatically gave her timeout from the weight of her grief. The Mexican Walking fish believe it or not became therapeutic and healing, thus aiding her recovery. (The most improbable of things…)

Why darts?:

Why darts? Passion for the sport of darts is not something we are born with; it’s only through experience of the game that its addictive nature is revealed. That’s not to say that other sports or pastimes don’t hold potential, but darts is where I live, and we seem to have an affinity with each other’s needs. It helps me in life, and I reveal its hidden potential to others. This is an amicable arrangement for us both that provides the catalyst for change in an uncertain, and at times, uncaring world.

Slide 18:

Darts just seems more adaptable to the considerations of those with disability. In fact one could easily imagine that the game was created originally to aid in the rehabilitation of those who have suffered Persistent Spinal Cord Injury (PSCI); such are the benefits on both a physical and emotional level.

Given that we have over 9000 people in Australia in wheelchairs with PSCI (not including children under 15 years of age) there does seem to be a need for increased participation in a sport that can deliver the benefits previously mentioned.:

Given that we have over 9000 people in Australia in wheelchairs with PSCI (not including children under 15 years of age) there does seem to be a need for increased participation in a sport that can deliver the benefits previously mentioned. Other sports hold their fair share of popularity for wheelchair athletes too. In the State of Victoria (Australia): Basketball currently holds number one spot for players with disability (approx 90 players). Lawn bowls is second (approx 30 players) Other sports fall away significantly in numbers to single figures. I believe darts has the greatest potential of any sport to meet the needs of such people and here are some of my reasons why;

Slide 20:

Throwing and retrieving darts is gentle and strength building Darts can be practiced and played at home and requires very little space Darts is an all-weather sport Darts offers a compendium of games that can be played on the one dartboard in both practice and competition Darts requires very little outlay or maintenance on equipment Darts allows for fair competition at all levels directly against able-bodied players Darts sets challenges that are both fun and beneficial psychologically Darts offers the chance to become part of a social community at leagues, clubs and competitions Darts is a year round sport

I could continue writing the list of benefits but I think by now you see that darts is ideally suited to meet the needs of a wheelchair player.:

I could continue writing the list of benefits but I think by now you see that darts is ideally suited to meet the needs of a wheelchair player. Darts grants equal opportunity regardless of gender, age, location and to a great extent, level of disability. If you miss the laughter, jokes, banter and feeling of well-being that connecting with a sporting group of like minds brings, this information is aimed at you. If you have feelings of depression, isolation or helplessness read on because this document has come to you for a reason.

Slide 22:

If darts isn’t the most popular sport for players with disability in 3 years time using the new height of 137cm I’ll run naked down my local high street singing “I’m the Sugar-plum Fairy”: Of course it would be a cold day in Hell before I ever let it come to that…

Why 137?:

Why 137? Before one puts forward a case for any alteration to a dartboard’s height it would seem prudent to firstly try and establish the reason for it being set at the height that it is. Not an easy task since even the reason behind the throwing distance remains a mystery.

Slide 24:

Thankfully whatever the reason for the throwing distance being set at 237cm it has little bearing on this submission, since my concern relates solely to the dartboard height set for wheelchair players. But while trying to uncover possible reasons for the dartboard being set at 173cm some interesting findings came to light.

Slide 25:

Unlike the myth concerning the Hockey & Sons Brewery and the throwing distance being related to beer crates used to mark a “hockey” line from the brewery wall, I couldn’t even find a myth to explain the dartboard’s height. Research of this matter required both an expansion of vision and the casting of fertile thought outside the rectangular field of reason in order to present the theory contained herein...

Slide 26:

The standardization of darts began in England in the 1920’s following a period about the turn of the century during which the game was banned altogether for being a “game of chance”. It was only in 1908 when a disgruntled publican and dart enthusiast took on the judicial system that it was finally proven (in the most practical way) before jurors that skill could indeed be developed and thus change the outcome of a game. From that point onwards the popularity of the game of darts as a “game of skill” began to grow.

Slide 27:

There are no records to be found of the dartboard being set at any height other than 5’8’’ (173cm), unlike the throwing line that has increased once in length over the years. So what could possibly have prompted those who established the game of darts in the 1920’s to choose 5’8” above any other height..?

Slide 28:

The average height of an Englishman today is 5’10” (175cm). On the face of it this snippet of trivia appears unlikely to have any bearing on the height at which a dartboard was set some 80 years ago, but by extending this line of investigation a little further and mixing in some simple mathematics we find something quite intriguing.

The Calculations:

The Calculations

Slide 30:

Statistics reveal that the average height of an Englishman has increased from 5’ 7 ½” in the year 1900 up to 5’ 10” in the year 2000. Mathematically this equates to an average height increase in of ½” for each 20 year period since the year 1900. This being the case it must surely be considered reasonable to assume that to find the average height of a man in the 1920’s, when darts began in earnest, we must add ½” to the average height of a man in the year 1900… and what height do we end up with… 5’7 ½” + ½”= 5’8” (173cm) the exact height it was decided to set a dartboard at during that period.

Slide 31:

Now maybe that’s just a big coincidence, and I’m prepared to accept the possibility that this may be so, but since I have neither heard nor read any explanation to suggest why the height of 5’8” (173cm) was chosen, I’m going to allow myself the satisfaction of believing that this may well be the explanation.

Slide 32:

Ok, so for whatever reason the dartboard was set to this height the indisputable fact remains that it was believed by those playing at the time (1920’s) that 5’8” (173cm) was the best choice, and for better or worse we’ve lived with that decision ever since.

Slide 33:

Good news and interesting? Yes, but does this revelation hold any benefit in our quest for fair play for wheelchair dart players? As the next section reveals, the height of the board, as taught by Darts Australia is important when it comes to correct style and fairness of play. ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Slide 34:

We have clearly established so far that we are currently throwing on a dartboard height originally set in the 1920’s at a height equal to the average man living in England at that time. England 1920 – 5’8”

Slide 35:

We can also established that the height at which a player stands in relation to the board directly affects their ability to execute a correct throw. The Darts Australia Coaching manual states that a child of around 1.25m is not considered of sufficient height to make the throw correctly and for coaching and competition purposes, common sense must prevail and the board lowered to an appropriate level.

Slide 36:

We can rationalize that a wheelchair dart player, when assessed in light of the same issues is also disadvantaged when throwing at a dartboard set at regulation height.

Slide 37:

When looking at the height alteration that is required to bring this sector of our community to equity on the darts playing field we must be careful not to over compensate and thus give greater advantage.

Slide 38:

When making the calculations it’s important to relate back statistically to the time when the original height was set. 173cm was the average male height then and we must use this figure again to calculate the alteration when a person’s height is reduced whilst sitting in a wheelchair. The result will give us a board height arrived at by taking into account the very same factors, and using the height averages from the same period, the 1920’s. Dart historian Dr Patrick Chaplin has written “Russ’ calculations appear to have solved one of last remaining mysteries in darts”.

Slide 39:

A person 173cm tall whilst standing, is approximately 136.5cm when sitting in a standard manual wheelchair (calculated using the United Nations “Enable” charts). When using an equivalent formula to set the height for them we see that the figure of 136.5cm is the most appropriate height at which a dartboard should be set in order to compensate for the reduced height of a wheelchair player. Although some may choose to question it, the mathematics simply don’t lie.

Slide 40:

Taking a minute to consider the figure that we have arrived at (136.5cm), we can see that it is remarkably close numerically to a simple reversal of the last two digits of the 173cm standard board height. A mere 0.5cm increase to 137cm would in my opinion make the height variation so much easier to remember and should be adopted as the final adjusted measurement. 137 136.5 137 173

Slide 41:

In 2010 Australia acknowledged a revised board height for wheelchair players thereby opening the doors for inclusion in an historical decision. Having gained approval to alter the height of the board in these special circumstances, what does the future holds for dart competitions?

Slide 42:

To aid in the process of inclusion a special piece of darts equipment has now been developed and Australia has become the first country in the world to allow those whose only disability is loss of lower body mobility to enter mainstream competition right through to National level.

Slide 44:

The unique Wildfire 137 dart frame takes up no more space than a regular dart frame. Its design finds two dartboards set at both official Australian board heights mounted one each side of a rotating backboard. The Wildfire 137 frame incorporates flat bar oche sides and a contoured throwing line that allows retrieval of darts by those using a wheelchair.

Slide 45:

As more wheelchair users join the sport we would find perhaps two or three frames at darts venues and competitions allowing for play at a variety of locations around the room as normal. Since the frame can be used by able bodied players without rotating the backboard, these frames may one day become the “norm” at darts events.

Slide 46:

Having considered and overcome the major hurdles along the road to allowing an amended dartboard height worldwide, we are now in the most luxurious position of all…promoting our sport to members of our community with disabilities. The areas of promotion are numerous as you can imagine. Umbrella organizations like Disability Sport & Recreation, State Health and other Government bodies have been enthusiastic in their support of such beneficial changes to allow greater inclusion.

Slide 47:

Sponsorship from private organizations will no doubt grow quickly in support of the new venture and expansion of our sport. Wheelchair and Disability Aid manufacturers and retailers would have good reason to sponsor competitions, purchase amended frames or financially assist players. Many business managers would surely be keen to add their support and their name to such a ground-breaking and worthy endeavour.

Slide 48:

As we all understand, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Hopefully the production of this handbook indicates that the journey has now commenced.

Wheelchair Dartboard Setup:

Wheelchair Dartboard Setup

Scoring the Equaliser Working Towards Inclusion in Sport:

Scoring the Equaliser Working Towards Inclusion in Sport

Slide 52:

Last year Australia became the first country in the world to recognize a lowered dartboard height as fair and equivalent for wheelchair players. Considering that darts has remained virtually unchanged for the past 100 years the new ruling by Darts Australia was history making by any measure.

Slide 53:

As a result of the new ruling announced last year those whose only disability is the loss of lower body mobility can now compete directly against able-bodied dart players in darts events right through to national level. For those with more severe levels of disability it heralds in a new era of participation with plans now underway to introduce regular darts events throughout the year.

Slide 54:

I have been a dart player for 20 years and although the benefits of the sport for rehabilitation and therapy often revealed themselves over the years, it wasn’t until I became a darts coach in 2007 that the full potential for those with disability became a driving force in the call for change.

Slide 55:

Convalescence from injury or illness is something most of us experience at some point. It isn’t always severe and it’s not always lasting, but during such times those who play sport have been known to reveal some of its hidden potential, simply because their love for the game inspires creative ways to continue playing it during their recovery.

Slide 56:

Being observant at such times can help us to understand the benefits that our sport holds, not only for the able-bodied player, but also for those with more persisting levels of injury or disability. Since our love for a sport can only grow through our participation in it, many of its joys and benefits continue to go unnoticed due simply to the lack of any opportunity to play.

Slide 57:

When working towards expansion of participation in any established sport the need for some solid groundwork and research is obvious . To have success in a call for change we must be able to demonstrate in a very clear and practical manner the potential that our sport holds for others of varying abilities.

Slide 58:

Having the capacity to do so will avoid the campaign sounding like a sales pitch , but rather a call for celebration of the benefits our sport has to offer. Talking with support organizations about the obstacles that may be hindering greater inclusion can give us a clearer picture on how to expand and encourage disability participation.

Slide 59:

We are making a call for fairness so when campaigning for change we really need to have a clear understanding of what fairness means in relation to our own particular sport. During my campaign I felt that fairness and equality although similar in meaning were sometimes perceived differently. Fairness, once achieved though, truly becomes an indicator of equality and is easily recognized.

Slide 60:

In the sport of darts, wheelchair users now have the option to take up the sport throwing at a lower dartboard than able-bodied players. This rightly allows for home practice, membership of dart leagues and the opportunity to represent our State at National events through the mainstream selection process.

Slide 61:

It is a “fair” height for those who cannot stand; it is not a concession that favours those with disability. Equality in the sport of darts does not come , as a few would argue, from merely “allowing” wheelchair players to participate and “insisting” that they throw on a dartboard set at height from which they cannot even retrieve their darts. True equality surely comes from setting a dartboard to a “fair” and “equivalent” height. To ask for an amendment that in any way favours either wheelchair or able-bodied player would likewise be unacceptable.

Slide 62:

All sports hold the potential for greater inclusion but the changes required vary greatly according to the nature of each. All of us, when we love our sport , have the right and potential to become a campaigner for amendments that reveal its hidden benefits. We have no need to be bashful in our call for change; it is a just and worthy cause.

Slide 63:

A good campaign is not necessarily a fight. If you keep in mind you are simply trying to uncover common ground for a celebration within your sport, highlighting the positives you have observed, then demonstrate the ways in which you can share them, you can be sure that your campaign will be respectfully received.

Slide 64:

A paper submission , presented without the benefit of a practical presentation is never likely to fly because the worthiness of a cause isn’t always leverage enough for serious consideration by those administering sport. It’s simply too complicated an issue to comprehend without a well planned and practical demonstration .

Slide 65:

Developing a concise and balanced package for presentation from the outset is vitally important . Overwhelming any committee with pages of calculations and philosophy simply don’t aid the cause. The time will come during any campaign to present these finer details.

Slide 66:

Asking for changes of a controversial or technical nature will obviously raise the question of who will troubleshoot or oversee them if approved. Being the loudest voice for change brings with it responsibilities and requires a willingness to aid in the establishment of rule changes within the sport.

Slide 67:

Make clear the role you are prepared to play in initiating change, and the time you are prepared to devote to aiding a smooth transition. One can’t reasonably just drop a list of suggestions in the lap of administrators and expect that they have all the understanding, time and experience to bring them to fruition.

Slide 68:

Share your research, aims and sincere desires with those who have the capacity to influence others. This will give your cause momentum from the start. Even a small measure of support shared with an abundance of enthusiasm will boost the cause in both strength and integrity.

Slide 69:

There will always be those who, for reasons best known to themselves, punch well above their weight when it comes to the spread of negativity. They tempt us to take our eye off the ball and falter along the way. We must learn to rise above it.

Slide 70:

In the end, success is a feeling like no other and more than compensates for any disappointments and frustrations experienced along the way. Your call for change will bring freshness and a renewed challenge to your sport .

Introducing the Satellite:

Introducing the Satellite The Satellite is a unique and challenging game aimed at skill development and competition between any combination of able-bodied players and those with physical or mental disability.

Slide 72:

Following Darts Australia’s historic ruling last year to acknowledge and allow a lowered dartboard height for wheelchair players, calls came from families and organisations asking if we could create something for use by players of all levels of disability, both mental and physical that would provide the same enjoyment without the need to throw a dart. After much thought and experimentation The Satellite was born.

Slide 73:

Basing The Satellite on the proportions and scoring probabilities of a standard dartboard the opportunity now exists to develop motor skills and mental development through the use of a magnetic pendulum that registers a score around the 1.2mtr graphically striking table.

Slide 74:

The Satellite requires no electricity, is lightweight and assembles in less than a minute. Storage is easy with the table on its edge being less than 50mm wide. Only two components plus the quick release pendulum make it ideal for use in Community Housing, Nursing Homes, Rehabilitation Centres and where a family wants to share the fun activity with a someone with disability or even young children.

Slide 75:

The Satellite comes with full instructions for use, a protective vinyl cover, stainless steel mast, whiteboard with marker and one pendulum. (Special food grade plastic pendulum weights are available for launch by mouth for those unable to use their hands). Available for sales lease or hire. Demonstrations by arrangement. Visit www.wheelchairdarts.com wildfire137@darters.net

Slide 76:

a division of