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Going to bat for female athletes with disabilities

Contributed by: Mike Wheaton on 5/14/2008

The National Wheelchair Softball Association's (NWSA) executive committee announced today that it has unanimously voted to redesign the classification system of its female players - ultimately dropping classification levels of the higher-point female athletes one full point.

Since 1976, the NWSA has used a classification point system to level the playing field of its multi-ability athletes. Players are given a classification of either: 1, 2 or 3 depending upon their ability level which is often dictated by each individual's particular disability. Teams are allowed a total of 22 points between ten players on the field and in the lineup at all times. This system works to provide an equal yet competitive playing field for all.

"Historically, female players have been subjected to the same classification system as the men, often losing out on starting positions to their male counterparts. This is quite possibly due to the attitudinal barriers of often male-dominated coaching staffs rather than physical barriers on the players themselves," says NWSA Commissioner Mike Wheaton. "It is an unfortunate reality however this recent rule change will only encourage more females to participate not to mention increase the competitive level of the game itself."

Wheaton is optimistic about the new rule change and continued to comment on how this decision is a coach's dream, "Imagine having a class 3 player dropped down to a class 2. This gives coaches more options in the line up while still staying under the 22-point threshold."

Wheaton is not new to understanding the barriers of female athletes with disabilities face in the sporting arena having seen firsthand female players from almost every team in the country sitting on the bench during national tournaments. In 2003, Wheaton, with help from St. Paul Saints pitcher Jen Clarke, set out to give these athletes an opportunity to not only play - they gave them the opportunity to actually start as part of an all-womens wheelchair softball team. That year the all-womens team, named the American Divas, competed against all male teams at the national tournament finishing ranked 15th in the country.

Today, dozens of women play on coed teams throughout the country including Lakewood's own Rollin' Rockies who boast a half-dozen female wheelchair softball players of various classifications. For more information, visit the Rollin' Rockies website at www.rollinrockies.com.


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Mike Wheaton

Denver , CO

Mike Wheaton has posted 18 stories and 0 comments since joining on 6/6/2007. Mike Wheaton 's average story rating is 5.
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