Baseball Victoria had a terrific turnout for the Coaching Clinic for ASD last week at Melbourne Baseball Club. Presented in partnership with Scope Australia and the Department of Sport and Recreation Victoria, this event was well-received by local baseball members, some of whom travelled from as far as Bendigo and Ballarat to show their support and learn more about coaching kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other disabilities.
The clinic provided an opportunity for meaningful education and discussion surrounding inclusive coaching styles that open doors for children with ASD to succeed on and off the field. This is an important mission for Baseball Victoria as the organisation aims to enhance baseball experiences for all players, including those who may have ASD and find change or certain situations challenging.
With a patient and positive coaching style, it's truly remarkable what coaches can accomplish with their entire team. This message was promoted throughout the clinic, which included an introduction from Baseball Victoria CEO Justin Huber and General Manager of Baseball Operations Jeff Paull, as well as a session on Autism & Sport with Scope Australia. As a non-profit organisation that supports people with physical and intellectual disabilities and helps them achieve their goals, Scope Australia informed attendees about Autism Spectrum Disorder and how it can impact a child's participation in sport.
To apply this information to baseball, Level 3 Accredited Coach Jo Schutt went over coaching techniques that can provide the best chances for growth and development for players with ASD and their peers. Throughout the night, guests were able to ask questions and discuss with speakers and one another how they can ensure the most inclusive environment possible. Shawn Stevenson, Project Officer with the Department of Health and Human Services, was able to offer valuable insight into specific situations that may trigger a child with ASD, and how these circumstances can be addressed to make sure these kids can still have a fun and safe time at baseball practice and games.
"It was so great to see such dedicated coaches and committee members take part in this educative session to understand how to best include and approach young players with ASD who have so much to give but may need some extra support and guidance," Huber said. "We are so proud to be taking this step toward greater inclusion and awareness, and the fantastic response from our baseball community is greatly appreciated and demonstrates the bright future ahead for our sport and all people who wish to participate."
The coaching clinic was livestreamed with viewers tuning in from as far away as Georgia, U.S.A. to participate in the initiative and contribute their thoughts and questions. This coincided with the International Day of People with Disability on Monday, December 3rd. Baseball Victoria staff reunited with Scope Australia for the 2018 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Festival at Crown Riverwalk Southbank. There, dozens of children with disabilities took part in an exciting T-ball game as part of the wonderful day of festivities.
Baseball Victoria is looking forward to continuing to promote inclusion efforts and activities within the baseball community to secure an enriching future for all participants. “Baseball is a terrific sport for kids of all ages and abilities, and we hope to continue growing our sport by giving our coaches the tools and resources they need to best serve children with disabilities,” Huber added. “It’s so important for families with ASD to have options in the sporting field, and we are thrilled to present such positive places for these children to thrive.”
To view the Livestream, please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BaseballVictoria/videos/353271138757923/
To view the BV introduction presentation, please see here: BV Intro.pptx
To view the Scope Australia presentation on Autism, please see here: Coaching for ASD - SCOPE.pptx
To view the BV Coaching presentation, please see here: BV Coaching for ASD.pptx