Expert Views on Evidence-Based Classification for Goalball: A Delphi Study

in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

Click name to view affiliation

Anna M. Martin School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Anna M. Martin in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
,
Donghyun Ryu School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Donghyun Ryu in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Robin C. Jackson School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Robin C. Jackson in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
, and
David L. Mann Department of Human Movement Sciences, IPC Research and Development Center for the Classification of Athletes With Vision Impairment Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Movement Sciences and Institute of Brain and Behavior Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Search for other papers by David L. Mann in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2022-0051
Keywords:
Paralympic; goalball; vision impairment
First Published Online:
17 Jan 2023
In Print:
Volume 40: Issue 2
Page Range:
257–279
Restricted access

Para sport classification aims to minimize the impact of impairments on the outcome of competition. The International Paralympic Committee requires classification systems to be evidence based and sport specific, yet the sport of goalball uses a structure that is not supported by evidence demonstrating its legitimacy for competition. This study aimed to establish expert opinions on how a sport-specific system of classification should be structured in the sport of goalball. Using a three-round Delphi survey, 30 international experts expressed their views across topics linked to goalball classification. Participants were divided as to whether the current system fulfills the aim to minimize the impact of impairment on competition. Most felt that less impairment should be required to compete but that the one-class structure should remain. Experts identified measures of visual function that should be considered and 15 core components of individual goalball performance. Findings constitute a crucial first step toward evidence-based classification in goalball.

Martin (a.m.martin@lboro.ac.uk) is corresponding author.

Supplementary Materials

    • Supplementary Table S1 (PDF 998 KB)
  • Collapse
  • Expand

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

Cover Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

  • Allen, P.M., Dolan, R., Croxall, H., Ravensbergen, R.H.J.C., Brooks, A., Zenk, F., & Mann, D.L. (2020). Evidence-based classification in track athletics for athletes with a vision impairment: A Delphi study. Optometry and Vision Science, 97(11), 984–994. https://doi.org/10.1097/OPX.0000000000001600

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Allen, P.M., Latham, K., Mann, D.L., Ravensbergen, R.H.J.C., & Myint, J. (2016). The level of vision necessary for competitive performance in rifle shooting: Setting the standards for paralympic shooting with vision impairment. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, Article 1731. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01731

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Allen, P.M., Latham, K., Ravensbergen, R.H.J.C., Myint, J., & Mann, D.L. (2019). Rifle shooting for athletes with vision impairment: Does one class fit all? Frontiers in Psychology, 10, Article 1727. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01727

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Allen, P.M., Ravensbergen, R.H.J.C., Latham, K., Rose, A., Myint, J., & Mann, D.L. (2018). Contrast sensitivity is a significant predictor of performance in rifle shooting for athletes with vision impairment. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, Article 950. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00950

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Caves, E.M., Brandley, N.C., & Johnsen, S. (2018). Visual acuity and the evolution of signals. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 33(5), 358–372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2018.03.001

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Dov Shimony, N., Lidor, R., & Ziv, G. (2020). The effectiveness of bandwidth knowledge of results on a throwing task in goalball players with visual impairments. European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, 13(2), Article 13. https://doi.org/10.5507/euj.2020.009

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hasson, F., Keeney, S., & McKenna, H. (2000). Research guidelines for the Delphi survey technique. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 32(4), 1008–1015.

  • International Paralympic Committee. (2007). IPC classification code and internationalstandards. https://www.paralympic.org/sites/default/files/document/120201084329386_2008_2_Classification_Code6.pdf

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • International Paralympic Committee. (2015). IPC athlete classification code: Rules, policies and procedures for athlete classification. https://www.paralympic.org/sites/default/files/document/150813212311788_Classification+Code_1.pdf

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • International Paralympic Committee. (2019). Explanatory guide to Paralympic classification: Paralympic summer sports. https://gtimg.tokyo2020.org/image/upload/production/n4fd9qx81mgkd9hjllgd.pdf

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kimyon, B., & Ince, G. (2020). The comparison of physical fitness, anthropometric characteristics, and visual acuity of goalball players with their right shot performance. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 114(6), 516–530. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145482X20972501

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kons, R.L., Krabben, K., Mann, D.L., Fischer, G., & Detanico, D. (2019). The effect of vision impairment on competitive and technical—Tactical performance in Judo: Is the present system legitimate? Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 36(3), 388–398. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2018-0181

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Krabben, K., Mann, D.L., van Helden, A., Kalisvaart, Y., Fortin-Guichard, D., van der Kamp J., & Savelsbergh, G.J.P. (2021). Getting a grip on the resilience to blur: The impact of simulated vision loss on a visually guided combat sports interaction. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 55, Article 101941. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.101941

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Krabben, K., Mashkovskiy, E., Ravensbergen, R.H.J.C., & Mann, D.L. (2020). May the best-sighted win? The relationship between visual function and performance in Para judo. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(Suppl. 1), 188–197. https://doi.org/1080/02640414.2020.1851899

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Krabben, K., Ravensbergen, R.H.J.C., Nakamoto, H., & Mann, D.L. (2019). The development of evidence-based classification of vision impairment in Judo: A Delphi study. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, Article 98. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00098

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Krabben, K., van der Kamp, J., & Mann, D.L. (2018). Fight without sight: The contribution of vision to Judo performance. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 37, 157–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2017.08.004

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Linstone, H.A., & Turoff, M. (Eds.). (1975). The Delphi method (pp. 3–12). Addison-Wesley.

  • Mann, D.L., & Ravensbergen, R.H.J.C. (2018). International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and International Blind Sports Federation joint position stand on the sport-specific classification of athletes with vision impairment. Sports Medicine, 48(9), 2011–2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-018-0949-6

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mann, D.L., Tweedy, S.M., Jackson, R.C., & Vanlandewijck, Y.C. (2021). Classifying the evidence for evidence-based classification in Paralympic sport. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(Suppl. 1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2021.1955523

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Molik, B., Morgulec-Adamowicz, N., Kosmol, A., Perkowski, K., Bednarczuk, G., Skowronski, W., Gomez, M.A., Koc, K., Rutkowska, I., & Szyman, R.J. (2015). Game performance evaluation in male goalball players. Journal of Human Kinetics, 48(1), 43–51. https://doi.org/10.1515/hukin-2015-0090

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Myint, J., Latham, K., Mann, D., Gomersall, P., Wilkins, A.J., & Allen, P.M. (2016). The relationship between visual function and performance in rifle shooting for athletes with vision impairment. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 2(1), e000080. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2015-000080

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ravensbergen, R.H.J.C., Genee, A.D., & Mann, D.L. (2018). Expert consensus to guide the classification of Paralympic swimmers with vision impairment: A Delphi study. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, Article 1756. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01756

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ravensbergen, R.H.J.C., Mann, D.L., & Kamper, S.J. (2016). Expert consensus statement to guide the evidence-based classification of Paralympic athletes with vision impairment: A Delphi study. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(7), 386–391. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2015-095434

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Runswick, O., Ravensbergen, R.H.J.C., Allen, P.M., & Mann, D.L. (2021). Expert opinion on classification for footballers with vision impairment: Towards evidence-based minimum impairment criteria. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(Suppl. 9), 30–39. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2021.1881301

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Runswick, O., Rawlinson, A., Datson, N., & Allen, P.M. (2022). A valid and reliable test of technical skill for vision impaired football. Science and Medicine in Football. 6(1), 89–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/24733938.2021.1885725

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Stalin, A., Creese, M., & Dalton, K.N. (2021). Do impairments in visual functions affect skiing performance? Frontiers in Neuroscience, 15, Article 648648. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2021.648648

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Stalin, A., & Dalton, K. (2021). Exploration of the minimum visual disability criteria for Para nordic and Para alpine skiing using simulated vision impairments skiing using simulated vision impairments. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(Suppl. 1), 167–187. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2021.1903685

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Tweedy, S.M. (2002). Taxonomic theory and the ICF: Foundations for a unified disability athletics classification. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 19(2), 220–237. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.19.2.220

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Tweedy, S.M., Beckman, E.M., & Connick, M.J. (2014). Paralympic classification: Conceptual basis, current methods, and research update. PM&R, 6(Suppl. 8), S11–S17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2014.04.013

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Tweedy, S.M., & Vanlandewijck, Y.C. (2011). International Paralympic Committee position stand-background and scientific principles of classification in Paralympic sport. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 45(4), 259–269. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2009.065060

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • World Health Organization. (2004). International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems (ICH-10). https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42980

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • World Shooting Para Sport. (2019). Bonn: World shooting para sport. https://www.paralympic.org/sites/default/files/document/190207132510726_World+Shooting+Para+Sport+Classification+Rules+and+Regulations.pdf

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 827 827 77
Full Text Views 84 84 6
PDF Downloads 109 109 9