Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Sport: Disabled Officials, Referees and Umpires

25 May 2021 · 2 other contributors · 2,781 words

Opened by Lucy Allan Con Telford

Responding minister: Nigel Huddleston

Culture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Lucy Allan raised concerns about sport: disabled officials, referees and umpires in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about lack of inclusivity for disabled officials in sport, with only two wheelchair users currently officiating in cricket.
  • Minister encouraged support for John McIntear's campaign to train disabled individuals as referees and officials.
  • Minister highlighted Government strategies aiming to increase participation for underrepresented groups, including disabled people, in sport.

Key requests to Government

I ask the Minister to support John McIntear's campaign, encouraging sports organisations to engage with it and consider how they can train people with disabilities to become referees and officials. Additionally, I urge the Minister to promote opportunities for mobility-impaired individuals at high-profile events such as the Commonwealth Games.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Lucy Allan Con Telford

I am concerned about the lack of inclusivity for disabled officials in sport. Despite progress in Paralympic sports and disability cricket, there are significant barriers preventing disabled individuals from becoming referees or umpires. A constituent, John McIntear, who is a qualified cricket umpire and wheelchair user, has faced challenges and only one other disabled person officiates using a wheelchair.

Other contributors (2)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Mentioned a constituent named Scott Hilland who plays and captains a wheelchair football team and could potentially officiate matches, inspired by his capabilities.

  • Peter Dowd Lab Bootle

    Reminded Members of the changes to normal practices for hybrid arrangements, including cleaning spaces before and after use and the requirement to wear masks in Westminster Hall.

Government Response

Nigel Huddleston

It is an honour to serve under the chairmanship today. The Government are committed to inclusion for disabled people in sport, including officiating roles. The Minister welcomed campaigns like SOPW founded by John McIntear, a Royal Navy veteran who uses a powered wheelchair and is a cricket umpire. He discussed the Government's strategy 'Sporting Future' and Sport England's new 10-year strategy 'Uniting the Movement' which aims to increase participation for under-represented groups including disabled people. Before the pandemic, disabled individuals were twice as likely to be physically inactive compared to those without disabilities; inequalities in sport remain significant. The Minister mentioned £20 million Tackling Inequalities Fund from Sport England has awarded £13.5 million with £9.7 million reaching community organisations, supporting over 2,800 projects and almost £2 million specifically targeting disabled people. He highlighted the importance of including disabled individuals in the Commonwealth games, aiming for a fully integrated parasport programme. The Minister emphasised ongoing efforts to address barriers faced by disabled officials and volunteers.

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