1. Tag Rugby-It’s so much more than just a game!
Nikki Gregg- South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
Dr. Mary Hannon-Fletcher - Ulster University

2. Learning Outcomes
To consider non traditional methods to achieve therapy goals
To enhance knowledge and skills when considering sport as a treatment method amongst those with an intellectual disability

3. Background to research study
Newforge Taggers are the first tag rugby club to be established in Ireland
They are based in Belfast
They have been running since 2006
Its members all have an Intellectual disability
The youngest member is 6 years of age and the oldest member is 42 Years old
Ulster rugby is the governing body

4. Research Question?
How does participation in the sport of tag rugby impact on the health and well being of an individual with an intellectual Disability? A parent perspective

5. Key objectives
To examine the relationship between participation in team sports (tag rugby) and:
The impact this has on an individual’s physical health
How this assists in the promotion of a healthy life style
The impact this has on mental and emotional well being

6. Methodology Research question developed from observation
Completed literature review
Refined the research question
Decided on research design
Obtained consent from committee members and parents from the Newforge Taggers
Confirmed costing of project
Completed research proposal
Obtained ethical approval
Completed pilot study
Collected and collated data
Analyzed the data and interpreted the findings
Completed research report

7. Results 59% recruitment rate (24 participants)
100% of participants reported their child was more socially outgoing
96% saw an improvement in their child’s mental and emotional well being
75% reported that friendship was the biggest benefit of participation in tag rugby
71% reported that participation in tag rugby had a positive influence on diet and exercise

8. Parent views
Improved confidence, mentally more stimulated and it has helped him to learn to control his emotions
Greatly increased overall well being has led to a much more settled family life
Mental and emotional well being is much improved, identifiable to the taggers as starts to slip back into his old less healthy ways in the off season
Given him a sense of belonging, greatly improved self confidence and social well being, great to have another group of friends outside of school

9. Strengths and shortcomings
58% of the responses came from parents whose child had been a member of the Newforge Taggers for 10 years
Responses came from parents
Variance of 25 years in age of athletes
92% were involved in more than one sport
No control group
Not a validated questionnaire

10. Recommendations Larger number of participants Focus on one age range
Focus group with athletes participating in team sports both with and without an intellectual disability
Prospective study with new members. Including the use of validated scales, tracking fitness levels, happiness, confidence and self esteem. Measured over a five year period.
Participants could be split into different categories, including gender and severity of intellectual disability

11. Impact of research
Participation in team sports has a positive impact on the health and well being of an individual with an intellectual disability.
When a team sport is played in the right surrounding, is fun and interactive the benefits include friendship, increased fitness levels, increased confidence and self esteem.

12. Key Points
Sport changes lives, sport participation can empower an individual to feel more socially included in their local community.
Sport as a treatment modality for Occupational Therapists is an excellent method to achieve therapy goals.

13. Resources www.newforgetaggers.co.uk www.ulsterrugby.com
Ulster rugby.(2016). Rugby at the heart of the community. Health and well being strategy.

14. Contact details
Nikki Gregg South Eastern Health and Social care Trust Dr Mary Hannon-Fletcher Ulster University