Accessibility of sports halls Significance for participation in sports and an attempt at operationalization

German sports facilities are considered to be inadequate with regard to accessibility. This is perceived as one reason why a comprehensive inclusion in sports still remains a distant prospect. Since assessment instruments to identify barriers in sports facilities, e.g. sports halls, are lacking, a detailed analysis of the status quo in German sports halls cannot be carried out. This article outlines the complexity of accessibility and its significance for participation in sports. Furthermore, it gives an overview of the German research status regarding accessibility of sports halls. As a new assessment instrument, a framework for analysis (the EHfa-Analyseschema) will be presented. It identifies potential barriers in existing sports halls and represents an attempt to operationalize the accessibility of sports halls. The article depicts the structure as well as the potential use and limits of this assessment instrument for future fields of activity in sports and sports science.