Competing on a team provides valuable learning opportunities that should be available to all participants. Important life skills are learned such as teamwork and individual successes, problem-solving, cooperation, completing a task to the finish, winning with grace and losing with dignity.

As the young participant encounters many "first time" experiences, the interpreter is an integral part making sure the communication is clear and the experience is positive. Involvement in sports activities for the older participant requires a more developed skill level, more thorough knowledge of the sport, and the team and coach display a more competitive level of play and attitude. For the adult still participating in sports, or working as a sports official, it is vital to keep up to date on rule changes from year to year, as well as qualify and upgrade their officiating credentials. The role of the interpreter is to recognize the different stages of participation and allow the participant to not only enjoy, but also excel at their sport of choice.