What is Wheelchair Rugby?

Wheelchair Rugby began as a sport for athletes with Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia). it has now grown into an intense, physical, team sport for both male and female athletes with a variety of impairments involving all four limbs.

To play one must have some dysfunction in all four limbs, so amputees, post-polios and those with other disabilities might also be eligible to play, most players are individuals who have sustained cervical spinal cord injuries.

How does it work?

Before getting started players need to be "classified" by a coach. this is how we calculate each team. there is a classification system that identifies levels of function which gives a broad range of people an opportunity to play wheelchair rugby. Classification is based on function, not athletic ability.

There are several player classifications ranging form 0.5 (the lowest class who have limited function of arms and hands) to 3.5 (the highest class who have much greater function). The maximum point value allowed on the court per team is 8.0 ex 3.0 + 2.0 + 2.0 + 1.0 = 8.0

The players play in special rugby wheelchairs on a basketball-size court and use a soft covered volleyball. goal lines are marked by cones and a lined-off "key area" (see diagram)

The object of the game is to score a goal (1 point per goal) by crossing the goal line with possession of the ball while the opposing team is defending that goal. The team with the most points when time runs out wins.

Wheelchair rugby is a full on contact sport but no personal contact is allowed: slapping, hitting, punching, gouging out eyes or biting of ears etc. is not allowed and penalties are enforced usually requiring time in the penalty box.

10 Basic rules of the game for a beginner:

1. Games are four 8minute quarters
2. 4 timeouts for each team, plus 1 extra for each overtime played
3. One point is scored when the goal line is crossed with any two wheels of the ball carries wheelchair with possession to the ball
4. Every 10s players must dribble or pass otherwise it’s a turnover
5. After 15s the ball must be advance over half court or it’s a turnover
6. After 10s the ball must be inbound or it’s a turn over
7. After 40s the offensive teams must score after the ball is bounded or it’s a turnover
8. Only the team defenders are allowed in the key, if a player moves into the key they only have 10 seconds to move out then it's a penalty (There is a penalty box. Generally players are released when the opposition scores a goal or when one minute served)
9. Hitting an opposing players chair behind the axles (a spin) is a turnover or a penalty
10. No physical contact is allowed

 

Will playing wheelchair rugby benefit me?

It absolutely would!!!!!

Playing this sport would:

• Make you stronger
• Increase your muscle strength
• Increase your physical endurance
• Increase your lung capacity
• Help you maintain your joint movement
• Give opportunity to socialize with people
• Would help you increase your independence

How do I start playing?

By contacting one of the numbers provided on the web, you can come and watch how the game is played. If you decide you want to become part of this wonderful sport, get classified and start playing!!!!!!