Wheelchair Rugby

Sports Summary

Wheelchair rugby is an intense, physical team sport for male and female athletes with quadriplegia (tetraplegia). The sport can be very physical as athletes attempt to carry the ball over the opponent's goal line.

The four players on the court cannot exceed a combined total of 8 points. A volleyball is used and it can be carried, dribbled, or passed in any way except by kicking. The ball must be bounced at least once every 10 seconds and rugby is played in eight-minute quarters.

The players are classified according to their level of functional ability and are assigned a point value from 0.5 to 3.5 points – the higher the points, the more functional ability the athletes have.

Links

Wheelchair Rugby Australia

International Wheelchair Rugby Federation

International Paralympic Committee

Events/Disciplines

Eight team tournament (mixed – males & females)

Classification

Who is eligible for Wheelchair Rugby? Athletes with a physical impairment that affects all four limbs, such as spinal cord injury (quadriplegia), limb loss in both arms and legs, or an equivalent impairment.

What are the classes? Players are classified into one of seven classes ranging from 0.5 to 3.5 points.

How do I get a classification? Request a classification using the Get Classified form.

Classification Rules, Forms, Policies and Procedures: View International and National Wheelchair Rugby Classification resources.

Rules & Equipment

Court

Wheelchair rugby is played indoors on a regulation-sized basketball court. The basketball key area is replaced by a wheelchair rugby key 8 metres wide and 1.75 metres deep. The part of the end line within the key is called the goal line, and it is marked with one pylon at each end.

Ball

An official size and weight volleyball is used for play. The ball must weight 280 grams and be white in colour.

Wheelchairs

As a contact sport, wheelchair rugby places high demands on players' wheelchairs. They must be lightweight and easy to manoeuvre while still being strong enough to protect the players and withstand the frequent intense collisions. Wheelchair rugby chairs have several unique features including bumpers at the front and wings to protect the side area. Spoke protectors and anti-tip devices are mandatory. All wheelchairs must meet IWRF regulations.