Wheelchair rugby

Events & Disciplines

Eight-team tournament (mixed – males and females): teams are drawn into two pools and the two highest placed teams in each group progress to the semi-finals

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.

• Classification Information Sheet – Wheelchair Rugby PDF

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

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.

Gloves

Athletes may wear gloves to improve their grip on the ball.

Medal History