Great Britian Wheelchair Rugby

What Is Wheelchair Rugby?

Wheelchair Rugby originally called Murder Ball was developed in Canada for rehabilitation for Tetraplegics unable to play Basketball. At This early stage there were few rules so body contact and falling out of chairs was typical. As the game evolved new rules regarding contact and time restrictions standardized play. It is now the fastest growing wheelchair sport in the world and is a full medal sport at the paralympics.

Who Can Play?

The Game is mostly played by people who have suffered a spinal cord injury in the cervical region, but anyone who has a upper limb disability could qualify to play. Each person is classified and awarded a point that ranges from 0.5 -3.5. A 0.5 player would be comparable to a c5 complete Tetraplegic and would take on a defensive / blocking role. A 3.5 player would be the most agile player on court comparable to a c6 -7 incomplete Tetraplegic and would be the playmaker / goal scorer. 

How Do I Play?

The game is played on a regulation size Basketball court with a goal area marked out at each end measuring 8 meters long by 1.7 meters deep. Each team has 4 players on court at any time, which can only add up to 8 points. The basic premise of the game is to progress the ball up the court by carrying or passing the ball safely and to ultimately score by crossing over the goal line with possession. There are lots of time violations which speed up the game and create chances for the defending teams to force turnovers. A major part of the game is that full chair contact (but not body) is allowed which makes for a fast, furious and very exciting game.