About the Sport

The Sport Wheelchair Rugby or Quad Rugby is the only sport designed for Quadriplegics (people with a disability affecting all four limbs). Like the able-bodied sport we share a name with, Wheelchair Rugby is fast paced and hard hitting. Rent and watch the movie Murderball. Rules are derived from basketball and hockey.

History
One of the first sports adapted for paralyzed athletes was Wheelchair Basketball, mostly played by Paraplegics (impairment in the trunk and lower limbs) and lower-limb amputees. Quadriplegics are eligible to play, but because of their impairment in hands (some may have little or no finger movement), arms and shoulders, they compete at a significant disadvantage. Wheelchair Rugby was designed with the limitations of Quadriplegics in mind. First, the ball is changed from a heavy basketball to a lighter volleyball. Second, scoring is accomplished by crossing a goal line instead of making a basket. Wheelchair Rugby originated in Canada in the late 1970s. The sport was introduced to the United States by Denver's own Brad Mikkelsen. Since then, Wheelchair Rugby has spread to 32 teams in the United States and may more worldwide. Wheelchair Rugby made its Paralympic debut in the 1996 Paralympic Games held in Atlanta.

Rules
Wheelchair Rugby is played indoors on basketball courts. Each team may have four players on the court. Players are classified by ability (see Eligibility below) and given a classification score from 0.5 - 3.5. Each team's players on the court are limited to 8 points. Players with lower scores play a defensive role, blocking and picking opponents. Players with higher scores are the ball handlers and score most goals.

Play is divided into four 8 minute quarters. Players have fifteen seconds from in-bounding the ball to cross the half-court line. Like basketball, Wheelchair Rugby has an over and back penalty. The ball must be dribbled (bounced once) or passed every ten seconds. A single point is scored when the ball is carried over the end line while in possession by a player. The end zone area contains a defensive key area. The defensive team can have a maximum of three players in they key and offensive players can be in the key a maximum of ten seconds. One minute penalties can be awarded for fouls, dribble and other violations. The offending player sits out of play in the penalty box for one minute or until the other team scores.

Eligibility
Players with impairment in all four limbs are eligible to play. Most players are Quadriplegics from spinal cord injuries, other disabilities include quad-amputees, cerebral-palsy, and post-polio. To be eligible for play a player must be classified by a classification committee at a tournament. The committee is made up of trained physical therapists, occupational therapists and doctors. The classification process tests muscle strength, range of motion and spasticity of hands, arms, shoulder and trunk muscles. After evaluating off court, the classifiers evaluate a player's ability on court. A classification score is awarded. Classification must be renewed every three years.

The Chairs Wheelchair Rugby has been described as "Mad Max meets Wheelchairs." Players use special (often custom) wheelchairs which have been beefed up and armored to survive the impacts these chairs receive during games. Wheels are covered with plastic or metal guards to protect spokes. Front ram plates are designed to block and hold opponent players. Guards are designed to shield from picking opponents. All wheelchairs have two sets of casters in the front and rear to prevent players from being knocked over.