Wheelchair Rugby is a sport that is designed for tetraplegics, or people with an upper limb impairment. It is open to people of all ages and sex. If you can push a wheelchair then you can play!
Everybody has a vital role to play on the court. This is ensured using a classification system based on arm, hand and trunk muscle function and strength. Classes range from 0.5 to 3.5 in 0.5 point increments, and a team of four must total 8 points or less during play. With such a classification system in operation, the Coach or Captain can play a variety of different combinations on court. If two 3.5 point players are selected then two 0.5 players must also be played for all four player’s classes to total 8. Alternatively, four 2 point players may be used to balance speed and agility across the team. In any event, high and low point team members must work together as a team.
Higher point players generally do most ball handling, lower point players generally do mostly blocking and look to receive on offensive plays. Different opponents require differing combinations on court !
Specialist Wheelchair Rugby Court Chairs are used and are tailor built for the specific player and their particular role on court. There are two basic types: an offensive chair and a defensive chair.
The Association has a number of spare chairs that interested players may use to establish whether or not they are interested in the sport.
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