Wheelchair Rugby

Wheelchair rugby is a fast indoor team sport for athletes with impairments that affect both their arms and legs. Four players from each team are on the court at a time. They race, block, pass, and score in specially designed wheelchairs. Players of different genders can compete together on the same team.

How the Game Works

Wheelchair rugby is played on a basketball-sized court with a round ball similar to a volleyball. A player scores by carrying the ball across the other team's goal line with at least two wheels while keeping control of the ball. The team with more points at the end wins.

A player may carry the ball, but must pass or bounce it at least once every eight seconds. Teammates create space, protect the ball carrier, and stop opponents from reaching the goal. The action moves quickly from one end of the court to the other.

Chairs, Contact, and Teamwork

Contact between wheelchairs is an exciting part of the game, but dangerous contact is against the rules. Attacking chairs are built for speed and turning. Defensive chairs often have bumpers that help block other chairs. Straps can help an athlete sit securely, and gloves protect the hands while pushing.

Each player receives a classification based on how their body moves during the sport. A team must keep the combined classification points of its players on court within a limit. This system lets athletes with different abilities contribute through passing, speed, blocking, or ball control.

A Paralympic Sport

Wheelchair rugby was created in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1977. Athletes wanted a team game that included people with limited movement in both the upper and lower body. The sport spread to other countries and appeared as a demonstration at the 1996 Paralympic Games. It became a medal sport in 2000.

Did You Know?

Wheelchair rugby has elements that may remind viewers of rugby, basketball, handball, and ice hockey, yet it has its own ball, court, and rules.