What is wheelchair rugby?
History
Wheelchair rugby was developed in Canada in the 1970s by athletes with quadriplegia. Originally called Murderball it combines elements of rugby, basketball and handball. It entered the summer Paralympic Games officially in Sydney 2000 and has been a favourite of many ever since.
Basic rules
For full rules see WWR or the guide on rules provided by Hannah click here
To score have ball in lap and wheel across the line between the two cones. If you don't have the ball don't pass across this line!!
Can throw in any direction to team mates, others will try and block and push your wheelchair and gain the ball.
Ball must be bounced or passed within 8 seconds
If you have hold of ball and touch the sidelines (other than try line) you are out of bounds.
If you are the inbounder and throwing the ball after a try (along baseline) you can move along this line to a point you choose
If your team is attacking and the ball gets over the half way line it can only stay within front court (players will try if you have the ball to hit you on the half way line to cause and over and back)
If you have an equipment issue like flat tyre, straps get too loose or something similar, yell equipment and if you can raise hands to shoulders (like a M sign) the game should pause.
There is a restricted rectangle area which oncorporates the try line. Only 3 defensive players can be within (or touching the lines) of this area. Attacking players cannot remain in this area for more than 8 seconds at a time.
Different versions
GBWR has three different variants that take place across the year, all of which Hawks participate in. We are only one of four clubs that take part in all forms.
The three variants can be split into
The orginal - also know as the paralympic discipline. In the UK GB called the tournaments using these rules as Fours: National Series. Some refer to this verison as 4s as there are four players on court per team. It is the version that is the Wheelchair Rugby on TV at the Paralympics (not to be confused with Wheelchair Rugby League which is a totally different sport - they use tags and a “rugby” ball)
The newcomer - WR5s, also known as just 5s. This version was created to increase who could play wheelchair rugby so anyone with a permanent physical disability is eligible. It has 5 players on court per team.
The low point game - in the UK our version is 3v3 or 3s as it can be referred to. I think you are getting the picture but this is a half court variant focused on the utilising the 3 point line in basketball and each team has 3 players on court.
| Fours aka Paralympic Discipline | WR5s | 3v3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Players on Court per Team | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| Classification | Players receive formal classification by classifiers. The classification points ranges from 0.5 (least function) to 3.5 (highest function). GB also allows a 4.0 category for those who are just outside 3.5. For more information please see GBWR classification page |
Players receive a classification based on a simplified anaylsis of impairment The classification points rang from 0.5 (least function) to 4.0 (highest function) For more information about the classification see WR5s classification |
Players who have been classified for Fours and who are classified as 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 are eligible for this version |
| Female Bonus | Females who classify as 0.5-1.5 when on court receive a 0.5 bonus each to the team total. Females who classify as 2.0 -3.5 when on court each receive a 1.0 bonus to the team total |
Females across all classes receive a 0.5 bonus when on court to the team total | Female across all classes receive a 0.5 bonus when on court to the team total |
| Total number of points allowed on court | Total must be no more than 8 (unless females on court) | Total must be no more than 10 (unless females on court) | Total must be no more than 3 (unless females on court) |
| Court size | Regulation basketball court, with Key area marked out | Regulation basketball court, with Key marked out | Regulation half basketball court, with one key area marked out |
| Length of games (this may vary depending on tournament but in general) | 4x 8 minute periods. Periods 1 and 2 mark the first half, periods 3 and 4 mark the second half. Stopping clock (when the ball is dead the game clock stops) 2 minutes between periods 1 and 2 & 3 and 5 minutes at half time 40 second shot clock On average approx. 1hr30 is game time in total |
2x 12 minute halves No stopping clock apart from the last 2 minutes of each half, coach time outs and penalty bin 2 minutes at half time 40 second shot clock On average games last 45 minutes |
2x 8 minute halves Stopping clock 1 minute half time 30 second shot clock On average games last 40 minutes |
| Time outs | 6x 60 second coach time outs. 3 per half that cannot be carried over. | 4x 60 second coach time outs. 2 per hald that cannot be carried over | TBC |
| GB Tournament Lengths | Majority of divisions take place over 2 days (weekend) | Each league requires one day per court. At present tournaments are often at 2 court venues with 2 top divisions on Sunday and the next 2 divisions on Saturday |
One half day on half one court |
