Introduction

Quad Rugby, or wheelchair rugby as it is also called, is a sport with roots going back to 1977 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The sport was originally called Murderball due to its aggressive nature. It was introduced in the United States in 1981 by Brad Mikkelsen, who with the aid of the University of North Dakota’s Disabled Student Services, formed the first team and changed the game’s name from Murderball to Quad Rugby.

The first wheelchair rugby match in the United States was hosted as an exhibition game at the 1982 National Wheelchair Games at Southwest State University; the two teams that participated were North Dakota and Minnesota.

In 1988, the United States Quad Rugby Association (USQRA) was formed to help regulate and promote the sport within the U.S.(www.usqra.org).  Since its introduction, Quad Rugby has grown to become an international-level sport, with teams now competing around the globe. There are now more than 45 organized teams in the U.S. with many others in the developmental stage.

In addition to the teams in the United States, there are currently 40 active international teams that are governed by the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF).  These teams, if qualified, play at the Paralympic level and compete for medal contention every four years.

Benefits of Playing Wheelchair Rugby

• •    Participation in an competitive sport that combines strategy, power, and quickness
• •    Becoming a member of a team
• •    Increased cardiovascular endurance
• •    Increased upper-body strength
• •    Increased mobility and independence
• •    A fun, social outlet

Classification

Players must have a combination of upper and lower extremity impairment to be considered eligible to participate. Classification is based on a functional testing system that each athlete is required to complete. These assessments are primarily done by a physical therapist, occupational therapist and doctors who have a vast knowledge about the type of disability. The athletes are classed on a point system of 0.5 to 3.5. The maximum point value allowed on the court at any given time per team is 8.0. Example: 3.0 + 2.0 + 2.0 + 1.0 = 8.0. A player with a 0.5 classification has the least amount of function and a player with a 3.5 classification has the most amount of function.

Basic function testing is performed while an athlete is stationary. Testing includes but is not limited to trunk testing, manual muscle tests, and upper and lower-extremity musculature, balance, localized strength, and mobility.  Functional movements are tested during the sport by assessing movements including twisting, turning, pushing the wheelchair, dribbling, passing and transferring.

Classification within the USQRA has some exceptions that are not used within international competition. A female athlete receives a 0.5 deduction from her original class. So, if she classes in as a 3.0 she will play as a 2.5. Also, players over the age of 45 years old also receive a 0.5 deduction from their original class.  For more information on classification, go to the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation’s A Layperson’s Guide to Wheelchair Rugby Classification.

Rules

The game is played on a regulation-sized basketball court. Four players from each team are allowed on the court at a time with a combined team classification of 8.0. During the game, players pass a rugby ball back and forth while advancing into the opponent’s court; the goal being to cross over the goal line with the ball in one player’s possession. The offense aims to advance the ball while the defense tries to take it away and keep the opposing team from scoring. While a player tries to keep track of these rules they still need to remember that the sport is full contact and there is always going to be a player from another team gunning to hit you as hard as possible. Hits from behind and illegal use of the hands (grabbing, hitting, slapping another player) in the process of trying to get the ball are penalties, but all other hits with an individual’s chair are legal.

 BASIC RULES

• A game consists of four, 8-minute periods. There is a 2-minute break between periods and a 5-minute halftime. Each team is awarded four, 30-second and two, 1-minute timeouts per game. If overtime is needed due to a tie game at the end of regulation play, then three minutes are added to the clock and each team is given an additional timeout. A game cannot end in a tie.
• A player has 12 seconds to advance the ball into the opponents’ half-court and 10 seconds to inbound the ball
• Teams have 40 seconds to score on each offensive possession.
• The player with the ball has unlimited pushes, but must pass or dribble the ball every 10 seconds or a turnover is awarded.
• Fouls are assessed and penalties can include awarding of a goal, a timed penalty or a turnover.
• To score a point, a player must cross the goal line with two of their four wheels while retaining   possession of the ball.
• Only three defensive players are allowed in the key, and if a fourth enters, a penalty can be assessed or a goal awarded

Environment

Wheelchair rugby is played indoors on a regulation basketball court 94 feet or 28 meters long by 50 feet or 15m wide. The sidelines, baselines and center lines, and center circle define the court.

Equipment

Rugby Chairs

• Most rugby chairs are made out of aluminum metal or titanium. Each chair includes a set of anti-tip wheels. This comes in two different design options; fifth wheel or a sixth wheel set up. Also, the wheels are secured at an angle (camber) for greater stability and maneuverability.
• Offensive chairs, used by a higher point class, have a ram rod made of aluminum metal located in the front of the chair. In addition, most offensive chairs will have aluminum metal or “wings” from the end of the ram rod that extends to the front of the wheel.
• Defensive chairs, used by lower point class, have a picking guard or hook on the front of the chair. This allows them to pick the opposing player.
• Basic measurements state that the chair should not exceed 116 cm. in length when measuring from the back of the wheel to the front-most part of the chair. No part of the width of the chair may extend beyond the push rim.

Other Equipment

The game is played with a white ball, similar to a volleyball. Four cones, pylons, or markers are used to mark the goal lines. A game clock is also required.

At the Paralympics

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) first recognized Wheelchair Rugby as a sport in 1994. In 1996 Wheelchair Rugby was included as a demonstration sport at the Atlanta Paralympic Games. In 1998, Toronto, Canada hosted the second IWRF Wheelchair Rugby World Championship, and 12 countries attended. Wheelchair Rugby was finally recognized as a full medal sport for the first time at the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia. It has since been featured at the Paralympic Games in Athens in 2004, Beijing in 2008, and London in 2012. It will be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.