Wheelchair Sports in the Spotlight – Wheelchair Rugby

Published: November 27, 2013

Made popular by the hit documentary film Murderball, wheelchair rugby is a thrilling sport for individuals confined to wheelchairs, and one that is becoming increasingly popular. As anyone who has seen the film knows, the competition is fierce and competitors take it quite seriously. For individuals who are able, it can be a terrific outlet for pent-up energy, provide you with a new hobby, introduce you to a new circle of friends, and give a sense of purpose.

If you are reliant on a wheelchair, that doesn't mean that you have to stop enjoying the things that you used to enjoy prior to your disability. Sports, travel, public venues, and entertainment are still open to you. Though wheelchair rugby may not be for everyone, for those who are seeking excitement, it's sure to please!

The History of Wheelchair Rugby

The sport was developed in Canada in the late 1970s. It is derived in part from wheelchair basketball and ice hockey, and also incorporates elements of handball and rugby union. Created in 1976 by Jerry Terwin, Duncan Campbell, Randy Dueck, Paul LeJeune and Chris Sargent, wheelchair rugby was developed as an alternative to wheelchair basketball, which was well suited to individuals with paraplegia but not those who suffered from quadriplegia. This new sport, called "Murderball" due to its full-contact and aggressive nature, was not only designed for individuals who were quadriplegic or suffered some degree of impairment in the upper limbs, such impairment became a requirement of competition in order to level the playing field.

Wheelchair rugby made its way to the United States in 1981, when it was introduced by Brad Mikkelsen. The first American team, the Wallbangers, was formed with the help of the University of North Dakota's disabled student services. Competitions were held throughout the United States beginning in the early 1980s, and by 1989, the first international competition was held in the sport's birthplace, Canada. Now a part of the Summer Paralympics, the sport shows no signs of slowing down.

The Rules of Wheelchair Rugby

It is important to note that wheelchair rugby (or quad rugby) is not for everyone. Not necessarily due to the nature of the game, but rather because there are eligibility requirements. Players must have impairment or some degree of loss of function in at least 3 limbs. It is common for players to be classified as quadriplegic, meaning that all four limbs suffer some degree of impairment.

The Court

The rules of wheelchair rugby govern everything from how to play to the dimensions of the playing field. The game itself is played indoors on hardwood floors. The playing field is a regulation-sized basketball court (28 meters long by 15 meters wide), with goals positioned at opposite ends. The court is bifurcated by the center line, at the center of which is the center circle. On each side of the court exists a key, similar to the key of a basketball court (though different in dimension). Within this key, the end line (or the boundary line at the end of the court separating inbounds and out-of-bounds play) becomes the goal line. When players cross over this line with both wheels while in possession of the ball, it counts as a goal.

Offense

To play, each team positions four players on the court at a time (a team may have upwards of 12 total players), which can be substituted as needed, much like in basketball. Wheelchair rugby is a mixed-gender sport and men and women can compete against each other. To maneuver, players advance down the court – teams have a total of 12 seconds to advance from the "back court" (their field of play) to the "front court" (the defenders' field of play), and a total of 40 seconds to score, before they must concede possession. While maneuvering, players must bounce or pass the ball at least once every 10 seconds. Broken up into four, eight-minute quarters, the object of the game is to score as many goals as possible.

Defense

While defending, teams are not permitted to have more than three players in their key (and offensive players are not permitted to stay in the key for more than 10 seconds). Physical contact is permitted, however, and is in fact an integral part of the game. It is this aggressive nature that lends the game its moniker, "Murderball." While hits from behind and physical contact between players is not allowed, the wheelchairs come into constant contact. If contact is deemed to be dangerous, a defensive, offensive, or technical foul can be administered. Players will hit, ram, and obstruct in order to prevent an opposing team member from scoring or advancing.

Equipment

Wheelchair rugby is played exclusively with manual wheelchairs. For greater stability and durability, these custom-designed wheelchairs incorporate a number of unique features, including steel bumpers for ramming, and "wings" which make it difficult to stop and hold a wheelchair by another player. For safety, all wheelchairs must incorporate anti-tip devices in the back (to prevent the wheelchair from spinning over backwards), as well as spoke protectors for the wheels.

Major Tournaments

Wheelchair rugby enjoys wide popularity, and is currently played in 26 different countries across the world. At the top level of the sport, players compete in national and international competitions, including:

• Wheelchair Rugby Tri-Nations
• Paralympic Games
• Americas Zone Championships
• Asia-Oceana Zone Championships
• European Zone Championships
• World Championships

These competitions are governed by the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation. To find non-professional, amateur wheelchair rugby events in your community, we encourage you to contact your local recreation centers and hospitals for more information. There is sure to be a league near you!