Wheelchair rugby
| Highest governing body | International Wheelchair Rugby Federation |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | Murderball |
| First played | 1977, Winnipeg, Canada |
| Characteristics | |
| Contact | Full-contact |
| Team members | 4 players per side |
| Type | Paralympic sport |
| Equipment | Wheelchair, volleyball |
| Venue | Indoor court |
| Presence | |
| Olympic | Paralympic Games since 2000 |
Wheelchair rugby, also known as Murderball, is a team sport for athletes with a disability. It is a Paralympic sport that combines elements of rugby, basketball, and handball. The sport was invented in 1977 in Winnipeg, Canada.
History[edit | edit source]
Wheelchair rugby was created by a group of quadriplegic athletes who were looking for an alternative to wheelchair basketball. The sport quickly gained popularity and spread internationally. The first international tournament was held in 1989, and the sport was included in the Paralympic Games for the first time in 2000.
Rules[edit | edit source]
Wheelchair rugby is played on a standard basketball court with a goal line at each end. Each team has four players on the court, and the objective is to carry the ball across the opposing team's goal line. The ball used is a volleyball, and players can pass, dribble, or carry the ball. Physical contact between wheelchairs is allowed, making it a full-contact sport.
Classification[edit | edit source]
Players are classified based on their functional abilities, with each player assigned a point value ranging from 0.5 to 3.5. The total point value of the four players on the court cannot exceed 8.0 points. This classification system ensures a level playing field and allows athletes with different types of disabilities to compete together.
Equipment[edit | edit source]
The primary equipment used in wheelchair rugby includes a specially designed wheelchair and a volleyball. The wheelchairs are built to be highly maneuverable and durable, with features such as angled wheels and protective bumpers.
Competitions[edit | edit source]
The major competitions in wheelchair rugby include the Paralympic Games, the World Wheelchair Rugby Championships, and various regional and national tournaments. The sport is governed by the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF).
See also[edit | edit source]
Related pages[edit | edit source]
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