All About Wheelchair Rugby
Wheelchair Rugby known as “Murder ball” in America was developed in Canada in 1977. The rules of wheelchair rugby are based on other sports. These sports include basketball, ice hockey, and handball. It is a contact sport. Physical contact between wheelchairs is an integral part game. There are currently twenty-four countries competing. Many more countries are developing the game. Active countries that currently play wheelchair rugby are divided into three zones. These are the Americas, Europe and Asia/Oceania. The game consists of two teams of twelve players. In a game only four players from each team are allowed on the court at one time. Wheelchair Rugby is a mixed gender sport with both men and women competing against each other. Wheelchair Rugby is played indoors on a hard court. Wheelchair rugby uses the same measurements as a basketball court. Players score a try by carrying the ball across the goal line. For a try to count a player must have two wheels of their wheelchair over the goal line. When a player has possession of the ball they must either bounce or pass the ball. Failure to do so will result in the loss of possession to the opposing team. Physical contact between wheelchairs is permitted; this makes the game more exciting. Fouls in wheelchair basketball can either be defensive or offensive fouls. A defensive foul is penalised by a one minute penalty, while an offensive foul is penalised by a loss of possession. Some of the common fouls that occur in wheelchair rugby are spinning, illegal use of hands and holding. Wheelchair Rugby much like able bodied rugby is fluid and fast moving with possession going back and forth between the teams while play continues. Players can only be subbed during a stoppage in play. A wheelchair designed for Wheelchair Rugby.
Wheelchair Rugby is played in manual wheelchairs. Key features of a wheelchair designed for wheelchair rugby have many specifications. Some of these include, a front bumper, which is designed to help strike opponents, wings which are positioned in front to make wheelchairs more difficult to stop and hold. Another specification of a wheelchair used for wheelchair rugby is an anti tipping device, which stops the player from tipping backwards. Another feature of a rugby wheelchair is strapping. These are used to keep the players securely into their wheelchairs; they also help the occupant of the wheelchair to maintain a good seating position. The final specification for a wheelchair that participates in wheelchair rugby is spoke protectors; these are designed to protect the wheels from damage. Players also use personal equipment which can include gloves or applied adhesive which can help with ball handling. The wheelchair Rugby ball is identical in size to a volleyball. Wheelchair Rugby balls are of soft touch design with a surface that is textured for better grip. They are also over inflated to provide a better bounce. The USA Wheelchair Rugby Team
The first Wheelchair Rugby Championships were held in 1995, Notwill in Switzerland. The winners of the first tournament were the United States who beat Canada. In 1996 in the Paralympics in Atlanta, Wheelchair Rugby was firstly demonstrated. Again just like the year previously it was the United States who prevailed beating New Zealand. Four years later in The Sydney Paralympics, Wheelchair Rugby was officially classed as an official event. The most successful team when it comes to the Wheelchair Rugby World Championships is The United States team, who have won it on four occasions. USA Wheelchair Rugby Team
Wheelchair Rugby Training
Wheelchair Rugby Big Hit
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