Wheelchair Rugby? What is that?
Wheelchair Rugby is also known as Quad Rugby, because it is a sport designed by and for quadriplegics. Quad Rugby was also originally known as “Murderball” for reasons that should be obvious by the end of the tournament.
The Game
Four players from each team are allowed on the court at a time. Classifications of the four players on the court must total no more than 8.0 points at one time. The action occurs on a regulation-sized basketball court with some minor changes.
The object of the game is to score a goal (1 point) by crossing the goal line with possession of the ball while the opposing team is defending that goal. The team with the most points when time runs out wins.
Wheelchair Rugby is a full contact sport, but no personal contact is allowed: Slapping, hitting, punching, gouging out eyes, biting off ears, etc. is not allowed and penalties are enforced, usually requiring time in the penalty box.
10 Wheelchair Rugby rules you need to know:
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Games are four 8-minute quarters.
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One point is scored when the goal line is crossed with any two wheels of the ball carrier’s wheelchair with possession of the ball.
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Players must dribble or pass once every 10 seconds or it’s a turnover.
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After inbounding, the ball must be advanced over half-court within 12 seconds or it’s a turnover.
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Teams must score within 40 seconds after the ball is inbounded or it’s a turnover.
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An offensive player cannot be in the scoring key for longer than 10 seconds or it’s a turnover.
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Only three defenders are allowed in the key at one time or it’s a penalty.
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Hitting an opposing player’s chair behind the axles (a spin) is a turnover or a penalty.
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There is a penalty box. Generally, players are released when the opposition scores a goal or when one minute has been served.
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4 timeouts for each team, per game, plus 1 extra for each overtime played.
