Wheelchair rugby classification

Wheelchair rugby classification is the seven class system that assigns players a point value based on functional mobility to insure parity in athletic ability on the court at any given time. Classification is handled by the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation.

In wheelchair rugby, players are assessed into seven classes: 0.5 points, 1 point, 1.5 points, 2.0 points, 2.5 points, 3.0 points and 3.5 points. The lower level points indicate less functional ability and the higher points indicate greater functional ability. Men and women both play the sport, and they play on the same team. There are no separate events for men and women.

Only four players are on the court at any given time. The total points on the floor for a team cannot exceed 8, but this maximum is increased by 0.5 points for every female on the court. This is done in order to insure parity in athletic ability on the court at any given time.

Functional mobility range of a .5 point player

Functional mobility range of a 1 point player

Functional mobility range of a 2 point player

Functional mobility range of a 3 point player

Classification is handled by the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation, and is outlined in their 2008 publication called International Wheelchair Rugby Federation Classification Manual. In 2009, the classification was handled by the IWAS.

As of 2012^[update], people with physical disabilities are eligible to compete in this sport. Lower leg amputation competitors are allowed to participate in wheelchair sport following classification rules for them based on functional mobility.

The sport was created in 1977 in Canada, and was designed as an alternative to wheelchair basketball. In 1992, the International Paralympic Committee formally took control of governance for disability sport. Wheelchair rugby had been governed by IWAS since 1992, close to the sport's inception. IWAS had also managed the classification side of the sport. In 2010, the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation formally separated from IWAS and took over management of classification of their sport themselves.

Wheelchair rugby classification includes looking at practiced activities, and may include observing their warm up routine, the ability during throwing drills, their ability to catch a ball and their ability to maneuver their wheelchair. Classification may also include a test where competitors are asked to bench press in order to demonstrate their upper arm strength and how much upper arm mobility they possess.

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