Wheelchair Rugby

1. Wheelchair Rugby

2. Wheelchair Rugby • Commonly known as “Murderball”. • The sport is currently played in 35 countries around the world. • At the elite level there is a World Championships every 4 years and a Paralympic Games every 4 years. • In Australia The National Wheelchair Rugby League consists of 6 teams. • The West Coast Enforcers are WA’s representative in the league and are widely regarded as the best young team in Australia.

3. National Rugby League Teams • West Coast Enforcers • South Australia Sharks • Victoria Thunder • New South Wales Gladiators • Queensland Crocs • New Zealand Development

4. League Format • The NWRL plays in a tournament format with different states hosting rounds of games throughout the year. • For the first time WSWA will host a round on home soil in 2008. • For many players it will be the first time they have played in front of their family and friends at this level. • WSWA is very excited to showcase Wheelchair Rugby on this stage. • When travelling interstate the team will travel with 7 players, head coach, mechanic and a carer. • All interstate travel costs are covered by WSWA.

5. Who plays the game? • All players are “quadriplegic”. • This means having a disability that effects both upper and lower limbs. • Players come to the sport at various ages and from various backgrounds. • Each player receives a “classification”. • The game is designed for the inclusion of all athletes.

6. Classification • Players are given a classification according to there level of function and disability. • Lowest classification is 0.5 points up to the highest at 3.5 points. • A team may have a maximum 8.0 points on the floor at any one time. • Classification adds another dimension to the game for coaches. • The game relies heavily on the development of roles for players and is in many ways the “ultimate team sport”.

7. What is the game? • Wheelchair Rugby is a high impact contact sport. • It contains elements of rugby, rugby league, wheelchair basketball, ice hockey and hand ball. • At the highest level it is a fast paced and high scoring. • Wheelchair rugby is a very tactical game.

8. Basic Rules • The ball can be moved down the court by being • Passed • Rolled • Batted • Dribbled • Carried • The game is played 4 on 4. • Players work together by “picking” and “blocking” to move the ball and team mates down the floor. • Working together is the key!

9. Basic Rules • Teams can be mixed with male and female competitors. • Aim is to score goals by crossing the opponents goal line while in possession of the ball. • The game is played on basketball court, with special markings for wheelchair rugby. • The team scoring the most goals during the game time is declared the winner.

10. Expectations of the Coach • Preparation and motivation of the squad. • Game time coaching. • Development of a positive team culture. • Maintaining and upholding the standards set out by Wheelchair Sports WA. • Creation of a atmosphere that positively represents WSWA and Paralympic Sports in the wider community.

11. Wheelchair Sports WA • The peak body for wheelchair sports in Western Australia. • Provides opportunities for wheelchair athletes and coaches at both an elite and a social level. • Sports include • Basketball • Tennis • Hand Cycling • Rugby • Swimming • Track and Field • Recreation programs • WSWA will aid coaches by providing a pathway to work at National level and support aspirations to reach International and Paralympic level through exposure to high performance coaches, coaching courses and professional development.