Rugby Wheelchairs

Rugby Wheelchairs – Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

There are many issues to consider when choosing a rugby wheelchair. In this article we cover 5 key points:

• Eligibility for playing wheelchair rugby
• Wheelchair Rugby Classification process
• The difference between the chairs Offensive / Defensive
• The specific importance of a good seating position for rugby
• Equipment challenges of wheelchair rugby

Wheelchair Rugby Eligibility

To be eligible to play wheelchair rugby, competitors must have some form of disability with a loss of function in both the upper and lower limbs.

• The majority of rugby wheelchair athletes have spinal cord injuries at the level of their cervical vertebrae.
• Other eligible players have
  • multiple amputations,
  • polio,
  • neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy,
  • some forms of muscular dystrophy among other medical conditions.

Players are classified according to their functional level and assigned a point value ranging from 0.5 (the lowest functional level) to 3.5 (the highest).

How the wheelchair classification process works?

• The total classification value of all players on the court for a team at one time cannot exceed eight points (with 4 players on the court)
• The classification process begins with an assessment of the athlete’s level of disability to determine if the minimum eligibility requirements for wheelchair rugby are met.
• These require that an athlete
  •  have a neurological disability that involves at least 3 limbs
  • or a non-neurological disability that involves all 4 limbs
• The participant then completes a series of muscle tests designed to evaluate the strength and range of motion of the upper limbs and trunks.
• A classification can then be assigned to the participant.
• Classification often includes further observation of the partipant in competition to confirm that physical function in game situations reflects what was observed during the muscle testing process.

Rugby Wheelchair  classification is conducted by personnel with medical training, usually

• Physicians,
• Physiotherapists,
• Occupational therapists.
• Classifiers must also be trained in muscle testing and in the details of  rugby wheelchair classification.

Rugby Wheelchairs – Offensive or Defensive

Rugby Wheelchairs Offensive

Offensive Rugby chairs typically feature

• offensive wings
• offensive bumper
• integral pushrims
• fixed side / spoke guards
• Typically a classification of 0.5 to 1.5 for this type of chair

Rugby Wheelchairs defensive

Defensive Rugby chairs typically feature

• front mounted defensive picker,
• elongated lifting frame.
• Typically a classification of 0.5 to 1.5 for this type of chair

Rugby Wheelchairs will often feature

• Aluminium frame with a fixed axle
• Double swivel anti-tips with a guard for safety
• Recessed footrest
• Rounded back posts with extra padded adjustable tension upholstery

 The specific importance of a good seating position for a rugby wheelchair

• In wheelchair rugby an incorrect seating position will be
  • uncomfortable – with games lasting 32 minutes, you need to be comfortable if you are going to perform at your peak
  • inefficient – if you are not seated correctly there is a good chance you will not be performing at your peak
  • potentially cause longer term physical damage

• Get assessed by an expert (preferably from someone who has competed at wheelchair rugby)
• Talk to a supplier who can provide advice to allow for optimum seating position
• Talk to a supplier who has assessed 100’s of players from all playing abilities from international to club level

Rugby Wheelchair Equipment Challenges

1. Wheel chair rugby is aggressive, which means that equipment get broken. Most typical breakages occur to

• spoke guards
• bent axles
• cracks in frames
• spokes in wheels
• foot plates
• tyres

2. There are many brands and models of rugby wheelchairs available from low cost to premium models. Typically buying a lower cost rugby wheelchair will result in a model which is

• Heavier (but not stronger) – which will slow you down and make it more difficlt to manouvre
• Less likely to be customisable in terms of
  • seat height
  • ability to make bespoke to your individual requirements
• Less durable and more likely to break in a competitive environment

For more information on Rugby Wheelchairs call 01480 451247 or visit Rugby Wheelchairs