Information: The Sport
Wheelchair basketball for men and women is highly developed in Ontario, boasting more participation than any other wheelchair team sport. Many local clubs have developed basketball as their principle activity, later branching out into individual sports. Leagues have also developed which include able-bodied athletes as well as disabled athletes. This has been an important step in terms of initial development of wheelchair opportunities in smaller communities.
Equipment
One of the attractions to basketball is that it is relatively inexpensive because of the lack of required equipment. All players need for this fun team game is a sporty chair and a lot of heart.
Rules
Only two basic rule changes are required to adapt basketball to wheelchair play. The first rule is related to ‘traveling’. Two deliberate movements of the wheel are permitted prior to dribbling: a third dribble would constitute traveling. Also, ‘double dribbling’ does not exist in wheelchair basketball. The second rule prevents lifting out of the wheelchair to gain a further height advantage. The wheelchair is considered a part of the body and any contact is treated in the same manner as contact with the body in the stand-up game.
Classification
There is a classification system in place to ensure athletes of all ability can play. A point value is applied in wheelchair basketball that ensures that balance is maintained in the make-up of each team. I.W.B.F. Classification is based on the functional system with 4 classes - 1, 2, 3, 4 - with the possibility of half or full points. The point values represent the functional ability of each athlete in regards to anatomical capabilities. Class 1 is characterized by the severe reduction in power and grip in the upper limbs; whereas, Class 4 is characterized by optimal sitting position, arm power and trunk rotation. Also, the point values create an even balance of players on the court. A total of five players are permitted on the floor per team at any given time. However, the total point values on the court cannot exceed 14.0. For example, five 4.0’s would not be allowed to play because their points on the floor would equal 20.0, thus exceeding the 14.0 allowance.