General Information Wheelchair Rugby is an intense, physical team sport for quadriplegic male and female athletes with its roots in both wheelchair basketball and hockey. In order to play wheelchair rugby, an individual must have some form of permanent mobility related impairment in at least three limbs. Wheelchair Rugby originated in 1977 in Winnipeg and is rapidly developing around the world. Originally called murderball, the first national championship in Canada was held in 1979. Wheelchair rugby is played from the local, recreational level to the World Championships and Paralympic Games. Wheelchair rugby is played on a basketball court by teams of four players and up to eight substitutes. The players are classified according to their ability and are assigned a point value from 0.5 to 3.5 points. The four players on the court cannot exceed 8.0 points. The object of the game is to move a volleyball down the length of the court and score a goal by carrying it across the opposing team's goal line. Goals are located at each end of the court, span eight metres in length, and are designated by two cones. When an offensive player has possession of the ball and any two wheels cross the goal line, a goal is scored and 1 point is awarded to the team. At the end of regulation time the team with the most points wins. The ball may be passed, thrown, batted, rolled, dribbled or carried. The ball must be bounced at least once every ten seconds. Each game consists of four, eight-minute quarters. Setting a pick occurs when one athlete holds another athlete with the wheelchair in order to prevent him/her from becoming a part of the play. This is both acceptable and encouraged. What's unique about wheelchair rugby? Wheelchair rugby is played on a basketball court. Wheelchair rugby is played with a volleyball. Wheelchair rugby encourages wheelchair contact. BC is Hot! Canada boasts one of the top teams in the world and BC has one of the top teams in Canada.