Like with most things, it takes a village to host a wheelchair rugby match, which means there are many ways to get involved in the sport
Wheelchair Rugby is an exciting action-packed Paralympic sport that has been designed especially for people with a wide range of disabilities. In South Africa, we are fortunate that there is an active wheelchair rugby league that is administered by a well-established national organisation, South Africa Wheelchair Rugby (SAWCR).
While we typically associate sports with rules, equipment and the athletes, wheelchair rugby also offers non-athletes a variety of opportunities to get involved in the vibrant community surrounding it.
Coaching
Wheelchair rugby is a tactical game where position, pace and power must be aligned for a team to emerge victorious. A wheelchair rugby coach plays a vital role in empowering athletes and promoting inclusivity.
What does a coach do?
- Develop and implement training programmes tailored to individual athlete needs.
- Conduct drills, scrimmages as well as strength and conditioning sessions.
- Analyse game footage, identify areas for improvement, and adjust strategies.
- Foster teamwork, camaraderie, and sportsmanship among athletes.
- Collaborate with support staff (physiotherapists, trainers, classifiers).
- Manage game-day logistics, tactics, and player rotations.
- Mentor and develop assistant coaches and volunteers.
Are you a leader and strategic thinker? Perhaps fitness training and practice drills are your thing? Consider becoming a wheelchair rugby coach and help guide your team to success!
Referee
The rules of wheelchair rugby are technical and require the sharp eyes of two referees in each game. A referee must make accurate, impartial decisions under pressure.
What does a referee do?
- Enforce rules and regulations.
- Monitor player safety and intervening when necessary.
- Handle misconduct, penalties, and fouls.
- Collaborate with other referees and game officials.
- Provide clear, concise explanations for decisions.
- Maintain game flow, minimising disruptions.
Are you someone who can command authority? Are you a stickler for the rules? Consider becoming a wheelchair rugby referee to keep the game flowing and the players safe!
Table official
Wheelchair rugby referees are supported by table officials on the sidelines who keep time, score and statistics related to the match. A wheelchair rugby table official is a crucial support role responsible for managing game logistics.
What does a table official do?
- Manage game clock, timeouts and scoring.
- Track penalties, fouls, and player misconduct.
- Maintain accurate records of game statistics.
- Provide administrative support to referees and coaches.
- Coordinate with scorekeepers, announcers and other officials.
- Ensure smooth game flow, minimising disruptions.
Are you good at multi-tasking? Do you have a knack with electronic equipment? Consider becoming a wheelchair rugby table official to make sure everything stays on track!
Classifier
Wheelchair rugby athletes are assigned a classification score based on their level of physical ability. Teams are not allowed to exceed a maximum combined athlete score on the court. Classifiers evaluate athletes’ functional abilities through assessment and observation.
What does a classifier do?
- Conduct athlete evaluations, assessing physical function and mobility.
- Assign classification points (0.5 to 3.5) based on athlete’s functional ability.
- Ensure accurate classification for fair competition.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
- Collaborate with other classifiers, coaches and officials.
Are you a physiotherapist or occupational therapist who works with people with disabilities? Do you have strong analytical and observational skills? Consider becoming a wheelchair rugby classifier to ensure fair competition!
Equipment technician
Wheelchair rugby chairs are specialised sports equipment that are designed for full contact situations and player safety. Equipment technicians ensure that wheelchairs and equipment meet safety and performance standards.
What does an equipment technician do?
- Inspect and maintain wheelchairs, ensuring safety and performance.
- Conduct pre-game and post-game equipment checks.
- Repair and modify wheelchairs to meet athlete needs.
- Advise athletes and coaches on equipment optimisation.
- Collaborate with manufacturers, suppliers and other technicians.
- Develop and implement equipment maintenance schedules.
- Troubleshoot equipment issues during competitions.
Is attention to detail and precision your thing? Are you good with tools and enjoy getting hands-on? Consider becoming a wheelchair rugby equipment technician to keep the team rolling!
Team volunteer
Just as good bands need good roadies, a wheelchair rugby team needs a dedicated crew of team volunteers to lend a helping hand.
What does a team volunteer do?
- Game day support: Assist with setup, teardown and logistics.
- Event organisation: Help plan and execute fundraising events and tournaments.
- Administrative tasks: Assist with mailings, data entry and communications.
- Player support: Provide transportation, meal assistance or run errands.
- Fundraising: Help with campaigns, sponsorships and donations.
- Marketing and promotion: Assist with social media, photography or videography.
- Training sessions: Assist coaches, athletes or equipment technicians.
Do you have strong teamwork and communication skills? Want to lend a hand? Consider becoming a wheelchair rugby team volunteer to be part of the family!
At SAWCR, there are programmes and support designed to help you find your place in the wheelchair rugby community. Contact admin@sawcr.co.za for more information.
