South Africa Wheelchair Rugby has introduced a “Fives” format to allow a wider range of disabilities in the sport
Wheelchair rugby is an exciting paralympic sport created specifically for people with disabilities. It is an intense, yet safe contact sport that offers players a welcome reprieve from the challenges of their everyday lives.
The objective of the game is relatively simple: A ‘try’ is scored when a player crosses over the goal line while in possession of the ball. Getting to and over the goal line however is a more difficult affair as the opposition use their chairs as obstacles and a 40-second goal clock per phase adding to the pressure. Wheelchair rugby chairs are specialised sports equipment designed with wheel guards and reinforced metal plating to handle all the bumps and bashes.
The sport is co-ed for athletes of all ages. Athletes are assigned a classification number based on their degree of physical disability, ranging from 0.5 to 3.5 points. The greater the level of disability, the lower the classification number. There is a limit to the total number of points each team can have on the field at one time, which requires teams to strategically mix their high and low point players.
The sport has a long heritage in South Africa dating back to the late 1980s. Today, it is administered by South Africa Wheelchair Rugby (SAWCR), an association that is deeply involved in all aspects of the sport from development and local club support to game officials and managing the national wheelchair rugby league.
Teams from around the country participate at SAWCR sanctioned tournament events, building up to the national finals typically held in November each year.
In recent years, SAWCR has undertaken some exciting upgrades with a full corporate rebrand and new social media communications strategy, development programmes and the introduction of an additional format of the sport, Wheelchair Rugby Fives.
The traditional paralympic version of the sport, also known as Wheelchair Rugby Fours, has four players on each team, with greater limitations on athlete eligibility. ‘Fours’ requires impairment in at least three limbs, which inclines this format primarily towards people with quadriplegia.
The ‘Fives’ format lowers the bar on eligibility, making room for a wider range of disabilities. Five players are allowed per team, and much like T20 cricket, it is the fast-paced and electric version of the game.
The introduction of Wheelchair Rugby Fives has expanded the reach of wheelchair rugby into a new player base and signals exciting growth for the sport in South Africa. Local teams are encouraged to develop squads in both formats of the sport.
Whatever the nature of your disability, there is a place for you in wheelchair rugby. The physicality and social community nature of the sport offer many benefits for athletes and their families. For non-athletes, there are also many opportunities to get involved. If you’re the kind of person who is mechanically inclined and enjoys tinkering with equipment, or perhaps you are interested in volunteering as a coach, team support or game official, wheelchair rugby is the sport for you!
