Quad Rugby

written by Jamie Doone, Undergraduate Student, University of Florida

There is a stigma attached to people with disabilities. Most people associate people in wheelchairs as being confined to them as opposed to being liberated by them. The general belief is that people with disabilities are helpless and should be pitied. They are unable to function without help, let alone participate in any simple pleasures in life - especially sports. This however could not be further from the truth. People in wheelchairs have almost as many opportunities available to them as people who are not disabled. There is a myriad of sports that have been adapted so that people with disabilities can participate; a few include basketball, cycling, tennis, skiing, and rugby.

In order to be eligible to play quad rugby you must have both upper and lower body impairment. There are many reasons a person may be eligible to play quad rugby. People with polio, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, dysmelia, and Guillain–Barré syndrome could be presented as people who play quad rugby.¹ The majority of quad rugby players have some form of quadriplegia.² Quadriplegia is paralysis of all four limbs, or paralysis from the neck down. Quadriplegia usually occurs as a result of spinal cord damage.³

Spinal cord injuries vary in severity. Therefore, in order to ensure fairness for the players, quad rugby ranks severity on a scale of .5 to 3.5. Of the seven classification levels .5 is the most severe; equivalent to quadriplegia with a C5 lesion. Those qualified as 3.5 players are the least severe and their injuries are most similar to a C7 or C8 incomplete quadriplegic.² To be classified as having quadriplegia at the C5 level means deltoids and biceps are functional, and the individual can internally and externally rotate the shoulder as well as abduction. These abilities allow them forearm supination and pronation as well as wrist flexion and extension.

People with C5 quadriplegia need help bathing, as well as dressing their lower body. They can use a manual wheelchair; however a powered wheelchair is needed for longer distances and the outdoors.⁴ Individuals with C7-8 quadriplegia have the least impairments. They have functional triceps, and can bend and straighten their elbows. They have the ability to drive if the car has been adapted for them. A powered wheelchair is not necessary for C7 quadriplegics, and people with C8 quadriplegia may not even need a wheelchair. C7-8 quadriplegics can complete most daily tasks on their own. Therefore they are capable of independent living.⁴

Canada's Garett Hickling vs USA's Bryan Kirkland, at a wheelchair rugby game.

Another factor that varies the severity of these injuries is if the quadriplegia is incomplete. An incomplete lesion is one that only partially damages the spinal cord. It is essential to know where the spinal cord was affected, the severity of the damage, and the level at which it was damaged. Because "incompletes" vary so much it's hard to determine sometimes who is worse off.⁵ Quad rugby is not separated into male and female leagues because of the above described classification system.²

Quad rugby has its roots in wheelchair basketball and wheelchair ice hockey. Quad rugby, or wheelchair rugby, was developed by three Canadians. At the time wheelchair rugby was known at Murderball, well named for the aggressive nature of the sport.

In 1981 quad rugby was brought to America by Brad Mikkelsen. Mikkelsen, with the help of the University of North Dakota's Disabled Student Services, created a team called the Wallbangers. The Wallbangers changed the name of Murderball to Quad Rugby. The United States Quad Rugby Association (USQRA) was formed seven years later to help regulate and promote the sport at the national and the international level.

Quad Rugby is by far the fastest growing wheelchair sport. There are 45 teams currently in the United States, as well as over 20 International teams, and new teams are constantly being developed.²

The rules of the game are simple enough, allowing only four players on the court at a time, with each team allowed to carry no more than twelve players.⁶ Due to the classification system the four player's total ranking cannot exceed 8.² For example, there is no way that 4 players in the 3.5 classification could play at the same time because their total rankings would equal 14, so instead a team might begin with two 3.5 players and two .5 players.

Due to the classification system, both men and women are allowed to play on the same team; however, a women's classification always drops down by .5. Therefore, if a woman were to play she would count as 3 if her disability ranked her as a 3.5. Another caveat to this classification system is the age of the player. If a team has a player over 45 years, then the team is allowed a total ranking of 8.5 points on the court, as opposed to the usual 8.⁷ The game is played on a standard basketball court with a few modifications. There is a goal line at each end of the court which is 8 meters. The goal is 1.75 meters deep as seen in the picture below.²

Quad rugby players use a volleyball (the cover is actually softer than a real volleyball⁸) that they pass back and forth, batted, rolled, dribbled or carried by a player.⁶ The goal of the players on offense is to get the volleyball over the goal line while in the possession of a player on their team. It's the job of the defense to prevent the offensive players from scoring - getting the volleyball over the goal line. However, no more than three defensive players can be in the goal area. If there are four then there is a penalty, or a goal will be awarded to the offense. A turnover occurs if an offensive player stays in the key area for longer than ten seconds.²

Quad rugby consists of four periods that are eight minutes long, for a total of 32 minutes of game time. At the end of each period there is a minute break as well as a five minute break for half time.² Each team is only allowed four timeouts for the entire game. Quad rugby games cannot end in a tie. Therefore, if the scores are tied the game goes into overtime. Overtime is three minutes long, and each team is awarded one extra timeout.² The player in possession of the ball must advance it to the opposing team's half court in 12 seconds. (This time was recently changed from 15 seconds. This was done in a process to speed up the play of the game.)⁹ Also, a player cannot have possession of the ball for more than 10 seconds or it results in a turnover.²

A team must score every forty seconds.⁸ Quad rugby is a rough sport, and players are allowed to push each other. A player with possession of the ball is allowed a limitless number of pushes.² While players are allowed to slam into one another, they must refrain from reaching as well as hitting behind the axle of the wheelchair.⁸ Also, at no point in the game are any of the players allowed to punch, hit, slap, or gouge.¹ In order to score, a player must be in possession of the ball when crossing the goal line with two of the four wheels over the goal line.²

The picture to the left shows two quad rugby players. The female is currently on offense, whereas the male behind her is on defense and trying to prevent her from scoring. She has the ball in her lap, which is one way players are allowed to carry the ball. However, if the ball is carried in the lap, at least three quarters of the ball must be visible.¹⁰

The game begins with a tip-off at the center of the court.¹⁰ The tip-off is similar to that of a basketball game tip-off; both players are on opposite sides, the referee throws the ball up in the air, while two players from opposite teams attempt to get the ball to their team. The players involved in the tip-off are not allowed to catch the ball, or have possession of the ball until the ball has touched the hands of another player, or until it hits the ground.¹⁰ Tip off is only used to start the game.

In terms of possession of the ball in the second, third, and fourth quarter, the possession of the ball is alternated. Therefore, whoever did not receive the ball on tip off will have possession in the second quarter.¹⁰ After a goal is scored, or there is a stoppage of play, a throw in results to resume play. This a where the player goes out of bounds, usually to the sideline or the end of the goal line and a player throws the ball in to his/her teammates.¹⁰

There are four main fouls that one can receive in quad rugby. These include: 1) common fouls, 2) technical fouls, 3) flagrant fouls, and 4) disqualifying fouls.

A common foul would be described as one that a player receives when they violate the rules of the game, so long as it was a genuine attempt to play the game.¹⁰ A common foul results in two different actions, depending on whether or not the foul was committed by the offense of defense. If it was an offensive foul, a turnover results. However, if the defense fouled there is a one minute penalty in which the player that committed the foul must stay for a minute in the penalty box or until the other team scores.¹⁰

A technical foul can be given to a coach or player. If a coach or a player violates any of the rules (such as a non regulation wheelchair), or acts in a disrespectful manner, a one minute penalty is given. If it was the coach with the unsportsmanlike conduct, then he/she must choose one of his players to serve his one minute penalty in the penalty box.¹⁰

A flagrant foul deals with the players disregard for safety when committing a foul. This results in the player having to serve both a common and technical foul.¹⁰

A disqualifying foul is when a player is intentionally unsportsmanlike, or dangerous. The most common examples of this would be fighting. If a player commits a disqualifying foul they are removed from the game and must leave the court area. The coach is allowed to sub a new player in; however, that player must serve a minute penalty regardless of whether the other team scores before their minute is up.¹⁰

Strategizing is important in all sports. This holds true for quad rugby. As a defensive player you want to aim for three to five violations per game. This is done by creating pressure for the offense.¹¹ As a defensive player, the time on the clock aids them in forcing violations. Keep a strong defense and a turnover will result, or a violation due to a time infringement. Also, key to being successful on defense is shadowing an opponent. It is said that the best way to do this is by keeping the wheels on your chair parallel to the other player, and marking a spot on their chest and following it.¹¹ Be sure that you are not tricked by an opposing players attempt to fake you out.

The sidelines are beneficial for defensive players. They can add to the success of a defensive players tracking.¹¹ It is important to know your players. If your team is losing, and the game is almost over, it may be best to install a paired defense system. Two of your stronger defensive players will work together to hopefully force an offensive player out of bounds or out of time. Meanwhile the other two players on your team will play a zone defense.¹¹

Due to the fact that Quad rugby is played in wheelchairs, there are certain requirements that each wheelchair must meet. There is no width requirement; however, the length of the wheelchair cannot exceed 46 centimeters and the height cannot be greater than 53 centimeters. Even the wheels on the wheelchair have to meet certain requirements. The two main wheels cannot be more than 70 centimeters in diameter, and these wheels require a spoke guard in order to protect hands and other extremities that could get caught in the wheel.⁶

Because quad rugby requires wheelchairs, players are allowed to wear hand protection so long as it's nothing that could cause damage to another player. Quad Rugby, being the violent sport that it is, sometimes results in players falling down/out of their wheelchair. Because of this, a player that goes to ground in a match receives assistance to the upright position. This stops the clock on the game. If the fallen player was on defense when the play resumes they are allowed to reset. However, if it was an offensive play, the game restarts where the players left off.

Some players on the court are known as "trunk" players. These players are capable of correcting themselves if they were to fall. However, in order to make sure the game is fair and to ensure all players are treated equally, the clock must stop for these players and they can only be righted with assistance.⁹

Stamina is a necessity in quad rugby. Players need the endurance to last the full 32 minutes of this fast paced, limited stop game. One of the best ways quad rugby players prepare for the games is by working out nonstop for a period of eight minutes. This will help prepare them for each quarter. Sprints is a great way for quad rugby players to build speed. These sprints become even more beneficial when trained in a game-like-setting. For instance, each player has a ball and is required to bounce it every ten seconds just like they would be required to do in a game.¹²

Upper body strength is extremely important for quad rugby athletes. Free weights are a great way to improve upper body strength. Another common practice is passing a medicine ball in lieu of the regulation rugby ball. This will strengthen the upper body as well as speed up passes.¹² Practicing a shadow defense, a one-on-one situation, will help the player's stamina as well as expand each player's skill level. A zone defense should also be taught and practiced. Penalties are something that should be taken full advantage of; therefore, teams should train with a man 'down' when scrimmaging to see how their game must change in order to accommodate for the loss of a man, or how they could exploit the team playing a man down.¹²

Quad Rugby varies vastly from Rugby. While quad rugby only allows four players to be on the court at the time, rugby calls for fifteen players per team. Rugby has two halves of forty minutes, with a ten minute half time in between.¹³ The picture below shows a rugby field and the markers, as well as key lines on the field, such as touch, which is the out of bounds.

The ball can be moved downfield by running, passing, or kicking it. The ball, while it can be passed, cannot be passed forward.¹³ Scoring in rugby is similar to quad rugby; the ball must cross the try line. However in rugby, the player scoring must touch the ball to the ground, with downward pressure and control. In rugby you are awarded five points for a "try," which would be the equivalent to a touchdown in football.

Immediately following the try, the team who scores gets a chance for a conversion kick. These are worth two points.¹⁵ Two of the most common set pieces in rugby are the lineout and the scrum, neither of which take place in quad ruby. A lineout occurs when the ball goes out of bounds. The "forwards" of each team line up on the side of the field for the lineout. The tallest player on each team (usually the locks; a type of forward position) is lifted in the air by the props (another type of forward position) and the ball is thrown back in bounds. A scrum most often occurs due to a "knock on" where the ball is knocked forward. Again, the forwards of the team are the pivotal players in this element of the game. The eight forwards all bind on to one another as they attempt to gain possession of the ball, which is put in by the scrum half.¹⁵ The two pictures below show what scrum looks like, and how it is set up.

Quad Rugby has world championships every four years that are held by The International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF).¹⁶ Currently, the United States holds the number one position in the IWRF rankings.¹⁷ Quad Rugby was first seen in the Paralympics in 1996 as a demonstration event.¹⁸ It received full medal status at the Paralympics in 2000.¹⁶ Not only was 2000 the first year for quad rugby in the Paralympics, but the United States won the gold medal. The Paralympics is for individuals with disabilities. It is a division of the United States Olympic Committee.¹⁸

The United States Quad Rugby Association is divided into five different sections. The teams in each section, which vary from six to eight teams per section, play year round. At the end of each year the USQRA has Sectionals. From Sectionals, the top two teams from each section advance to the National Championship. The two teams that come in third and fourth in each section advance to division two National Championship.⁸

Movies have been made about athletes who play Quad Rugby. One such movie is a documentary called "Murderball." "Murderball" came out in 2005, and is about a quad rugby team overcoming obstacles at the Paralympics in Athens, Greece.¹⁹ Team USA is fighting for the gold against Canada. This movie takes place over a two year time span, showing them qualifying for, and then participating in the 2004 Olympics.²⁰ "Murderball" has a different depiction of people in wheelchairs than most other movies starring people with disabilities. This movie had potential to change the perspectives of how people in wheelchairs were viewed.²⁰

Quad Rugby is just one of many sports which have been adapted for individuals with disabilities. Participation in quad rugby provides individuals with disabilities improved health and well-being, an opportunity to belong to a team, the excitement of competition, and the pure enjoyment of participating in a sport. The need for adapted sports is evident based on the exponential growth of quad rugby and other sports for individuals with disabilities over the past years. Such growth is an indicator of a change in perception, and the continued need to expand the opportunities available to individuals with disabilities.

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Biography: Jamie Doone received a Bachelor's of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology specializing in Fitness Wellness at the University of Florida (UF). She is currently a graduate student at UF, working towards a Master's in Health Education and Behavior. As a former gymnast she transitioned to rugby, and has been captain of UF's Club Women's Rugby Team for the past three years. After graduation in May 2013 she has been accepted to serve as a volunteer in the United States Peace Corps. She is passionate about including all individuals in an active, healthy lifestyle to improved physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

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