quad rugby

Variant of rugby played by athletes with disabilities, on a modified basketball court and with a volleyball. As in rugby, the object is to cross the opposition's goal line with the ball. Players are classified according to their disability level, with seven classes ranging from 0.5–3.5. Each team can have four players on the court at any one time, whose combined disability level is 8.0 or less. This allows people of different disabilities and sexes to play together. A player can only hold the ball for 10 seconds before having to pass or dribble, or possession is awarded to the other side.

Developed in Canada, quad rugby is a cross between wheelchair basketball and ice hockey. It was first called ‘murderball’ due to its ferocity. The first national championship was played in Canada in 1979. By 2000, it had become an Olympic event.