Wheelchair Rugby Commonly known as “Murderball”. The sport is currently played in 35 countries around the world. At the elite level there is a World Championships every 4 years and a Paralympic Games every 4 years. In Australia The National Wheelchair Rugby League consists of 6 teams. The West Coast Enforcers are WA’s representative in the league and are widely regarded as the best young team in Australia.

National Rugby League Teams West Coast Enforcers South Australia Sharks Victoria Thunder New South Wales Gladiators Queensland Crocs New Zealand Development

League Format The NWRL plays in a tournament format with different states hosting rounds of games throughout the year. For the first time WSWA will host a round on home soil in For many players it will be the first time they have played in front of their family and friends at this level. WSWA is very excited to showcase Wheelchair Rugby on this stage. When travelling interstate the team will travel with 7 players, head coach, mechanic and a carer. All interstate travel costs are covered by WSWA.

Who plays the game? All players are “quadriplegic”. This means having a disability that effects both upper and lower limbs. Players come to the sport at various ages and from various backgrounds. Each player receives a “classification”. The game is designed for the inclusion of all athletes.

Classification Players are given a classification according to there level of function and disability. Lowest classification is 0.5 points up to the highest at 3.5 points. A team may have a maximum 8.0 points on the floor at any one time. Classification adds another dimension to the game for coaches. The game relies heavily on the development of roles for players and is in many ways the “ultimate team sport”.

What is the game? Wheelchair Rugby is a high impact contact sport. It contains elements of rugby, rugby league, wheelchair basketball, ice hockey and hand ball. At the highest level it is a fast paced and high scoring. Wheelchair rugby is a very tactical game.

Basic Rules The ball can be moved down the court by being –Passed –Rolled –Batted –Dribbled –Carried The game is played 4 on 4. Players work together by “picking” and “blocking” to move the ball and team mates down the floor. Working together is the key!

Basic Rules Teams can be mixed with male and female competitors. Aim is to score goals by crossing the opponents goal line while in possession of the ball. The game is played on basketball court, with special markings for wheelchair rugby. The team scoring the most goals during the game time is declared the winner.

Expectations of the Coach Preparation and motivation of the squad. Game time coaching. Development of a positive team culture. Maintaining and upholding the standards set out by Wheelchair Sports WA. Creation of a atmosphere that positively represents WSWA and Paralympic Sports in the wider community.

Wheelchair Sports WA The peak body for wheelchair sports in Western Australia. Provides opportunities for wheelchair athletes and coaches at both an elite and a social level. Sports include –Basketball –Tennis –Hand Cycling –Rugby –Swimming –Track and Field –Recreation programs WSWA will aid coaches by providing a pathway to work at National level and support aspirations to reach International and Paralympic level through exposure to high performance coaches, coaching courses and professional development.