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Current sponsors include: United States Quad Rugby Association (USQRA), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Coloplast, Vesco Metal Craft Chairs, Spinergy Wheels, Eagle Sports Chairs, United Spinal Association, Astra Tech, Wheelchair Getaways, Classic Sport Companies, Inc., Frazier Rehab Institute, Jewish Hospital Healthcare Services, Louisville Metro Parks-Adapted Leisure Activities, Louisville Metro Government, Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, Kentucky Wheelchair Athletics Association, Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky, Derby City Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, Friends For Michael, Greater Louisville Sports Commission and the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Kentucky.
Quad Rugby…..What’s it all about?
Quad Rugby, or wheelchair rugby as it is also called, is a sport with roots going back to wheelchair basketball and ice hockey, which is not surprising, since it was developed by three Canadians from Winnipeg, Manitoba as a quadriplegic equivalent to wheelchair basketball. The sport was originally called ‘Murderball’ due to the aggressive nature of the game. It was introduced in the United States in 1981 by Brad Mikkelsen, who with the aid of the University of North Dakota's Disabled Student Service's, formed the first team, the Wallbangers, and changed the game's name from ‘Murderball’ to quad rugby.
WHO CAN PLAY?
Players may have various disabilities that preclude their play in able-bodied sport competition. Players must have a combination of upper and lower extremity impairment to be considered as eligible to participate. Most of the players have sustained cervical level spinal injuries and have some type of quadriplegia as a result. Players are given a classification number from one of seven classifications ranging from 0.5 - 3.5.
THE GAME
Four players from each team are allowed on the court at a time. Classifications of the four players on the court must total no more than 8.0 points at one time. The action occurs on a regulation-sized basketball court with some minor changes. During the games team players pass volleyball back and forth while advancing into the opponent's half court and then crossing over the goal line with the ball in one player's possession. While the offense is trying to advance the ball, the defense is trying to take it away and keep the opposing team from scoring.
This information was borrowed with permission from the United States Quad Rugby Association website.
For more information on this sport please go to www.quadrugby.com