International Rules

Wheelchair basketball is played under the same rules and conditions as able-bodied basketball with a couple of exceptions. The main difference is how the ball is dribbled by a player. There is no 'double dribble' as in able-bodied basketball where a player has to pass or shoot once they've stopped dribbling. In wheelchair basketball, a player can receive the ball, place it on their lap, take 2 pushes, bounce the ball, and repeat as often as they like. Note that only 2 pushes are allowed between bounces otherwise a 'travel' is called.

 Another area of difference is the Classification Points system. This system helps to ensure that all players get a fair and equitable chance to participate regardless of their level of disability. It is not a measure of basketball skills, rather players are assessed on the basketball court as to their physical functional ability and balance, eg, how easily they can push, reach, lean, etc. For instance, a classifier will look at whether a player can maintain stability when bringing the ball above their head to shoot, not whether they have correct shot release or can make 8 out of 10 baskets. The player is then assigned a classification ranging from 1.0 point to a maximum of 4.5 points for those with minimal disability. A team is allowed just 14 points on the court at any one time, and that is spread across the 5 players. A coach has to use a spread of high, mid and low pointers to get a legal combination on the court, and that adds an element of strategy to wheelchair basketball missing in the able-bodied game.

A download of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation rules can be obtained on the link below:   

http://www.iwbf.org/images/a_technical/2014_IWBF_Rules_V1.pdf