Wheelchair rugby is an exciting team game for people with quadriplegia. Invented in Canada, the sport was initially called Murderball. The name was changed to Wheelchair Rugby when the game was brought to the U.S. since rugby “best embodied the spirit of the game.” Portland’s wheelchair rugby team is the Portland Pounders.

Wheelchair rugby is played on a regulation basketball court; teams may have four players in play at any one time. Athletes score goals by carrying the ball across the opponent’s goal line. The offense must pass or dribble the ball every ten seconds. Chair contact is legal, and encouraged, however direct contact with the opponent is not permitted, and results in a hockey-style penalty. If a player is knocked down, he is helped up at the next stoppage of play.

Strategies vary according to a team’s personnel, conditioning, and style. Some utilize a fast-paced press while others use a deliberate, disciplined style of play. The speed, contact, and strategy of the game make it truly enjoyable spectator sport.

Coaching Staff: Kip Johnson, Ed Suhr