The sport of wheelchair rugby, which is considered a combination of basketball and rugby began in Canada in 1977. Wheelchair rugby is played on a basketball court with a softer ball such as a volley-ball. The sport has evolved world-wide and made its way into the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games with eight total teams.
Both men and women can participate in wheelchair rugby. The hard collisions during the game require constant maintenance for the wheelchairs. The games are divided into four eight minute periods. Each team has four players and eight substitutes. On each goal-line there are two cones eight meters apart from each other. Attacking players may only stay in the Key Area for 10 seconds, and only three players are allowed in the area on defense. The object of the game is to get the most points by crossing over the opposing goal line with two wheels and the ball.
Athletes are assessed on the balance of their upper body (torso), the handling of the ball, and the handling of their wheelchair. When competing in higher level games the players are rated from 0.5 to 3.5. The lowest degree of mobility would give you the highest grade.
Wheelchair Rugby 
