The Sport

The basic rules of wheelchair basketball are very similar to standup basketball. (for example the height of the basket, distance to the foul line, three point line, etc., are the same measurements as in the game of stand up basketball), but overtime they have evolved as well. In 1964 basic international rules were adopted which included minor adjustments to meet the needs of the game in a wheelchair.

Originally, the participants were primarily individuals who had a spinal cord injury or had developed polio.  It was not until the late 70’s that the wheelchair basketball community decided to allow and encourage individuals with other disabilities to participate.

Wheelchair basketball in Canada is played in accordance with the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) rules which have been modified from Federation Internationale de Basketball (FIBA). There are some adaptations for play in the various divisions of the Canadian Wheelchair Basketball League (CWBL) to encourage development. Some teams in Canada play in a league governed by the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) which is the Wheelchair Basketball Canada counterpart in the United States. The rules used in that game are modified from those used in National Colleges Athletics Association (NCAA) league play.
 
Read more about:

• [Dribbling]
• [Equipment]
• [Fouls]
• [Duration]
• [The Court]

For further information or to purchase the a copy of the official rule book please [contact] Wheelchair Basketball Canada.