What do the numbers mean in wheelchair rugby?
B · Beginner · The game · 3 of 4Players are classed 0.5 to 3.5, a lower number meaning more impairment; anyone who would be 4.0 is not eligible. The four on court may total at most eight points. Each woman classed 0.5 to 1.5 adds half a point to the allowance, and each classed 2.0 to 3.5 a full point.
How it works
- Classes: 0.5 to 3.5.
- Lower: more impairment.
- 4.0 or more: not eligible.
- Limit: eight points on court.
- Women 0.5 to 1.5: plus half a point.
- Women 2.0 to 3.5: plus a point.
- Over the limit: technical foul on the bench.
- Point count: a coach may ask for one.
The glossary has the sport classes 0.5 to 3.5, the eight-point limit, the excessive points technical foul, the eligible impairments (wheelchair rugby), the minimum impairment criteria (wheelchair rugby) and the assessments (wheelchair rugby).
Tricky cases
A coach asks for a count and the opponents are legal. Result?
A technical foul on the asking coach.
Can small impairments be added up to qualify?
No.
A team has only three players. Limit?
Their total must stay below eight.
Do penalised players count?
Yes. The penalty box counts as on court.
Why the rule exists
The points cap forces teams to play their most impaired athletes. The women's allowance encourages mixed teams.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Men only | Eight points | 35 |
| With women | Extra allowance | 35 |
| Over | Technical foul | 102 |
From the rule book
World Wheelchair Rugby, International Wheelchair Rugby Rules (1 April 2026), rules 35 and 102, with IWRF, Classification Rules (2021), rules 8 and 9 and Appendix 1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Wheelchair Rugby International Rules, April 2026.