What is the penalty for a foul in wheelchair rugby?
I · Intermediate · Fouls · 4 of 4A common foul is an illegal action in a real attempt to play. If attackers commit it, they lose the ball. If a defender does, they serve 30 seconds in the penalty box, freed early if the opponents score. For a foul on an attacker about to score, the referee may award a penalty try instead.
How it works
- Common foul: genuine attempt gone wrong.
- By attackers: loss of possession.
- By defenders: 30 seconds off.
- Released: if the opponents score.
- Penalty try: for a foul on a clear scorer.
- Box: stay through stoppages.
- Third penalised player: waits off court.
- No replacement: for a penalised player.
The glossary has the common foul, the penalty try, the serving penalties, the penalty box, the four in the key foul and the one metre foul.
Tricky cases
The opponents score while a defender is in the box. Released?
Yes, for a common foul.
Can a third player serve a penalty at once?
They wait off court; a substitute plays.
Does a penalised player sit through time-outs?
Yes.
Can a fouled attacker get a try without scoring?
Yes, a penalty try.
Why the rule exists
A man-down penalty makes defensive fouls costly. The penalty try stops a team fouling to prevent a certain score.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Attackers | Lose the ball | 88 |
| Defenders | 30 seconds | 88 |
| Scoring chance | Penalty try | 88 |
From the rule book
World Wheelchair Rugby, International Wheelchair Rugby Rules (1 April 2026), rules 88 and 105 to 108. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Wheelchair Rugby International Rules, April 2026.