What is a backcourt violation in wheelchair rugby?
A · Advanced · Violations · 1 of 4Once in its frontcourt a team may not take the ball back over halfway. A carrier with a wheel across the try line may not bring it back before scoring. A player touching the ball may touch the floor only with the wheels and anti-tip. At throw-ins, the ball must be touched on court within 8 seconds.
How it works
- Backcourt: no return once in the frontcourt.
- Last and first touch: same team for a violation.
- Out and in: no pulling a wheel back.
- Physical advantage: only wheels and anti-tip touch the floor.
- Throw-in: 8 seconds.
- In-bounder: cannot touch again first.
- Return: within 1 m.
- Sideways: no moving along the line.
The glossary has the backcourt violation (wheelchair rugby), the out and in violation, the physical advantage violation, the throw-in violations, the violation sanction and the throw-in (wheelchair rugby).
Tricky cases
A defender knocks the ball into the attackers' backcourt. Violation?
No. The defender touched it last.
A carrier puts a hand on the floor to stop tipping. Violation?
Yes, while touching the ball.
Can the in-bounder pivot?
Yes, but not move sideways.
A wheel lifts off the out-of-bounds area before a try. Violation?
Yes.
Why the rule exists
These rules keep play moving forward. They stop players pushing on the floor with hands or feet for extra force.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Backcourt | No return | 73 |
| Try line | No out and in | 77 |
| Floor | Wheels only | 78 |
From the rule book
World Wheelchair Rugby, International Wheelchair Rugby Rules (1 April 2026), rules 72, 73, 77, 78 and 81. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Wheelchair Rugby International Rules, April 2026.