What is a flagrant foul in wheelchair rugby?
A · Advanced · Fouls · 3 of 4A technical foul, for things like abusive language, lifting off the seat or steering with the legs, brings a 30-second penalty. A flagrant foul, reckless or intimidating contact, means three penalties back to back; a second disqualifies. A disqualifying foul, such as fighting, sends the player out; a teammate serves 40 seconds.
How it works
- Technical: conduct or admin, 30 seconds.
- Examples: lifting off the seat, leg steering.
- Bench technical: coach picks who serves.
- Flagrant: reckless or intimidating contact.
- Flagrant penalty: three in a row.
- Second flagrant: disqualification.
- Disqualifying: fighting, dangerous play.
- Replacement: serves 40 seconds, no release.
The glossary has the technical foul (wheelchair rugby), the flagrant foul, the disqualifying foul (wheelchair rugby), the excessive points technical foul, the serving penalties and the captain (wheelchair rugby).
Tricky cases
A player rises off the seat to block a pass. Foul?
A technical foul.
Who serves for a disqualified player?
A teammate with the same or closest classification.
Is the 40-second penalty cut by a try?
No.
Who may speak to the officials?
Only the captain.
Why the rule exists
Penalties rise with danger. The disqualified player's teammate serves so the team still pays.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | 30 seconds | 98 to 101 |
| Flagrant | Three penalties | 103 |
| Disqualifying | 40 seconds, no release | 104 |
From the rule book
World Wheelchair Rugby, International Wheelchair Rugby Rules (1 April 2026), rules 37 and 98 to 104. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Wheelchair Rugby International Rules, April 2026.