Wheelchair Basketball
There are many millions of Americans that use wheelchairs and without them might not be able to get around. Due to regulations by the government, many public areas are accessible to people in wheelchairs. While many people only use their wheelchair as a means of getting around, some choose to play sports such as basketball in their chair.
Wheelchair basketball has been played in the US since the 1940’s. The first known game is usually attributed to a group of disabled veterans from World War II. It quickly gained popularity after this first game and today it is played worldwide by thousands of people.
The rules of wheelchair basketball are very similar to those of regular basketball, but several changes have been made. For instance when a person takes control of the ball they can only touch their wheels twice before passing, bouncing, or shooting the ball. Otherwise they would be classified as traveling. If the player tilts the chair far enough back that the anti-tip wheels come in contact with the court, the ball is awarded to the other team. While some of the rules are different, a 10-foot basketball hoop and standard sized court are used.
When playing recreationally the skills of a player are rated on a point scale between 1 to 4.5. These ratings are used to help keep teams balanced among players who many times vary in skill. Some teams allow non-disabled people to play and they are rated as 5’s.
It is important for everyone to have a hobby or thing that they enjoy doing. For many people who use wheelchairs, wheelchair basketball is a great way to have some fun and stay active.
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Its mostly right, but good to see the word of disabled sports is being spread. The turnover part, its actually if any part of your frame touches the floor, than its a turnover, your fifth wheel(s) can touch at any time.
Thanks for your interest. I was basing this off of the rules from the American Heart Association and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, which state that possession of the ball is lost if the anti-tip casters come in contact with the floor.
“905. PLAY – Player A5 leans over to gain control of the ball. While in contact with the ball, A5’s chair tilts to one side and his/her right wheel and caster leave the floor.
RULING – No violation is called providing neither the player’s foot/feet nor the foot rests or anti-tip (safety) casters come in contact with the floor. ”
Source http://www.nwba.org/index.php?module=ContentExpress&func=display&ceid=15