Classification for Wheelchair Basketball  

Basketball

Classification for wheelchair basketball is based upon sport-specific tests of shooting, passing, rebounding, pushing and dribbling, rather than a medical diagnosis or muscle function examination.

 

There are eight classifications based upon functional ability to play Wheelchair Basketball (Classes 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4,5), with higher classification numbers representing greater Basketball skills. Athletes are given a numerical point value based on their classification status with the maximum allowable points on the floor being 14.0.

 

1 point player: Little or no controlled trunk movement in all planes. Balance in both forward and sideways directions significantly impaired and players rely on their arms to return them to the upright position when unbalanced. No active trunk rotation.

 

2 point player: Some partially controlled trunk movement in the forward direction, but no

controlled sideways movement, has upper trunk rotation but poor lower trunk rotation.

 

3 point player: Good trunk movement in the forward direction to the floor and up again without arm support. Has good trunk rotation but no controlled sideways movement.

 

4 point player: Normal trunk movement, but usually due to limitations in one lower limb they have difficulty with controlled sideways movement to one side.

 

4.5 point player: Normal trunk movement in all directions, able to reach side to side with no limitations.

There are situations where a player does not seem to fit exactly into one class, exhibiting characteristics of two or more classes. In this instance the classifier may assign the player a half point, thus creating 1.5, 2.5 or 3.5 point players. This is usually done only when the player cannot be assigned a defined class.

Download the Classification Table for Wheelchair Basketball 369kb (PDF)