Player Physical Ability Classification
Those new to the game of wheelchair basketball often wonder how it is that able-bodied players can compete with / against those who have physical challenges. In an effort to create a fair and level playing field, wheelchair basketball athletes are assigned a point value (class) based on their functional ability. The Canadian system of classification is closely based on the international classification system. Players are assigned a value between 1.0 to 4.5. A lower classification signifies an athletes who is more limited in their physical function while athletes assigned to higher classes have few if any limitations. The total accumulated number of player classification points allowed on the court at one time not exceed a set value. For a 3 on 3 game the maximum team classification point value is normally 8.5. 5 on 5 games typically have a limit of 14 or 15 points, depending on the league.
Example:
The game limit is 14 points. Player 1 = 4.5 Player 2 = 3.0 Player 3 = 3.5 Player 4 = 1.5 Player 5 = ?
The coach cannot fill the player 5 spot with an athlete whose classification greater than 1.5. Doing so would exceed the teams 14 point maximum, triggering a rule violation.
The Class 1.0 Player:
• Has no active trunk movement in the vertical plane (rotation).
• Has little or no controlled trunk movement in the forward plane.
• Has no controlled trunk movement in the sideways plane.
• When unbalanced, has to rely on his arms to return to the upright position.
The Class 2.0 Player:
• Has active upper trunk rotation but no lower trunk rotation.
• Has partially controlled trunk movement in the forward plane.
• Has no controlled trunk movements in the sideways plane.
The Class 3.0 Player:
• Has complete trunk movement in the vertical plane.
• Has complete trunk movement in the forward plane.
• Has no controlled trunk movements in the sideways plane.
The Class 4.0 Player:
• Has complete trunk movement in the vertical plane.
• Has complete trunk movement in the forward plane.
• Has complete trunk movement to one side, but usually due to limited function in one lower limb has difficulty with controlled trunk movement to the other side.
The Class 4.5 Player:
• Has complete trunk movement in the vertical plane.
• Has complete trunk movement in the forward plane.
• Has complete trunk movements to both sides.
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 classification: 1.5, 2.5, or 3.5.