Sports Details
Wheelchair Basketball Classification
At the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Bangladesh, we follow the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) 2021 Rules. Classification in this sport is unique: it is not about how well you play, but your functional capacity to perform basketball skills—pushing, pivoting, shooting, and rebounding—while maintaining balance in your chair.
1. The Two Pillars of Eligibility
To compete internationally for Bangladesh, an athlete must meet two criteria:
- Eligible Impairment: Must have an underlying health condition resulting in one of the following: Impaired Muscle Power, Impaired Range of Movement, Limb Deficiency, Leg Length Difference, Hypertonia, Ataxia, or Athetosis.
- Minimum Impairment Criteria (MIC): The impairment must be significant enough that it limits the athlete's ability to play "stand-up" basketball.
2. The 8 Sport Classes (1.0 – 4.5)
Players are assigned a point value from 1.0 to 4.5. These points represent a player’s "Volume of Action"—how far they can lean and move their trunk without losing balance.
Point | Description of Movement |
|---|---|
1.0 | No trunk control. Players cannot lean forward or sideways and usually have high backrests or straps for stability. |
2.0 | Partial trunk control. Can lean forward and rotate the upper body but cannot lean sideways. |
3.0 | Strong forward movement. Can lean fully forward and rotate but cannot lean to the sides without losing balance. |
4.0 | Full movement with limitations. Can lean forward, rotate, and lean to one side comfortably. |
4.5 | No restriction. Can lean forward, rotate, and lean to both sides fully. (e.g., players with lower-leg amputations). |
0.5 increments | (1.5, 2.5, 3.5) These are used for athletes whose functional ability falls between the major classes. |
3. The 14-Point Team Balance Rule
This is the most important rule for coaches! To ensure a fair mix of players with different disability levels, the total points of the five players on the court cannot exceed 14.0.
- If a coach plays five "4.5" players, the total would be 22.5 (Illegal).
- A balanced lineup might include a 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.5 (Total = 14.0).
- Penalty: If a team exceeds 14 points, a technical foul is charged to the bench.