Wheelchair lacrosse is a fast-paced team sport for athletes with physical disabilities and mobility impairments.
Wheelchair Lacrosse is an extremely diverse and inclusive game played by athletes of all ages, genders, and abilities. Normally played on a roller hockey rink or box lacrosse pad and using a no-bounce ball, wheelchair lacrosse offers the complete package for an adaptive team sport -- the speed of wheelchair basketball, the skill of sled hockey, and the toughness of wheelchair rugby.
wheelchair Lacrosse rules
The rules for wheelchair lacrosse are a mix of men's field lacrosse and box lacrosse rules. USA Lacrosse collaborated with wheelchair lacrosse coaches and administrators to establish a standardized rule set to enhance player safety and provide consistency and fairness in game play, leading to heightened enjoyment for all participants.
Commonly Asked Question About Wheelchair Lacrosse
Who plays wheelchair lacrosse?
Wheelchair lacrosse is designed for athletes with disabilities that affect their mobility. Common disabilities include amputation, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis, among others. Adult men and women of all ages compete in regional and national tournaments, and many teams are working to develop a youth division as well.
How do you play?
Players use standard lacrosse sticks to scoop, catch, carry, pass, and shoot the ball into the other team’s goal. Gameplay is 7v7 on a solid surface roller hockey rink, using a no-bounce lacrosse ball and box lacrosse goals. A non-contact 3v3 version may also be played on a basketball court. Teams are often mixed gender and mixed ability.
What facilities are needed for game play?
For competitive games, wheelchair lacrosse is typically played on a roller hockey rink or hard surface box lacrosse rink. Practices and learn-to-play events may be held in a gym or on a tennis court.
What equipment is needed?
Participants use the same sport wheelchairs that are used for wheelchair basketball. Players wear standard men’s lacrosse equipment, including a helmet, gloves, arm pads, and shoulder pads, and play using a no-bounce lacrosse ball.
Is checking allowed?
Yes, controlled stick checking and body checking are allowed. All chair-to-chair contact must be made IN FRONT of the main axle of the wheelchair. Slashing, cross-checking, pushing from behind, and other typical men's lacrosse penalties are illegal. Non-checking versions of wheelchair lacrosse are also available and are typically utilized at the youth level.
Is there a classification system?
Wheelchair lacrosse currently uses two player classification categories: Disabled Athlete (DA) and Able-Bodied (AB) player. To qualify as a DA, a player shall have a permanent disability which consistently reduces their physical function to a degree that they cannot safely and enjoyably play running lacrosse as an able-bodied player. Each team may have a maximum of two AB players on the floor at one time during competition.
How can I get involved?
Participants who wish to get involved with wheelchair lacrosse or have additional questions may contact the league directly at info@wheelchairlacrosse.com. Additional resources are also available at www.wheelchairlacrosse.com.