Wheelchair Volleyball Rules

Being bound to a wheelchair does not mean a life sentence of inactivity. Those in wheelchairs can lead as active a life as those who are not in a wheelchair. Any sport that exists can be adapted to make it so those in a wheelchair can enjoy it. Wheelchair basketball and track and field are two of the most well-known wheelchair sports. Volleyball can also be adapted to make it so that those in a wheelchair can participate. The rules are a little different, but the fun remains intact.

  1. Sitting Volleyball

    • Statistics suggest that 7 percent of the population is disabled. Sitting volleyball is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports among the disabled. Those bound to a wheelchair are not the only members of disabled society that can participate. Amputees and those with cerebral palsy can also take part in sitting volleyball. Sitting volleyball is an ideal activity as it can be played co-educationally. This allows an atmosphere of camaraderie and sportsmanship, regardless of both age and sex. Sitting volleyball also allows those who are of minor disability to participate in an activity with those who are more severely handicapped, which creates an environment based on equality. Perhaps the most attractive part of sitting volleyball is the fact that it does not require expensive prostheses or equipment, which makes it an option for nearly everyone.

    Rules

    • The rules of sitting volleyball are slightly modified from those of standing volleyball. The size of the court needed to play sitting volleyball is the same as standing volleyball. The net must be 1m wide and 10m long. The net is much lower than in standing volleyball, sitting 1m off the ground. While the court is the same size as that used for standing volleyball, it must be divided differently according to the rules of sitting volleyball. The court in sitting volleyball is divided into an attack zone, which stretches 2m on both sides of the net. The position of each player is determined by the position of their bottom. The rules of sitting volleyball define a person's bottom as the upper part of the body, from the shoulder to the buttocks. Players are allowed to the touch the opponent's side of the court so long as part of the penetrating hand remains in contact or directly above the net. Players in the front row of the attack zone are not allowed to lift their bottom from the court when performing any type of offensive or defensive move. Those who sit in the back row, which is located outside of the attack zone, are allowed to lift their bodies off the court when performing an offensive or defensive move. Referees must remain on the side of the court during play due to the fact that the net is so low and the players are sitting.

    History

    • After World War II it became apparent that there was a need for sports that disabled people could take part in. Veterans made much more progress in recovery when sports were involved. Sitting volleyball was invented in the Netherlands, and the first competitive international match took place in 1957. The first Paralympics took place during the 1996 Olympic Games, and sitting volleyball was one of the sports that was included.