I.Competition Venue and Equipment
1.Venue: The competition venue for Paralympic wheelchair basketball is basically the same as that for able - bodied basketball. It is 28 meters long and 15 meters wide. The boundaries of the venue are marked by lines, including the end lines and side lines. At both ends of the venue, there are basketball hoops, and the height of the hoops is 3.05 meters.
2.Wheelchair: Athletes must use wheelchairs that meet the regulations of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF). The design and construction of the wheelchair are designed to meet the intensity and safety requirements of the competition, and there are strict restrictions on size, weight, and function. For example, the maximum width of the wheelchair cannot exceed 70 cm to ensure the flexible movement of athletes during the competition.
3.Basketball: A standard basketball is used, with a circumference of 75 - 78 cm and a weight of 600 - 650 grams.
II. Participating Teams and Player Classification
1.Participating Teams: Each participating team consists of 12 players, including 5 players on the court and 7 substitute players. During the game, the coach can make substitutions according to tactical needs.
2.Player Classification: To ensure the fairness of the competition, Paralympic wheelchair basketball classifies players. Player classification ranges from 1.0 to 4.5. The smaller the number, the more severe the athlete's disability and the higher the degree of functional limitation in the competition. For example, a player with a classification of 1.0 may need more assistance to complete movements, while a player with a classification of 4.5 has relatively more complete functions. The total classification of the 5 players on the court of each team cannot exceed 14 points. This rule prompts teams to reasonably match players with different degrees of disability to give full play to the team's maximum advantage.
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Paris 2024 Paralympic GamesIII. Game Time and Scoring Rules
1.Game Time: The game is divided into four quarters, each quarter lasting 10 minutes. There is a 15 - minute break between the first and second halves, and a 2 - minute break between quarters. If the scores of the two teams are the same within the regular time, an overtime period of 5 minutes will be played.
2.Scoring Rules: A successful shot outside the three - point line scores 3 points, and a successful shot inside the three - point line scores 2 points. Each successful free throw scores 1 point. Free throws are usually awarded when the opposing player commits a foul.
IV. Fouls and Penalties
1.Types of Fouls: Common fouls include personal fouls, such as blocking, pushing, and pulling; technical fouls, such as unsportsmanlike conduct and disobeying the referee's decision; and fouls that violate the special regulations of wheelchair basketball, such as a player's feet leaving the footrests of the wheelchair during the game.
2.Penalty Methods: For personal fouls, the offended team will be awarded free throws or the ball. If a foul - committing player accumulates 5 fouls, he will be disqualified from the game. A technical foul will result in the opposing team being awarded free throws and the ball, and a player with serious circumstances may be directly expelled from the game.
V. Special Game Rules
1.Dribbling Rules: In wheelchair basketball games, players must keep at least one hand in contact with the wheelchair during the dribbling process. If a player dribbles with both hands off the wheelchair, it will be judged as a violation, and the opposing team will be awarded the ball.
2.Moving Rules: When a player moves the wheelchair, he cannot push it more than twice in a row, otherwise it is regarded as a violation. This rule aims to limit the players' use of the power advantage of the wheelchair and ensure the fairness and competitiveness of the game.
3.Defensive Rules: When defending, defensive players cannot deliberately block the opponent's movement route with the wheelchair, nor can they interfere with the opponent's actions by colliding with the opponent's wheelchair. Otherwise, a foul will be called.
