The Classification System
Timing: 1 x 45 minute block
CROSS-CURRICULAR: Mathematics, Sciences
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Sample Grade 5
OVERVIEW: This lesson explores the wheelchair rugby game classification system and its purpose.
CURRICULUM SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / VALUES:
Students will:
- learn that only athletes who have a combination of upper and lower extremity impairments can play wheelchair rugby
- recognize the challenge wheelchair rugby coaches face in organizing their shifts of players
TEACHING MATERIALS:
- International Athlete Profiles used for players (photocopy 1 team per student and have them cut them out and place each country in an envelope)
- Envelopes (1 per student)
- Wheelchair Rugby Game Board (photocopy 1 per pair)
- Classification Process
- For extra players use Canadian and Other Nations Profiles
- Glossary — refer to when needed
Teaching Activities
- With the class, discuss the classification process and clarify the necessary vocabulary (e.g. abduction, internal rotation, trapping the ball, wrist extensors, etc.).
- Form pairs and hand out a copy of the Wheelchair Rugby Game Board and international team athlete player profiles. Cut out the player cards and put the teams in separate envelopes labelled with their countries. The students then assume the role of the coach, choose a team, and arrange their players so that their points add up to 8.0 per shift. Organize a few different shifts (4 players per shift) and practise with various teams.