The National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) was founded after WWII when so many soldiers were returning with physical disabilities. In an effort to provide recreation and athletics to these individuals, leagues started forming at VA hospitals around the country and soon expanded into the community. Women, junior and intercollegiate leagues followed and the NWBA now hosts over 180 teams throughout the Unites States and Canada.
The game is played according to NCAA rules with few exceptions. Each player is assigned a classification I, II or III - each team may have only 12 points on the floor at one time; the wheelchair is considered a part of the player so fouls are called accordingly - block/charge; the player has 4 seconds in the lane; and the player must dribble after two pushes of the wheelchair or it is considered a travel.
Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital supports two wheelchair sports teams. The men’s team, Hill on Wheels, captured the 10th Annual NWBA Division III National Championship Title on March 15, 2008 and the newest team to join the ranks is the women’s team.
For more information regarding athletics or recreation activities sponsored through Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, email recreation@cardinalhill.org.
There are many ways to get involved. You can play, volunteer, referee and, come watch the games! Hill on Wheels season follows the NCAA session with practice beginning in September. Games are played November through March. Regular season and post-season tournaments are played locally, regionally and nationally. The home court of Hill on Wheels is the Kentucky Basketball Academy located behind Meijers on Reynolds Road.
Hill on Wheels is always looking for new players. If you are interested or know of someone who might be interested, please contact Julie Duncan at jbd1@cardinalhill.org or (859) 254-5701, ext. 5642.
Volunteers are always needed to assist during practice and tournament. Positions include apprentice coaches, team assistants and table officials.
Today, the need for wheelchair basketball officials is great. The challenge of officiating wheelchair basketball can provide great personal rewards. Officials must be able to bring control; understand fairness; promote safety and encourage good sportsmanship. A good sports official is someone who who can be put in a position of authority and handle the responsibility without being overbearing. As a sports official, you’re in charge, but it’s the players who the fans have come to watch, not you. If your perspective is in the right place, you’ll find officiating to be a great way to stay involved with basketball, make new friends, learn important people skills and much more. The National Wheelchair Basketball Officials Association (NWBOA) is a great way to become involved with wheelchair basketball. If you are interested, please “make the call” and contact Bill Kuerzi, NWBOA President at kuerzi@hotmail.com or (706) 884-4466 (evenings).
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