Wheelchair Tennis Information Sheet

About the Sport Wheelchair tennis first appeared at the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games. Its rules are similar to Olympic doubles tennis, in that the ball is allowed to bounce twice, but at least one bounce must be inside the court. Men and women play in singles (between two players) and doubles (between two pairs) matches. The winner of a match is determined by the first to win two sets.

Who can compete? Wheelchair Tennis is open to athletes with a physical impairment. Athletes are required to submit medical reports and meet the minimum impairment criteria in order to compete.

Eligible Description Minimum Impairment Criteria impairments Partial or complete absence of bones or joints due to More than 1/2 loss of length of Loss of limbs amputation or deficiency one foot from birth Muscle weakness or Muscle paralysis from conditions weakness/ such as muscular dystrophy, Loss of strength in a hip, knee or Impaired multiple sclerosis, nerve ankle muscle power damage, spinal cord injury or other spinal condition Impairments from Co-ordination neurological conditions such impairments - as acquired brain injury, Co-ordination or movement Hypertonia, cerebral palsy and multiple difficulties in at least one leg Ataxia, sclerosis that affect co- Athetosis ordination and smoothness of movement and balance. Restricted movement or Restricted joint tightness in a joint/s from movement/ Restricted movement in at least conditions such as joint Impaired one hip, knee or ankle. fusions and other restricting passive range conditions.

Leg length Significant difference in leg At least 7cm difference between difference length due to a deficiency at both legs birth or trauma.

Wheelchair Tennis Sport Classes

Sport Description (Guide Only) Classes

Players who impairment in at least one of their legs. Players Open have the full range of shots and can move with speed and precision around the court.

Players have impairment in their torso, both legs and at least one of their arms. Players may use strapping to assist them to Quad handle their racquet or maneuver their playing chair. Some players may not be able to perform an overhead serve.

Player does not meet the minimum criteria for the Para-sport Not Eligible classes, but may still be able to compete in non Para sporting (NE) opportunities. Contact Tennis Australia for more information.

Find out more To get involved or for more information contact:

Tennis Australia W: www.tennis.com.au E: [email protected] P: 03 9696 2344

Note: The classification information provided is intended as a guide only. Only authorised classifiers are able to provide a formal classification in accordance with the rules of the sport. Not all classes may have events at the Paralympic Games.