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Classifiers and social control in wheelchair rugby
1Department of Physical Therapy, China Medical College, Taichung 404, Taiwan. skwu@mail.cmc.edu.tw
The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
|June 22, 2001
Summary
Wheelchair rugby classifiers require medical or physical therapy backgrounds to maintain fair competition. Their expertise ensures the integrity of the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF) classification system.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Sociology of Sport
Background:
- Maintaining social control and fairness in wheelchair rugby relies on effective classification.
- The authority of the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF) is upheld by its classifiers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the essential features of wheelchair rugby classifiers.
- To understand the resources classifiers utilize to maintain IWRF authority and competition fairness.
Main Methods:
- Participant observation at national and international wheelchair rugby championships.
- Survey administered to 14 IWRF-authorized classifiers.
Main Results:
- Five essential features for IWRF classifiers were identified.
- A background in medicine or physical therapy is crucial for classifiers.
- Classifiers leverage medical and sporting knowledge for fair competition and process control.
Conclusions:
- Classifiers' medical and sporting expertise is vital for maintaining the integrity of wheelchair rugby.
- Findings can inform training programs for Taiwanese professionals aspiring to be international classifiers.
- The study provides a basis for developing national classifier training programs.