Wheelchair Sports in the Spotlight – Wheelchair Softball

Published: April 9, 2014

One of the best ways for disabled individuals to meet new people, converse with other like-bodied individuals, maintain their health through activity and exercise, and satiate their competitive juices is through sports. There are a number of wheelchair sports to choose from, including wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis. They type of sport that is right for you will depend on a number of factors, such as what type of sports you like and what your mobility needs dictate. However, one of the most exciting wheelchair sports in the country is wheelchair softball.

If you are interested in getting involved with an organized wheelchair sport, softball may be right for you. After all, baseball is America's pastime and there's perhaps no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than hitting the ball around and rounding the bases!

The History of Wheelchair Softball

Organized wheelchair softball as we know it today was started in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in the early 1970s, with the inception of the first team, the Sioux Wheelers. By the mid-1970s, the sport had grown, and so too had the number of teams. Joining the Wheelers were the Courage Rolling Gophers, Des Moines Roadrunners, and the University of Illinois wheelchair softball team. With the sport growing, it was decided that a governing body was needed, and in 1976, the National Wheelchair Softball Association (NWSA) was born.

Today, teams exist throughout the country, from New York to Missouri to Florida. In you are looking to join a team, there are currently official, NWSA-sanctioned softball teams in the following states:

• California – River Cats Independence Field
• Colorado – Colorado Rollin Rockies
• Florida – Rays
• Georgia – Shepherd Sluggers
• Illinois – RIC Cubs I; RIC Cubs II; Midwest Flyers Wheelchair Softball Team; Vaughan PVA White Sox
• Iowa – QC Rolling Bandits
• Massachusetts – Rollin Red Sox
• Michigan – West Michigan Rollin' Whitecaps
• Minnesota – Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans Flamethrowers; Courage Rolling Twins
• Nebraska – Nebraska Barons
• New York – United Spinal Association Mets; United Spinal Association Yankees
• Ohio – Columbus Pioneers
• South Carolina – Mauldin Maulers
• Texas – Texas Stars
• Wisconsin – Wisconsin PVA Whitewater Warhawks

If you don't see a team near you, we encourage you to contact your local hospitals and recreation centers to inquire about teams in the area. You can also contact the NWSA and inquire about starting an officially sanctioned team of your own.

The Rules of Wheelchair Softball

The NWSA employs standard Amateur Softball Association of America rules with some minor changes, all of which are designed to accommodate disabled players. These exceptions are as follows:

• The game is played on level, smooth blacktop; not dirt and grass
• The distance between bases is 50 feet, with the distance between home plat and second being 70 feet, 8.5 inches
• The pitching stripe is located 28 feet from home plate
• The bases are painted circles measuring 4 feet in diameter
• Various modifications are made to the playing field to accommodate rules unique to wheelchair softball
• Team members are assigned points based on classification; at no point can a team's total points exceed 22
• Teams must have 10 players, including at least one quadriplegic player, to start the game
• "Chop Hits" are allowed in the NWSA
• Tagging a base involves rolling over it with at least one wheel
• No lower extremities may come in contact with the ground, though a player can touch the ground with his or her hands
• All four infielders must have at least one wheel in contact with the dividing line or in the infield area until the pitcher releases the ball
• All outfielders except the shortfielder must have one wheel in contact with the dividing line or in the outfield area until the pitcher releases the ball
• A player is not allowed to lift his or her buttocks off of the wheelchair's seat cushion
• Quadriplegic players are allowed to wear gloves on one or both hands
• On overthrows, players are only allowed to advance one base

These exceptions have all been written with the disabled player in mind. If you are familiar with the rules of standard softball, you can see how this sport differs – and how it's the same. Get involved today.

Major Tournaments and Games – Get Involved!

There are a number of different tournaments throughout the year, played throughout the country. To join a tournament or attend an event, check the NWSA tournament calendar. Even if you aren't quite ready to get involved with the sport, spectating can be just as much fun!