Question: I don't use a wheelchair - can I still play?

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Answer: Wheelchair basketball is an inclusive sport which anybody can play, whether they have a disability or not. Players might use a wheelchair for mobility as well as crutches, walkers and prosthetics. Able-bodied players are a valuable part of our club and are always welcome.

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Question: I don't own a sports wheelchair - can I use a club sports chair?

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Answer: Wheelchairs in disability sport are built for performance and usually made to measure. Lothian Phoenix has a wide variety of sports wheelchairs available to suit players of all sizes and levels of ability. It is best to contact us prior to coming along to a training session so that we can have one of our spare basketball chairs ready and waiting.

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Question: Are the rules of wheelchair basketball different to running basketball?

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Answer: The basic rules of wheelchair basketball are very similar to running basketball with a few minor modifications. The measurements of the court and the height of the baskets are identical, as well as the scoring system. A game consists of four periods of ten minutes. Particular attention must be paid to the wheelchair, as it is considered to be part of the player.

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Question: How do you dribble the ball in wheelchair basketball?

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Answer: A player may wheel the chair and bounce the ball simultaneously. However, if the ball is picked up and/or placed on the player’s lap, they only allowed to push twice before being obligated to shoot, pass, or dribble the ball again. There is no double dribble rule in wheelchair basketball. A traveling violation occurs if the player takes more than two pushes while in possession of the ball and not dribbling. It looks hard at first but is fairly easy to get the hang of dribbling whilst pushing!

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Question: How do players with various levels of ability compete fairly?

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Answer: Wheelchair basketball has a strict classification system in place to ensure matches are fair to both sides. Each player is assigned classification points based on thier level of functional ability from 1.0 to 4.5. Out of the 5 players on court, the coach must ensure the total number of classification points does not exceed the maximum limit for the league in which they are competing. Able-bodied and players awaiting classification are designated as 5.0 points. Find out more about classification HERE.

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Question: Can I bring a friend/sibling?

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Answer: The more the merrier! If it helps you to bring a friend or family member with you to training you are welcome to do so. For many junior players, wheelchair basketball provides an opportunity for them to play alongside their non-disabled siblings or friends.

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Question: Is Lothian Phoenix WBC a registered charity?

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Answer: Yes we are a registered Scottish charity and rely on funding from players, sponsors and fundraising to continue operating. if you have a fab idea for a fundraiser or know a company or organisation which might sponsor the club please let us know.

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Question: How much does it cost?

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Answer: All new players are allowed up come along and try 4 sessions free of charge to find out if Lothian Phoenix is the right club for them. If you or your child chooses to continue with sessions we have a standard monthly subscription cost which all players must pay to cover the costs of hall hire, equipment and other club expenses. Please note that all of our coaches are unpaid volunteers.

• Junior Players (under 14): £15

• Junior Players (under18) also taking part in BWB National League Competitions: £25

• Recreational Adult Players: £15

• Adult Players: £30

In addition to your monthly subscription, all players must also register with our governing bodies – British Wheelchair Basketball and Basketball Scotland – which provide insurance and indemnity cover for the club. Recreational memberships can be purchased free of charge

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