Classifiers and social control in wheelchair rugby.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the features of wheelchair rugby classifiers in order to maintain social control in wheelchair rugby. The examination centered on the theme-resources used by classifiers to maintain the authority of International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF). Data were collected using participant observation methodology at national and international wheelchair rugby championships and a survey of the 14 IWRF authorized classifiers. The results of this study identified five essential features of IWRF classifiers. In particular, they need to have a background in medicine or physical therapy. In addition, IWRF classifiers use their medical and sporting knowledge and experience to control the wheelchair rugby classification process and to maintain fairness of competition. The results of this study may help to train Taiwanese professionals with medical or sporting backgrounds to become international classifiers and also to develop appropriate training programs for national classifiers.