No, anyone can play wheelchair basketball, as long as you have upper body strength to push a basketball wheelchair.
We run all our training sessions at:
Smiths Wood School
Winward Way,
Birmingham.
B36 0UE
Tuesday
Senior Players 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m.
Thursday
Senior Players 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m.
Saturday
Juniors 11:00 a.m. till 12:30p.m.
Development/Women team players 12:30 p.m. till 2 p.m.
After the 4 week trial period, then all members have to register with national league. There are 2 types of registration, the first is an associate member, which is free of charge and covers members under the BWB associations insurance. The second is full membership, which costs £30 per season, and allows players to play in the national league.
SO WHAT IS STOPPING ME?
The rules are virtually the same as the running game, the only major difference between the running game and the wheelchair game is the dribbling rule. In the wheelchair game you are allowed to push on your wheels twice and then must bounce the ball once, before pushing on your wheels again. The basket heights and court dimensions are exactly the same as the running game.
There is no age limit to join the club, only that a child is old enough to take and follow instructions from a coach/instructor. To play competitively in the national league, the lower age limit is 13 years age. Junior players would be eligible to play in regionals from 11 years. There is no upper age limit to play, only that you are medically fit to participate
Although we welcome everybody of all abilities to get the most enjoyment from playing basketball you would need basic motor skills to enable the ability to push a manual wheelchair and be able to catch and throw a basketball.
The first 4 weeks are free of charge, giving new members an opportunity to consider if they like playing. After 4 weeks the charges per month are juniors £10 per month and seniors £20 per month.
All new players must pay £30 for their first year of registration
No you don’t need to know the rules, as they will be taught at the same time as being shown how to play. Also a copy of the rules and regulations can be found on the Bears web site.
No, the club holds a number of stock wheelchairs in which new players can use. If after some time a member wants to have his own wheelchair to play in, then the club will look to help the member to raise funds in which to buy one.
Yes Females are more than welcome to join the club and to play. As a club we are always keen in getting more females playing. Girls and boys can make up a team to play in junior league. The Bears run numerous teams which includes a womens team which plays in the BWB Womens League and a junior team that plays in the Lord Taverners National League. Women can also play along side the men in mixed teams in the national league.
SO WHAT IS STOPPING ME?
Nothing, pick up the phone or send us an email and we will be more than happy to answer any further questions. The hardest part is the first contact so be brave and make the effort to change your life.