|
Volleyball
Standing volleyball first appeared in the Paralympic program at the 1976 Games in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Sitting volleyball was introduced at the following Games in Arnhem, Netherlands. The top U.S. finish has been fourth place, which was accomplished by the standing team in both the Atlanta and Sydney Games in 1996 and 2000, respectively.
Disabled volleyball is divided into two major disciplines: sitting and standing. For the Athens Games in 2004, however, only sitting volleyball was on the Paralympic program. Athens also introduced the first Paralympic competition for women’s sitting volleyball, and the U.S. came away with the bronze medal.
Disabled volleyball follows the same rules as its non-disabled counterpart with a few modifications to accommodate the various disabilities. In sitting volleyball, the net is about 3.5 feet high, and the court is 10 x six meters with a two-meter attack line. Players are allowed to block serves, but one “cheek” must be in contact with the floor whenever they make contact with the ball. In standing volleyball, a mix of disabilities must be represented on the court at all time to equalize the level of play. Paralympic volleyball competition is open to male and female athletes in the categories for amputees, spinal cord injured/wheelchair and cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke. For additional information on eligibility, click on the Classification link on the left side of this page.
|
