BUILDING AN EVIDENCE BASE OF BEST PRACTICE APPROACHES TO IMPLEMENTING DISABILITY RUGBY LEAGUE TEAMS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW - Dr Wayne ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
BUILDING AN EVIDENCE BASE OF BEST PRACTICE APPROACHES TO IMPLEMENTING DISABILITY RUGBY LEAGUE TEAMS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW Dr Wayne Usher* Dr Michelle Ronksley-Pavia Dr Eunjae Park
Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing
Disability Rugby League Teams: A Systematic Literature Review
Dr Wayne Usher*
Dr Michelle Ronksley-Pavia
Dr Eunjae Park
Griffith University, Australia
* Corresponding author Dr Wayne Usher, w.usher@griffith.edu.au
When citing this document, please use the following citation:
Usher W., Ronksley-Pavia M., Park E. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches
to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams: A Systematic Literature Review. Griffith University,
Faculty of Education and Professional Studies.
2
WCR
CR
Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Table of Contents
Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams:
A Systematic Literature Review ................................................................................................................................1
Table of Contents ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
Methodology Summary ..............................................................................................................................................5
Organisation ................................................................................................................................................................6
1. International Physical Disability Rugby League Teams [England & New Zealand].........................................7
2. National Physical Disability Rugby League Teams [Australia]........................................................................19
3. International Competitions ..................................................................................................................................24
4. National Competitions ..........................................................................................................................................26
5. Definitions, Categories and Classifications .......................................................................................................28
A) Definitions .................................................................................................................................................................... 28
B) Eligible impairment types in the Paralympic movement ............................................................................................. 30
C) Activity Alliance (formally the English Federation of Disability Sports) profiling system ............................................. 32
D) International Rugby League (IRL) ................................................................................................................................. 32
E) Intellectual disability classification ............................................................................................................................... 32
6. Relevant Web Documents—Rules, Conditions and Policies ...........................................................................33
Contact us .................................................................................................................................................................34
3
WCR
CRUsher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Overview
This systematic review focused on identifying relevant literature on best practice frameworks and
classification systems associated with Disabled Rugby League Competitions (DRLC) (Physical Disability [PD] and
Intellectual Disability [ID]), across the globe. This report identifies, evaluates, and summarises the findings of
relevant literature associated with DRLC, and provides a thematic classification and frameworks from the reviewed
literature. Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) has been the main focus of this review.
Summary
This review identifies the scope of the PDRL teams and competitions across England, New Zealand and
Australia (other teams, but not included in this review, are identified as Ireland and Wales). Several commonalities
have been identified through this review in relation to the playing and player requirements, and modifications for
training and competition. Most PDRL teams (across above-mentioned countries), do not have strict age restrictions
unless players are considered too young (e.g., under 6 years of age or 14 years of age). Anyone with a physical
disability who is interested in playing PDRL, can participate in training sessions offered by PDRL associations and
community foundations, and engage with the current PDRL. Physical Disability Rugby League teams (including
community foundations in the case of England, New Zealand and Australia), are partnered with a variety of
organisations and businesses as well as being sponsored by local governments, charities, companies, and
corporations. At an international level PDRL competition as a sport has become part of major international Rugby
League competitions (e.g., Rugby League World Cup, and Rugby League Commonwealth Championship). Due to
COVID-19 PDRL World Cup 2021 was postponed to 2022. At an Australian national level, there has been a Disabled
Rugby League competition including both PDRL and the Wheelchair Rugby League for several years.
It is important to recognise and be aware of the classification systems that have been adopted across
international and national competitions, for example, the use of the Alliance Profiling Toolkit (England), the
Paralympic Movement (Australia), and the International Rugby League framework (New Zealand). These
classification systems are used to determine if a player has an eligible impairment, if the athlete meets the minimum
impairment criteria for PDRL, and to decide the player’s category/class. The systematic review of the literature
consists of ‘snapshot’ summaries about current international and national PDRL teams, international and national
PDRL competitions, categories/classification systems, and relevant definitions, web documents and policies that may
be useful in the future successful design, implementation and management of PDRL teams and competitions.
4
WCR
CRUsher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Methodology Summary
Keywords:
• Physical disability rugby league AND/OR PDRL
• Intellectual disability OR learning disability
• Learning disability rugby league AND/OR LDRL
• Physical disability
• classification OR Fairness OR efficiency
• England OR Great Britain
• PDRLNZ AND/OR Physical disability rugby league AND New Zealand
• Disabled rugby league
• Activity Alliance AND fairness OR effectiveness
• Paralympic Movement AND impairment AND fairness
• Physical disability rugby league AND competition OR competitions AND Event OR events
Databases used:
• Google Scholar
• ProQuest
• Taylor & Francis
5
WCR
CRUsher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Organisation
The following sections are divided into:
1. International Physical Disability Rugby League Teams [England and New Zealand].
2. National Physical Disability Rugby League Teams [Australia].
3. International Competitions.
4. National Competitions.
5. Definitions, Categories and Classifications:
a) Definitions,
b) Paralympics,
c) Activity Alliance Profiling,
d) International Rugby League,
e) Intellectual disability classification.
6. Relevant Web Documents – Rules, Conditions and Policies.
Return to Contents
6
WCR
CRUsher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
1. International Physical Disability Rugby League Teams [England & New Zealand]
Rugby League.com (UK): LINK
YouTube Lancashire v Yorkshire | PDRL Documentary - LINK
Return to Contents
Castleford Tigers
Leeds Rhinos
Wakefield Trinity
Potential players can
Warrington Wolves
contact these
Wigan Warriors
foundations:
Braford Bulls
Salford Red Devils
Leigh Centurions
Activity throughout a Regular team training sessions hosted by club foundations.
year A serious of competitive festivals take place throughout a year, which all teams are invited to attend.
It is essential that every player must register via the below link specific to PDRL players. New players and
Player registration
returning players can use the same LINK:
Choose type and basic info
1) How many people are you registering?
2) Email address
3) Select a club (one from the list above)
Questions in the league 4) Legal first name
active player registration 5) Family name
form 6) Date of birth
7) Assigned gender at birth
8) Registering as (e.g., player)
Extra info/special category data
1) Country of Birth, Mother’s COB, Father’s COB, Grandmother’s COB, Grandfather’s DOB
7Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
2) Do you have any physical or mental health conditions or illnesses that have lasted or are expected to last 12
months or more? (Answer options: Yes, no, prefer not to say)
2) Do these physical or mental health conditions or illnesses have substantial effect on your ability to do normal
daily activities?
(Answer options: Yes, no, prefer not to say)
3) Does this disability or illness affect you in any of the following areas?
(Answer options: Long term pain, Chronic health condition, Mobility, Dexterity, Mental health, Visual,
Breathing, Memory, Hearing, Learning, Speech, Behavioural, Other, None of these, Prefer not to say)
4) Cultural heritage
(Answer options: White, mixed, Asian or Asian British, black or black British, other ethnic group, do not wish to
answer, Maori, Aboriginal, Aboriginal/Torres Strait lslander, Torres strait Islander, none of the above)
4-1) Specify ethnic group or background (if applicable)
5) Does your gender differ from your assigned gender at birth? (Answer options: Yes, no, prefer not to say)
6) What is your religion, even if you are not currently practicing?
(Answer options: Christian (all denominations), Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, any other religion, no
religion, don’t know, prefer not to say)
7) Which of the following best describes how you think of yourself?
(Answer options: Heterosexual or straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual, other, don’t know, prefer not to say)
Contact details: Address, postcode, telephone number (mobile) email address
Upload a photo (only youth/junior players) - Upload a copy of ID document (only youth/junior players)
8Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Castleford Tigers (UK): LINK
Castleford tigers foundation (UK): LINK
Return to Contents
PDRL (Physical disability rugby league)
LDRL (Learning disability rugby league)
Disabled teams
*Both open to anybody with a disability aged 6 and over. Both PDRL and LDRL cater to players at both junior
and adult level across the full spectrum of disabilities, focusing on ability rather than disability.
The tigers PDRL team (providing an opportunity for physically disabled people to become actively involved in
regular rugby league, anyone with a disability aged 6 and over).
Foundation—Projects
The tigers LDRL team (The emphasis for the LDRL side is on inclusion and enjoyment).
*Other projects can be found on LINK
Objectives Help players progress their development and represent England in the 2021 Rugby League World cup
(PDRL) Grow participant levels and disability provision across the five towns
Each league game is played over a 50-minute period (2 x 25-minute halves)
Each team is allowed 9 players on the pitch at any one time
There are a maximum of 2 able-bodied players and 2 `red shorted’ players on the pitch at any time during the
game
Rules (PDRL)
The sport has a league structure in place and will deliver festivals across the year, culminating in a September
final
In 2021 there will be a Physical Disability fixtures alongside the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair World Cups
which will facilitate a national development squad being put together
Process/ All 24 players are assessed and categorised physical impairments using the Activity Alliance (formerly the
Categories English Federation of Disability Sports) profiling system. Details can be found on LINK
(PDRL)
Sponsors (PDRL) Really useful box, Weedfree, CSW process, GeoShield LTD, LEDSHAM, UK street style
Objectives (LDRL) The emphasis for the LDRL side is on inclusion and enjoyment.
LDRL games are played on a quarter-pitch with seven-a-side teams. The games are non-contact and generally
Purposes and rules follow Tag RL rules. Teams are allowed 2 able-bodied players who will play as facilitators, to ensure the match is
(LDRL) both free-flowing and well-balanced. It was created to meet the diverse requirements of rugby league players with
disabilities, ensuring no prospective player is excluded from playing the game. Above all, the Tigers LDRL side
9Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
is typically non-competitive and completely inclusive. Activities are delivered with a view to developing the
participant’s skills and confidence while providing new challenges and opportunities.
Process/ Not found (*Activity Alliance includes intellectual impairments)
Categories
Sponsorship Not found
Leeds Rhinos (UK): LINK
Leeds Rhinos Community Foundation (UK): LINK
Return to Contents
Disability teams PDRL, LDRL, Wheelchair
PDRL: Monday evenings; LDRL: Every second Friday
Training information YouTube – LINK
Contact: disability@leedsrhinosfoundation.org
Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s PDRL side is made up of both disabled and able-bodied players, combining to
Purposes (PDRL)
produce entertaining and competitive rugby league matches.
Process/categories All 24 players are assessed and categorised physical impairments using the Activity Alliance (formerly the
(PDRL) English Federation of Disability Sports) profiling system. Details can be found on LINK
The program aims to promote the development of skills, confidence and positive experiences for people with
Purposes (LDRL) learning disabilities, and make a major statement about social inclusion. Learning Disability Rugby Specially
adapted non-competitive game; focuses on encouraging participation and skills development.
Process/categories Not found (*Activity Alliance includes intellectual impairments)
(LDRL)
MEARS Foundation, The Keith Howard Foundation, Caddick Group, Child Friendly Leeds, Leeds City Council,
Key partners
Leeds Backett University
Volunteering Volunteer programs and charities and etc. https://www.leedsrhinosfoundation.org/support-us/volunteer/
opportunities
Donation Donation via: LINK (Commission free donations)
Sponsorship Not found
10Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Wakefield Trinity (UK): LINK
Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation (UK): LINK
Return to Contents
Disabled teams PDRL and LDRL
Consultation and/or introductory sessions are offered to those who are eligible for LDRL to become a player
(Training information: Monday evening)
Training information Consultation and/or introductory sessions are offered to those who are eligible for PDRL to become a player
(Training information: Monday evening)
Contact: craig.fisher@wakefieldtrinity.com
Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) has had a dramatic growth in terms of participants and also with media
exposure over the past 12 months spreading the gospel of one of the most inclusive incarnations of the game, providing
playing opportunities for individuals who thought they would never get the chance to play rugby league. Wakefield
Background (PDRL) Trinity’s PDRL side has had a rapid rise in success, culminating with not only a runner up appearance in the inaugural
PDRL Grand Final, but also the PDRL guys making an appearance at the 2019 Super League Grand Final on the Old
Trafford turf.
YouTube – LINK
Process/Categories All 24 players are assessed and categorised physical impairments using the Activity Alliance (formerly the English
(PDRL) Federation of Disability Sports) profiling system. Details can be found on LINK:
LDRL provides the opportunity for individuals to play rugby league, take part in games and festivals, meet new people
and most importantly have fun and make friends. The LD team have played at several festivals and appear regularly
Background (LDRL) on game days entertaining our crowds with their enthusiasm and passion for league. 2019 saw the team represent
Wakefield Trinity at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool as part of the Magic Weekend and event. In 2020, the LD team took
part in the first official Bethesda LDRL festival in Wales with several other super league team attending as well.
Process/Categories Same issue as mentioned above
(LDRL)
Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation works in partnership with many individuals and organisations on a local,
Partnership
national and international level.
Volunteering We are looking for media volunteers to support our Case Study project. If you have experience of filming and
opportunities editing, we are looking for someone to support our work by producing short case study films that can be shared with
11Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
the world digitally. This would be ideal for media students looking to gain further experience. For more details
email info@wakefieldtrinityfoundation.co.uk
Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation Sponsorship form: LINK
Fundraising
Project agender sponsorship form: LINK
Sponsorship Not found
Warrington Wolves (UK): LINK
Warrington Wolves foundation (UK): LINK
Return to Contents
Disabled teams PDRL, LDRL and Wheelchair
PDRL-Every week
LDRL-Weekly training sessions (to develop core skills, specific rugby league skills as well as opportunities to
Training information
socialise and become part of a team; players can attend festivals and play games against other LDRL teams
throughout the session)
PDRL is a 9-a-side game played on a modified pitch. Each team consists of 5 full contact disabled players, 2 disabled
tag players and 2 ‘able-bodied’ players. AB players are there to facilitate the game. They can only run up to 10 metres
Background and rules with the ball and are not permitted to score or kick the ball. The Warrington Wolves currently enter 2 teams into the
(PDRL) League and are the reigning Champions.
In December 2019, Channel 4 aired a documentary ‘Adam Hills: Take His legs’ which followed the journey of
Warrington’ PDRL Team and their journey to Australia to try and become the inaugural PDRL World Champions.
Process/ All 24 players are assessed and categorised physical impairments using the Activity Alliance (formerly the English
Categories Federation of Disability Sports) profiling system. Details can be found on LINK:
(PDRL)
Learning Disability Rugby league is a non-competitive, modified version of the game using tags rather than contact
tackles. Weekly training sessions develop core skills, specific rugby league skills as well as opportunities to socialise
and become part of a team. Players can attend festivals and play games against other LDSL teams throughout the
Objectives (LDRL) season. LDSL is a perfect opportunity to represent Warrington Wolves and have a chance to play against any of the
other Super League clubs as well as other special events like the Grand Final, Magic Weekend and opportunities to
play at your favourite stadiums. All sessions are led by qualified staff with extensive experience within disability
sport.
12Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Process/ Same issue as mentioned above
Categories (LDRL)
Registration of Information to be collected through the website: LINK
interest
Through the website: LINK
How to join the squad A player profile needs to be completed by providing the following information:
Name, nickname, email, date of birth, gender, postcode, additional needs, emergency contact, profile image
Through the website: LINK
Questions included in the survey:
1) How often would you like to give? (Answer options: one-off, monthly)
Donation
2) Choose how much (Answer options: 10, 20, 30, or enter how much)
3) Email address
4) Complete your details to make a donation: Title, first name, last name, country, address, phone number
Sponsorship Not found
Wigan Warriors (UK): LINK
Wigan Warriors PDRL & LDRL Rugby League (UK): LINK
Return to Contents
Disabled teams PDRL, LDRL and Wheelchair
Training sessions Every Friday
(PDRL and LDRL)
It was created to meet the diverse requirements of Rugby League players with disabilities, ensuring no individual is
Purposes
excluded from accessing Rugby League and to provide a team-sport experience to those who previously would not
(PDRL)
have had such an opportunity.
The LDRL is a variant of the game developed to ensure people with a learning disability can access and enjoy
playing the game of Rugby League. This accessible offer is open to any individuals who have a learning disability
Purposes and
or an associated condition. The emphasis in LDRL is on enjoyment, it is generally non-competitive and completely
background (LDRL)
inclusive. The activities are delivered with a view to developing the participants skills and confidence while
providing new challenges and opportunities.
13Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Process/ All 24 players are assessed and categorised physical impairments using the Activity Alliance (formerly the English
Categories Federation of Disability Sports) profiling system. Details can be found on LINK
(PDRL)
Process/Categories Same issue as above
(LDRL)
Holiday camp general information: Wigan Warriors Community Foundation Camps are held during the school
holidays and offer children Rugby League based courses and the chance to meet their favourite Warriors Players. The
foundation has been delivering multi skills focused activity camps for over 8 years for children aged 4 to 16. Each
year over 2000 children take part in healthy activity during the school holidays at camps across the UK that is
Rugby camp delivered by our expert team of coaches that engage and educate children through sport. The camps are available to
children of all abilities and each camp is designed and led by professional coaches. Children will learn what it means
to learn “the Wigan way” with all the latest techniques and skills from the cutting edge of the game and will be
encouraged to be their best. All attendees on any of our camps will receive: Quality coaching from qualified staff
“The Wigan Way”
Principal partner: Open Exchange
Partners Official partners: Hummel, The Skinny Food co., Davanti Types, Loch Lomond Whiskies, AssuredScreening.com,
Pall mall carpets, My protein, Fit Remuneration consultants, Node4 and many others.
Sponsorship Not found
Bradford Bulls (UK): LINK
Bradford Bulls Foundation (UK): LINK
Return to Contents
Disabled teams PDRL, LDRL, and Wheelchair
Latest session advertised is Saturday 19th Feb
Training sessions Anybody aged 14 or over, providing they have a disability
(PDRL & LDRL)
LDRL not found
Registration Expression of interest first via email: ryan.hunkin@bullsfoundation.org.
(PDRL)
14Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Purpose Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) is a full contact version of the game adapted for participants with a
(PDRL) physical disability who want to access a running version of Rugby League.
PDRL, in the UK, is played on a 50m X 100m pitch and is a nine-a-side version of Rugby League. Teams include a
Rules
minimum of seven physically disabled players and two non-disabled players who act as facilitators, although this is
(PDRL)
not a prerequisite, during the game.
Policy documents Can be found: https://bullsfoundation.org/policies/
Process/ Categories Not found
University of Bradford, Telegraph & Argus, MCP, Bradford foundation, Bradford Lifts, Mitton group and many
Partners
others
Salford Red Devils (UK): LINK
Salford Red Devils Foundation (UK): LINK
Return to Contents
Disabled teams PDRL and LDRL
PDRL: Hosted by the foundation and delivered by highly qualified Wales rugby league coaches and aided and
supported by Salford Red Devils foundation; attendance from the Salford Red Devils team to lend their experience
and support to the squad
Training sessions (Trialists need to be born in Wales, have lived in Wales for at least five years or have Welsh heritage – at least one
(PDRL & LDRL) parent or grandparent born in Wales.)
LDRL: To support the success of this programme, community integrated care is providing specialist training to all
participating clubs, as well as direct investment into the sport.
Objectives (PDRL) Not found
9 women and men in a team with a physical disability
Rules (PDRL) PDRL is a running format
Full contact and touch based on colour of shorts
LDRL is a specially adapted non-competitive game, which focuses on encouraging participation and skills
Objectives (LDRL)
development.
Process/Categories Not found
Sponsors Swinton insurance, Faster car finance, Morson group, Advanced still services and many others
15Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Leigh Centurions (UK): LINK
Leigh Community Trust (UK): LINK
Return to Contents
PDRL/LDRL are variants of the game developed to ensure people with disabilities can access and enjoy playing the
game of Rugby League. This accessible offer is open to any individuals who have physical and/or learning disabilities
Objectives or an associated condition.
The emphasis is on enjoyment, it is generally non-competitive and completely inclusive. The activities are delivered
with a view to developing the participant's skills and confidence while providing new challenges and opportunities.
Leigh Centurions runs rugby league sessions for those with a disability, aimed at opening up the sport to everyone in
the community.
Training sessions The "taster sessions" are open to anyone with a physical or learning disability. If successful, the open age sessions
will lead to Leigh having a dedicated team for the Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) and the Learning
Disability Rugby League (LDRL) Super League's.
Fundraising Via Just giving: https://www.justgiving.com/leighycdt
Volunteering Contact via email: hannah@leighcommunitytrust.co.uk
Donation Donation via PayPal LINK
Process/categories Not found
HULL Kingston Rovers (UK): LINK
HULL KR Community Trust (UK): LINK
Return to Contents
Disabled Teams PDRL and LDRL
Training session Every Tuesday
Each squad will consist of 13 players with each team permitted nine players. The nine players on each team will consist of
seven players with a physical disability and two able-bodied players who do not have physical disabilities. It is a running
PDRL rules format of Rugby League which involves both full contact and touch tackle options, for all players who have physical
disabilities. Barrie McDermott and Adam Hills are part of the Management Group overseeing the development of PDRL,
with the Group chaired by John Welch.
16Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Each squad will consist of thirteen (13) players (10 with Learning disability & 3 able bodied) with each team permitted
seven (7) players on the field at any one time. A minimum of five (5) players must be present on the field for a game to
proceed/continue. The seven (7) players on each team will consist of a minimum of five (5) players with a learning
LDRL rules disability and two maximum (2) “able bodied” players who do not have learning disabilities. These players must wear a
high visibility fluoro vest. Able-bodied: In this game the able-bodied players have a special purpose. Primarily, it is to
facilitate the game by tagging the faster disabled players. The able-bodied players shall be identified by the wearing of
high visibility fluoro vests.
Process/categories Not found
Principal partners: Connexin, Sewell Group
Platinum partners: Hill College Group, FTP, IRS, Designs and many others
Partners
Associate partners: HullTrains, Chartered accoundants, ESM, RSV, SIS, and many others
Official partners: Physique, MSC, and etc.
Physical Disability Rugby League New Zealand (PDRLNZ): LINK
YouTube: LINK
Recruitment poster - LINK
Return to Contents
PDRL is a modified version of Rugby League for those with a Physical Disability that are ambulant who would not
otherwise be able to play the game they love. This version does not shy away from the impact, collision and physicality of
Rugby League but with full contact, partial contact and touch elements, the game safely caters for a wide spectrum of
physical impairments that impact a person's mobility, functioning or dexterity. That includes amputees, or those with
cerebral palsy, neuromuscular disorders, limb deficiencies and acquired brain injuries amongst many others. The rules are
genuinely all-inclusive allowing 2 able bodied players per team and both male and female players in local competition,
Background and with Physically Disabled players only in International Competition.
Unlike Pavlova, Crowded House or Phar Lap, PDRL can genuinely lay claim to being Australian. It was conceived back
in 2010 when George Tonna, Paralympian for Australia ‘7-a-side’ Football, had the idea of setting up a modified form of
Rugby League for people with all types of physical disability. Within weeks, the New South Wales Physical Disability
Rugby League (NSWPDRL) started its first Rugby League competition for those with physical disabilities. Within a short
period, the concept had attracted enough attention to form a registered Association, affiliated with NSW Rugby League. It
17Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
now has the support of the NRL and several of its clubs with West Tigers, Manly Sea Eagles, Parramatta Eels, South
Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters all having PDRL clubs as well as Newtown Jets. The Gold Coast Titans have also
launched their PDRL team. In New Zealand, initial efforts to form a team date to 2014. PDRLNZ was launched in 2015
and incorporated in August 2017. Since then, we’ve strengthened our governance, hosted the inaugural PDRL 9’s and have
twice competed internationally, providing a sustainable platform for the sport to continue to grow. The game is now played
in Australia, New Zealand and England with the UK PDRL forming in 2018; growing quickly to 4 teams linked to super
league clubs.
Info@pdrlnz.kiwi
Training New Lynn Stags
Lawson Park Willerton Ave Sunday 1pm – 3pm
To become a Email (Full name, email, phone, and message)
member
Current sponsors NZRL, STAGS, MIDLAND, Sir Peter Leitch
Vodafone Warriors (NZ): LINK
Return to Contents
Disabled team PDRL (YouTube: LINK)
The Vodafone Warriors continue their support by hosting an upcoming “Have a go” day at Mt Smart on 16 June from
Training sessions 10.30am to 12 noon. Those interested, especially those with a physical disability, are encouraged to come along and meet
the NZ PDRL squad and have a go. Registration: COMMUNITY@WARRIORS.KIWI.
Sponsors and Primary sponsors: PIRTEK, BLK, MAINSTREAM, SKYSPORT, CCL
partners OPRO, TAB, Hellenstein Brothers and many others
Process/categories Not found
18Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
NZ’s PDRL training Camp (Published by IRL): LINK
Training session Physical Disability Rugby League NZ came together over the weekend at James Cook High School in Auckland for their first World
Cup Training camp. Under the watchful eye of Kiwi legend, Kevin Tamati and PDRL Ambassador, Cliff Beverly, the players were
put through their drills over three days.
YouTube - LINK
Classification The athletes were classified according to the latest IRL framework and spent the time going over international rules, skills and
drills and finished it off with an opposed session.
Cliff Beverley (NZ): Official website not found
Disabled team PDRL
Coach’s video: LINK
2. National Physical Disability Rugby League Teams [Australia]
Physical Disability Rugby League Australia: LINK
Return to Contents
Games are played under the rules of “the Australian Rugby League Laws of the Game 2010”. But are modified to
maintain safety and enable players of all ages and genders with a physical disability to play rugby league—to play
the game they love.
The game is made up of two halves, each of twenty minutes and with a ten-minute interval. As per NRL rules a Try
will be worth 4 points and a goal 2 points.
Modified rules
There are no scrums in the modified game. An accidental knock on or drop ball is called as a tackle and at the
completion of six tackles a changeover applies. Player wear either black or red shorts. Players wearing red shorts
are those whose condition makes them unable to “tackle” or be “tackled”—touch only. It is compulsory for female
players and players under the age of 16 years of age to wear red shorts. Players wearing. Black shorts will play the
standard NRL tackle rules.
19Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Able-bodied players (Abs) can play in a support tole on the field in physical disability rugby league. But not more
than two per team are allowed on the field at any time. Able-bodied players cannot score tries, run with the ball for
more than 10 meters, kick goals or kick in general play. A tackle is achieved on an AB player by though or tackle.
The most common disabilities of participants include conditions such as cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury (ABI)
and stroke but other physical disabilities qualify as well. Eight of the 10 impairment classes in the Paralympic
Impairment Movement are eligible to play in PDRLA: impaired muscle power, athetosis, impaired passive range of movement,
type/Classification hypertonia, limb deficiency, ataxia, leg length difference and short stature.
Note: These impairments should be directly related to the condition and not due to secondary deconditioning due
to an inactive lifestyle or usual wear and tear of aging.
Use the website CONTACT page to request a medical assessment form. We will email you the form to give to
First step to join PDRLA your doctor to complete.
as a player
NSW Physical Disability Rugby League: LINK
Training information (Come N Try day): LINK
Return to Contents
South Sydney Rabbitohs – LINK
Wests Tigers – LINK
Major Newton Jets – LINK
competitions Sydney Roosters - LINK
Parramatta Eels – LINK
Manly Sea Eagles – LINK
PDRL is hosting a “come n try day” as part of Harmony Week, with the event to start at 3:30am at Cabramatta Rugby
Training League’s new era stadium. Officials and current PDRL players will be on hand to show how much fun rugby league can be
information for people of all ages and levels. It is aimed at giving families, who want to discover more about the sport, an opportunity
to see the game in action and try it for themselves. Registration for the session: LINK (name, email, comment or message).
Most common Cerebral palsy acquired brain injury (ABI), stroke, and other physical disabilities qualify as well.
disabilities of
participants
20Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
How to join
NSWPDRL
Eight of the 10 impairment classes in the Paralympic Movement are eligible to play in PDRLA: Impaired muscle power,
athetosis, impaired passive range of movement, hypertonia, limb deficiency, ataxia, leg length different and short stature.
Impairment Process:
type/ 1st step: Determining if an athlete has an eligible impairment
Classification 2nd step: Determining if the athlete meets the minimum impairment criteria for a sport
3rd step: Deciding an athlete’s sports class
*Details of eligible impairment types in the Paralympic movement can be found in the following section.
Wests Tigers, Afford Employment, JETS, South Sydney, Nova Employment, Sydney Roosters, KARI, Manly Warringah
Sponsors and
Sea Eagles,
supporters
TERRA Civil, Marsdens Law group, Parramatta eels, Kelly+Partners (Chartered accountants)
Volunteer: positions are not remunerated.
Others
Fundraising: Play for Purpose Raffle
21Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Gold Coast Titans: LINK
Gold Coast Titans PDRL: LINK
Return to Contents
LeagueAbility PDRL and LDRL
programs
The autumn season will run for a period of 7-weeks with weekly training on a Wednesday afternoon. Sessions are open to
Training
people of all ages and skill sets, with previous rugby league experience not required.
information
Registration: LINK
1) What is the participants first name?
2) And their last name?
3) What is the participants email address?
4) What is the participants mobile number?
5) DOB?
6) Physical or Intellectual disability? (Answer options: Physical, Intellectual, Both)
7) Please describe the details of the players disability?
8) Are there any other details about the player that will assist us in coaching the player? (e.g., potential triggers (like: loud
Registration noises, bright lights, physical touch) or any details that will help coaching staff connect with the player (e.g: favourite
form topic, non-verbal and uses sign language etc.)
9) Please indicate any accessibility requirements the player needs: Example: wheelchair access, suitable seating, quiet
spaces. We will aim to accommodate any accessibility requests the best we can.
10) Please indicate the support the player will have at the 2022 come and try event? (Answer options: Parent or family
member, Support worker/carer (solo), Support worker/carer (In a group arrangement), Other, please specify)
11) Does the player have previous experience playing sport in a team environment? (Answer option: Yes, no)
12) I understand the player must be over the age of 16 to play Tackle Rugby League (If under 16, players will only be
permitted to play tag rugby league)
13) Who is the players emergency contact? Phone number? Email address?
Presenting partner: Surfside Buslines
Partners
Supporting partners: Neumann Still, AirPhysio, Condev Cares, KARI foundation
22Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Impairment Not found
type/
Classification
West Tigers: LINK
West Tigers Foundation: LINK
Return to Contents
Disabled team PDRL
Training Not found
sessions
Impairment Not found
type/
Classification
Major Partner: Brydens lowyers
Corporate Partners: ELMO, Playup, KFC, Steeden, Sharp, Organica, Victoria Bitter, West Ashfield, Wests, Boomer
Partners
Platinum partners: Hertz, BPC, ADCO, and many others
Gold partners: ACPE, Binet Homes, Liverpool Catholic Club, and many others
Official Asics, Athletes Nutrition, Australian Barbell Company, Victor Sports, and many others
Suppliers
23Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
3. International Competitions
PDRL World Cup 2021: LINK
YouTube: LINK
Return to Contents
Venue Warrington, England
Date of competition (Initially) 1-7 November 2021 alongside the elite men’s 2021 Rugby League World Cup
Participating Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, and Wales
countries
Summary The first-ever Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) World Cup, an exhibition event, which will be held during
next year’s showpiece tournament - The Rugby League World Cup 2021. The five-team tournament will be hosted
in Warrington from 1 November 2021 and will be a festival of exciting and competitive international PDRL. The
event will culminate with the final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium ahead of France v Samoa in the final men’s group
A match, on 7 November 2021. The PDRL event was originally planned under the banner of the Festival of World
Cups, which was due to take place in the summer of 2021, but the festival was recently postponed because of the
impact of COVID-19. RLWC2021 have today (28 October) announced delivering the PDRL World Cup as part of
the wider programme of the tournament, adding to the commitment of being the most inclusive Rugby League World
Cup ever. The PDRL World Cup, which will run alongside RLWC2021, comprises teams from five nations who
will take part in a mini-tournament format. England, New Zealand, Australia, Scotland and Wales are all set to
compete for the first ever PDRL World Cup title. PDRL is an adapted version of rugby league aimed at facilitating
those with physical disabilities the opportunity to play.
Note The RLWC2021 tournament has been moved to 15 October - 19 November 2022. The Warrington government is
currently awaiting further details regarding the PDRL showcase and dates. Warrington is proud to host the first ever
Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) showcase later this year, as part of the world cup. Teams will compete
against each other in this landmark event at Halliwell Jones Stadium from November.
Sponsors Principal sponsor: CAZOO
Official sponsors: assura, Deloitte, EVERSHELDS TUHERLAND, The National Lottery, Pepsi Max, etc.
Partners: Movember, International Rugby League, Sport Endland, Unicef, Rugby Football League, etc.
24Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Rugby League 2018 Commonwealth Championship: LINK
YouTube – LINK
Return to Contents
Venue Redcliffe, Australia
Date of competition February 2018
Participating Australia, New Zealand
countries
Summary *PDRL international match between Australia and Commonwealth all starts at 2018 Commonwealth championship
was held.
The championship was one of the exhibition sports for the 2018 Commonwealth games with the physical disability
tri-series making up one feature of the event.
Sponsors Not found
2018 Rugby League Emerging Nations World Cup Series [PDRL] – LINK
Return to Contents
Venue Sydney, Australia
Date of competition October 2018
Participating Australia, New Zealand
countries
Summary Demonstrating the growth of integration within Rugby League, teams from Australia and New Zealand competed in
a PDRL (Physical Disability) Three Test Series which went into the final game with one win each.
Watch games: https://nswpdrla.com.au/2018/10/19/1864/
Sponsors Not found
25Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
4. National Competitions
Return to Contents
2021 NSW Physical Disability Rugby League (All ages)
Venue Not found
Date of competition Not found
Teams participating in the Parramatta Eels, Sydney Roosters, Newtown Jets, Manly Sea Eagles, Wests Tigers, South Sydney
competition Rabbitohs
Summary of the competition Not found
Country and City squad for the representative matches
Venue Gold Coast
Date of competition 14-15 May 2022
Teams participating in the SUNDAY 15 MAY
competition Physical Disability Rugby League (9.45am Leichhardt Oval)
Country: Siang Beh (Sydney Roosters), Daniel Brodie (Newtown Jets), Geoff Clarke (South Sydney
Rabbitohs), Byron Daley (Wests Tigers), Denzel Edwards (Newtown Jets), Joe Egan (Sydney Roosters),
Tristan Gibbs (Sydney Roosters), Allan Ross (Wests Tigers), Chris Sansom (Newtown Jets), Colby
Sansom (Sydney Roosters), Alex Smith (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Fady Taiba (Wests Tigers), Ben
Taprell (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Jake Vukobratovich (South Sydney Rabbitohs). Drew Gibbs (Able
body), Sam Aquilina (Able body). Coach: David Smith.
City: Jack Bryant (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Kayla Coppe (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Hayden Coulton
(Sydney Roosters), Todd Dorward (Newtown Jets), Che Forusek (Newtown Jets), Adam Hills (South
Sydney Rabbitohs), Siaosi Lampiati (Newtown Jets), Rylee Lowe (Sydney Roosters), Fletcher Netting
(South Sydney), Noah Pittas (Wests Tigers), Joel Pragnell (Sydney Roosters), Tim Ragg (Wests Tigers),
26Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Andrew Saliba (Newtown Jets), Jonathan Smith (South Sydney Rabbitohs). Steve Cremona (Able body),
Rob Mumford (Able body). Coach: Craig Anderson.
Summary of the competition The opening day of competition on Saturday 14 May will include matches for Under 16s, Under 18s and
Women’s Open Age at 4 Pines Park, Brookvale; while a Wheelchair Rugby League match will be played at
Niagara Park Stadium on the Central Coast.
The second day of competition on Sunday 15 May will include matches for Physical Disability Rugby
League, Women’s Police, Men’s Police and Men’s Open Age at Leichhardt Oval. The Under 16s Country
team is made up of players from the SLE Andrew Johns Cup and the City team from the UNE Harold
Matthews Cup, while the Under 18s Country team is from the SLE Laurie Daley Cup and the City team the
UNE SG Ball Cup. The NSW Men’s Country team is made up of players from the Men’s Country
Championships and the NSW Men’s City team from the Ron Massey Cup, while the Women’s NSW Country
and City teams are from the Women’s Country Championships and the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s
Premiership.
The players for the Men’s and Women’s Police teams were selected from the recent Police Rugby League
State Carnival in Tamworth. The teams for Wheelchair Rugby League and Physical Disability Rugby
League will be named at a later date.
The Country v City concept made a successful return to the NSWRL calendar in 2021 with the selection
criteria based on residency. The fixture was previously based on residency from 1928-1986 before acting
as a pathway for the NSW team with selection based under Origin selection rules from 1987-2017.
Sponsors Not found
27Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
5. Definitions, Categories and Classifications
Return to Contents
A) Definitions
Australia is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) (United Nations Department
of Economic and Social Affairs Disability, 2006), which has influenced federal disability discrimination law (see section below on the Disability
Discrimination Act, 1992). The Convention provides details on the rights of people with disability and outlines a series of articles for
implementation across the globe, and as a signatory, how these rights must be upheld here in Australia.
The CRPD recognizes societal impacts of people with disability, in terms of societal barriers to access (e.g., disabling environments and
access to services). Impairment is the term used in referring to the effects of disability, rather than disability itself (Thomas, 2007; World Health
Organisation, 2011). Disability describes an operative restriction or activity limitation:
caused by impairment where the impairment causes restriction or lack . . . of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the
range considered normal for a human being . . . Examples of disability include difficulty seeing, speaking or hearing; difficulty
moving or climbing stairs; difficulty grasping, reaching, bathing, eating, toileting.
(United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2004, para. 3)
Whereas impairments refers to “any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function to do with the
body . . . Examples of impairments include blindness, deafness, loss of sight in an eye, paralysis of a limb, amputation of a limb; mental retardation”
(United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2004, para. 2).
In Australia, definitions and categorisations of disability come from the federal Disability Discrimination Act [DDA] (Commonwealth of
Australia, 1992), and are espoused by federal and state/territory laws, where each jurisdiction also has its own disability discrimination act based
28Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
on the federal Act. The DDA defines a disability in many ways in relation to a person, with a key caveat which states that to “avoid doubt, a
disability that is otherwise covered by this definition includes behaviour that is a symptom or manifestation of the disability” (DDA, 1992, Section
4). The following DDA definition of disability applies across Australia:
Disability, in relation to a person, means:
(a) total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; or
(b) total or partial loss of a part of the body; or
(c) the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness; or
(d) the presence in the body of organisms capable of causing disease or illness; or
(e) the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; or
(f) a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; or
(g) a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results
in disturbed behaviour;
and includes a disability that:
(h) presently exists; or
(i) previously existed but no longer exists; or
(j) may exist in the future (including because of a genetic predisposition to that disability); or
(k) is imputed to a person.
It is important to recognize that terminology for some disability categories differs across the world. For example, in the United Kingdom
(UK), intellectual disability is frequently referred to as ‘learning disability’, this has a different meaning in Australia. It is important to be aware of
this difference when reviewing information from UK jurisdictions with reference to Australian contexts. Australia draws on the World Health
Organisation’s definition of intellectual disability, which is founded on evidence of intellectual impairment, which is defined as “a significantly
reduced ability to understand new or complex information and to learn and apply new skills (impaired intelligence). This results in a reduced ability
to cope independently (impaired social functioning), and begins before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development” (WHO, 2022, para. 1). In
29Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Australia, a learning disability refers to lifelong difficulties that impact on an individual’s ability to learn in one or more specific academic areas,
such as reading, writing or mathematics (e.g., dyslexia), and are not generally associated with intellectual impairment
What are adaptive sports? Adaptive sports often run parallel to typical sports, such as biking, basketball, and track (Adaptive Sports, 2021).
They are adapted for people with disabilities, allowing many more people to participate with increased independence, comfort, and confidence.
ADAPTIVE SPORTS – LINK
Return to Contents
B) Eligible impairment types in the Paralympic movement: LINK
Return to Contents
• 1st step: Determining if an athlete has an eligible impairment
• 2nd step: Determining if the athlete meets the minimum impairment criteria for a sport
• 3rd step: Deciding an athlete’s sports class
Impairment Type Description
Impaired Muscle Athletes with Impaired Muscle Power have a Health Condition that either reduces or eliminates their ability to
Power voluntarily contract their muscles in order to move or to generate force.
Examples of an Underlying Health Condition that may lead to Impaired Muscle Power include spinal cord injury
(complete or incomplete, tetra-or paraplegia or paraparesis), muscular dystrophy, post-polio syndrome and spina bifida.
Impaired Passive Athletes with Impaired Passive Range of Movement have a restriction or a lack of passive movement in one or more
Range of Movement joints.
Examples of an Underlying Health Condition that may lead to Impaired Passive Range of Movement include
arthrogryposis and contracture resulting from chronic joint immobilisation or trauma affecting a joint.
Limb Deficiency Athletes with Limb Deficiency have total or partial absence of bones or joints as a consequence of trauma (for example
traumatic amputation), illness (for example amputation due to bone cancer) or congenital limb deficiency (for
example dysmelic).
30Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
Leg Length Athletes with Leg Length Difference have a difference in the length of their legs as a result of a disturbance of limb
Difference growth, or as a result of trauma.
Short Stature Athletes with Short Stature have a reduced length in the bones of the upper limbs, lower limbs and/or trunk.
Examples of an Underlying Health Condition that may lead to Short Stature include achondroplasia, growth hormone
dysfunction, and osteogenesis imperfecta.
Hypertonia Athletes with Hypertonia have an increase in muscle tension and a reduced ability of a muscle to stretch caused by
damage to the central nervous system.
Examples of an Underlying Health Condition that may lead to Hypertonia include cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury
and stroke.
Ataxia Athletes with Ataxia have uncoordinated movements caused by damage to the central nervous system.
Examples of an Underlying Health Condition that may lead to Ataxia include cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury,
stroke and multiple sclerosis.
Athetosis Athletes with Athetosis have continual slow involuntary movements.
Examples of an Underlying Health Condition that may lead to Athetosis include cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury
and stroke.
Vision Impairment Athletes with Vision Impairment have reduced, or no vision caused by damage to the eye structure, optical nerves or
optical pathways, or visual cortex of the brain.
Examples of an Underlying Health Condition that may lead to Vision Impairment include retinitis pigmentosa and
diabetic retinopathy.
Intellectual Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment have a restriction in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour in which
Impairment affects conceptual, social and practical adaptive skills required for everyday life. This Impairment must be present
before the age of 18.
• Classification in Paralympic Sport – LINK
• Who can compete in Para-sport? (Paralympics Australia) – LINK
• National classification (Medical Diagnostics forms; Paralympics NZ) - LINK
31Usher et al. (2022). Building an Evidence Base of Best Practice Approaches to Implementing Disability Rugby League Teams
• International classification fact sheet (Paralympics NZ) - LINK
• Resources (Para athlete classification pathway, guide to medical diagnostics form completion; Paralympics NZ) – LINK
• Athletes with an intellectual impairment - LINK
C) Activity Alliance (formally the English Federation of Disability Sports) profiling system – LINK
Return to Contents
D) International Rugby League (IRL)
Return to Contents
IRL classification committee has agreed that various criteria of player who will be eligible to play in the Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL)
world cup in England in November 2021. LINK . International Rugby League (IRL) classifiers are using the Activity Alliance (formerly the
English Federation of Disability Sports) profiling system. The profile system developed by Dr Chris Meaden, is a recognised and well-established
system, it assesses and categorises physical impairments and offers clear and simple guidance on how to identify and group disabled people fairly
for sports and activities. LINK
• PDRL classifications guidance medical diagnostic form: LINK
• PDRL Inclusion and exclusion criteria: LINK
E) Intellectual disability classification – LINK
American Association of Intellectual and Development Disabilities (AAIDD)
Intellectual Disability IQ Scores
Level
Mild Intellectual Disability IQ 50-55 to 70-75
Moderate Intellectual IQ 35-40 to 50-55
Disability
32You can also read
