Starting in the 2017-2018 season, NWBA Junior Division teams used classification for all sanctioned Varsity games. Classification will not be used for Prep teams. This page provides a simplified, basic introduction for teams, athletes, and parents.
Each junior athlete will be assigned a junior point value of one or two and denoted as “J1” or “J2” accordingly. Classifications are proposed by Team Classifiers and confirmed by at least two classifiers from another team.
Teams of all male players can have a maximum of 8 total points on the floor (in the game) at one time.
Teams may play a maximum of two 4.0/4.5 players at one time. These players are a subgroup of J2 called J2-4. Team Reviewers that are unsure if a player on their own or other roster fits the J2-4 subgroup should request a player review by the NWBA Classification Committee.
Teams with at least one female on the floor may play with a maximum of 9 total points.
Lineups without a female must have at least two J1 players on the floor.
Teams may play with fewer than 8 points on the floor if they choose.
How Athletes Get Classified
Each team must have a designated Team Reviewer who has passed the free, online course provided by the NWBA and found at: https://www.nwba.org/jrdivteamreviewer. Please enter the access code "Juniors".
Team Reviewers must propose junior classifications for all their players before the first tournament.
Team Reviewers will observe other teams’ players in game situations at tournaments to comment on the proposed classifications. A player’s classification must be agreed upon by at least two other teams’ classifiers to become final for the season.
If there is difficulty assigning a classification or if there is disagreement between Classifiers about an athlete’s class, the NWBA Classification Committee will be consulted to resolve the issue.
Basic Aspects Determining Class
Classification is based on function. No medical information or training is required to determine athlete class.
J1 players encompass IWBF Classes 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5. J1 players are characterized by limited trunk control with limited vertical and forward stability in their sportschairs. They commonly rely on passive stabilization of the trunk.
J2 players encompass IWBF Classes 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5. J2 players have a larger volume of action than J1 players. J2 players have active control of their trunk in both the forward and vertical planes.
Classification centers on trunk stability and volume of action, but upper limb disabilities are also considered. Determination of role of upper-limb disability centers on considering how it affects a player’s ability to fairly compete with players of otherwise similar trunk function.
Lower-limb amputees are classified by type, degree, and residual limb length. Lower-limb amputees who also have upper-limb disabilities may also have their class lowered depending on the impact on function.
Junior players with certified adult classifications (NWBA or IWBF) will use those classifications as the basis of their junior class.
Resource Materials for Jr. Division Classifications
Point totals are kept in the scorebook and monitored by the Official Scorer at the Scorer’s Table.
Game Officials may check the scorebook at any time during play.
An Administrative Foul is called if a team exceeds the team point limit.
To help track player classes teams may opt to use a system such as placing different colored tape on the back bar of the chair to distinguish between J1 and J2 players.