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Rules Update - From Commissioner Keith Wallace
The rules after the new point system was implemented were unclear regarding the required quadriplegic player and what teams can do if they cannot roster a quad. player.
We recently learned that a few teams could not secure the official Quad classification. To address this, we will extend the proposed status for one year. During this period, we recommend that all players aiming to compete as Quads try to join a Quad rugby team to avoid classification issues.
Please be aware that all individuals who wish to be classified as a Quad for the 2025 World Series must meet the USQRA standards. There will not be any additional exceptions.
We hope this extension will be beneficial for this season.
Please note: We have been in touch with USQRA leadership, and they do not have good classification records. Players will need to connect with a local organization to get this done. Players who choose not to proceed with this must be reclassified at the 2025 World Series. If that player has an NWBA classification, that class will be the Official class.
Additionally, I am updating the rule book to include the newly approved rules and aim to complete this by mid-July. One important rule to highlight for the 2024 World Series tournament concerns the Quadriplegic Player:
1. **Classification Requirement**: Quadriplegic Players must have an official USQRA Classification. New players proposed as quadriplegics who have never played wheelchair softball can play as a quadriplegic player for only their rookie season and will subsequently need to be reviewed by the Softball Classification Committee.
2. **Point Value Limit**: At no time during a game shall a team have players participating with a total value of points greater than 28. If a team does not roster a quadriplegic player or if the quadriplegic player cannot continue to play in a game, that team will be limited to 25 classification points. An automatic out will be called at the designated quadriplegic player's original batting position for every tenth batter. If no quad is available, teams must play with nine players in the field.
3. **Active Play Requirement**: If a team rosters a quadriplegic player, that team is required to always have a quadriplegic player in active play.
4. The game can start with nine players.
Please ensure your team is ready to implement these rules at the 2024 World Series tournament. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
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