Brad Mikkelson who with the aid of the University of North Dakota s Disabled Student Services formed the first team and introduced the sport in the United States in 1981. Since its founding, quad rugby has grown to become a truly international sport with over 80 teams now competing across the globe. In 1996, quad rugby was introduced to the Paralympics where several international teams compete for the Gold. Players may have various disabilities that preclude their play in able-bodied sport competition. Players must have a combination of upper and lower body extremity impairment to be considered eligible to participate.
Most players have some type of quadriplegia and are classified as to their abilities.
Players are given classification number from one of seven classification numbers ranging from 0.5-3.5. The 0.5 player with the greatest impairment. Both males and females play this sport and because of the classification process gender advantages do not exist. The game is played on a regulation-sized basketball court with some minor changes. Four players from each team are allowed on the court at one time.