“The Northern Challenge” is an annual Wheelchair Basketball competition hosted by Sporting Wheelies. This event plays an important role in the development of wheelchair basketball players, coaches, referees, team managers, scorebench officials, volunteer drivers and event administrators.
This year the Northern Challenge is open to players across Australia without restrictions on primary place of residence. Players from social grade through to A grade may participate in the event.
Competition Date & Location
Date: 26th and 27th August 2023
Venue: Townsville Sport and Recreation Precinct, 24 Burke St, North Ward QLD 4810
Competition Grades and Rules
Each team will play in a round robin style competition, it is anticipated that teams will play approximately 6 games plus Finals. Please note this may be subject to change pending the total number of teams registered for the tournament.
Teams will be awarded 3 points for a win, 1 point for a loss, and 0 points for a forteit and placed on a tournament ladder. At the conclusion of the competition, based on the ladder results team ranked #1 will play team ranked #2 to determine the Champion and Runner up teams. Teams ranked #3 will play the team ranked #4 to determine overall third and forth placed team.
Note: Should the tournament be low in team registration numbers, A grade and social grade may be combined to ensure the viability of the tournment
| A-GRADE | SOCIAL GRADE | |
| Regional representative teams | New and developing players who play at a social sport level | |
| Competition format | 5-on-5 | 5-on-5 |
| Game time | 4 x 10 min quarters | 4 x 10 min quarters |
| Stop Clock | Finals only | No |
| Fouls | 5 per player | 5 per player |
| Timeouts | One per quarter | One per quarter |
| Classification | 16 points* (This restriction may be subject to change) | No Limit |
| Deductions | No limits. Able-bodied players classed as a 4.5 | Nil |
| Able-bodied Players | No limits. Able-bodied players classed as a 4.5 | No Limit |
| Shot Clock | Grand Final only* | No |
| Overtime | Finals only* | No |
* May be subject to change depending on entries
**Classification will not be offered at this event
Please note the Technical Committee reserves the right to move players and/or teams based on their playing experience in order to ensure each grade of competition is fair and even.
Registrations
All Registrations to be completed online.
Registrations close: Midnight Friday 14th July 2023
Registration Fees $140 per player.
Athletes enrolled and participating in a Sporting Wheelies Wheelchair Basketball Social Sport Program $100 per player.
Athletes may register as part of a team or register as an individual. Sporting Wheelies will allocate individual athletes to a team.
Refunds
Competitors wishing to withdraw may receive a full refund up until close of entries. There will be no refunds after this date. Please note all withdrawals must be in writing.
Presentation Ceremony
The event will conclude with a presentation ceremony at approximately 3pm (this may be subject to change pending the number of teams registered and game time required).
Awards being presented include: Champion and Runners-Up teams and Most Valuable Player (MVP) for each grade.
Volunteers and Officials
Volunteers and officials are needed to fill various positions for the event.
If you can help, please let us know.
Meals
The sport precinct snack bar is NOT available over the weekend. All athletes are advised to bring your own food and drinks.
There is a Coles supermarket located approximatley 1km from the Sports Precinct, view the map HERE
Car Parking and Wheelchair Storage
Sports Precinct patrons will be able to park in the Car Park located off Burke St (view the map here)
Players can store their wheelchairs overnight at The Sports Precinct on Saturday 26 August in the area designated by venue staff. Please ensure wheelchairs are placed neatly in the area (large wheels to the wall) Sporting Wheelies takes no responsibility for damaged, lost or stolen equipment (please remove all valuables), the venue will be locked and have security present.
First Aid
1300 Medics will provide first aid at this event.
Conditions of Entry
All athletes agree to the terms and conditions as outlines on the registration forms. Athletes must have no outstanding debts to the Sporting Wheelies.
Spectators
There is no entry fee for spectators. Spectators are welcome to attend the event to support their friends, family, or to watch wheelchair basketballers in action.
Spectators are asked to respect all athletes, volunteers, officials and event staff, failure to do so will result in the offending person/s to being asked to leave the facility.
Event Coordinators
Sasha Ulasowski | Team Leader Para Sports & Recreation – Sporting Wheelies
E: Sashau@sportingwheelies.org.au
M: 3253 3333
Angelo Macaro | Para Sports Development Coordinator – Sporting Wheelies
E: angelom@sportingwheelies.org.au
M: 3253 3333
Sporting Wheelies wishes to thank all Sponsors, Athletes, Volunteers, Officials & Referees, without whom the event would not be possible.
Join the Weekly program
Other Roles
You do not have to play Wheelchair Basketball to be involved. You can contribute as a volunteer, coach, team manager, umpire, administrator of the sport or as an enthusiastic supporter.
For more information on volunteer opportunities, please get in touch using the link below.
Calendar of Events
Throughout the year a range of sports programs and events are held. To view the complete calendar of events, please select the link below.
