MSHSL adds wheelchair events

The Minnesota State High School League is adding three track and field events exclusively for wheelchair-bound athletes effective this upcoming season. “Wheelers” is the term that refers to the athletes that compete on the track. Wheelers will be able to compete in 800-meter and 1600-meter
events. Shot put will be the field event.

This new division of competition will be available to athletes with permanent physical disabilities. Competition can begin during the regular season and participation in a minimum of three meets to qualify for section meets. Section competition will qualify athletes to the state meet this
June.

There will be two classifications: Class 1 for athletes with disabilities of the lower extremities; Class 2 for athletes with disabilities that affect the lower and upper extremities.

“These new events will fill a void for a significant number of athletes confined to wheelchairs,” explained Associate Director Jody Redman who oversees track and field. “This expands the opportunities for athletic competition for wheelchair-bound students. We expect that our member schools will embrace this expansion of track and field to serve more student-athletes.”

There are some specific rules and specifications for the wheelchair competition on the track. For example, the wheelchairs will have only three wheels, two in the rear and one in the front. And, although it might seem obvious, the wheelchairs can be maneuvered only with the hands and arms.

For the shot put, the athletes have a little more flexibility in the type of chair that can be used, but scooters and “standing chairs” are not allowed. Assistance in holding the chair to limit excessive movement is allowed.

All of the competition for wheelchair racers must be separate from competition for able-bodied athletes. Shot-putters in chairs may compete alongside able-bodied athletes. Team points will not be awarded for participation in wheelchair division events.

“Adding these events speaks directly to one of the League’s belief statements,” Redman said. “That is, ‘Participation in school-sponsored activities must be inclusive, not exclusive.’”

Minnesota becomes the seventh state to offer wheelchair track and field competition.