The Australian Powerchair Hockey Association NSW is a sports club based in Sydney that is dedicated to providing resources for physically disabled athletes to play hockey in powerchairs. The club promotes the sport to individuals of all ages, genders, and disabilities, with interest being shown in the North and South West Regions of Sydney. The club's ultimate goal is to expand interstate and form a strong national competition.
Currently, the club's local competition is held at the Kevin Betts Stadium in Mount Druitt. This competition provides athletes with the opportunity to represent Australia at an international level under the International Hockey Federation. In fact, Australia finished eighth in the 2014 Powerchair Hockey World Cup, and the federation aims to have powerchair hockey included in future Paralympic Games.
Powerchair Hockey is a sport specifically designed for individuals in powerchairs. It is played on an area approximately the size of a basketball court with a surrounding barrier that is used to rebound the ball during play. The rules and restrictions of the game are in place to ensure player safety. Each team consists of five players on the court at any one time, with the option to have 2 or 3 substitute players.
Ideally, a team should have two players with 'T-Sticks' (a T-shaped stick attached to the powerchair), but at least one player must be the goalie.
The history of the Australian Powerchair Hockey Association NSW dates back to the late 1990s when a few players who had previously competed in another sporting organisation came together to compete in overseas competitions. Upon their return to Sydney, these players and their families founded the NSW PowerHockey Association, which later became the Australian Powerchair Hockey Association NSW. The association started with just five players at Kevin Betts Stadium and has since grown to a total membership of 38, including family and friends. The local competition has also expanded from three teams to five teams, including the Hawks, Hurricanes, Mounties, Rebels, and Sabres.
Over the years, the club has made changes to adapt and improve the sport. They have transitioned to playing under the Committee International Federation of Electric Wheelchair Hockey (CIF) rules, which allows players the opportunity to compete internationally with European countries that are also dedicated to electric wheelchair hockey.
Overall, the Australian Powerchair Hockey Association NSW is a thriving sports club that provides disabled athletes with the opportunity to fulfil their potential in hockey. With its commitment to inclusivity and growth, this association is playing a vital role in promoting powerchair hockey in Australia and internationally.