ParaVolley

Volleyball Australia is committed to providing opportunities for people with a disability in the form of three key disciplines: Sitting Volleyball, Standing Beach Volleyball and Deaf Volleyball, all of which offer competition opportunities at the local, national and international levels.

The term ParaVolley is used to refer to the two disciplines of Sitting Volleyball and Standing Beach Volleyball. Volleyball Australia also support Deaf Volleyball.

Volleyball is a tactical team sport that involves hitting a ball over a net using closed hands. The object is to keep the ball volleying over the net without permitting it to touch the ground. A point is earned each time a player grounds a ball in the opponents’ court.

There are three disciples of volleyball for athletes with a physical disability: deaf volleyball, sitting volleyball and standing beach volleyball.

Deaf volleyball is played by athletes with a hearing impairment. Sitting volleyball is played by athletes who have a disability that severely impacts the function of their lower limbs. Standing Beach volleyball is played by athletes with milder impairments, who are able to stand, run and lunge without assistance.

Why Get Involved?

Volleyball – The Ideal Sport for People with a Disability

Volleyball is an ideal sport that can cater for a wide range of individuals with a disability.

Volleyball is a uniquely inclusive sport, as it can involve people with minor disabilities, as well as people who are more severely disabled. For example, top international Sitting Volleyball teams use setters who are double leg amputees.

Volleyball is considered an economical discipline, especially for Sitting Volleyball, since no expensive prostheses or wheelchairs and no specialised equipment is needed. The only facilities needed are: floor space, a rope or net, and a ball.

As a team sport, volleyball can be played by people with a disability together with able-bodied individuals. It is versatile, being played by youths, juniors, adults and seniors in any combination. Unlike many sports, volleyball can be played at all levels co-educationally, creating a sociable and integrated atmosphere appreciated by all involved.

There is great potential for fun, inclusion and cooperation

Information and Resources

The following links provide additional information about Volleyball for people with a disability and for those who are interested in getting involved.

General Information: