How does classification and the team point ceiling work?

Before the Open, every player is classified into one of four classes based on their level of impairment and how it affects wheelchair movement, handballing, passing, marking, catching and reacting to contact. Each class carries points:

• Class 1: 1 point (little or no trunk control)
• Class 2: 2 points (active control of the upper trunk but not the lower trunk)
• Class 3: 3 points (complete trunk control to rotate and lean forward, but no controlled sideways movement)
• Class 4: 4 points (complete trunk control, with sideways movement to at least one side)

Female players and players under 18 receive a one point concession. You can only use one concession, so a female player under 18 still gets just one.

The points of the five players on court must never exceed the team point ceiling: 16 for state and territory teams, and 20 for RSL Active.

If a captain suspects the opposition is over the ceiling, only the captain may tell the umpire. The clock stops and the match manager reviews the classification of the opposition's players on court. If a team is found over the ceiling, or falsely accused the other team of it, one goal (six points) is added to the other team's score and that team starts with the ball in the centre.