What happens when I commit a foul?

Common fouls come from an illegal action that is a genuine attempt to play the game.

• Offensive common foul (by the team with the ball): loss of possession.
• Defensive common foul (by the team without the ball): a 30-second penalty, served in the penalty box by the player who committed the foul. If the opposing team scores a try, the player is released early, unless a penalty try is awarded.
• If a defensive foul is committed while an attacker with the ball is making a clear attempt to score, the referee may award a penalty try instead of the 30-second penalty.

Examples of common fouls include holding, charging, and having a fourth defensive player in your key area. No more than two players from the same team may serve penalties at the same time.

Source: WWR International Rules, April 2026, Articles 88-92 and 107: https://wheelchairrugby.ca/uploads/2026/08/20260401-Wheelchair-Rugby-International-Rules-WWR-FINAL.pdf