As wheelchair rugby continues to evolve across Canada, Wheelchair Rugby Canada must also continue to adapt its organizational structure to meet the changing needs of the sport.

In recent years, Wheelchair Rugby Canada created the position of Programs Coordinator to work closely with our community, clubs, and provincial partners to support the growth and development of wheelchair rugby across the country.

As part of the continued evolution of our structure, the Programs Coordinator will now assume several responsibilities that were previously held by volunteers.

For the foreseeable future, Wheelchair Rugby Canada will not be replacing the Head of Match Officials position. Several responsibilities associated with this role have been incorporated into the Programs Coordinator’s portfolio. We will also establish a Match Officials Committee to provide the technical expertise and guidance required to support the delivery of match official education, training, development, and opportunities across Canada.

Wheelchair Rugby Canada has also recently established a Classification Committee. We are pleased to welcome Simone Gruenig as Head of Classification, with a primary focus on classification training and education. The Programs Coordinator will support Simone and the Classification Committee as we continue to strengthen and develop classification pathways and capacity across the country.

By bringing these responsibilities more directly into the organization and supporting them through dedicated technical committees, our intention is to create stronger connections between Wheelchair Rugby Canada and these important areas of the sport.

We look forward to continuing to grow and develop match officials and classification across Canada in partnership and collaboration with our clubs, provincial partners, volunteers, and broader wheelchair rugby community.

For any questions regarding these changes, please contact Avery Lightfoot, Programs Coordinator, at alightfoot@wheelchairrugby.ca.