FITEQ has updated the rules of Para teqball after consulting with athletes, coaches and National Federations ©FITEQ

The International Teqball Federation (FITEQ) has updated the rules of Para teqball after consulting with athletes, coaches, and National Federations.

The changes were made to make the game more inclusive and enjoyable for Para athletes.

"FITEQ has been developing Para teqball for several years, but it was only officially launched at the start of 2021," FITEQ sport director Matthew Curtain said.

"Following the publication of official rules and regulations for Para teqball for the first time, as well as our classification regulations, we wanted to analyse their effectiveness at a competition level.

"The experience last year of hosting FITEQ sanctioned Para teqball tournaments, and gaining feedback from National Federations that hosted their own events, we were able to refine and optimise the rules and regulations. 

"The year ahead will continue to see rapid growth of Para teqball and the modified rules give the strongest possible foundation for this."

Changes were made in the class one singles, class one inclusive doubles and the class two inclusive doubles ©Getty Images
Changes were made in the class one singles, class one inclusive doubles and the class two inclusive doubles ©Getty Images

In the class one singles, players now have the option to bounce the ball on the ground before serving.

In the class one inclusive doubles, players can now ask their teammates for support with service. 

It also is forbidden to return the ball consecutively with the same body part. 

Finally, the trajectory of the ball after the service must be upwards when a player is receiving.

The same changes were made in the class two inclusive doubles as well.