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LAWS OF THE GAME

The Game – Some Key Facts

The Pitch

  • The game is played indoors on a Basketball court.
  • The surface of the court must be hard, smooth and level.  (Usually wood or artificial material).
  • It is vital that there is adequate “run-off” around the pitch.

The Ball

  • A unique 33cm diameter ball is used.

Number of Players

  • A team consists of up to 8 players.
  • 4 players are on the pitch at any time.
  • One player is a goalkeeper.
  • There are unlimited substitutes.

Ball In and Out of Play

If a ball leaves the field of play the following will be awarded;

  • Kick-In (equivalent to a throw-in)
  • Corner
  • Goal Kick
  • Set Ball

2 on 1

  • If two teammates and an opponent are within 3 meters of the ball while it is in play, then it is a foul
  • The referee will award an indirect free kick to the opposing team.

Penalty

  • Usually awarded for fouls such as heavy contact or ramming an opponent.
  • Taken from 3.5m from the goal line.
  • The goalkeeper must remain behind this line until the ball is struck.
  • All other players must be behind the ball and at least 5m from the ball.

Equipment

  • Powerchair Football has to be played in an electric wheelchair.
  • Players must use a WFA sanctioned playing attachment.
  • Players must wear a seatbelt for their own safety and is a rule of the game.

Goals

  • The goalposts are 6m apart.
  • Unique Powerchair Football goalposts are used for safety.
  • A goal is scored when the whole ball crosses the goal line between the two goalposts.

Match Duration

  • A match is 40 minutes long.
  • This is played in two 20 minute halves.

Restarting Play

  • All opposition players must be 5m away from the ball.
  • The set-piece taker can only touch the ball once.

Penalty Area

  • Only 2 players from the defending team may enter the penalty area at any one time.
  • If more than 2 defenders enter their penalty area a free-kick will be awarded to the opposition.
  • There is no restriction for the attacking team.
  • The goalkeeper can commit a 2 on 1 in the area.

Tackling

  • Allowed as long as it is playing attachment to playing attachment.
  • Contact with any other part of the chairs or ramming is a foul and is NOT allowed.
  • Ramming is defined as when a player deliberately drives into an opponent, with or without the ball, at a high rate of speed or with excessive force. The opponent may be moving or standing still.
  • An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team.