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.