In Partnership with

POWERCHAIR
FOOTBALLLAWS OF THE GAME
Official Rules & Regulations

Fédération Internationale de Powerchair
Football Association (FIPFA)

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In Partnership withTABLE OF CONTENTS
Object of the Game ...............................................................................................................................................5
Modifications ...........................................................................................................................................................5
Subject to the agreement of the national association concerned and provided the principles ofthese Laws are maintained, any or all of the following modifications are permissible: .........................5
Male and Female ....................................................................................................................................................5
Safety .......................................................................................................................................................................5
LAW 1 – THE FIELD OF PLAY ................................................................................................... 6
Dimensions..............................................................................................................................................................6
Surface .....................................................................................................................................................................6
Markings ..................................................................................................................................................................6
Goal Area .................................................................................................................................................................6
Penalty Mark ...........................................................................................................................................................7
Goals ........................................................................................................................................................................7
Officials’ Area ..........................................................................................................................................................7
The Corner Arc .......................................................................................................................................................7
Technical Areas ......................................................................................................................................................7
LAW 2 – THE BALL ................................................................................................................... 9
Qualities and Measurements ...............................................................................................................................9
Replacement of a Defective Ball .........................................................................................................................9
LAW 3 – THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS ....................................................................................... 10
Players ...................................................................................................................................................................10
Official Competitions ...........................................................................................................................................10
Substitution Procedure .......................................................................................................................................10
Changing the Goalkeeper ...................................................................................................................................11
Infringements/Sanctions ....................................................................................................................................11
Players and Substitutes Sent Off ......................................................................................................................11
LAW 4 – THE PLAYERS EQUIPMENT ....................................................................................... 12
Safety .....................................................................................................................................................................12
Basic Equipment ..................................................................................................................................................12
Footguards ............................................................................................................................................................13
Goalkeepers ..........................................................................................................................................................13
Infringements/Sanctions ....................................................................................................................................13
Restart of Play ......................................................................................................................................................14
LAW 5 – THE REFEREE ........................................................................................................... 15
The Authority of the Referee .............................................................................................................................15
Powers and Duties ...............................................................................................................................................15
Decisions of the Referee.....................................................................................................................................16
Clarifications .........................................................................................................................................................16
LAW 6 – THE ASSISTANT REFEREES ...................................................................................... 18
Duties .....................................................................................................................................................................18
Assistance..............................................................................................................................................................18
LAW 7 – THE DURATION OF THE MATCH................................................................................ 19
Periods of Play ......................................................................................................................................................19
Half-Time Interval ...............................................................................................................................................19
Allowance for Time Lost .....................................................................................................................................19
Penalty Kick ..........................................................................................................................................................20
Abandoned Match ................................................................................................................................................20
LAW 8 – THE START AND RESTART OF PLAY .......................................................................... 21

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Preliminaries .........................................................................................................................................................21
Kick-Off ..................................................................................................................................................................21
Procedure ..............................................................................................................................................................21
Infringements/Sanctions ....................................................................................................................................21
Set Ball...................................................................................................................................................................22
Procedure ..............................................................................................................................................................22
Infringements/Sanctions ....................................................................................................................................22
Special Circumstances ........................................................................................................................................22
LAW 9 – THE BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY ............................................................................... 23
Ball Out of Play .....................................................................................................................................................23
Ball In Play ............................................................................................................................................................23
LAW 10 – THE METHOD OF SCORING ..................................................................................... 24
Goal Scored ...........................................................................................................................................................24
Winning Team.......................................................................................................................................................24
Competition Rules................................................................................................................................................24
LAW 11 – FIELD POSITION ................................................................................................... 25
General ..................................................................................................................................................................25
2-on-1 Field Position Offense ............................................................................................................................25
Offense ...................................................................................................................................................................25
Goal Area ...............................................................................................................................................................26
Infringements/Sanctions ....................................................................................................................................26
LAW 12 – FOULS AND MISCONDUCT ...................................................................................... 29
Direct Free Kick ....................................................................................................................................................29
Penalty Kick ..........................................................................................................................................................29
Indirect Free Kick.................................................................................................................................................29
Disciplinary Sanctions .........................................................................................................................................30
Cautionable Offenses ..........................................................................................................................................30
Sending-Off Offenses ..........................................................................................................................................30
LAW 13 – FREE KICKS ........................................................................................................... 32
Free Kicks ..............................................................................................................................................................32
Direct Free Kick ....................................................................................................................................................32
Indirect Free Kick.................................................................................................................................................32
Position of Free Kick ............................................................................................................................................32
Infringements/Sanctions ....................................................................................................................................33
LAW 14 – PENALTY KICKS ..................................................................................................... 34
General ..................................................................................................................................................................34
Position of the Ball and the Players .................................................................................................................34
The Referee ...........................................................................................................................................................34
Procedure ..............................................................................................................................................................34
Infringements/Sanctions ....................................................................................................................................35
LAW 15 – THE KICK-IN .......................................................................................................... 37
General ..................................................................................................................................................................37
Procedure ..............................................................................................................................................................37
Infringements/Sanctions ....................................................................................................................................37
LAW 16 – THE GOAL KICK ..................................................................................................... 38
General ..................................................................................................................................................................38
Procedure ..............................................................................................................................................................38
Infringements/Sanctions ....................................................................................................................................38
LAW 17 – THE CORNER KICK ................................................................................................. 39
General ..................................................................................................................................................................39
Procedure ..............................................................................................................................................................39
Infringements/Sanctions ....................................................................................................................................39

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LAW 18 – CLASSIFICATION ................................................................................................... 40
18.1 THE ROLE OF CLASSIFICATION ..................................................................................... 40
18.2 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA .................................................................................................. 40
18.3 SPORT CLASS AND SPORT CLASS STATUS ..................................................................... 40
18.4 CHANGES IN SPORT CLASS FOLLOWING OBSERVATION IN PERFORMANCE................... 42
18.5 PROTESTS ..................................................................................................................... 42
18.6 APPEALS........................................................................................................................ 42
18.7 CLASSIFIER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION. ............................................................... 4218.8 ATHLETE PRESENTATION .............................................................................................. 42
18.9 ATHLETE EVALUATION PROCESS. .................................................................................. 42
KICKS FROM THE PENALTY MARK .......................................................................................... 43
General ..................................................................................................................................................................43
Procedure ..............................................................................................................................................................43
Infringements/Sanctions ....................................................................................................................................44
ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES ...................................................................................................... 45
Technical Area ......................................................................................................................................................45
The Fourth Official ...............................................................................................................................................45
REFEREE SIGNALS ................................................................................................................. 47
ASSISTANT REFEREE SIGNALS .............................................................................................. 48

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Object of the GameThe game is played by two teams of athletes with physical disabilities using
special footguards attached to powered wheelchairs to kick a speciallydesigned ball. The object of the game is to manoeuvre the ball over the goalline of an opposing team while preventing them from doing the same.
Modifications
Subject to the agreement of the national association concerned and provided
the principles of these Laws are maintained, any or all of the following
modifications are permissible:• size of the field• size, weight and material of the ball• duration of the periods of play
• substitutions
Further modifications may be allowed based upon decisions made between
referees, coaches, and tournament directors prior to the start of the match or
tournament.
Male and Female
References to the male gender in the Laws of the Game in respect of referees,
assistant referees, players and officials are for simplification and apply to bothmales and females.
SafetyPlayers must use lap seatbelts. Leg, feet and chest straps should be used if
normally worn. Other authorised equipment may include helmets, headrests,
and other assistive or protective technology normally used by the athlete.

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Law 1 – The Field of Play
Dimensions
The basic size of the field that the game will be played on is 28 m x 15
m (94 ft x 50 ft) (standard size basketball court):
Length:Width:

maximum

30m(98-1/2 ft)

minimum

25m(82 ft)maximum

18m(59 ft)minimum

14m(46 ft)

NB: maximum length and width would look to be used for sanctioned international
events

Surface
The surface of the field must be hard, smooth, and level for easy
manoeuvrability of the powerchairs. The use of wood or artificial
material is recommended. Concrete or tarmac should be avoided.
Markings
The field is marked with lines which belong to the areas of which they
are the boundaries.
The two longer boundary lines are called touch lines. The two shorterlines are called goal lines.
All lines are a minimum of 5 cm (2 in) wide.
The field is divided into two halves by a halfway line.
The centre mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. The
mark may consist of a 15 cm (6 in) “X” taped securely onto the floor
with contrasting/non-damaging tape.
Goal Area
A goal area is marked at the centre of each end of the field, 8 m (26 ft)
wide and 5 m (16.5 ft) deep.

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Penalty MarkA penalty mark is placed 3.5 m (11.5 ft) from the goal line and equidistantfrom each goalpost to indicate the location of the ball during the taking ofpenalty kicks.
The mark may consist of a 15 cm (6 in) “X” or line taped securely onto thefloor with contrasting/non-damaging tape.
Goals
Goals must be placed on the centre of each goal line.
They consist of two upright posts (pylons or cones) placed equidistant fromthe corners of the field and securely fastened to the floor with non-damaging
tape.
The distance between the posts is 6 m (19ft 6.8 in).
Goal Post Position
A mark of 1 m from inside each goalpost to must be placed for corner
positioning
Officials’ Area
An area at least 1 m (39.4 in) wide is placed around the entire perimeter ofthe field which allows the manoeuvre of the officials.
The Corner Arc
A triangle 1 m (39.4 inc) from each corner is drawn inside the field of play.

Technical Areas
The technical area lateral limit is from the goal line to the halfway line or 1 m(39.4 inc) from the scorer’s table and extends forward to the edge of theofficials’ area.
Additional requirements and restrictions concerning the technical area aredescribed in the administrative notes.

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In Partnership withLaw 2 – The Ball
Qualities and Measurements
The ball is:• spherical,• Of appropriate pressure so as to minimisebouncing yet prevent powerchairs fromriding over it.
• See FIPFA Ball technical specification for further information.
Replacement of a Defective Ball
If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match:• the match is stopped• the match is restarted by a set ball where the ball first became
defective (see Law 8)
If the ball bursts or becomes defective whilst not in play at a kick-off,goal kick, corner kick, free kick, penalty kick or kick-in:• the match is restarted accordingly
The ball may not be changed during the match without the authority of
the referee.

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In Partnership withLaw 3 – The Number of Players
Players
A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than 4players, one of whom must be a goalkeeper. A match may not start ifeither team consists of fewer than 2 players in total.
Players must have adequate control of their powerchairs.
The referee has the authority to stop a player who is not in full control
from participating in a game.
Official Competitions
Teams shall consist of 4 players with up to 4 substitute players;
however, the regulations of competition may allow a greater number ofsubstitutes.
A greater number of substitutes may be on the team provided that:•the teams concerned reach agreement on a maximum number•

the referee is informed before the match

If the referee is not informed, or if no agreement is reached before thematch, no more than 4 substitutes are allowed on the team sheets.
Teams must provide team sheets to the referee prior to the start of thematch. Players & substitutes not so named may not take part in thematch.
Substitution Procedure
To replace a player by a substitute, the following conditions must be
observed:•

The nearest assistant referee must be informed of thesubstitution request prior to the stoppage•

The assistant referee signals that a substitution has beenrequested•

A substitute only enters the field of play from the technical areaand during a stoppage in the match•

The substitution is completed when a substitute enters the fieldof play•

All substitutes are subject to the authority and jurisdiction of
the referee•

A team may not substitute a goalkeeper for a penalty kickunless there has been an injury or equipment failure

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Changing the Goalkeeper
Any of the players may change places with the goalkeeper, provided
that:• the referee is informed before the change is made• the change is made during a stoppage in the match
Infringements/Sanctions
If a substitute enters the field without the referee’s permission:• the referee stops play (although not immediately if the substitute or
substituted player does not interfere with play)• the referee cautions him for unsporting behaviour and orders him toleave the field of play.
• If the referee has stopped play, it is restarted with an indirect freekick for the opposing team from the position of the ball at the time ofthe stoppage (see Law 13 – Position of free kick)If a player changes places with the goalkeeper without the referee’s
permission before the change is made:• the referee allows play to continue• the referee cautions the players concerned when the ball is next out ofplay
In the event of any other infringements of this Law:
• the players concerned are cautioned• the match is restarted with an indirect free kick, to be taken by aplayer of the opposing team from the position of the ball at the time ofthe stoppage
Restart of PlayIf play is stopped by the referee to administer a caution:• the match is restarted by an indirect free kick to be taken by a playerof the opposing team from the place where the ball was located whenplay was stopped (see Law 13)

Players and Substitutes Sent Off
A player who has been sent off before the kick-off may be replaced only
by one of the named substitutes.
A named substitute who has been sent off, either before the kick-off orafter play has started may not be replaced.

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In Partnership withLaw 4 – The Players Equipment
SafetyA player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous
to himself or another player.
Basic Equipment
The basic compulsory equipmentof a player is:•a jersey or shirt•

all members of a teamwill wear shirts of thesame colour which
contrasts those of theiropponents•

shorts or warm-up
pants which matches
the rest of their team•a powered wheelchair•lap seatbelt•

Footguard•

A clear and visible number

Powerchair•

powerchair must have 4 or more wheels•

3 or 4-wheeled scooters or similar equipment are not permitted•

The maximum speed allowable during the match for
powerchairs is 10 kph (6.2 mph), forwards and reverse.

•

Backpacks, bags, etc. are not allowed to be attached to
powerchairs during play (essential equipment accepted e.g.
Oxygen / feeds / ventilators etc.)•

chairs must not have any sharp surfaces or items that might
become entangled with other powerchairs (inc. essential
equipment)•

chest/shoulder/head restraints are required equipment for
those athletes who need them•no part of the chair shall be constructed so as to be able to trap
or hold the ballApproved August 2020

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In Partnership with•additions should be placed on the powerchair which prevent thewheels from trapping, holding, or riding over the ball•

See FIPFA Powerchair technical specification for further
information.

Footguards•

must consist of unbreakable material and be securely attached to thepowerchair•players must be able to maintain eye contact with the ball•footguard surfaces shall be solid and not angled to hit the ball upwards
o all surfaces must be flat or convex. Concave surfaces are notallowed. No part of the footguard shall be constructed so as tobe able to trap or hold the ball•footguards must not have any sharp surfaces or protrusions•

footguards must not be wider than the widest point of the frame orwheelbase of the powerchair•footguards must not be narrower than the front casters (orattachments) of the powerchair•

See FIPFA Footguard technical specification for further information.

Goalkeepers
Each goalkeeper wears colours that distinguish him from the otherplayers. Distinguishing colours may include shirts, etc.
Infringements/Sanctions
For any infringement of this law:
•
•
•
•
•
•

play need not be stopped
the player at fault is instructed by the referee to leave the field of play
to correct his equipment
the player leaves the field of play when the ball next ceases to be inplay, unless he has already corrected his equipment
any player required to leave the field of play to correct his equipment
does not re-enter without the referee’s permission
the referee checks that the player’s equipment is correct before allowing
him to re-enter the field of play
the player is only allowed to re-enter the field of play when the ball isout of play

A player who has been required to leave the field because of an infringementof this Law and who enters (or re-enters) the field without the referee’s
permission is cautioned and shown the yellow card.

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Restart of PlayIf play is stopped by the referee to administer a caution:•

the match is restarted by an indirect free kick taken by a playerfrom the opposing team, from the place where the ball was
located when the referee stopped the match (see Law 8)

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In Partnership withLaw 5 – The Referee
The Authority of the Referee
Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce
the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has
been appointed.
Powers and Duties
The Referee:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

•
•

enforces the Laws of the Game in accordance with safety andsportsmanshipcontrols the match in co-operation with the assistant referee
ensures that the field played on meets the requirements of Law 1
ensures that any ball used meets the requirements of Law 2
inspects and ensures that the players’ equipment meets therequirements of Law 4collects and verifies team sheets prior to the start of playacts as a timekeeper and keeps a record of the match
stops, suspends, or abandons the match, at his discretion, for any
infringement of the Laws
stops, suspends, or abandons the match because of outside interference
stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured
stops the match if, in his opinion, a dangerous situation occurs or is
likely to occur.
stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is in danger of flipping overor if major powerchair components begin falling onto the field
allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in his
opinion, only slightly injured
ensures that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the field. The
player may only return on receiving a signal from the referee, who mustbe satisfied that the bleeding has stopped
allows play to continue when the team against which an offense has
been committed will benefit from such an advantage and penalises theoriginal offense if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that timepunishes the more serious offense when a player commits more than
one offense at the same time
takes disciplinary action against players guilty of a cautionable orsending-off offense. He is not obliged to take this action immediately,
but he must do so when the ball next goes out of play

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•

•
•
•
•
•

•

takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a
responsible manner and may, at his discretion, expel them from thecourt and its immediate surroundings
acts on the advice of the assistant referee regarding incidents which hehas not seen
ensures that no unauthorised persons enter the field
restarts the match after it has been stopped
may, if requested or required, support the ball during the taking of afree kick or restart
provides the appropriate authorities with a match report which includes
information on any disciplinary action taken against players, and/or
team official and any other incidents which occurred before, during or
after the match
allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player’s
equipment breaks down and he is not in danger. When there is a
stoppage in play, the referee will allow time for the repair of theequipment. If the repair time is significant, the referee can order asubstitution

Decisions of the Referee
The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final.
Facts connected with play shall include whether a goal is scored or not andthe result of the match.
The referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or, at
his discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee, provided that he has notrestarted play.
Clarifications
A referee (or where applicable, an assistant referee) is not held liable for:•any kind of injury suffered by a player, official or spectator•

any damage to property of any kind•any other loss suffered by any individual, club, company, association orother body, which is due or which may be due to any decision which hemay take under the terms of the Laws of the Game or in respect of thenormal procedures required to hold, play and control a match•

this may include:•

a decision that the condition of the field or its surrounds or that theweather conditions are such as to allow or not to allow a match to take
place

•

a decision to abandon a match for whatever reason•

a decision as to the condition of the fixtures or equipment used during amatch including the goalposts and the ballApproved August 202016

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In Partnership with•a decision as to stop or not to stop a match due to spectator
interference or any problem in the spectator area•a decision to stop or not to stop play to allow an injured player to be
removed from the field for treatment•a decision to request or insist that an injured player be removed fromthe field for treatment•a decision to allow or not allow a player to wear certain apparel orequipment•a decision (in so far as this may be his responsibility) to allow or notallow any persons (including team or venue officials, security officers,
photographers or other media representatives) to be present in thevicinity of the field• any other decision which he may take in accordance with the Laws of
the Game or in conformity with his duties under the terms of theassociation or leagues rules under which the match is played

Approved August 202017

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In Partnership withLaw 6 – The Assistant Referees
DutiesAssistant referees may be appointed whose duties, subject to the decision of
the referee, are to indicate:•when the whole of the ball has passed out of the field•

which side is entitled to a corner kick, goal kick, or kick-in•

when a substitution is requested•

when a team may be penalised for having exceeded the number ofallowable players in the goal area•

when a team may be penalised for having a player, other than the
goalkeeper, completely cross the goal line between the goal posts•

when misconduct or any other incident has occurred out of the view of
the referee•when offenses have been committed whenever he is closer to the action
than the referee (this includes, in particular circumstances, offenses
committed in the goal area)•

whether, at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper has moved forward before theball has been kicked and if the ball has crossed the line•

may, if requested or required, support the ball during the taking of afree kick or restart

Assistance
The assistant referees also assist the referee to control the match inaccordance with the Laws of the Game.
In the event of undue interference or improper conduct, the referee will
relieve an assistant referee of his duties and make a report to theappropriate authorities.

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In Partnership withLaw 7 – The Duration of the Match
Periods of PlayThe match consists of two equal periods of 20 minutes, unless otherwise
mutually agreed between the referees and the two participating teams.
Any agreement to alter the periods of play (for example to reduce eachhalf to 15 minutes) must be made before the start of play and mustcomply with competition rules.
Half-Time Interval
Players are entitled to an interval at half-time which must not exceed 10
minutes.
Competition rules must state the duration of the half-time interval.
The duration of the half-time interval may be altered only with theconsent of the referee.
Allowance for Time Lost
Allowance is made in either period for all time lost through:•stoppage to ensure a player’s safety such as when a player is in dangerof falling over or when major powerchair parts fall onto the field in close
proximity to play•

removal of a non-operable powerchair from the field for repair
o if the player’s equipment breaks down during play, the referee
may allow play to continue if the player’s' safety is notjeopardisedo at the next stoppage, or if the player’s equipment breaks down
during a stoppage, the referee will allow for the repair of theequipment. If the repair takes excessive time, the referee willorder a mandatory substitution of the player•

assessment of injury to players•

removal of injured players from the field for treatment•

wasting time•

any other cause
The allowance for time lost is at the discretion of the referee.

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Penalty Kick
If a penalty kick has to be taken or retaken, the duration of either half is
extended until the penalty kick is completed.
Abandoned Match
An abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules provide
otherwise.

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In Partnership withLaw 8 – The Start and Restart of Play
Preliminaries
A coin is tossed and the team that wins the toss decides either to kick off or
which goal it will attack in the first half of the match and if they choose thegoal to attack then the other team takes the kick-off to start the match.
In the second half of the match, the teams change ends and attack the
opposite goals.
Kick-OffA kick-off is a way of starting or restarting play:•at the start of the match•after a goal has been scored•at the start of the second half of the match•at the start of each period of extra time, where applicable

A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off.
Procedure
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

all players are in their own half of the field
the opponents of the team taking the kick off are at least 5 m (16.5 ft)
from the ball until it is in play
the ball is stationary on the centre markthe referee gives the signal
the ball is in play when the ball has been kicked and moved
the kicker does not touch the ball a second time until it has touchedanother player
after a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by the other teamInfringements/Sanctions
If the kicker touches the ball a second time before it has touched anotherplayer:• An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team to be taken fromthe place where the infringement occurred
For any other infringement of the kick-off the kick-off is retaken.

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Set BallA set ball is a way of restarting the match after a temporary stoppage
that becomes necessary, while the ball is in play, for any reason notmentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game.
Procedure
The referee sets the ball at the place where it was located when play
was stopped.
One player from each team comes no closer than one 1m from the ball;both players must face the ball parallel with the touchline until the ballis touched.
All other players must be at least 3 m (10 ft) from the ball until it is inplay.
Play restarts when the referee makes a signal.

Infringements/Sanctions
The ball is set again:•

if it is touched by a player before the referee’s signal•

if the ball rolls before the referee’s signal•

if a player not involved in the set ball encroaches within 3m before thereferee’s signal

Special Circumstances
A free kick awarded to the defending team inside its own goal area is takenfrom any point within the goal area.
An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team in its opponents’ goal area
is taken from the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest towhere the infringement occurred.
A set ball to restart the match after play has been temporarily stopped inside
the goal area takes place on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the
point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped.

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In Partnership withLaw 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play
Ball Out of PlayThe ball is out of play when:•

it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the groundor in the air•

it is held immobile for more than 3 seconds between two or more
opponents in active play•

play has been stopped by the referee•

it elevates above 50.8cm (20in) from the floor

Ball In PlayThe ball is in play at all other times, including when:•

it rebounds from a goalpost and remains in the field of play•

it rebounds from either the referee or an assistant referee when they
are on the field of play

The ball may only be played by the players’ powerchairs: it cannot be moved
by contact with a player's body (e.g. hand, foot, or head).

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Law 10 – The Method of Scoring
Goal ScoredA goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, it
must be rolling not carried, between the goal posts, provided that no
infringement of the Laws of the Game has been committed previously
by the team scoring the goal.
In absence of a goal post, a goal is scored when majority of the ballpasses freely is not carried inside the goal marking and wholly crosses
the goal line.
Winning TeamThe team scoring the greater number of goals during the match is thewinner. If both teams score an equal number of goals, or if no goals
are scored, the match is drawn.
Competition Rules
For matches ending in a draw, competition rules may state provisions
involving extra time or kicks from the penalty mark to determine thewinner of a match.

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Law 11 – Field Position
GeneralThere are two possible offenses based on relative positioning of players
and the ball during play. However several criteria must be met before
the positioning becomes an offense.
2-on-1 Field Position Offense•

two teammates and an opponent are within 3 m (10 ft) of the ballwhile it is in play•both teammates and the opponent are involved in active play

Active play is defined as:• interfering with play or• interfering with an opponent or• gaining an advantage by being in that position
There is no 2-on-1 offense if one of the two teammates is a goalkeeper in his
own goal area

there is no 2-on-1 offense if there is no opponent within 3 m (10 ft) of the ball
Offense•Either of these position situations is only penalised if, in the opinionof the referee, one of the teammates is involved in active play.

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Goal Area
3 or more teammates within their own goal area at one time while theball is in play.
Infringements/Sanctions
For an offense of this Law, the referee awards an indirect free kick to
the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement
occurred, in accordance with the requirements of Law 13.
Unless it denies a goal scoring opportunity follow Law 12
The definitions of elements of involvement in active play are as follows:
Interfering with play means playing or touching the ball passed or touched bya teammate.

Interfering with an opponent means preventing an opponent from playing or
being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s movements
or making a gesture or movement which, in the opinion of the referee,deceives or distracts an opponent.

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Gaining an advantage by being in that position means playing a ball that
rebounds to him off a post having been in a 2-on-1 position or playing a ballthat rebounds to him off an opponent having been in a 2-on-1 position.

Having 2 teammates within 3 m of the ball and an opponent is, in and of
itself, not an offense until or unless the 2nd of the teammates becomesinvolved in active play.

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Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct
Fouls and misconduct are penalised as follows:
Direct Free Kick
A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player rams or
attempts to ram an opponent in a manner considered by the referee to be
careless, reckless or using excessive force:
A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits
any of the following offenses:•

holds an opponent with his powerchair•

handles the ball deliberately•

uses his arms to push, hold, or strike an opponent, or attempts to doso•spits at an opponent•

denies a goal scoring opportunity

A direct free kick is taken from where the offense occurred.
Penalty Kick
A penalty kick is awarded if any of the above offenses is committed by aplayer inside his own goal area, irrespective of the position of the ball,provided it is in play.
Indirect Free Kick
An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player other than
the goalkeeper:•wholly crosses their own goal line, between the goal posts, during
play

An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a 3rd player enterstheir own goal area while the ball is in play.
An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player, in theopinion of the referee:•plays in a dangerous manner•

impedes the progress of an opponent•

deliberately moves or pushes-over a goal post•commits any other offense, not previously mentioned in Law 12, forwhich play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player

The indirect free kick is taken from where the offense occurred (subject to therequirements of Law 13.).

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Disciplinary Sanctions
Only a player or substitute player may be shown the red or yellow card.
The referee has the authority to take disciplinary sanctions, as from themoment he enters the venue of the match until he leaves the venue after the
final whistle.
Cautionable Offenses
A player is cautioned and shown a yellow card if he commits any of thefollowing seven offenses:
1. is guilty of unsporting behaviour
2. shows dissent by word or action
3. persistently infringes the Laws of the Game
4. delays the restart of play
5. fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with acorner kick, kick-in, free kick, goal kick, or set ball
6. enters or re-enters the field of play without the referee’s permission
7. deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee’s permission
Sending-Off Offenses
A player is sent off and shown a red card if he commits any of the following
eight offenses:
1. is guilty of serious foul play
2. is guilty of violent conduct
3. spits at an opponent or any other person
4. denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity
by deliberately handling the ball
5. denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity to an opponent moving
towards the player’s goal by an offense punishable by a free kick or
penalty kick6. denies the opposing team a goal by completely crossing over the goalline (goalkeepers excepted)
7. uses offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
8. receives a second caution in the same match
A player who has been sent off must leave the vicinity (sight and sound) of
the field of play and the technical area
The elements of Law 12 are defined as follows:
Tackling and fair charges are allowed as long as they are footguard tofootguard. Contact with any other part of the chairs or ramming is a foul andis NOT allowed.
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In Partnership withRamming 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.
Holding is defined as when a player deliberately and physically restricts the
movement of an opponent's powerchair. Clipping is a variation of holding.
Clipping is when a player deliberately contacts the side or back of an
opponent's powerchair in order to impede the progress of the opponent.
Spin kicks are a method of propelling the ball farther and faster than ispossible when running straight at the ball. It is an exciting and breath-taking
action which makes the sport of powerchair football a wonderful spectator
sport. Nonetheless, if the spin kick is performed during play it can also createa dangerous situation because for a portion of the move, the kicker is unable
to see the ball or if anyone is approaching within the vicinity of where the ballis.

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Law 13 – Free Kicks
Free Kicks
Free kicks are either direct or indirect.
For both direct and indirect free kicks, the ball must be stationary when the
kick is taken, and the kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touchedanother player.
Direct Free Kick•

if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the opponents’ goal, a goalis awarded•

if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the team’s own goal, acorner kick is awarded to the opposing teamIndirect Free Kick
SignalThe referee indicates an indirect free kick by raising his arm above his head.
He maintains his arm in that position until the kick has been taken and theball has been touched by another player or goes out of play.
Ball Enters the Goal
A goal can be scored only if the ball subsequently touches another player
before it enters the goal.
•

if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponents’ goal, agoal kick is awarded•

if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the team’s own goal, acorner kick is awarded to the opposing teamPosition of Free Kick
Free Kick Inside the Goal Area
Direct or indirect free kick for the defending team:•

all opponents are at least 5 m (16.5 ft) away from the ball, (unless
goalkeepers are behind their own goal line between the goal posts).

•

all opponents remain outside the goal area until the ball is in play•

the ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the goal area•a free kick awarded in the goal area is taken from any point insidethat area

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Indirect free kick to the attacking team:•

all opponents are at least 5 m (16.5 ft) away from the ball until it isin play, (unless goalkeepers are behind their own goal line between
the goal posts).

•

the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves•

an indirect free kick awarded inside the opponent’s goal area is takenfrom a point along the goal area line parallel to the goal line, at the
point nearest to where the infringement occurredFree Kick Outside the Goal Area•

all opponents are at least 5 m (16.5 ft) from the ball until it is in play•

the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves•

the free kick is taken from the place where the infringement occurred

Position of Defenders•

defenders have priority for position in their own goal area prior to the
kick.

Infringements/Sanctions
If, when a free kick is taken, an opponent is closer to the ball than therequired distance:•••

the kick is retaken
The kicker touches the ball a second time (except with his hands)
before it has touched another player:
an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to betaken from the place where the infringement occurredIf, when a free kick is taken by the defending team from inside its own goal
area, the ball is not kicked directly into play:•

the kick is retaken

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Law 14 – Penalty Kicks
GeneralA penalty kick is awarded against a team that commits a major foul for whicha direct free kick is awarded, inside its own goal area while the ball is in play.
A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick.
Additional time is allowed for a penalty kick to be taken at the end of eachhalf or at the end of periods of extra time.
Position of the Ball and the Players
The ball:•must be placed on the penalty markThe player taking the penalty kicks:•

must be properly identified

The defending goalkeeper:••at the time the kick was awarded must defend the penalty kick (nosubstitution allowed)
can face in any direction but must remain with whole of the chairbehind the goal line until the ball has been kicked

The players other than the kicker are located:••••

inside the field of playoutside the goal area
behind the penalty markat least 5 m (16.5 ft) from the penalty markThe Referee•

does not signal for a penalty kick to be taken until the players havetaken up position in accordance with the Law•

decides when a penalty kick has been completed

Procedure•

after the players have taken positions in accordance with the Law,
the referee signals for the penalty kick to be taken.

•

the player taking the penalty must kick the ball.

•he must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player•

the ball is in play when it is touched and moves.

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When a penalty kick is taken during the normal course of play, or time has
been extended at half-time or full time to allow a penalty kick to be taken or
retaken, a goal is awarded if, before passing between the goalposts:•

The ball touches either or both of the goalposts and/or the
goalkeeper

Infringements/Sanctions
If the referee gives the signal for a penalty kick to be taken and, before theball is in play, one of the following infringements occurs:
The player taking the penalty kick or a teammate of the player taking the kickinfringes the Laws of the Game:•the referee allows the kick to proceed•

if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken•

if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play andrestarts the match with an indirect free kick to the opposing
team from the place where the infringement occurred.

The goalkeeper or teammate of the goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the
Game:• the referee allows the kick to proceed• if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded• if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken
A player of both the defending team and the attacking team infringe the Lawsof the Game:•

the kick is retaken

If, after the penalty kick has been taken:
The kicker touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it
has touched another player:•

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to betaken from the place where the infringement occurred

The kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:•

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to betaken from the place where the infringement occurred

The ball is touched by an outside agent as it moves forward:•

the kick is retaken

The ball rebounds into the field of play from the goalkeeper or the goalposts,
and is then touched by an outside agent:••

the referee stops play
play is restarted with a set ball at the place where it touched theoutside agent, unless it touched the outside agent inside the goal
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stopped.

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Law 15 – The Kick-In
GeneralA kick-in is a method of restarting play.
A goal can be scored directly from a kick-in.
A kick-in is awarded:••

when the whole of the ball passes over the touchline, either on the
ground or in the air
the opponents of the player who last touched the ball

Procedure
•
•
•
•
•

the ball is placed on the touchline at the spot where it left the field
opponents must remain at least 5 m (16.5 ft) away until the ball has
been put into play
the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves
the kicker must not touch the ball a again until it has touchedanother player
Defenders have priority for position in their own goal area prior to
the kick.

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Law 16 – The Goal Kick
GeneralA goal kick is a method of restarting play.
A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the
opposing team.
A goal kick is awarded when:•

the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either in
the air or on the ground, having last touched a player of
the attacking team, and a goal is not scored inaccordance with Law 10.

Procedure•

the ball is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player ofthe defending team•Opponents remain at least 5 m (16.5 ft) away until the ball is in play•

the kicker must not touch the ball a again until it has touched anotherplayer•the ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the goal area.

Infringements/Sanctions
If the ball is not kicked directly out of the goal area from a goal kick:•the kick is retaken.

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again before it has
touched another player:•

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to betaken from the place where the infringement occurred, subject to theprovisions of Law 13.

For any other infringement of this Law:•

the kick is retaken

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Law 17 – The Corner Kick
GeneralA corner kick is a method of restarting play.
A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.
A corner kick is awarded when:•

the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the groundor in the air, having last touched a player of the defending team, anda goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10.

Procedure•

the ball is placed inside the corner triangle closest to where the ballcrossed the goal line.

•

Opponents must remain at least 5 m (16.5 ft) away from the corner
triangle until the ball is in play, (unless goalkeepers are behind theirown goal line between the goal posts).

•

the ball is kicked by a player of the attacking team•

the ball is in play when it is touched and moves•

the kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touched anotherplayer•Defenders have priority for position in their own goal area prior to
kick

Infringements/Sanctions
If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again before it has
touched another player:•

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to betaken from the place where the infringement occurred, subject to theprovisions of Law 13.

For any other infringement of this Law:•

the kick is retaken

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Law 18 – Classification
18.1 THE ROLE OF CLASSIFICATIONThe FIPFA classification system intends to place all participating athletes into
sport classes according to how much their impairment affects core determinantsof performance in Powerchair Football. Overall, the classification systemprovides a framework for competition and ensures that the strategies, skills andtalents of athletes and teams determine competitive success.
More specifically, this system has a dual purpose:(1) Determine Eligibility to Compete.
(2) Group Athletes for Competition.
18.2 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIAPowerchair Football is played only by those with a diagnosed, severe
physical impairment that leads to a verifiable, permanent * activity
limitation, as a consequence the athlete needs the use of powered
mobility in order to play a sport.
*Some variable, fluctuating impairments may imply classification at every
competition, (for example, multiple sclerosis)•••

The FIPFA eligibility criterion does not question the presence of agenuine impairment; it refers only to the eligibility of the athlete tocompetitively play Powerchair football.
Levels of fitness, age, cognition, gender or skill, are not factors inclassification. The assessment needs to focus on the functional
performance of the presenting athlete in relation to Powerchair
Football, and their ability to play the sport safely.
If an Athlete fails to meet the eligibility criteria for Powerchair
Football the Athlete will be declared ineligible for competition.

18.3 SPORT CLASS AND SPORT CLASS STATUS
Every athlete eligible to take part in a Competition must be allocated a SportClass and Sport Class Status in accordance with the rules of FIPFA or theycannot compete.
To minimise the impact that impairment has on the outcome of athleticcompetition, all participating athletes are placed into sport classes according to
how much their impairment affects their athletic performance.

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Once athletes have been assessed as meeting the minimal eligibility criteria
they are allocated one of 2 Sports classes;•

PF1: This denotes a player who has highly significant levels ofphysical difficulty which affects their overall performance.

•

PF2: This denotes a player who has moderate to mild levels ofphysical difficulty which affects their overall performance, but who
still meets the minimal eligibility criteria.

Each team must field a maximum of two PF2 sport class players during amatch for all FIPFA designated competitions
There is no restriction in the combination of sport classes within the playing
squad of a teamInfringements / Sanctions
If a team has more than two PF2 classified players on the field of play during
a match, at the next stoppage in play they must become compliant and apenalty be awarded to the opposing team.
If unable to make the team compliant, then they must play on with one player
lessSport class status indicates the extent to which an Athlete is required toundergo further evaluation and opportunities for protest of an Athlete’s sportclass. This is designated as;
New (N) *Sport Class Status New (N) is assigned to an athlete who has not beenpreviously evaluated by an FIPFA Classification Panel and has not had an entry
Sport Class verified by FIPFA .
Review (R)*Sport Class Status (R) is assigned to an athlete who has been previously
evaluated by an international classification panel but is still subject to further
re-evaluation. The athlete’s current Sport Class is valid, but the athlete is
subject to re-evaluation and the Sport Class may be changed before or during
competition.
Confirmed (C)*Sport Class Status Confirmed (C) is assigned to athletes who have beenpreviously evaluated by an FIPFA Classification Panel and the panel has
determined that their Sport Class will not change.

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18.4 CHANGES IN SPORT CLASS FOLLOWING OBSERVATION INPERFORMANCE
If any changes to an Athlete’s sport class are determined by the Classification
Panel as a result of observation during competition, all relevant parties should
be informed as soon as is logistically possible.
18.5 PROTESTSThe term “protest” refers to the procedure by which a formal objection to an
athlete’s sport class is made and subsequently resolved.
Instructions about the management of protests are clearly identified in the
FIPFA Classification Rules document.
18.6 APPEALS
The term “appeal” refers to the procedure by which a formal objection to themanner in which Classification procedures have been conducted is made andsubsequently resolved.
Instructions about the management of appeals are clearly identified in the FIPFAClassification Rules document.
18.7 CLASSIFIER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION.
To be certified as a classifier an individual has to complete the FIPFA formal
Training, which includes theoretical and practical education, as well as practicaltraining and mentorship.
18.8 ATHLETE PRESENTATION
All athletes must be prepared to be fully assessed by the classification panel
and be present at the evaluation location at the assigned time, in theappropriate uniform as if ready to begin a match, and with all documentation,equipment and devices as required by the FIPFA Classification Rules.
The athlete may be accompanied by an interpreter, and not more than one
representative of the Athlete’s NPC/National Federation.
18.9 ATHLETE EVALUATION PROCESS.
The athlete evaluation process may include, but is not limited to:• Physical Assessment• Technical Assessment• Observation of Performance Assessment

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Kicks from the Penalty Mark
General
Kicks from the penalty mark is the method of determining the winning team
where competition rules require there to be a winning team when the score is
still tied after finishing both regulation time and two extra time periods.
Procedure
•
•
•
•
•

•

•
•
•

•
•

•

•

The referee chooses the goal at which the kicks will be taken
The referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss
decides whether to kick first or second
The referee keeps a record of the kicks being taken
Subject to the conditions explained below, both teams take four kicks
Only those players who are on the field of play at the end of thematch, which includes extra time where appropriate, are allowed totake kicks from the penalty mark
Only the designated goalkeepers who are on the field of play at theend of the match, which includes extra time where appropriate, areallowed to defend the kicks from the penalty markThe ball is in play when it is kicked and moved
The kicks are taken alternately by the teams
If a team has a greater number of players at the end of the match,than their opponents, they shall reduce their numbers to equate withthat of their opponents and inform the referee of the name andnumber of each player excluded. The team captain has this
responsibility.
Each kick is taken by a different player and all eligible players musttake a kick before any player can take a second kickIf, after both teams have taken four kicks, both have scored thesame number of goals, or have not scored any goals, kicks continue
to be taken until one team has scored a goal more than the otherfrom the same number of kicks
If, before both teams have taken 4 kicks, one has scored more goals
than the other could score, even if it were to complete its 4 kicks, nomore kicks are taken
The goalkeeper who is on the field of play at the end of the match,which includes extra time where appropriate, will defend all the kicks
from the mark by the opposing team.

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•

•

•

•

The goalkeeper who is the teammate of the kicker must remain
outside the field in which the kicks are being taken, along thetouchline
A goalkeeper who is injured or suffers complete technical failure
while kicks are being taken from the penalty mark and is unable tocontinue as goalkeeper may be replaced by a named substitute. The
substitute must participate in the kicks and is the only player allowed
to defend all subsequent kicks by the opposing team.
If a player is injured or sent off during the taking of kicks from thepenalty mark the referee should not reduce the number of players
taking kicks for the other team. An equal number of players fromeach team is required only at the start of the taking of kicks from thepenalty mark
Unless otherwise stated, the relevant Laws of the Game apply whenkicks from the penalty mark are being taken

Infringements/Sanctions
For any infringement of this procedure:•

the kick is retaken

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Administrative Notes
Technical Area
Technical areas may vary between venues, for example in size or location,and the following notes are issued for general guidance:
•

•
•
•
•
•

•

The technical area lateral limits are from the goal line to the halfway
line or 1 m from the scorer’s table and extends forward to the edgeof the officials’ area
It is recommended that markings are used to define this area
The number of persons permitted to occupy the technical area isdefined by the competition rules
The occupants of the technical area are identified before thebeginning of the match in accordance with the competition rules
Only one person at a time is authorised to convey tactical
instructions
Team personnel may enter the field only after receiving permission
from a referee (safety/imminent danger situations excluded).
Personnel seeking permission to enter the field must first ask thenearest assistant referee to signal the referee
The coach and other occupants of the technical area must behave ina responsible manner

The Fourth Official•

The fourth official may be appointed under the competition rules andofficiates if any of the three match officials is unable to continue•

He assists the referee at all times•

Prior to the start of the competition, the organiser states clearly
whether, if the referee is unable to continue, the fourth official takes
over as the match referee or whether the assistant referee takes overas referee with the fourth official becoming an assistant referee•

The fourth official assists with any administrative duties before,
during and after the match, as required by the referee•

He is responsible for assisting with substitution procedures during the
match

•

He supervises the replacement footballs, where required. If thematch ball has to be replaced during a match, he provides anotherball, on the instruction of the referee, thus keeping the delay to aminimum

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In Partnership with•He has the authority to check the equipment of substitutes before
they enter the field of play. If their equipment does not comply with
the Laws of the Game, he informs the referee•

He must indicate to the referee when the wrong player is cautioned
because of mistaken identity or when a player is not sent off having
been seen to be given a second caution or when serious misconduct
occurs out of the view of the referee and assistant referee. The
referee, however, retains the authority to decide on all points
connected with play•

After the match, the fourth official must submit a report to theappropriate authorities on any misconduct or other incident that has
occurred out of the view of the referee and the assistant referee.
The fourth official must advise the referee and his assistant of any
report being made•He has the authority to inform the referee of irresponsible behaviour
by any occupant of the technical area

Coaches••

Coaches are responsible for all persons associated with their teams
and said persons conduct and compliance with the Laws of the Game.
Coaches may also play but must be listed on the team sheet in bothroles.

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Referee Signals

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Assistant Referee Signals

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