What is Powerchair Football?

Powerchair football is a dynamic and fast-paced version of football (or soccer) adapted for electric wheelchair (powerchair) users. It is typically played in a gymnasium on a 30m x 18m court. Two teams of four players (including the goalkeeper) pass, dribble, and spin-kick an oversized football as they try to score more goals than the opposing team. Athletes compete in specially designed powerchairs for the sport of powerchair football. Metal foot guards are attached to the front of the powerchairs, which allow players to 'kick' the ball. Athletes 'spin' to generate power, striking the ball with the side of the guard for the strongest hits, although often using the front bars of the guard results in a more accurate hit.

Laws of the Game

The '2 on 1' Rule - One of the essential rules in powerchair football is the '2 on 1' rule. This rule ensures that only one player from each team can be within three (3) metres of the ball, affecting the play. The rule facilitates adequate space for passes and strategic manoeuvring. If a player strives to avoid a '2 on 1' scenario, the game continues until the referee deems the player has sufficiently distanced themselves from the scenario or until they determine a '2 on 1' situation has been breached. Any infringement of the '2 on 1' rule leads to the opposition receiving an indirect free kick. It's worth noting, however, that goalkeepers have immunity to this rule when they are within their own goal box. Spin Kicks - The spin kick, an exciting feature of powerchair football, can pose a contact risk. A player attempting this manoeuvre must ensure that there's no opponent within the area of their spin. Simultaneously, rivals need to avoid entering the spinning zone of a player who has initiated their spin kick. Though powerchair football is designed to be a non-contact sport, the dynamics of gameplay can sometimes lead to unintentional contact. It's important to maintain the highest safety standards, and respecting the 'spin zone' is key to this. Other rules - Distinguishing itself from other variants of football, powerchair football allows direct goals from 'hit-ins' and kick-offs. This sport places considerable emphasis on set plays, with a significant number of goals resulting from hit-ins and corner kicks. Players from the opposing team are required to maintain a distance of at least 5 metres from the ball when play is being resumed under these circumstances. This rule accentuates the sport's tactical dimension. Just like in traditional football, every team in powerchair football benefits from having a specialist skilled in dead-ball scenarios to seize these crucial goal-scoring opportunities.