Power Soccer

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For other uses, see Power Soccer (disambiguation).

PowerChair Football (Powersoccer) is a sport for people with disabilities who use power wheelchairs. It is played in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia. Based on soccer, players use powerchairs equipped with footguards to maneuver a 13-inch soccer ball around other players with the objective of scoring the most goals to win the game. Also called "Powerchair Football".

Contents

[edit] Rules

The sport is played in on a standard-sized basketball court. Each team is allowed 4 players on the court at one time including the goalkeeper. A match consists of two 20-minute periods. If two players and an opponent are within 10 feet (3 meters) of the ball while it is in play, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opponent, unless the two players are within their own goal area. Intentionally striking or ramming another player will result in a penalty.[1]

[edit] Equipment

Players are required to use a powerchair with 4 or more wheels. The maximum allowable speed during a match is 10 kph (6.2 mph), and the referees will inspect the players' speed before the match begins. A lap belt and foot guard are also required equipment.[2]

The ball is an oversized soccer ball, 13 inches (33 cm) in diameter.[3]

[edit] 1997 World Cup

The first Powerchair Football World Cup was held in Tokyo, Japan in October, 2007.[4]

On October 13, 2007, with a tied score through overtime, the USA National Power Soccer team beat France in a sudden death penalty kick shootout.[5].

[edit] History

Power Soccer was invented in 1982 by a group of Vancouver athletes in wheelchairs. [6].

[edit] References

  1. ^ USPSA Laws of the Game
  2. ^ USPSA Laws of the Game
  3. ^ USPSA Laws of the Game
  4. ^ 2007 FIPFA World Cup, Tokyo Japan
  5. ^ USA National Power Soccer
  6. ^ BORP Power Soccer

[edit] External links

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