Football (7-a-Side)

How to PLAY Football (7-a-Side)

The sport is similar to football for able-bodied players with a few modifications. There are seven players on the field at a time rather than 11.

Modifications for Football (7-a-side)

• The match lasts two equal periods of 30 minutes

• Field of play dimensions: 70m x 50m

• A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than seven players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than 4 players.

• Within the 60 minutes of normal time, a maximum of five (5) substitutes may be made within a maximum of three opportunities in any match

• Limited to classes FT1, FT2 and FT3. Each team must field at least one (1) class FT1 player on the field of play at all times during a game, or the team will play with one less payer. Each team may have a maximum of one (1) class FT3 player on the field of plat at all times during a game

• The offside rule does not apply in CP Football

• A player may choose to roll the ball into play. If rolled into play the ball must touch the ground immediately once it has left the players hand (within approx. 1m).

Who can play Football (7-a-side) 

Impairment Type

Athletes must have a neurological impairment with a motor control impairment of a cerebral nature causing a permanent and verifiable Activity Limitation. This may include hypertonia, spasticity, dystonia, rigidity, ataxia, athetosis. Note that orthopedic issues or pain and any limitations caused by pain are not part of the classification system.

Classification

Athletes competing in CP Football have Ataxia, Hypertonia or Athetosis - three impairment types that are most commonly associated with individuals having neurological impairment, with a motor control impairment of a cerebral nature, causing a permanent and verifiable Activity Limitation.

• Hypertonia is a condition marked by an abnormal increase in muscle tension and a reduced ability of a muscle to stretch

• Ataxia is a neurological sign and symptom that consists of a lack of co-ordination of muscle movements

• Athetosis is generally characterized by unbalanced, involuntary movements due to constant changes in muscle tone and a difficulty maintaining a symmetrical posture

CP Football athletes fall under 3 classes: FT1, FT2 and FT3. More details about classification can be found here: https://www.ifcpf.com/about-classification.

How Do I Get Classified?

To determine your classification you can contact your disability or sports organisation in your state or territory found below under 'Who Runs the Sport?'.

For more information on classification and how to get classified please click here.  

Where Can you participate?

STATE / TERRITORIES

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