Wheelchair Football (American)
Encyclopedia
Wheelchair Football
is a fast-paced sport that is best played when
athletes are in maximum physical condition, and at the top of their game
in teamwork, strategy and wheelchair-handling skills for both manual wheelchair and power wheelchair users.
(AAASP) of Atlanta, Georgia
USA to incorporate both the manual and power wheelchair during game play. Wheelchair football is different from that of power football (soccer) due to that fact that the sport has been patterned after the game of American Football and the rules are similar as such.
Specified rules for manual and power wheelchair users
Team rules
A team has six attempts to score once they receive the ball. Teams may pass or “run” the ball into the end zone. Field goals, kick–offs and punts are thrown. A running game clock (no time–outs for incomplete passes, etc.) is used, as well as a play clock. Scoring is the same as in stand–up football, with one exception.
A team that passes for the point–after–touchdown (PAT) will receive two points. Field goals are scored when the ball is thrown through the first two vertical uprights that support the hanging basket.
is a fast-paced sport that is best played when
athletes are in maximum physical condition, and at the top of their game
in teamwork, strategy and wheelchair-handling skills for both manual wheelchair and power wheelchair users.
History
The sport of wheelchair football was developed by the American Association of Adapted Sports ProgramsAmerican Association of Adapted Sports Programs
American Association of Adapted Sports Programs, Inc. works in cooperation and partnership with existing agencies throughout the U.S. to establish program oversight, policies, procedures, and regulations in adapted sports.-History:...
(AAASP) of Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
USA to incorporate both the manual and power wheelchair during game play. Wheelchair football is different from that of power football (soccer) due to that fact that the sport has been patterned after the game of American Football and the rules are similar as such.
Rules
The game of wheelchair football is played on a standard basketball court — 28 meters long by 15 meters wide. The required court markings are a center line and circle, and a key area measuring 8 meters wide by 1.75 meters deep at each end of the court. It can be played either indoors or outside, as long as it meets the standard requirements. All athletes must use either a manual or a power wheelchair when competing in the sport.Specified rules for manual and power wheelchair users
| Players Using Manual Wheelchairs | Players Using Powerchair Wheelchairs |
|---|---|
| Players in manual chairs have successfully tackled an opponent when they tag the opponent with two hands on the body and above the knees. |
Players in power chairs will have made a successful tackle when they tag the opponent with one hand on the opponent’s body or chair. |
Team rules
A team has six attempts to score once they receive the ball. Teams may pass or “run” the ball into the end zone. Field goals, kick–offs and punts are thrown. A running game clock (no time–outs for incomplete passes, etc.) is used, as well as a play clock. Scoring is the same as in stand–up football, with one exception.
A team that passes for the point–after–touchdown (PAT) will receive two points. Field goals are scored when the ball is thrown through the first two vertical uprights that support the hanging basket.
Player classification
- Level 1 - Fully functioning arms, hands and eyes (paraplegics, amputees, non-disabled,etc.). Players must catch and hold onto the ball. To tackle another individual you must touch (one-hand tag) the person, not their chair. Grabbing someone's chair is considered holding.
- Level 2 - Limited arm and hand movement (quadriplegics, etc.) or visually impaired. Players must have the ball hit them anywhere between the hands and their elbows (with enough force that some deflection occurs in the flight of the ball) for a pass completion. In other words, a ball grazing the hair on you knuckle doesn't count. On kick-offs and punts, having the ball hit or bounce anywhere into the front of the body/chair, or running over the ball counts as a possession. After "catching" the ball or gaining possession, players proceed to "run" without the ball (defensive players need to go after them, not the ball). To tackle someone, any contact from you/your chair with them/their chair is sufficient. Fumbles may be recovered by rolling over the ball or trapping it underneath the chair.
- Level 3 - Minimal or no arm movement (high quadriplegics, etc.) or blindBlindnessBlindness is the condition of lacking visual perception due to physiological or neurological factors.Various scales have been developed to describe the extent of vision loss and define blindness...
. Same rules as level 2 players except a pass completion only requires being hit by the ball in the front or side of the body from the waist up, or in the back of the head/headrest. Noise-making devices (beeping football, portable radios taped on wheelchairs, etc.) can be used to help blind players locate their target..
Basic rundown of the sport
| Team | Number of players | Offense | Play clock minutes | Half time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varsity teams | Six players per side | 4 downs to reach 1st marker or score | :35-minute play clock | Two 30-minute halves running clock |
| Junior varsity teams | Six players per side | 4 downs to reach 1st marker or score | :45-minute play clock | Two 30-minute halves running clock |