Power Soccer Rules
Official
Rules & Regulations
United States Power Soccer Association
Revised 2/20/06
These rules take effect 3/1/06
OBJECT OF THE GAME
The object of the game of Power Soccer
is to maneuver the ball over the goal line of the opposing
team while preventing your opponents from doing the
same. A game shall be decided by the scoring of the
greater number of goals during the playing time.
There are two divisions of power soccer based upon level
of ability.
Division I includes the players who
consistently demonstrate good techniques, strategies,
and proficiency of the game.
Division II includes players who have
not yet demonstrated the above.
A formal classification system is being developed. Contact
the National Power Soccer Association at NDSAonline.org
for further information.
Rule
1: PLAYING AREA (see figure 1-last page)
1.1 Dimensions
- The game shall be played on a standard basketball
court.
- The minimum court-size for tournament play shall
be no less than 84’ by 50’.
- The playing court shall be marked by lines with
minimum of 2 inches.
- There shall be a 4’ wide zone, extending around
the ENTIRE PERIMETER of the court for the sole use
of the officials to maneuver.
1.2 Goal Box
- Goal boxes shall be 25’ wide and 15’ deep, centered
at each end of the court.
- Goal posts shall be centered at the intersection
of the goal line with the goal box, taped securely
onto the floor with contrasting/non-damaging tape.
(see fig. 1).
1.3 Penalty
- A six inch "X", will be placed inside
the goal box 12' on center from the goal line.
1.4 Center Court
• Center Court will be marked by a six inch
"X".
1.5 Team bench areas shall be marked as follows:
• See figure 1.
• The home team's Bench Area is to the right
of the scorer's table when facing the court.
- Only people listed on the score sheet will
be allowed in the team bench areas.
- Rostered persons will be confined to the
Team Bench Area for the duration of the game, including
time outs. They may ONLY go onto the court after
receiving permission from the Head Referee (safety/imminent
danger situations excluded). Person's seeking permission
to enter the court must first ask the scorer's table
to signal the referee.
- No person shall be allowed behind the end
line. Such behavior may result in Ejection (see
Rule 13.6).
Rule 2: PLAYING EQUIPMENT
2.1 The Ball
• The ball should have a diameter of 18 -
20” inches. It should have a durable cover, such as
leather or vinyl and be firmly inflated.
2.2 Power chairs
A. Players must be in four-wheeled power chair: three
or four wheeled motor scooters and similar equipment
are not allowed
B. Backpacks, bags, etc. are not allowed on the chairs
during play. Essential equipment accepted.
C. Power Chairs must not have any sharp surfaces; no
items that might become entangled with another power
chair.
2.3 Foot guards
A. The foot guard should be made of a hard substance
and securely attached to the wheelchair.
B. Maximum distance between the floor and the bottom
of the foot guard shall be no greater than 6”. Minimum
distance is 2”.
C. The front of the foot guard shall have a minimum
height of 12” FROM THE FLOOR.
D. It should not be angled such that the ball is hit
upwards.
E. Foot guard must have player’s number on all 3 sides.
Numbers shall be clearly visible and at least 3” tall.
F. The overall length of the guard should not exceed
adequate length to protect the feet. General rule would
be no farther than 4 inches past the end of the foot
plates or toes, whichever extends more.
G. The foot guard shall be a solid surface. All surfaces
of the guard must be flat or convex. No surfaces may
be concave. No part of the guard shall be constructed
so as to be able to trap or hold the ball.
H. Attaching bolts must not extend dangerously beyond
the thickness of the nut that is used to secure such
bolt(s). This description is intended only for nuts
on the exterior of the guard. It is preferred that appropriate
bolts be used such that the attaching nut is on the
inside of the guard.
2.4 Uniforms
The uniform of each team’s players shall consist of:
A. Shirts of the same color.
a. During tournament play, teams will be required to
provide two sets of jerseys with contrasting colors
(pinnies that do not cover the sleeve numbers will suffice).
B. The goalkeeper shall wear a red head covering.
Rule 3: REFEREES
3.1 Two referees shall be appointed to each
game.
A. There shall be a Head Referee and an Assistant Referee.
B. Referees must be at courtside 15 minutes prior to
the start of each game to begin Pre-Game duties.
3.2 Responsibilities of the referees shall be
to:
A. Be the final arbiters on all decisions/interpretations
of the game. Head referee will have the final say in
all matters
B. Verify court layout
C. Get team rosters prior to start of tournament /game
D. Check all players’ chairs to ensure compliance with
the rules
E. Oversee linespersons, timekeepers, and scorekeepers
F. Signal timekeepers to start/stop the clock
G. Awards all goals
H. Call infractions and impose penalties
I. Make final decisions on out-of-bounds plays
J. Allow substitutions of players
K. Enforce all rules of the game
L. Ensure safety
Rule 4: TIMEKEEPER
4.1 Responsibilities of the timekeeper shall be to:
A. Keep track of playing time including time starts
and stoppages.
i. The clock starts when
the player contacts the ball.
ii. The clock is stopped
when:
a.
the referee indicates an official time out
b.
The referee blows the whistle and it is within the last
2 minutes of either half.
B. Keep track of time during a charged
time out with a stopwatch.
C. Indicate the expiration of each
half.
D. Keep track of the possession arrow.
E. Sound horn to indicate a desired
substitution by a team.
F. Blow whistle 30 seconds prior to
the end of 2 minute team time outs.
Rule 5: SCOREKEEPER
5.1 Responsibilities
of the scorekeeper shall be to:
A. Keep a record of the names and numbers of the players
(roster).
B. Keep track of the number of substitutions.
C. Keep a chronological order of goals scored, and by
whom.
D. Record verbal warnings, yellow cards, and red cards
issued.
E. Record time outs charged.
Rule 6: COACHES
6.1 Coaches are responsible for all persons associated
with their teams and said persons conduct and compliance
with Power Soccer rules.
6.2 Coaches may also be players of the game, but must
be listed on the roster in both capacities.
Rule 7: PLAYERS
7.1 Players must be at least 5 years of age
and must have adequate control of their power wheelchairs.
7.2 Each team shall consist of not more than twelve
players.
7.3 A game shall be played by two teams, each consisting
of a maximum of four players on the court, one of whom
shall be the goalkeeper.
7.4 All players shall demonstrate safe play. Any player
who does not demonstrate safety will:
A. Receive a warning from the referee on the first offense
B. Upon second offense, player will be substituted.
C. A third offense during that game will result in ejection
from that game.
7.5 The Goalkeeper:
A. May play the entire court.
B. Must wear a red head covering (hat, bandana, etc.)
to signify this player as the goalkeeper.
C. Can interchange with any other player provided that
the referee is informed before the change is made and
provided that the change is made during a stoppage in
play.
D. In the event of a foul occurring less than 10 feet
from the end line or goal line, but outside the goal
box, the defending goalkeeper is allowed to stay on
the goal line even though he/she is within 10’
of the ball. At no other time can the goalkeeper set
up closer than 10’ of the ball.
7.6 Substitutions
A. When a player is to be replaced by a substitute,
the following conditions shall be observed:
i. Teams may substitute players during any stoppage
of play.
ii. The team wanting to sub must first inform the scorekeeper.
iii. Timekeeper will sound the horn at stoppage of play
denoting a substitution(s) is to occur. Team will tell
the scorekeeper the number of substitutions.
iv. Substitution(s) will occur.
v. Play will resume once the substituted player(s) has
exited the court.
vi. A team may only make 8 substitutions per half.
vii. A switch of player on the court between a front
court position and the goalkeeper is counted as a substitution.
viii. A team may not substitute the goalkeeper for a
penalty kick.
ix. Player substitutions at the start of the second
half are not counted as substitutions.
Rule 8: PRE-GAME
8.1 The home team must have the court prepared
30 minutes prior to kick off of 1st game and provide
a ball.
8.2 All teams must submit Rosters to the Score Keeper
at least 15 minutes prior to each game.
A. Rosters shall include player’s name and number
and the names of the Head Coach and Assistant Coach.
B. Once rosters are submitted, they cannot be changed
for that game.
Rule 9: FORFITURES/DEFAULTS
9.1 GAMES LOST BY FORFEIT – A team shall lose
the game by forfeit if:
A. It is not ready to start with 2 or more players at
the appointed start time,
B. If by its actions, it prevents the game from being
played, or
C. It refused to play after being instructed to do so
by a referee.
9.2 FORFEITURE PENALTY – The
game is awarded to the opponents. Score will be 1-0.
A. FORFEITED GAMES CANNOT BE THE DECIDING FACTOR IN
A TIE-BREAKER BETWEEN TEAMS.
9.3 GAMES LOST BY DEFAULT – A
team shall lose by default, if during the game:
A. the number of players on any given team becomes less
than 2, or
B. The Head Coach is ejected and no Assistant Coach
is present.
9.4 DEFAULTING PENALTY - If the team to which the game
is awarded is ahead, the score at the time of stoppage
stands. If the team to which the game is awarded is
not ahead, the score shall be such that the winning
team shall have 1 more goal than the default team.
Rule 10: DURATION OF THE GAME
10.1 The duration of the game shall be two equal periods
of 20 minutes each.
10.2 Game cannot end on a major penalty.
10.3 At half time, the interval shall
not exceed 10 minutes.
10.4 Last two minutes of each half
shall be on a stop clock format.
A. The clock starts when the player contacts the ball.
B. The clock is stopped when the referee blows his/her
whistle.
10.5 Overtime:
A. In any game requiring a winner, there shall be ten
minute sudden death overtime period with running clock.
Each team will have one time-out and four substitutions.
A new coin toss determines the start of the period as
in rule 12.1. If the score is still tied, a shoot-out
shall determine the end of the game.
i. Shoot-out:
a. Any 4 players on the game roster are selected by
their coach for the shoot-out
i.). One of these players shall be the goalie for the
duration of the shoot-out
ii.). If a team has only 3 players, the opposing coach
shall decide which of the short team’s player
shall have 2 kicks.
iii.). If a team is down to only 2 players, each player
gets 2 kicks.
b. Teams alternate the kicks until all 8 kicks have
occurred with a coin toss determining which team kicks
first.
i. If one team has scored more goals than the other,
they are declared the winner
ii.) If the game is still tied, a sudden death shoot-out
occurs. A new coin toss determines which team starts.
Each team has equal opportunity to shoot until one team
has established the lead and is declared the winner.
After each pair of penalty shots, the team to shoot
first will change.
Rule 11: TIME-OUTS
11.1 Time will be stopped for the following:
A. Each team is allowed two 2-minute time-outs per half
which do not carry over.
B. Time-outs can be called by any player on the court
or head coach of the team which has clear possession
of the ball.
C. Time out may be called by either team during any
stoppage of play.
D. 30 seconds prior to the end of the 2 minute time
out, the timekeeper will blow a warning whistle.
E. Time-outs are forfeited at the end of the half.
F. Referee Time Outs:
i. When a team’s equipment breaks down during
play, the referee shall allow play to continue if the
players’ safety is not jeopardized. When there
is a break in play, the referee will call a time-out
to have the equipment repaired. If repairs take more
than 2 minutes, the referee can demand that a substitution
be made or the team may chose to use one of their 2
minute time outs.
ii. The referee can call a time-out when play has to
be stopped to ensure players’ safety (e.g. when
a player is in danger of flipping over or when powerchair
parts fall on the court in close proximity of play).
Rule 12: PLAYING POWER SOCCER
12.1 Coin Toss
A. At the start of the game, the referee shall beckon
the captains of the two teams to the center circle to
conduct a coin toss. The team winning the toss can decide
to have first possession of the ball at either the first
or second half. The team losing the toss can decide
which side of the court to start the game. Teams change
sides after half time.
12.2 Start of Game
A. The defense may position themselves anywhere on their
side of the court but at least 10’ from the centerline.
The defense must remain at least 10’ from the
center line until the ball is contacted by the offense.
B. The offense can position themselves anywhere on their
side of the court
C. When the referee blows the whistle:
i. The offensive players can move into the other side
of the court.
ii. The offense has 5 seconds to hit the ball to start
play.
12.3 Ball Movement
A. The ball has to be moved by the powerchairs: it cannot
be moved by contact of the player’s body (e.g.
hand or foot).
B. The ball is in play if it stays within the boundary
of the court (12.4 A)
C. The ball becomes dead when:
i. any goal is legally made.
ii. an official’s whistle sounds when the ball
is in play.
iii. buzzer sounds to signify the end of a half.
iv. The ball is held immobile for more than 3 seconds.
a). If the ball is held solely by members of the same
team, it becomes a turnover at that spot on the court.
v. The ball deflates.
12.4 Out of Bounds
A. The ball is out of bounds when 100% of the ball’s
footprint is outside of sideline or end line. When this
occurs, the Referee shall blow the play dead at the
point where the ball went out of bounds and indicate
which team is to take the next hit-in or corner kick.
B. A player is out of bounds ONLY when ALL four wheels
are out of bounds. (This does not affect the rule prohibiting
all players from crossing the goal line with ANY one
wheel.)
C. A player may go out of bounds to save the ball as
long as it is not to gain an advantage (e.g., to get
around another player). The player may not go beyond
the 4’ perimeter.
D. No player may go over the goal line.
i. If a defensive player crosses the goal line and touches
the ball, the goal is awarded to the offensive team.
ii. If a defensive player crosses the line and does
not contact the ball, play continues until play stops
or possession changes. At that time a penalty kick is
awarded to the offensive team.
iii. If an offensive player crosses the goal line while
the ball is in play, play is stopped and the ball is
awarded to the other team at the center line.
12.5 Hit-In
A. The ball is placed on the sideline at the point where
it left the court. Players from the opposing team shall
remain at least 10 feet away from the ball until it
is put back into play.
B. Referee raises arm and blows the whistle. The player
then has 5 seconds to activate the ball. Referee holds
arm up until player hits the ball. Play (and time during
the last 2 minutes) begins at the drop of his/her arm.
C. A player does not have to be completely off the court
to inbound the ball.
D. A player may independently inbound the ball without
another player touching it.
E. After the ball goes over the end line, play will
resume with a change of possession and the ball shall
be placed on corner of the goal box nearest the spot
where the ball became dead (Corner Kick).
12.6 Tie Ball
A. When the official is in doubt as to whom touched
the ball last before going out of bounds, the ball will
be awarded to the team that, on the scoreboard, has
the ‘possession arrow’. The referee will
then signal to the timekeeper’s table to change
the ‘possession arrow’ to the team not having
it last.
12.7 Goal
A. A goal is made when the ball passes legally over
the goal line in between the goal posts. It may have
been hit by any player. The footprint of the ball must
be 100% over the line.
B. The referee shall signal a goal by blowing the whistle
to stop play and raising both hands overhead.
B. After a goal has been scored, the game shall be restarted
by a kick-off by the team conceding the goal (12.2).
Rule 13: FOULS AND PENALTIES
13.1 Foul
A foul is an infraction of the rules that has been committed
by a player, coach, or spectator. When a violation is
committed, the referee shall blow the whistle to stop
play (caveat: see Advantage rule – 13.3 A). Both
major and minor fouls may be called during dead ball
situations (excluding backing up).
13.2 Minor Fouls
A. HOLDING: physically restricting the movement of an
opponent’s powerchair.
B. CLIPPING: contacting on the side or back of an opponent’s
powerchair that impedes the progress of the opponent.
C. REDIRECTING: changing the direction of an opponent’s
powerchair either by pushing directly against it, or
by pushing the ball against the opponent’s powerchair.
D. HAND BALL: a player maneuvers the ball with hand
or foot.
E. 10 FOOT VIOLATION: a player intentionally moves closer
than 10 feet of a hit-in/free kick before the play starts.
F. LOSS OF CONTROL: a player moves their powerchair
without control.
G. DELAY OF GAME: a team, player or bench, deliberately
delays the normal progress/pace of the game.
H. CHARGING: a player makes contact with an opposing
stationary player and continues to push after said contact.
Impact is not hard enough to be called a Ram.
I. GOAL TENDING: Any player with at least one wheel
of the powerchair over the goal line. (See rule 13.3D)
J. ILLEGAL ADVANTAGE: Any player going out of bounds
without the ball in order to gain advantage (See rule
12.4 B)
13.3 Minor Foul Penalties
A. Advantage – If a team commits a minor foul
and the opposing team has possession and clear advantage,
the referee shall ignore the foul and allow play to
continue.
B. Minor foul OUTSIDE the goal box: Free Kick –
the ball shall be placed where the penalty occurred.
Players on the penalized team must remain at least ten
feet away from the ball (see rule 7.5 E for exception).
The referee shall blow the whistle and the team fouled
upon shall resume play in the same way as a hit-in.
C. Minor foul INSIDE the goal box: Corner Kick at the
corner nearest the foul.
D. Goal Tending:
i. If a defensive player crosses the goal line and touches
the ball, the goal is awarded to the offensive team.
ii. If a defensive player crosses the line and does
not contact the ball, play continues until a goal is
scored, play stops, or possession changes. Referee will
hold up one arm to signify acknowledgement of the foul.
If a goal is not scored, a penalty kick is awarded to
the offensive team. (All procedures regarding penalty
kicks apply. See 13.7 A & B)
iii. If an offensive player crosses the goal line while
the ball is in play, play is stopped, and the ball is
awarded to the other team at the center line.
13.4 Major Fouls
A. RAMMING: Driving into an opponent, with or without
the ball, at a high rate of speed or with excessive
force. Not dependent on whether the player being rammed
is moving or not.
B. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT: Violent conduct, unsafe
play, foul language, constant arguing, and/or abuse
from anyone on the court; deliberate disrespect to the
spirit of the game and fair play.
C. GOAL ZONE VIOLATION: a team has more players than
allowed inside the goal zone (3 offensive, 3 defensive).
At no time shall there be more than 3 players from each
team in the goal box. A player is determined to be in
the goal box if any one of the wheels (excluding anti-tip
wheels) of the chair is across the line outlining the
goalbox. (Offensive advantage applies.)
13.5 Bench Major Fouls
A. Bench Area Violation: Having equipment, team members,
including coaching and/or staff inside the 4’
zone between the Team Bench and the sideline during
the game.
B. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: See 13.4 B above; applies
to anyone on the Team Bench or associated with the team.
13.6 Ejection
Any person ejected is ejected for the duration
of that game. A second violation will cause removal
from the tournament.
13.7 Major Penalty Fouls
A. Play and time stops immediately
B. Penalty Kick is awarded to the team that was fouled:
i. The ball is placed on the penalty spot.
ii. All players except the player taking the penalty
shot and the defending goalie must be on the opposite
side of the half court line from the penalty shot area.
iii. Any offensive player on the court at the time of
the penalty may take the penalty kick.
iv. The goalkeeper at the time of the penalty must defend
the penalty kick.
v. The goalkeeper must set up immediately after the
referee has signaled for a penalty kick.
vi. Once the ball is set on the X, the goalie has 10
seconds to get into position. If the goalie is not set
within 10 seconds, the goal is awarded to the kicking
team.
vii. Once the goalie is set, the referee blows his whistle
to initiate play. The goalkeeper must remain stationary
until the ball has been hit. If the goalie moves prior
to the player hitting the ball, the goal is awarded
to the kicking team.
viii. Once the referee blows his whistle, the player
taking the shot has 10 seconds to hit the ball and can
only hit the ball once.
ix. During a penalty kick or shoot out, if the goalie
crosses the goal line at any time while the ball is
in play, the goal is awarded to the kicking team
x. If a goal is not made or the ball is not hit within
10 seconds, the defensive team shall resume play with
the ball placed on the corner of the goal zone.
C. Awarding Fouls:
i. First major foul, player will be issued a verbal
warning
ii Second major on the same player, player will be issued
a yellow card
iii. Third major foul on the same player, player will
be issued a red card and ejected from the game.
D. When the penalty kick is awarded prior to the buzzer
indicating the end of the half or game, the kick shall
be taken even though time has expired.
E. Simultaneous, off-setting major fouls result in NO
penalty kick, but each player is assessed a major foul.
Rule 14: EXCEPTIONS:
14.1 For Division II games, exceptions may be allowed
based upon decisions made between referees, coaches,
and tournament directors PRIOR to the beginning of the
tournament.
