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Photo © 2003 Everton Football Club

Rules of the Game

4 v 4 Amputee Soccer is a great game for rehab, recreation, and for competition. The 4 v 4 game is especially adapted for the development of local teams.

The overall philosophy of the 4 v 4 game is to include all amps and "Les Autres" (individuals with birth defects) who want to play.

If there are too few amputees to form a team in a specific area to form an "all amp" team, there are exceptions to the basic rules which will allow teams to be formed.

The Rules: amputee soccer is basically the same as the two-legged version, with some minor adaptations:

Click here for International Tournament Rules

General 4 x 4 Rules:
  • An amputee is defined as one who is "abbreviated" at or proximal to the wrist or ankle.

  • The game is co-ed. Male and female players are permitted on the same team.

  • Outfielders may have two hands but only one foot. Goalies may have two legs, but only one hand.

    Exceptions: As stated above the overall objective of 4 v 4 Amputee Soccer is to allow everyone to play who wants to play.

    Therefore "able bodied" players may fill in a short roster under the following conditions:

    a: Amputee and "Les Autres" players have priority.

    b: An "able bodied" individual may tend goal if no arm amputees are available. That individual must keep one arm tucked inside his/her jersey while on the playing field.

    c: An "able bodied" individual may play as a substitute. That individual must play on crutches, may not wear a shoe on the non-kicking foot, and may not run or touch down with the non-kicking foot during play.

    Touching down with the non-kicking foot will result in a turn-over at the point of the infraction.

    Photo © 2003 Everton Football Club
  • The game is played without prosthesis. Exception: Bi-lateral amputees may play with one prosthesis.

    The Game is played on metal crutches. Forearm crutches are the international standard. Metal underarm crutches may be used, but all wing nuts must be completely covered with tape to avoid injuring other players.

    Wooden crutches are not allowed due to the danger of breaking and splintering.

  • Incidental contact between the ball and a crutch is allowed. But crutches may not be used to advance the ball. Blocking, trapping, or advancing the ball with a crutch is considered the same as a hand pass.

  • Residual limbs may not be used to advance the ball. That keeps it fair, since someone with longer residual limbs would have a distinct advantage over those with shorter residuals. Incidental contact is OK, but a player may not use the residual limb to trap, block, or pass the ball. Hand pass rules apply.

  • Shin guards must be worn.

  • Use of a crutch in a manner which would draw a penalty if it were a hockey stick (cross-checking, high sticking, etc.) results in the player's ejection from the game and a penalty kick.
The Pitch:  
Outdoors: +/- 40 x 25 meters.
Indoors: Any indoor arenas will do. In such case using the sidewalls for passing and bank shots is allowed.

The Goal:  Somewhat smaller than in the two-legged game - 2 meters high x 3 meters wide x 1 meter deep - or the goals available at your local indoor soccer complex.

Photo © 2003 Everton Football Club
The Ball:   Standard FIFA - appropriate to age group.

Duration of Play:   Games consist of 2 periods of 25 minutes each, with a 10 minute "halftime" rest interval between periods.

Offside:   Offside rules does not apply in amputee soccer.

Players:   3 per side, plus keeper. A team must have more amputee and Les Autres players than able bodied substitutes.

Goal Keeper Rules:   The goal keeper is not allowed to leave the penalty area, if this occurs and is deliberate, a penalty is awarded to the other side and the goalkeeper receives a yellow card. On the second occurrence the keeper receives a red card and is dismissed from the field.

Player Substitution:   Due too the physical demands of the game substitutions may be made at any stoppage of play and shall be unlimited.

Play Against Two-Legged Teams: Yes, there will be times when you'll want to play, both recreationally and competitively, against two-legged teams. And you'll both love it. The two-leggeds play according to the "Exceptions" detailed above.

Other than that, the rules are the same as FIFA:
        Offense:   Kick Ball. Score goal.
        Defense:   Don't let 'em.

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