Laws and Regulations of the World Amputee Federation

Approved by the first WAFF General Assembly in Niteroi, Brazil, August 2005; and modified by the Laws
of the Congress of the Federation.

Table of Contents:

Law 1 of the playing field, dimensions and markings

Law 2 The Ball and Objectives

Law 3 Players - Executive Registration Number and Ratings

Law 4 Player Equipment

Law 5 Arbitrators

Law 6 Duration of Match

Law 7 The start and resumption of play, Corner and Penalty Kicks

This Federation recognizes and complies with the FIFA laws of Association Football with the following
modifications for amputee footballers:

LAW (1) The playing field

1.1 Pitch Surface - The game shall be played on grass or a suitable surface as prescribed by the WAFF.
Matches may also be held indoors.

1.2 Pitch Limits - See diagram on page 7.

1.2.1 The playing field must be rectangular and marked with lines. The length of the playing field will
always be greater than its width.

1.2.2 Lines marking the playing field may not exceed 12 cm in width.

1.2.3 The two longest marking lines are called touch lines. The sidelines are parallel and equal in length.

1.2.4 The two shorter lines are called goal lines. The two goal lines are equal in length, parallel and join
at a right angle to the ends of the touchlines.

1.2.5 The outdoor playing field will measure 60 meters long by 40 meters wide, plus or minus 5 meters
depending on local locations.

1.2.6 The playing field is divided into two equal halves by a line marked across the field joining the
midpoints of the two touch lines.
1.2.7 The centre mark is indicated at the midpoint of the half-way line. A circle with a radius of 6 meters
is marked around it.

1.3 Objective Area Diagram -See on page 7

A rectangular area will be marked at each end of the field. The area will be 10 metres wide x 8 metres
deep, located equidistant between the touchlines.

The area shall be marked by two parallel lines, starting from and at each right angle to the goal line, 2.5
metres from the inner edge of each goal post. These lines shall extend on the playing field for a distance
of 8 metres, and are joined by a parallel line drawn with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines
and the goal line shall be the goal area.

Penalty Spot - A mark indicating the spot at which a penalty kick will be taken shall be placed equidistant
between the touch lines and 9 metres infield from the goal line.
1.5 flag poles - A flag pole, not less than 1.5 metres high, with a non-pointed top and a flag must be
placed in each corner of the playing area. Flag posts may also be placed at each end of the half-way line,
outside the field of play not less than 1 metre outside the touchline.
1.6 Corner Arc - At each corner of the pitch an arced line 1.5 metres from the corner post shall be
marked joining the touch line and the goal line.
1.7 Encroachment Marking - Marks may be made outside the field of play, 6 metres from the corner
quadrant and perpendicular to the adjacent goal lines and touch lines, to ensure that defending players
retreat this distance when a corner kick is being taken.

LAW (2) Objectives and Ball

2.1 The Ball - which ball is spherical, made of leather or other suitable material. It will be the standard
FIFA size 5 for adult play and can be the all weather type.
2.2 Goals - The goals shall be of a suitable type and style accepted by the Federation, being 2.2 metres
high and 5 metres wide. All goals must be anchored to the ground for the safety of all players. Player
safety must be the first consideration, both before and during the game.

LAW (3) Number and Qualification of the players

3.1 Roster Size - Teams participating in international tournaments and competitions may have a ROSTER
of a maximum of twelve (12) players, including one goalkeeper and one reserve goalkeeper. Both the
goalkeeper and the reserve goalkeeper are needed.
3.2 All teams entering international tournaments and competitions must have a reserve goalkeeper. A
match cannot start if one of the teams has less than 5 fielders and a goalkeeper, and one reserve
goalkeeper.
3.3 Minimum Age - Each player on a team's roster must be at least sixteen (16) years of age prior to the
final of the specific competition in which they play.
3.4 Physical Qualification
3.4.1 Each player must be an Amputee or others.
3.4.2 An Amputee is defined as one who is without a lower limb at or above the ankle, or who is without
an upper limb at or above the wrist.
3.4.3 "Les Autres" is defined as one who may not clinically be an amputee, but who may have a birth
defect affecting a limb, or who may possess an entire limb, but said limb has no significant function.
3.4.4 Only leg amputees and Les Autres (with leg involvement) can play as field players. Goalkeepers may
have 2 legs but must be an amputee or have an arm deficiency Les Autres.
3.4.5 No team may field more than 2 Les Autres players at any time during the game. All other players
must be identified to the coaching staff and game officials before the start of the game.
3.5 Use of the stump
3.5.1 Neither field players nor goalkeepers may use the impaired limb to control or direct the ball.
3.5.2 A goalkeeper's inactive arm (stump), if applicable, must be kept inside the body of the shirt.
3.5.3 A residual limb of 6" or greater in length must be restrained to the torso with athletic tape, elastic
bandage, or by other means approved prior to the match by the competition officials and/or referee.
3.5.4 The sleeve of the stump must be tucked into the shirt. No exceptions.

3.6 Team Composition and Substitutions

3.6.1 The game shall be played by two teams each consisting of no more than 7 players per side, one of
whom must be the goalkeeper. A match cannot start if one of the teams has less than 5 field players, a
goalkeeper and a reserve goalkeeper.
3.6.2 Each team may name 5 substitutes, one of whom must be a goalkeeper. A maximum of 2
substitutes may enter the game at any time.
3.6.3 Substitutions may only be made at a stoppage of play and only with the permission of the referee.
3.6.4 All substituted players may return to the game to replace any player on the field of play.
3.6.5 When a goalkeeper is sent off (red card) by the referee, the goalkeeper must leave the field of play.
The dismissed goalkeeper is replaced by a reserve goalkeeper, and the number of his team of field
players is reduced by one for the remainder of the match. The outgoing field player may re-enter as a
substitute.

LAW (4) Player Equipment

4.1 - Prosthesis
4.1.1 Any artificial limb must be removed before the start of play. Prosthetics are not allowed on the
playing field.
4.1.2 Exception to the above: In cases where both goalkeepers on a team are injured or unavailable, a
field player, wearing a prosthesis, may serve as goalkeeper, but must tuck one arm inside his jersey in
accordance with goalkeeping rules.
4.2 Crutches
4.2.1 The player's equipment in all respects must reflect the laws of FIFA with the exception of crutches.
These must be of the forearm type and must be constructed of metal, plastic composite, carbon fiber, or
other approved material that will not splinter or otherwise present a hazard to any participant.

Underarm crutches are not permitted in international play. Exception: An underarm crutch type meeting
all other criteria in this document is permitted when a field player has a leg amputation or Les Autres
deficiency and an arm amputation or Les Autres arm deficiency.
4.2.2 Before a player enters the playing field wing nuts, screw fittings and metal bracelet holders must all
be covered and taped. Players' crutches must be well maintained. Rubber tips replaced in case of wear.
4.2.3 In all competitions crutches must be identified with tape in team sock colors, 40 cm from the base
of the crutch. Adhered plastic tubing of a color matching the team sock color may be used in lieu of tape,
subject to approval of the competition officials and/or referee.
* Team management should have alternate tape colors available to match uniform color changes as the
need arises. Alternatively, safely secured lightweight plastic tubing may be considered.
4.3 Shin Guards - Shin guard(s) required for the full leg functional field player, and also for the non-
functional leg of other players.
4.4 Socks - The socks of all field players of a team differ greatly in colour and design.
4.4 for stump identification - Players who are below-knee and lower-limb amputees Les Autres must
wear the team's sock color on the stump. It is also recommended that all leg amputees wear stump
protectors for their own safety.
4.5 Goalkeeper Uniform - Goalkeepers may wear track suit bottoms and a goalie glove if they wish.

LAW (5) ARBITRATORS

5.1 Matches are officiated by one or two referees using a two-man system. The main referee is the
team's liaison and is responsible for substitutions, administration of the technical area, and the match
report.
5.2 International matches and tournaments are officiated by three referees employing a two-man
system, whereby the Third Official is responsible for substitutions, administration of the technical area,
and combining report.

LAW (6) DURATION OF THE MATCH

6.1 The match is played in two equal halves of 25 minutes each. Play may be suspended for "timeouts"
by one team per half. Waiting times may not exceed one (1) minute. The average time interval shall not
exceed 10 minutes.
6.2 In overtime or a Golden Goal overtime, where 10 minutes each way is being played, again you will be
allowed (1) timeout per team per period.
At half time in extended play, both teams will change ends immediately and without delay.

LAW (7) START AND RESTART OF PLAY, Penalty and Corner Kicks
7.1 The opening of the match, the start after half-time and extra time and the restart after a goal will be
carried out in accordance with the standard FIFA procedure.
7.2 The throw-in is replaced by a Kick-In (indirect) from the place where the ball completely crossed the
touch line leaving the field of play. The throw-in is taken by an opponent of the last player to touch or
play the ball before it crossed the touch line.

7.3 Goal Kick: The ball is placed stationary on the ground and kicked into play from within the
boundaries of the goal area. The ball is not in play until it has completely crossed the goal area line. If the
ball is played by any player before it is in play then the goal kick must be retaken.
The goalkeeper or one of his team may take a goal kick. The ball only needs to be within the target zone
lines.
7.4 The goalkeeper may not clear the ball across the centre line without it touching the ground or a
player before it crosses the centre line. If the goalkeeper places the ball stationary on the ground before
kicking, he may kick across the center line in the air.
7.5 When an indirect free kick (IFK) is awarded to the attacking team inside the opponent's goal area, the
ball is placed on the edge of the goal area, on the line parallel to the goal line, just in front of the location
of the offence.
7.6 Within the field of play, players defending any direct or indirect free kick must remain six (6) metres
away from the ball at all times.
7.7 The corner is a direct free kick (DFK). The ball must be placed motionless on the ground within the
corner quadrant. The ball is in play once it is kicked and moves.
7.8 Penalties - A penalty kick shall be taken from the penalty mark. Until the ball is kicked and moves
forward, the goalkeeper must have both feet on the goal line between the goal posts, and all players
except the kicker must respect the distance, being at least six (6) meters behind the ball and in the field
of play.
LAW (8) OFF-SIDE - The offside rule does not apply.
LAW (9) FAULTS AND INACCURACIES
9.1 - USE OF CRUTCHES
9.1.1 Crutches are considered extensions of the arms. They are subject to a processing violation if, in the
judgment of the referee, a crutch is intentionally used in an attempt to control or direct the ball. The
restart is a direct free kick (DFK).
9.1.2 If crutches are used by a defender to control or direct the ball within his own penalty area, the
attacking side will be awarded a penalty kick (PK).
9.1.3 If crutches are used to control or direct the ball by an attacking player within the free kick area, it
shall be awarded to the defending side and taken from anywhere within the goal area.
9.2 USE OF stumps
9.2.1 Residual limbs may not be used to control or direct the ball. The restart is a direct free kick (DFK).
9.2.2 If the foul is committed by a defender inside his own goal area, the attacking team will be awarded
a penalty kick (PK).
9.2.3 Only if the referee rules that he denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity will the goalkeeper or a
fielder be sent off for using the stump of the arm or leg in the area.
9.3 Sweeps are not allowed
9.3.1 sliding tackles. A foul will be sanctioned with a direct free kick awarded against them and their
team. The offending player will be cautioned.
It is allowed
9.2 The goalkeeper dives to the ground with his arm and legs extended to defend his goal. Sliding feet
first towards the opponent is not permitted.
9.3 In the event of an outfield player slipping or falling to the ground and the ball touches or is played
with any part of the body or crutches then an indirect free kick (IFK) will be awarded to the opponents.

9.4 DANGER IN CHARGE - When the goalkeeper has his hand on the ball and the ball is on the ground,
players must not attempt to play or kick the ball. This is considered dangerous play. The restart is an
indirect free kick (IFK) for the defence.
9.5 IN CHARGE exit the GOAL zone -
9.5.1 Goalkeepers must remain within the goal area.
9.5.2 The first incident of a goalkeeper actively defending the goal, playing the ball, obstructing an
opponent, or otherwise engaging in active play outside the penalty area is at least a caution (yellow
card) offence, and possibly a dismissal (red card) offence for Denying an Obvious Goal Scoring
Opportunity (FIFA Law reference 12). The opposing team will be rewarded with a direct free kick (DFK) at
the place of the foul.
9.5.3 The second incident of a goalkeeper actively defending the goal, playing the ball, obstructing an
opponent, or otherwise engaging in active play from outside the area is a red card offence. The
goalkeeper will be sent off and the opposing team will be rewarded with a direct free kick (DFK) at the
spot of the foul.
9.5.4 Involuntary, accidental or inconsequential departures from the goal area by a goalkeeper, for
example by pushing, releasing possession by foot (clearance kick, stop, drop kick), etc., are not penalized.

LAW (10) RED CARD CHARGER - If a goalkeeper is sent off by the referee, the goalkeeper and a
nominated field player must leave the field of play. The goalkeeper will be replaced by the substitute
goalkeeper.
LAW (11) REFEREE SAFETY - A red card will be issued against any player intentionally striking a referee or
other game official. A coach or staff member intentionally striking a referee or game official will be
ejected from the game.
In addition to the red card, WAFF bylaws also require a minimum two-year ban from WAFF competitions
of any player, coach or staff member who intentionally assaults a referee or other game official, and the
placement of the association to which the offending player belongs on probation until such time as the
Association demonstrates efforts to ensure referee safety.

Appendix 1 Dimensions and Pitch Markings