Rules

Championship

LAW (1) The Field of Play

1.1 The game shall be played on a suitable all weather surface as prescribed by the international federation. It is also permissible for games to take place indoors.

1.2 The pitch will be between a maximum of 70 metres long and a minimum of 55 metres, and between a maximum width of 60 metres wide and a minimum of 30 metres wide. The length of the pitch will always exceed the width.

1.3 The field will be marked by two parallel lines along the length of the pitch (flat discs are acceptable for this) which will be the touch line. The ends of the touch line will be joined by the goal line, in the centre of which will be located the goals.

1.4 Lines marking the field of play shall not exceed 12 cm in width.

1.5 A rectangular goal area will be marked by two parallel lines running 10 metres apart infield from the goal line (flat discs are acceptable for this). These two lines will be measured 2.5 metres from the inside edge of each goal post to the inside edge of the goal area line that runs parallel to the touch line.

1.6 The area will extend 8 metres into the field of play from the goal line. The goal line will be closed at the infield end with another line parallel to the goal line. In the centre of the field will be a mark denoting the penalty shot which will be 1 metre outside the infield end of the goal line area (penalty spot will be 8 meters from the goal line). A mark on both touch lines and one in the centre of the field.

1.7 The field of play will be divided into equal halves by a line marked across the centre of the field of play, joining the two touch lines. This will be the halfway line. The centre of the field of play shall be indicated by a suitable mark. A circle with a 6 meter radius shall be marked around it.

1.8 In each corner of the pitch an arced line 1.5 meters in from the corner post will be marked joining the touch line and the goal line.

1.9 The goals will be of a suitable type and style agreed by the federation, being 2.2 meters high and 5 meters wide (or domestic 9v9 goals). All goals must be anchored to the ground for the safety of all players. The safety of the players MUST be the first consideration both before and during the same.

LAW (2) The Ball

2.1 The ball can be of the all-weather type and of size 5

LAW (3) Number and Qualification of Players

3.1 The game will be played by two teams each consisting of not more than 7 players per side, one of whom must be the goalkeeper.

Matches will be played to the maximum number of players available on each team, but not more than 7. The minimum number of players to participate in a fixture is 5 (4 outfield plus 1 goalkeeper).

3.1.1 ”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.

3.1.2 ”Les Autres" is defined as one who possesses an entire limb, but said limb has no meaningful function.

3.1.3 Players may play in any position. If a player(s) is playing out of a recognised position or with a non-complying disability then they must play within the ‘spirit of the game’. If a player is deemed to be not playing in the ‘Spirit of the Game’ then the league committee shall meet with team managers and a suitable solution will be discussed and agreed.

3.2 Players using a prosthetic leg will be 'classified' at the pre-season cup and given a temporary classification by the EAFL committee. The banding will be made obvious by the colour 'band' they are wearing on their fore-arm to support match officials and opposing teams.

Orange (Band1) = 3 touches maximums & restricted to one half.

Green (Band2) = 3 touches maximum

After the pre-season cup, the EAFL committee will send through the official classification for each player.

Players' band classification can be appealed once throughout the season which the EAFL committee will review.

3.2.1 New players that fall into the Colour Banding System, must be honestly appraised by their club and will adopt the banding of the clubs recommendation, if not present at the preseason cup (or other central fixture where the EAFA League Committee can assess skill & mobility levels). Should opposition managers or Referees think that the banding is inappropriate this may be brought to the attention of the LMC prior to the next round of fixtures and amended by the LMC by vote. If the banding system was found to be wilfully abused by the home club when registering a new player, forfeiture of points gained from the fixtures the player participated in may be imposed by the LMC.

3.2.2 No team may field more than 2 players at any time during the game that are non-international compliant, without prior agreement from the team managers & league committee.

3.2.3 Players participating on crutches during a fixture day must remain on crutches throughout the duration of the fixture. Crutch players are not permitted to change onto their prosthetics throughout any fixture day.

3.3 Upper Limb Impaired players in an outfield position will be limited to a 3 touch rule. They will also be restricted to playing in a nominated half of the field for the whole game (attacking or defensive). They will also be identified with the below:

Orange (Band1) = 3 touches maximums & restricted to one half.

3.4 Any upper limb impaired player that started the game as a goalkeeper, must remain in that position for the duration of the game (unless substituted off the field of play). GK’s seeking to

gain an advantage for his or her team by substituting to an outfield position will not be permitted (unless agreed match official).

3.5 A maximum of 2 substitutes may be used at any one time. All can be used over the duration of the match, but may enter the field of play only with the referee's permission and during a stoppage in play.

3.6 All substitute players will be allowed to return to the game to replace any player on the field of play asides from the goalkeeper, please see law 3.4.

3.7 If a goalkeeper is sent off by the referee, the goalkeeper and a nominated outfield player must leave the field of play. The goalkeeper will be replaced by the reserve goalkeeper. See Law 10.13.2 for further clarification.

3.8 Teams must have a non-playing manager. If a team fails to have a non-playing manager then the team may forfeit any points won on the day. A fine may also be implemented for repeat offenders, at the discretion of the LMC.

LAW (4) Player Equipment

4.1 Will in all aspects reflect FIFA laws with the exception being crutches. These must be of a metal composition and may not be a construction or design present a danger to any player. For example:

4.2 Before a player enters the field of play wing nuts, bolts fittings and metal wrist supports must be all covered and taped. Players' crutches must be well maintained and the rubber tips replaced when worn.

4.3 All players will use crutches of the forearm or wrist grip type. 4.4 Goalkeepers may wear tracksuit bottoms if they wish.

4.5 Goalkeepers must adhere to the international rules of the non- active arm being held within the jersey for the duration of the game.

4.6 Players who are below the knee Amputees must wear the team's sock on the residual limb. It is also recommended that all leg Amputees wear stump protectors for their own safety.

4.7 All players must wear shins pads, this includes those using lower limb prosthesis.

4.8 Players must wear suitable footwear for artificial surfaces. Players will not be permitted to wear metal blades or studs at any time.

4.9 Teams must wear an official match kit with numbers clearly outlined on the back of the match shirt.

LAW (5) REFEREES

5.1 Two referees (where available) will be appointed for each match and they will operate along a touch line each. One will be the senior referee who, will always operate along the touch line where both teams' substitutes must be located. Referees

must be provided ahead of the fixture by the hosting team, and in partnership with / approval from the EAFA head referee.

LAW (6) THE DURATION OF THE MATCH

6.1 The match will be played in two equal periods of 20 minutes each. The half time interval shall not exceed 10 minutes. This may be amended prior to the meeting at the discretion of the league committee.

6.2 Cup games may differ in length of play.

LAW (7) START AND RESTART OF PLAY

7.1 For an indirect free kick to the attacking side inside the goal area, the ball will be placed on the edge of the area that is closest to where the incident occurred. For a direct or indirect free kick to the defending side, the ball can be placed anywhere within the goal area to restart the game.

7.2 Directly from kick off, the ball can be played forwards or backwards. The kicker must not be the first person to strike the ball again, if this was to happen then an indirect free kick is awarded to the defending team.

LAW (8) THE BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

8.1 Goal Kicks - The goalkeeper or one of his team can take a goal kick. The ball need only be inside the goal area lines. The ball is not permitted to cross the halfway line without bouncing

in the players own half first or without having to touch an outfield player. This will result in an indirect free kick to the opposition at the point where the ball crossed the halfway line.

8.2 Throw-Ins - These will be replaced by a Kick-In from the place where the ball left the pitch. The ball must be placed on the line & be stationary prior to the kick-in being taken. If not the kick in is awarded to the opposition. Opponents of the kicking team must remain six (6) meters from the ball.

8.3 If the ball is kicked directly into the goal (i.e not touching any player on the field) from a throw-in, then a goal will not be awarded. Play will be restarted with a goal kick. If the ball passes in to the players own goal from a kick in, then a corner will be awarded to the opposition. If the ball hits the goal frame & bounces back in to play then the ball is ‘live’.

LAW (9) Off-Sides

9.1 Off sides are not played in amputee football.

LAW (10) FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

10.1 Sliding tackles are not permitted. Any player guilty will have a direct free kick awarded against them and their team. The offending player will be cautioned.

10.2 Goalkeepers are allowed to dive to the ground with one arm spread to defend their goal, but they may not slide with both feet first. A penalty will be awarded for a feet first challenge. This will result in the minimum of a caution and potential sending off depending on the severity of the challenge.

10.3 Should an outfield player slip or fall to the ground and the player intentionally plays or touches the ball, then a direct free kick will be awarded to the opponents.

10.4 Crutches are extensions of the arms. If these are intentionally moved towards and make contact with the ball, a direct free kick will be awarded to the opposing side.

10.5 If crutches are used by a defender to control or direct the ball inside their own penalty area, the opposing side will be awarded a penalty kick.

10.6 If crutches are used to control or direct the ball by an attacking player, a direct free kick to the defending side will be taken from anywhere inside the goal area.

10.7 Neither goalkeepers nor outfielders on crutches may use their residual limbs to effect control of the ball. If done by a goalkeeper within his own goal area, the opposing side will be awarded a penalty kick. For an outfield crutch players controlling the ball with the residual limb results in a direct free kick awarded.

10.8 If an outfield crutch player intentionally plays the ball with their residual limb within his own goal area, a penalty kick will be awarded to the opposing side

10.9 Only if an obvious goal scoring opportunity is denied will the goalkeeper or an outfield player be sent off for using residual limbs or crutches in the goal area.

10.10 When the goalkeeper has his hand on the ball and the ball is in the ground, players must not attempt to play or kick the ball. If they do, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the other team. This is at the discretion of the referee as to whether the goalkeeper is in control or not.

10.11 When an indirect free kick is awarded to the attacking team inside the opponent's goal area (in the event of a pass back), the ball will be placed on the edge of the area at the nearest point to where the offence occurred.

10.12 Inside the field of play, players defending any direct or indirect free kicks must remain six (6) meters away from the ball at all times.

10.13 Goalkeepers must at all times remain within the marked goal area. GOALKEEPERS MUST AT ALL TIMES REMAIN WITHIN THE MARKED GOAL AREA. Should they intentionally leave the goal area they will be penalised by the awarding of a direct free kick and awarded a yellow card. However, an accidental excursion will not be penalised.

10.13.1 If a goalkeeper is sent from the field of play the reserve keeper should be used and an outfield player removed from the pitch. In the event of a reserve keeper not being available, and an outfield player may play in the goal wearing a prosthetic limb, a nominated arm must be placed and maintained within the jersey.

10.14 If a player strikes or attempts to strike an opponent with a crutch, prosthesis, or any part of their person they will be sent off the field of play, banned for the remainder of the meeting & face further disciplinary action from the League Committee.

10.15 In the event of a touch limited player exceeding their allocated number of permitted touches the referee shall award an indirect/direct free kick to the opposing team.

10.16 Any non-eligible international player who is playing to adaptive laws must nominate their chosen half to the referee prior to kick off. Should the player then leave that half during active play, whether or not they affect the game will be cautioned by the referee and the opposing team is awarded a in/direct free kick. A red card may be awarded if the two legged player is deemed to deny a goalscoring opportunity by virtue of leaving their nominated half.

10.17 In the event of a team fielding more than its permitted allocation of non-international compliant players the offending team shall forfeit the game 3-0 and the points the point shall be awarded to the opposition. Should the referee or opposition manager fail to recognise or draw attention to the fact that there are too many non-compliant players on the pitch then there will be no cause for retroactive punishment or appeal.

LAW (11) FREE KICKS

11.1 With any indirect free kick awarded to the attacking side within six (6) meters of the defending team's goal, the defenders will be allowed to line-up along their own goal line.

LAW (12) PENALTY KICKS

12.1 A penalty will be taken from the penalty mark (8 meters). All players except the kicker and the goalkeeper must be at least six (6) meters behind the ball and on the field of play. The goalkeeper must be on his line when the kick is taken. If the ball strikes the goal frame without being touched by the goalkeeper, the kicker must not be the first person to strike the ball again, if this was to happen then an indirect free kick is awarded to the defending team.

LAW (13) THE GOAL KICK

13.1 The ball will be placed motionless on the ground and kicked into play from within the goal area marking. The ball will not be in play until the whole of it has crossed the goal area line. If it is played by any player before it is in play then the goal kick must be retaken.

LAW (14) DISCIPLINE

1. The participating associations undertake to comply with The FA Disciplinary Code in force and the relevant circular(s) issued. In addition the teams agree notably to:

a) Sign up to the FA Respect Programme b) Behave accordingly

2. All yellow and red card offences will be dealt with by the match day coordinator under the delegated authority of the FA and relevant County FA.

3. All offences that would normally result in a misconduct charge will be dealt with by the clubs local County FA in accordance with standard FA disciplinary procedures. *Misconduct is anything over and above a red card, not capture by automatic sanctioning, an extraordinary incident which goes to the CFA*.

LAW (14 A) DISCIPLINE SANCTIONS

Cautions

14.4. All caution offences shall be recorded on the match sheet.

A player who receives three cautions in the regular season will serve a 1 Match suspension. This does not apply to cup competitions or play-off events.

Red Card Offences

14.5. All red card offences shall be recorded on the match sheet.

14.6 A player who is sent from the field of play will be suspended immediately and will serve the following suspensions from within the competition.

· Denying a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity 1 Match suspension

· Receiving a second ‘yellow card’ in the same match 1 Match suspension

· Use of offensive, insulting or abusive language/gestures: 2 Match suspension

· Violent Conduct or Serious Foul Play:

3 Match suspension

Misconduct Offences

14.7 All misconduct offences shall be recorded on the match sheet.

14.8 All misconduct offences shall be reported to the Discipline Department, Lancashire FA, The County Ground Thurston Road, Leyland, PR25 2LF.

14.9 Any individual who is reported for a ‘misconduct’ offence other than those covered in the caution and dismissal offences will not be permitted to participate in any remaining games on that particular match day.

14.10 Any red card penalties will be served at the next league meeting that the team participates in with the exception of violent conduct.

14.4 Any player cautioned will receive a £10 fine payable to the EAFA prior to the next round of fixtures. Reference rule 14.4.

14.5 Any player who receives a red will receive a £20 fine, to be paid by the individual prior to the next round of fixtures. Reference rule 14.5.

14.7 The Disciplinary Committee will be able to take action on matters that may negatively affect the EAFA League or the charity that are raised verbally or on Social Media feeds. Teams should do all they can to ensure and advise against the use of Social Media to vent frustrations throughout the duration of an EAFL season.

14.8 Disciplinary Committee: The committee will consist of 3 neutral EAFA members. For the 2021/22 season this will be the EAFA Board Member, (Aaron Jones), the England Head Coach, (Owen Coyle) & Head Referee (Ian Clarke).

14.9 If a team fails to have a non-playing manager, the team may forfeit any points won on the day and a fine may also be implemented for repeat offenders, at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee.

LAW(15) LEAGUE

15.1 The league will be decided 1st on points, 2nd goal difference, 3rd most goals scored by the team. If all three areas are tied, it will be decided on the teams fair play record.

15.2 In the event of a team not being available to field a team at a league meeting the following actions will happen:

15.3 The team loses the game 3-0 and 3 points are awarded to the opposition.

LAW(16) CUP COMPETITION

16.1 Any cup competition will be played on a round robin basis, unless the number of teams entering exceeds 8. The cup games will be played to and decided by league rules.

LAW(17) TRANSFERS & REGISTRATION

17.1 Each player must be registered on the Whole Game System prior to the fixture. Any players transferring clubs must be agreed by all clubs involved and the EAFL committee.

17.2 Any players transferring clubs must be agreed by all clubs involved and the EAFL committee. Once this is confirmed, please once again notify the league organisers with all details of the transfer which will be looked at by the league who will confirm the transfer of the players through the official channels if all is correct.

17.3 Players can only play for their new club once all the documentation and have received notice from the league that the transfer has been accepted.

17.4 Failure to comply with the rules and documentation in fielding an ineligible player will result in that team forfeits every fixture 3-0 which the individual(s) takes place in.

LAW (18) Social Media

18.1 Team Social Media: teams will have an obligation to accurately represent the Charity and its goals as laid out in the Mission Statement (www.theeafa.co.uk/whatwedo).

18.2 Teams should advertise EAFL fixtures in advance of each fixture, and complete a review of fixtures.

18.3 Teams should advise players and team members that they are representing the EAFL and their online actions may have consequences beyond their initial intention.

18.4 Personal Social media: Individuals participating in the EAFL, personal conduct on social media feeds such as WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook should be kept to a professional manner, whilst we recognise that people have the right to a personal opinion, this should not be expressed in a manner that is cordial.

18.5 EAFL participants & volunteers should read and undersign the separate EAFL Social Media Policy page that is published as part of the EAFL Handbook. Failure to do so could jeopardise inclusion within the EAFL.

LAW (19) EAFA League Sponsorship

19.1 EAFA reserves the right to find corporate sponsors to help fund the EAFL and the Charity’s goals.

19.2 EAFL Member teams are obliged to fulfil a reasonable amount of corporate interactions as laid out by the EAFA League committee. This should not impose upon a teams performance within the EAFL.

19.3 Irwin Mitchell Solicitors are the 2021/22 EAFL sponsors and will provide a list of interactions that teams are obliged to fulfil ahead of the Season’s start.

19.4 Teams will be provided with armbands which should be worn at all EAFL meetings.

19.4 Should a team not fulfil these corporate obligations to advertise the EAFL & its sponsor then the team could face disciplinary action in form of points deductions and potential league expulsion.

Rules End:

The England Amputee Football Association, 363 Liverpool Road, Southport, PR8 3BT

Registered Charity No: 328551

www.theeafa.co.uk