Cerebral palsy football is for ambulant players with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. Players competing in CP Football have Ataxia, Hypertonia or Athetosis - three impairment types that are most associated with individuals having neurological impairment.
On the field of play the teams consist of seven ambulant athletes, with cerebral palsy or a traumatic brain injury. In total 14 players can be listed on the team list. In order to ensure fairness between two teams, each team must have two FT5 or FT6 (FT1) players on the field at all times and no more than one FT8 (FT3) player on the field.
What are the Classifications?
There are two sets of classifications that are used in CP Football in general. Pre-2018 classifications and Post-2018 classifications. Pre-2018 the classifications ranged through FT5 to FT8 where FT5 players show more significant impairment and FT8 players show minimal impairment. Post-2018 the classification system was revamped internationally, and the eligible classification outcomes range from FT1-FT3, where FT1 players are considered to have more significant impairment (FT5 and FT6 equivalent) and FT3 players have minimal impairment (FT8 equivalent). The Pre-2018 classifications are still used domestically. Both classification systems are based off what type of movement an individual has and where the impairment is located.
FT5 – Players in this classification have movement problems in predominantly their lower limbs and less so in their arms (diplegic). Players may exhibit problems with dynamic balance movements and have difficulty with quick turns. Players will have a noticeable hip and shoulder rotation when walking, inwardly rotated hips, knees and feet in standing/walking.
FT6 – Players display movement problems in all four limbs. Usually, FT6 players show more control over their movements than FT5 players and show functional ability in sports movements in all four limbs. Balance and/or coordination problems may be exhibited.
FT7 – FT7 players are affected on one side of the body (hemiplegic). The none affected side shows exceptional control of movement. Some characteristics of the affected side of FT7 players include, less muscle mass than the unaffected side, the unwinding of the foot is affected and the head often tilts to one side during exertion.
FT8 – Players in this class exhibit minimal impairment in movement. Most of the time, in game, the disability is difficult to see and more specific medical and technical assessment is necessary. This is the minimum impairment eligible for CP football.
What are the rules of CP Football?
• 7 players on each team, squads of 14
• Smaller pitch (Max: 75mx55m) and smaller goals (5mx2m)
• Shorter games (two halves of 30 minutes)
• No offside rule
• Seven players on each team
• Roll ins permitted as well as traditional throw ins in order to assist players with hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body)
• Domestically there must be minimum of 2x FT5 or 6 and maximum of 1x FT8 on the pitch whilst internationally this reverts to minimum 2x FT1 and maximum 1x FT3
For more detailed information and rules head to the international governing body, IFCPF's, website.
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