Disposal
A handball is equivalent to a kick, and a single-handed underarm throw is equivalent to a handpass in wheelchair football.
When throwing the ball, the player's arm must remain under shoulder height for the disposal to be legal. There is no kicking in Wheelchair AFL. A double-handed chest pass is classed as an illegal disposal.
Ball-ups
At a centre ball-up, both centre players must contest the ruck. Each team is permitted to have one additional team member in the centre zone. Should a team have more than one additional team member in the centre zone, a free will be awarded against the offending team.
How long does a game run for?
All matches consist of four 10-minute quarters with no time on.
What positions do the players play?
There are designated zones (forward, centre and defence) which dictate where assigned players can play.
In a five against five match, the positions are as follows:
- Two forwards (can only move in the forward or centre zones, and only the designated forwards can score)
- Two defenders (can only move in the centre and back zones)
- One centre (can move in all zones)
Who can play?
For a player to be eligible to participate in the league, he or she must identify as having a physical disability.
What does the playing field look like?
Games will be played on a basketball court.
Each game should be played with five players on either side, which is the maximum numbers of players on the court at one time. The minimum to constitute a game is three against three. There are no restrictions to how many players can be on the bench.
What size ball is used?
The appropriate ball for the VWFL is a size five synthetic Sherrin.
To be a part of Essendon's wheelchair football team, get in touch via email (community@essendonfc.com.au) or complete our expression of interest form here.