New rules interpretations

The Referees and Observers Committee and the Athletes and Coaches Committee now work closely together to introduce new rules and improve the sport. Both groups saw the need for stronger cooperation and opened constructive discussions.

They focused on improvements in the new rules based on recent experiences in Denmark. Both groups agreed that matches became too rough. They identified several causes, including smaller field size and limited referee communication. They also noted a high tolerance for powerchair contact.

Referees will now apply the new rules with clearer communication during matches. The Referees and Observers Committee will organise webinars for teams. These sessions will explain referee communication, signals, and match terminology. They will also clarify the concept of advantage for all participants.

The committees agreed on key changes regarding contact and boarding.

Off-the-ball contact and pushing strongly affect match flow. More powerful chairs now make strong pushing easier. Referees will monitor these situations more closely and act faster. Light pushing while driving side by side remains allowed. Pushing an opponent off their line during play can result in a free hit. Pushing in static situations can lead to a free hit and a green or yellow card.

Players often test the limits of physical play. Referees previously allowed some pushing when players tried to play the ball. Recent matches showed that this approach went too far. Referees will now apply stricter control, especially when players gain advantage. Moving the boarding intentionally to create space can result in a green or yellow card.

Contact behind the rear axle creates serious risks. Such contact can stop or spin an opponent’s chair. Referees will strictly penalise these actions. If contact stops a player, referees will award a free ball. If contact turns a chair, referees can issue a green card. Dangerous contact can lead to yellow or red cards.

Here is a summary of the new interpretations

Pushing players

  • Slight contacts and small pushes when driving side by side is allowed
  • Pushing an opponent out of their moving line in a game situation -> free hit
  • Pushing opponents away in static situation or outside the ball situation -> free hit and possibly a green card

Moving the boundaries

  • Accidental touches and slight moving of boundaries is allowed
  • Accidental moving which gives the player an advantage or significantly moves the boarding -> free hit
  • Intentionally moving the boarding in order to gain more space -> free hit and possibly a green (or yellow) card

Contacts on the side of a powerchair behind the rear axle

  • Slight contact, even behind the rear axle, while driving side by side is allowed
  • If the contact causes the opponent to stop or turn slightly -> free hit
  • If the contact causes the opponent to turn significantly -> free hit and possibly a green card
  • If the contact is clearly dangerous for the opponent -> free hit and a yellow (or red) card