Soccer

The international popularity of soccer (football) is extending to the Paralympic Games as teams of athletes with cerebral palsy compete for the gold medal. To date, only the men's event is included in the Paraympic program and it is a seven a side game. The rules of the International Federation of Associated Football (FIFA) apply, with some modifications made to make the game more exciting and accommodate the disabilities of the athletes. For example, there is no off side law, the field is smaller, the goals are also smaller and throw-in's may be made with one arm. A team may have a minimum squad of 11 players.