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US Adopts 4 v 4 Amp Soccer Format
The 4 v 4 game format is designed to expand the opportunities for anyone, of any age, to play the game.
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Development Tournament Scheduled
For August 16
Now anyone who wants to play, can play.
Expressing the philosophy that "the game starts at home", the American Amputee Soccer Association, the governing body for amputee soccer in the US, has officially adopted the 4 v 4 game format developed last year in England.
A demonstration and development tournament is scheduled to be held in the Philadelphia, PA, area on Saturday, August 16, 2003. Players 10-years of age and older - including "mature adults" - and all skill levels are welcome.
Independent Players Welcome
Recognizing that many who want to play may not yet be affiliated with formal teams, The Association's Dan Broome said that individual players are invited to register, and that they'd be assigned to teams at the tournament.
"We're committed," he said, " to having everyone play who wants to play."
For entry information, contact Amp Philly 03.
Shift in Focus
Almost from its beginnings US Amputee Soccer has been focused on the International game. But according to Broome, Association Board Member and Captain of the US International Team, that's changing.
"Playing at the international level is great," he said. "But the joy on the faces of people when they discover they can play this game is even greater."
The game is co-ed, and play against two-leggeds is welcome.
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"We want to take this game to everybody's home town. So we made some fundamental rule changes specifically for the 4 v 4 format to make the game more accessible.
"We want anyone who wants to kick a ball around, regardless of their age, to have the opportunity to become part of a team if they want to."
Rule changes
The International game calls for seven players aside, six outfielders plus keeper. And no "able bodied" are allowed on the field.
But recognizing there may not be enough players in an area to round out international size teams, Amputee Soccer modified the rules to accommodate smaller amputee communities.
Those modifications allow friends or family members to tend goal (with one arm tucked inside their jersey) if no upper body amputee is available for the position; and allowing a two-legged to fill in as a field player.
"But only," said Broome, "if that individual takes one shoe off and plays on crutches like everyone else. And they're not allowed to put the shoeless foot down while play is on."
For details on game rules, go to 4 v 4 Rules.
Outreach Program
Broome said an outreach program is underway to help make the adaptive community aware of the new 4 v 4 program.
He said the program is targeted to including prosthetists and prosthetic companies; rehab hospitals; orthopedic nurses and surgeons; physical, recreational and rehab therapists; and amputee support groups.
Promotional CD Available
The program has a free promotional CD available to professionals, institutions, and to team and league organizers. To obtain a copy of the CD, e-mail Amp Soccer CD
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American Amputee Soccer Association.
For permission to reproduce these images, contact: Amputee Soccer Webmaster.
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