Special Olympics Football Coaches Quick Start Guide Official Events 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Eleven-a-side team competition according to FIFA rules Five-a-side team (outdoor) Futsal competition according to FIFA rules Seven-a-side team (outdoor) Unified Sports 11-a-side team competition Unified Sports 5-a-side team competition Unified Sports 7-a-side team competition The following events provide meaningful competition for athletes with lower ability levels. 1. Individual skills competition (ISC) The Pitch The layout of a field is shown on page 4. The dimensions can be varied, depending on the number of players and their ability levels. Coaches need to spend adequate time at each practice identifying the boundaries and markings of the field, particularly with beginner players. Goal Box Goalkeeper must place the ball within this box for a goal kick (11-a-side only). Penalty Area Only the goalkeeper is allowed to use his/her hands within this box. Any major foul inside this area results in a one-onone penalty kick taken from the penalty spot. When a penalty is in progress, all other players must stand outside the penalty area, including the penalty arc. Center Circle A kickoff is taken from the center of this circle. All defenders must stand beyond the circle. Halfway Line Both teams must be behind their side of this on a kickoff. Sideline The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed this line and the referee has stopped play. Corner-Kick Arc The ball must be placed within this arc for a corner kick. Football Quick Start Guide – September 2004 3