DEFINiTIVE Rules of Walking Football as used by Gerihatricks EK

Basic Rules of Walking Football                                                                                               

General

The game can be played between 2 teams of between 5 and 8 players on each side. The length of a game, other than an official competition, shall be agreed by both teams before each game starts.                                                     

The teams can be either male, female, or mixed.                                                                                                                                                               

The game can be played either indoors or outdoors.                         

Equipment required can be either full strips or bibs, and generally soft training shoes, using a standard size No 4, Mikasa football.   

Outfield Rules

The basic rule is absolutely no running, or Jogging with, or without the ball. Any player deemed to be running/jogging shall be penalised, with the opposing team being awarded a free kick.                                                                        

There should be no pushing or pulling or blocking between players of either side. No tackling from the back and no slide tackling.

Outfield players, of either side, cannot enter the semi-circle. If a defending outfield player enters the goalkeepers semi-circle, a penalty shall be awarded against them. If an attacking player enters the goalkeepers semi-circle, the ball should be returned to the goalkeeper.  

If a player uses 2 hands against the wall or partition board to fend off an opposing player, then a free kick will be awarded against him.

Ball Height

The ball must not be played above the height of the wooden screen that divides the 2 playing surfaces. Any ball played above that height, shall be penalised and a free kick will be awarded to the opposing team. The exception to this rule is, If the Goalkeeper saves the ball and it goes above standard height, play will continue, this is not recognised as a free kick.

Free Kicks                                                                                                   

Free kicks must be taken from where the offence occurred. When a free kick is being taken, the opposition players must be at least a distance of 2 Metres (6 feet) from the ball. Apart from a penalty all free kicks are non-scoring. Any penalty awarded shall be taken from the extreme mid-point of the semi-circle facing the goal.                               

Goalkeeper                                                                                               

The Goalkeeper must throw the ball out underarm, or he/she may kick the ball, back into play. The ball cannot go above the standard height. If the ball does go above standard height, a free kick will be awarded to the opposition outside the keeper’s area.                                       

The Goalkeeper cannot come out of the semi-circle, if he does, a penalty kick will be awarded to the opposition.

Referee

If you have a referee, his decision is final. He cannot see everything that goes on around him, he is only human, please respect his decisions.