Rules of Walking Football

Boys

In an attempt to standardise the interpretation of the rules of the game it has been suggested that I post this set of rules for your opinion, and comments. Therefore we are asking that you read over the rules and make ay comments or suggestions that think may improve them. After all it is all in an attempt to improve our pleasure of the game.

Basic Rules of Walking Football                                                                                               

The following suggested rules are up for discussion, please read them as make your feelings heard. Remember we are all there to enjoy ourselves, get fitter and not to injure ourselves or others. Those people who persist in running/jogging are not playing fair to the ones who abide by the rules. It’s a game so let’s enjoy ourselves fairly.

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; except in the showers.                                                                                                                                                               

The game can be played either indoors or outside, but generally inside especially during winter.              

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

The size of pitch used is generally a hockey pitch, either indoors or out.                                                                                             

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.  If that team has persistent runners/joggers, then the third person to be deemed running in that side side will be sent off for 3 minutes. This will continue for the next three bookings and so on, until that match is finished.                                                                                                 

To try and prevent injuries, during outfield play there should be no pushing or pulling or blocking between players of either side. No tackling from the back or side and no slide tackling.  If the ball goes into any of the 4 corners, there will be a 3 square Metre exclusion zone in those areas. This will work as follows, if the forward reaches the corner first with the ball then the defender cannot follow into that zone. Likewise, if the defender reaches the corner first with the ball then the attacker cannot go into that zone. This should prevent the problems we are having at the corners at present. Please let us have your thoughts.

The ball must not be played above standard shoulder height; approximately 5 foot or 1.5 metres. There has been a good suggestion that we make the height the same as the wooden screen that divides the 2 playing surfaces. Please let us have your thoughts.

Any ball played too high shall be penalised by a free kick being awarded to the opposing team.                                                                                                   

If a player is near the wall/boards, a free kick will be awarded against him if that player uses 2 hands to fend off the defender.                                                                              

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 the Goalkeeper saves the ball and it goes above standard height, play will continue, this is not recognised as a free kick

No back passes to the goalkeeper are allowed, if so a non-direct free kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

Any penalty awarded shall be taken from the extreme mid-point of the semi-circle facing the goal. 

When a free kick is being taken, the opposition players must be at least a distance of 2 Metres (6 feet), there has been a suggestion that this should be 3 metres, (9 feet.)  Please let us have your thoughts.

Apart from a penalty all free kicks are non-scoring.    

Goalkeeper                                                                                               

If the Goalkeeper saves the ball and it goes above standard height, play will continue, this is not recognised as a free kick

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

If the ball is accidently passed back i.e. deflection or un-intentional, the keeper can lift the ball without penalty.                                                                                    

Referee

If you have a referee, respect his decisions he is only human. His decision is final.

Other items you think may require attention

If you think there are other areas that must be addressed, please make your feelings known. It’s your game. Please let us have your thoughts.                                

Thanks

John