We aim to follow the principles of the Walking Football Association based in the UK.
In summary:
Although it is likely that tournaments, leagues, competitions and events will have bespoke rules and conditions, all matches played under the auspices of the WFA will comply with the following standards.
Although it is likely that tournaments, leagues, competitions and events will have bespoke rules and conditions, all matches played under the auspices of the WFA will comply with the following standards.
This edition of the WFS ‘Laws of the Game’ acknowledges that this unique sport is evolving and developing as it grows, but nevertheless holds fast to the basic ethos and values of the game –
To ensure all matches are played safely with full consideration of every participant’s age, gender and ability.
Players & Managers commitment
It is therefore expected that all players, managers and club members will conduct themselves accordingly, respecting all fellow participants, including referees and other match officials. Failure to do so is likely to result in disciplinary action, including disqualification of individuals and/or clubs from WFA events.
Goalkeepers must be clearly distinguishable from outfield players on either
team. Substitutes must be clearly distinguishable from players on either team, until they are called into play.
Pitches
The standard pitch dimensions for competitions (i.e. 5-a-side, 6-a-side and 7-
a-side) are a width between 25 metres (min) and 37 metres (max) and a length between 35 metres (min) and 55 metres (max). It is acknowledged, however, that pitches at some facilities may fall outside these guidelines in which case it is a matter for the referee to decide whether or not to proceed.
Goals
The standard goal size for such competitions is a width between 3 metres (min) and 5 metres (max) and a height between 1.2 metres and 2 metres (max). It is acknowledged, however, that goals at some facilities may fall outside these guidelines in which case it is a matter for the referee to decide whether or not to proceed.
A goal area must be clearly marked at each end of the pitch. This may be a semi-circle or rectangle and should extend between 4 metres (min) and 6 metres (max) from the goal line.
A clearly marked penalty spot should be positioned in line with the centre of the goal and 6 metres from the goal line.
The position of the ball on the pitch is determined when it crosses a line entirely (i.e. the whole of the ball). A ball located on the line marking the goal area is considered to be within that area and can, therefore, only be played by the goalkeeper.
A match should be abandoned if a team is permanently reduced to below the
minimum number of players. The term ‘permanently’ does not apply, however, to players who have been sin-binned but does apply to players who are unable to play through injury or receiving a red card. The minimum number of players per format is:
A team which causes the abandonment of a match will forfeit it.
Running or jogging on or off the ball is not permitted by any player and will usually result in an indirect free kick being awarded. If, in the opinion of the referee, such conduct results in a clear goal-scoring opportunity being denied, then the offending players should be removed from play for 2 minutes (blue card).
The referee shall have sole interpretation on deciding what is and what is not walking. A walking action will generally be determined as a progression of steps throughout which there is constantly at least one foot in contact with the ground; both feet are momentarily grounded with the advancing leg straightened.
The ball is not permitted to travel above head height:
Physical contact is not permitted and is therefore regarded as foul play.
The term ‘physical contact’ includes:
Dangerous or Reckless Conduct
Deliberate dangerous or reckless conduct, regardless of whether or not there
is any physical contact, should be regarded as ‘aggravated’ foul play.
There are, however, a number of exceptions for free kicks:
Penalty Kicks
Starting a Match
A coin toss shall be used at the start of a game to determine whether a team
wishes to kick-off or choose which end they wish to attack. The team winning
the toss is granted first choice.
The match shall commence only when the referee blows the whistle
A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-off, even in the event of a deflection into the goal from an opposing player or the goalkeeper. The goal should be disallowed and a free kick awarded to the opposing team.
Stopping and Resuming Play
If the referee stops play by blowing the whistle,play should only be resumed
upon a further blow of the whistle. Quick free kicks (for example), without a referee’s whistle to resume play, are not permitted. Referees are not obliged to delay play any longer than they feel necessary and, if safe do to so, may blow the whistle to restart a game immediately after a free kick has been awarded.
A drop ball may be used to resume play when it is not possible to determine which team should have possession – for example, following a sudden halt in play caused through injury.
A kick-in shall resume play (on pitches with touchlines) at the point where the ball left the field of play.
A corner kick shall resume play (on pitches with goal lines) on the same side of the pitch that the ball left the field of play.
Continuing Play
Goalkeepers may distribute the ball when grounded. Unlimited back passes between a player and goalkeeper are permitted. Goalkeepers can handle the ball directly from a back pass. Goals may be scored by any player (except a goalkeeper) from any outfield position. In the event of a goalkeeper scoring, the goal should be disallowed, and the ball (deemed dead) retained by the opposing goalkeeper.
Kick-ins and Corners
Kick-ins and corners are indirect, with opposing players being at least 3
metres from the ball. A goal will only be allowed following a kick-in or corner once the ball has been played by another player: direct shots at goal from a kick-in or corner are not permitted and any such goals will be disallowed, even if deflected in off another player (goalkeeper included). A player executing a kick-in or corner is not permitted to take more than one step immediately prior to striking the ball. The ball should not be kicked with undue force or in a manner likely to cause injury
Playing an Advantage
Although the decision to play an advantage can depend on many circumstances, WFA referees are advised to only take such action if:
Referees should clearly indicate that an advantage is being allowed and also ensure that they take the appropriate remedial action (blue card, warning/advice) when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Section E. Safety
I understand, agree and accept that Walking Football Spain is a private members club (hereinafter “the club”) and not a formal association. The club comprises individual members who wish to come together to play walking football in an enjoyable, safe and inclusive environment. The members will appoint (by majority vote) a Coordination group (and Chairman of same) to carry out administrative matters relating to the club and its members. I understand that the individual members of the Coordination Group have no ownership interests in the club either implicitly or explicitly.
I agree to:
The stated mission of the Walking Football Spain is “To raise the profile of Walking Football in Spain as an accessible sport for over 50’s, to promote participation in the sport, inspiring activity, seeking to have an impact on physical and mental wellbeing, and maintain a high standard of competitive play leading to success on the Costa Del Sol and international stage.”
If you fancy being the man or woman in the middle we’ve got a big welcome waiting for you.
Referees perform a vital role in the game at all levels and demand for their services is on the increase.
Walking Football is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. If you are living in Spain, retired or on holiday and want to get involved please get i touch.