Safe and Fair for older players

Walking football creates fairness through rule modifications that lower the physical demands and prioritise skill, positioning, and strategy over speed and strength. These adaptations ensure the sport is accessible and competitive for individuals of all fitness levels and ages.
Key rules that foster fairness include:
No Running: This rule requires players to always have at least one foot in contact with the ground. This removes the advantage of speed and sprinting ability, allowing less mobile players to compete on an even footing with fitter players.
No Physical Contact: Physical challenges, barging, shoulder charges and slide tackles are strictly forbidden, making the game safer and reducing the risk of injury.
Ball Height Restriction: The ball must be kept low for safety and also to promote a grounded, controlled, and technical game.
Adapted Pitch Size and Match Duration: Games are typically played on smaller pitches and are often shorter than traditional football matches, which makes the game less physically demanding for older adults.
Goalkeeper Restrictions: Goalkeepers are not allowed to leave their designated area, and outfield players cannot enter it, which keeps the goalkeepers safe and focuses play on passing and positioning.
Emphasis on Fair Play: The culture of walking football prioritises fun, camaraderie, and respect over winning at all costs.
Walking football rules level the playing field, making the sport enjoyable and fair for a diverse range of participants who might otherwise be excluded from traditional football.
Watch the video below that includes of the Laws of the Game. This is an interactive quiz. Answer the questions as you watch. This quiz takes about 5 minutes.

INSTRUCTIONS: If you are on a mobile phone, click on the hand icon shown to answer the questions.

Laws of the Game change from country to country and even between tournaments within a country. The latest version of the WFA LOTG can be downloaded here: https://thewfa.co.uk/laws-of-the-game/

Despite the differences, all laws are designed to keep the players safe and the game fair.

You are the Referee

Watch the video covering the most important Laws of the Game. Make a refereeing decision each time the video stops. This quiz takes about 10 minutes.

Referee Hand Signals for Walking Football

Watch this video to learn and practice the hand signals used in Walking Football. Answer the quiz questions. This quiz takes about 5 minutes.