Recently, the Football Association has published its Walking Football Rules, although until universally adopted there will probably be some variation in formal tournaments and leagues. However, the essence of the rules is normally as follows:

• No running or jogging, either with or without the ball. If it looks like running, it probably is!
• Smaller pitch and goals, usually 7 a side
• Only goalkeepers in the D of the goal
• No physical contact
• No tackling when other than standing up
• Throw-ins replaced by kick-ins
• Ball not above head height
• No heading the ball (even below head height)

Here is the latest revision of the Laws of the Game:-

LOTG Revision September 2018

FA introduced amendments to Walking Football Rules. This is how they directly affect Foxash.

The most important issue is cutting out the running. Despite our best attempts several of us are still doing it. This needs much stricter managing for future fixtures especially against new opposition. The clear definition is “one foot must always remain in contact with the ground”

Jewellery must be removed. Taping is not an option. This may be problematical for some of us.

FA has recognised that some contact is unavoidable but must be kept to a minimum. This means no little pushes or shoulders in tackling.

In cage football, players or opponents must not hold on to the edge when playing the ball or tackling, plus anybody in a corner must be allowed to turn, the opponent giving the player with the ball at least 2 metres of space.

Advantage is also now recognised and needs to be applied with sensitivity. (Referee’s opinion)

Most of the changes affecting us concern the goalkeeper.

• Firstly, a GK save when pushed above the designated height limit is returned to the GK and match restarted from there.
• A back pass can be picked up and restarted with an underarm throw or kick but ball must be stationary for a kick. Goal clearances can be made by an underarm throw or a kick when the ball is stationary. This is either from open play or dead ball restart.
• GK can only retain the ball for 6 seconds before distribution when in play.
• GK distribution cannot go directly back to GK, but must be played by either another team mate or opponent.
• GK offence is restarted by indirect free kick 3 metres from penalty area closest to where the offence occurred.

Designated height has been set at a minimum of crossbar height but not more than 2 metres. For us it will be crossbar height unless playing in cages when it will be 2 metres.

Free kicks and corners and throw ins. Opponents must be at least 3 metres from ball.

Penalty kick must have all players except taker 3 metres from ball.

• Taker must only take one step with NO feints or attempts at simulation.
• Penalty mark must be 6 metres from goal line and centred.
• Where penalties are used to decide outcome of match they must be taken alternately.

A person being penalised for 3 “walking offences” will automatically be sin binned for the statutory time of the competition.

Ball remains in play in the following circumstances; rebounds off match official, goal post, crossbar, corner flag or barricades & remains in playing area.