No running
One foot must remain in contact with the ground at all times. Referees have the final say, including on borderline movement like jogging, skipping, or sideways shuffling.
The rules
Walking football rules.
The key laws we play to at Crickhowell, based on 2026 guidance.
Fundamental rules.
Ball height
The ball must stay below head height, typically around crossbar height, with a practical cap around 2 metres.
Physical contact
No tackles, shoulder charges, pushing, or crowding opponents. Only minimal incidental contact is tolerated at the referee's discretion.
No offside
Most walking football formats do not use offside, helping games flow and making sessions easier for new players.
Free kicks and restarts
All free kicks are indirect and opponents usually retreat 3 metres. This applies to fouls, running offences, and ball-height violations.
Goalkeeper rules
Keepers can handle in their area but have restrictions on handling time, back-passes, and distribution to prevent time-wasting.
Competition note.
Some competitions use stricter sanctions for repeated not-walking offences, not only indirect free kicks. Certain formats also use a team accumulation rule where repeated running offences in a half can trigger a penalty.
These rules are designed to keep the sport safe, inclusive, and enjoyable while preserving football's skill and teamwork.
Want the full official guidance?
Read more and download detailed 2026 rule guidance from walkingfootball.com.
Read full rules