WFA Walking Football Players Law Explained

The WFA Player Law sets out how teams must be organised during a walking football match and what must happen if a team can no longer continue with enough players. These rules ensure games remain safe, fair and properly managed.

This guide explains the Player Law in simple terms.

Goalkeepers Must Be Easy to Identify

In every walking football match, the goalkeeper must be clearly different from outfield players on both teams. This is normally done by wearing a different coloured shirt or bib.

This makes it clear to referees and players who is allowed to handle the ball inside the goalkeeper area and helps avoid confusion during play.

Minimum Number of Players

A match can only continue if both teams have enough players to compete safely. If a team is permanently reduced below the minimum number of players, the match must be abandoned.

Permanent reductions include:

• A player unable to continue because of injury

• A player dismissed with a red card

Temporary removals, such as sin bins, do not count as permanent losses.

Minimum numbers by match format

If a team falls below these numbers permanently, the match cannot continue.

What Happens When a Match Is Abandoned

If a match is abandoned because one team drops below the minimum number of players, the team responsible will forfeit the match. This helps ensure fairness and discourages unsafe or reckless behaviour.

Why This Law Is Important

These rules protect player safety, ensure fair competition and help referees make clear, consistent decisions. They also help keep walking football welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

Part of the official WFA Walking Football Rules Hub:
👉 /walking-football-rules/