WFA Law – Free Kicks Explained

Free kicks are used to restart play after fouls and infringements in walking football. Under WFA rules, all free kicks are indirect, meaning a goal can only be scored if another player touches the ball before it enters the goal.

This guide explains how free kicks are taken and the special situations that can result in penalties.

When Free Kicks Are Awarded

A free kick may only be awarded when the ball is in play. All incidents of foul play will result in a free kick being given to the non-offending team.

How Free Kicks Are Taken

• All free kicks are indirect

• The kick is taken from where the infringement occurred

• Opposing players must stand at least 3 metres away

• The referee may move the free kick 3 metres from the goal area for safety

• Players must be stationary before starting their approach

• The kicker may start from up to 1 metre behind the ball and walk in to strike it

Encroachment and Interference

If a defender steps too close or delays a free kick, they may receive a blue card, and the kick may be retaken. Attacking players must also stay at least one metre from any defensive wall.

Scoring From Free Kicks

A goal can only be scored if the ball is touched by another player before entering the goal. Direct shots that deflect into the goal are not counted.

Special Free Kick Situations

Certain goalkeeper and goal area offences result in free kicks or penalties:

• Goalkeepers causing the ball to exceed head height

• Incorrect goalkeeper deliveries

• Goalkeepers deliberately heading the ball

• Goalkeepers leaving the goal area during play

• Outfield players entering their own goal area

Some of these offences result in penalty kicks depending on severity.

Quick Free Kicks

Quick free kicks may be taken 3 metres outside the goal area, provided they follow the same approach and distance rules.

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