Walking Football Blue Cards & Sin Bins Explained

Walking football is built on respect, fairness and safety — and blue cards with sin bins play a key role in keeping games enjoyable and well-controlled. While not as severe as red cards, blue cards are used to manage behaviour and maintain the flow of play.

Understanding how blue cards work helps players avoid unnecessary penalties and keep matches friendly and competitive.

What Is a Blue Card in Walking Football?

A blue card is a temporary dismissal. Instead of being sent off permanently, the player must leave the pitch for a set time period (usually 2–5 minutes depending on league rules).

The player’s team must continue with one fewer player until the sin-bin time expires.

Common Reasons for Receiving a Blue Card

Blue cards are issued for non-dangerous but rule-breaking behaviour such as:

Repeated running offences
Dissent or arguing with the referee
Persistent fouling
Deliberate handball
Ignoring referee warnings

They are designed to calm situations and prevent escalation.

What Is the Sin Bin?

The sin bin is the area where the dismissed player must wait until their time penalty is completed. Once the referee signals, the player may return to the pitch.