WFA Law – Stopping and Resuming Play Explained

This section of the WFA Laws of the Game explains how matches are stopped and restarted fairly and safely. Clear restart rules prevent confusion and help keep games flowing smoothly.

Restarting After the Referee Stops Play

If the referee stops play by blowing the whistle, the game may only be restarted when the referee clearly signals for play to continue. This may be by whistle, voice or hand signal.

Quick Free Kicks

Players may take a quick free kick without waiting for the referee’s signal, as long as it is done safely. If the referee believes the restart is unsafe, they may order:

• The free kick to be retaken

• Or the free kick to be awarded to the opposing team

Players who deliberately delay a quick free kick may receive a blue card.

Dropped Ball Restarts

• If the ball hits the referee and an opponent gains an advantage, play is stopped and restarted with an uncontested dropped ball to the team that last touched the ball.

• A dropped ball may also be used when play is stopped due to injury and possession cannot clearly be determined.

Kick-Ins and Roll-Ins

When the ball leaves the pitch via the touchline, play restarts with a kick-in or roll-in taken from behind the touchline at the point where the ball went out.

Corner Kicks

Corner kicks are taken from the same side of the pitch where the ball left the field of play.

Goal Kicks

When an attacking team plays the ball over the goal line, a goal kick is awarded. The goalkeeper may take the kick from anywhere inside the goal area. The ball must be stationary before being kicked.

Goalkeepers may start their approach from up to one metre behind the ball. A small backward step of no more than half a metre is allowed.

Why This Law Matters

These rules keep matches safe, controlled and consistent for all players.

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