RESPECT FOR REFEREES POLICY

Toronto Walking Soccer Club is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for referees and match officials. We believe officials are the heart and soul of the game and must be treated with the utmost respect.

NO REFEREE DECISONS SHOULD EVER BE QUESTIONED IN ANY WAY, EITHER VERBALLY OR BY GESTURES.

Our aim is to reflect the spirit of walking soccer—where respect for officials is non-negotiable and the game is played in the right way.

Over 50s walking soccer player placing the ball on the penalty spot

Walking Soccer Rules

There are many different walking soccer rules played by various countries, regions and club. Toronto Walking Soccer Club play to the English FA's Walking Soccer rules with a few small edits.

Walking Soccer Rules (England FA)

Loons' Essential Rules

  • No 'Not Walking' (running), on or off the ball. You must be moving in a recogniseable walking style with one foot touching the ground at all times.
  • On the 5th cumulative team 'not walking' and tackling offence → penalty awarded
  • No offsides
  • Ball must not go over crossbar height 
  • Three touches of the ball are allowed.
  • No headers
  • No physical contact - ball must be won without touching the opposition player.
  • No tackling from behind or from the side. Tackles must be from the front, between 10 and 2 on a clock face is a guide.
  • Throws are kicked in
  • No player can enter the penalty box. A penalty if a defender deliberately goes inside. 
  • Penalty kick walk ups must be within 2 metres (or 2 large steps).
  • All free kicks are indirect
  • Opposition must be 3 metres away from all dead balls
  • Goalkeeper mustn’t leave the penalty area or a penalty is awarded.
  • Goalkeepers can put the ball back into play by foot or by hand from a goal kick.
  • Goalkeepers may not pick up a back pass
  • When a goalkeeper makes a save...
    If the ball goes over crossbar height but stays on the field then the ball is retained by the goalkeeper.
    If the ball goes over crossbar height and leaves the field to the side it is a kick in.
    If the ball goes behind the goal over crossbar height, it is a corner.