Walking Soccer is a slower version of the beautiful game. Basically, you must always have 1 foot on the ground. There is no heading the ball and no charging. Otherwise it is the same game we all love.
Steve Siniscalchi (who has been involved with OTHSL longer than he cares to admit) is organizing walking soccer games on Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM at the Laurel Farms Fields in Sherborn, Mass. All are welcome.
For more information, contact Steve at 508-930-1495 or steve1359@gmail.com
Note that these games are NOT sponsored by OTHSL or MASS.
Introduction
While
it is acknowledged there are no universal laws commonly used
throughout the various interpretations of walking football, the ‘Laws
of the Game’ reflect the ethos and values of this unique sport,
namely:
To
ensure all matches are played safely with full consideration of every
participant’s age, gender and ability.
It
is therefore expected that all players, managers and club members
will conduct themselves accordingly, including respecting referees
and other match officials. Failure to do so is likely to result in
disqualification from an event.
Section
A: Players, Fields and Equipment
Players
1.
A team can field a maximum of 6 players on the pitch at any one
time.
2.
A team squad must not exceed 9 players per match.
3.
Rolling substitutes are permitted to enter and leave play, but only
with the consent of the referee.
4.
Players must adhere strictly to the minimum age criteria for each
category, determined by a player’s age when he/she participates in
their first match. For example no one under the age of 50 may
participate in the over 50s competition. This does not, however,
prevent ‘over-aged’ players participating. For example someone
over 60 years of age may play in the over 50s competition.
5.
A player can only represent one team per age category.
6.
Goalkeepers must be clearly distinguishable from outfield players on
either team.
7.
Substitutes must be clearly distinguishable from players on either
team, until they are called into play.
Pitches
8.
The standard pitch dimensions for competition are a width between 16
yards (min) and 35 yards (max) and a length between 25 yards (min)
and 50 yards (max).
9.
A goal area must be clearly marked at each end of the pitch. This may
be a semi-circle or rectangle and should extend between 4 yards (min)
and 6 yards (max) from the goal line.
10.
A clearly marked penalty spot should be positioned in line with the
center of the goal and 6 yards from the goal line.
11.
The position of the ball on the pitch is determined when it crosses a
line entirely (i.e. the whole of the ball). A ball located on the
line marking the goal area is considered to be live and playable by
any player (including goalkeepers).
Equipment
12.
The standard goal size for competition is a width between 3 yards
(min) and 5 yards (max) and a height between 1.2 yards and 2 yards
(max).
13.
The ‘official’ ball size and type for competition is a size 5
regular. Clubs, however, are permitted to use a size 4 ball or a
futsal in early rounds, providing it is agreed by all parties
(including match officials) prior to kick-off.
Section
B. Foul Play
Running
and/or Jogging
1.
Running or jogging on or off the ball is not permitted by any player
(including goalkeepers) and will usually result in an indirect free
kick being awarded. If, in the opinion of the referee, such conduct
results in a clear goal-scoring opportunity being denied, then the
offending players should be removed from play for 2 minutes (blue
card) and a penalty kick considered if the offending player is a
goalkeeper.
2.
The referee shall have sole interpretation on deciding what is and
what is not walking. A walking action will generally be determined as
a progression of steps throughout which at least one foot will
maintain constant contact with the ground and that both feet will be
momentarily planted with the advancing leg straightened.
Ball
above Head Height
3.
The ball is not permitted to travel above head height:
•
The
ball should be deemed dead once it has exceeded head height.
•
Head
height is defined as 1.83 yards or the height of the goal cross bar,
providing it does not exceed 2 yards.
•
The
whole of the ball must exceed head height to be deemed an
infringement.
•
The
referee shall have sole interpretation on the ball exceeding head
height.
•
A
player commits a foul if they cause the ball to travel above head
height.
•
A
player commits a foul if the ball deflects off them and goes above
head height.
•
A
player commits a foul if they play the ball off a barrier and it
exceeds head height.
•
If
a ball deflects off the goal frame and exceeds head height, it is not
regarded as a foul, but the ball must immediately be deemed dead and
retained by the goalkeeper.
•
If
a ball deflects off the goalkeeper in the process of making a save
and exceeds head height before returning to play, it is not regarded
as a foul, but the ball must immediately be deemed dead and retained
by the goalkeeper.
•
If
a ball deflects off the goalkeeper in the process of making a save
and exceeds head height, but then drops into the goal, a goal should
be awarded.
•
If
a ball deflects off the goalkeeper in the process of making a save
and exceeds head height, but then leaves the field of play, a corner
or throw-in should be awarded, depending at which point the ball
crossed the line.
Dangerous
or Reckless Conduct 4. Players are not permitted to head the ball in
any circumstance.
5.
Deliberate or reckless physical contact is not permitted by any
player; this includes:
•
Slide
tackling and/or slide blocking.
•
Tackling
across a player at a barrier.
•
Blocking
or cornering a player against a barrier.
•
Crowding
(two players vs one) a player against a barrier. V.
Shoulder charging, pushing or barging.
•
Stepping
across or obstructing an opponent to gain an advantage or deny that
player access to the ball or position.
•
Tackling
(or poaching) from the side or behind causing physical contact with a
player or in a manner likely to cause injury.
•
Reckless
or excessive conduct regardless of whether or not there is any
physical contact.
Goal
Area Infringements
6.
An outfield player commits a foul upon entering the goal area
regardless of whether or not they play the ball. This does not,
however, include occasions when they do so as a result of
momentum.
7.
A goalkeeper commits a foul if he/she leaves the goal area, unless
they do so as a result of momentum, and the ball is retained within
the goal area.
8.
A goalkeeper when facing a penalty kick is permitted to move any part
of his/her body and travel along the goal line, but is not permitted
to advance off the goal line prior to the kick being taken; such
conduct should result in the retaking of a saved or missed
penalty.
Other
Infringements
9.
A player commits a foul if they fail to take a free kick, penalty,
kick-in or corner in accordance with the rules or as instructed by
the referee.
10.
A player commits a foul if they take a free kick, penalty, kick-in or
corner while the ball is moving.
11.
A player commits a foul if they take a kick-in while the ball is not
behind the line which marks the pitch area.
12.
A player commits a foul if they hold onto a barrier in order to
shield the ball or obstruct an opposing player. This does not include
circumstances when such contact is necessary to prevent a collision
or maintain balance.
13.
A player commits a foul if they deliberately play the ball with their
hand or arm.
14.
A player, other than a goalkeeper, commits a foul upon deliberately
playing the ball while on the ground. A player is deemed to be on the
ground if they have any part of their body other than their feet on
the pitch.
15.
A goalkeeper commits a foul if they deliberately play the ball other
than by throwing it under-arm or kicking it from the
ground.
Section
C. Sanctions
Free
Kicks
1.
All free kicks are indirect, with opposing players being at least 3
yards from the ball.
2.
A player taking a free kick (including a penalty) is permitted to
take one step immediately prior to striking the ball.
3.
There are, however, a number of exceptions for free kicks:
I.
If a goalkeeper is deemed to have deliberately caused the ball to
exceed head height, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the
opposing team 3 yards outside the goal area adjacent to where the
infringement occurred.
II.
If a goalkeeper is deemed to have deliberately played the ball other
than by throwing it under-arm or kicking it from the ground, an
indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team 3 yards
outside the goal area, adjacent to where the infringement
occurred.
III.
If a goalkeeper, upon leaving the goal area, deliberately plays the
ball or does anything in an attempt to deny a goal-scoring
opportunity, a penalty kick should be awarded to the opposing
team.
IV.
If a defending ‘outfield’ player enters the goal area, regardless
of whether or not they play the ball (other than through momentum), a
penalty kick should be awarded to the opposing team
V.
Free kicks awarded to an attacking team must not be taken within 3
yards of their opponents’ goal area, but must be moved back
accordingly, directly in line to where the infringement
occurred
4.
If a player, while taking a free kick, has a direct shot at goal
which deflects into the goal off an opponent or the goalkeeper, the
goal should be disallowed and a free kick awarded to the opposing
team.
Kick-ins
and Corners
5.
Kick-ins and corners are indirect with opposing players being at
least 3 yards from the ball.
6.
A player taking a kick-in or corner is permitted to take one step
immediately prior to striking the ball.
7.
If a player, while taking a kick-in or corner, has a direct shot at
goal which deflects into the goal off an opponent or the goalkeeper,
the goal should be disallowed and a free kick awarded to the opposing
team.
Blue
Card and Red Card Infringements
8.
If a player commits 3 infringements (totting up), for running, foul
play or a combination of both, the referee should show a blue card
and cause them to leave the game (sin-bin/penalty box) for 2
minutes.
I.
A player receiving such a sanction must miss 2 minutes of playing
time
II.
If a player returning from the sin-bin commits a further 3
infringements, the referee should cause them to play no further part
in the game (sent off)
III.
The referee shall have sole discretion to determine which
infringements are worthy of ‘totting up’. For example, causing
the ball to travel above head height may not necessarily warrant such
action.
9.
If a player is guilty of violent conduct, the referee should show a
red card and cause them to play no further part in the game
(sent-off) and the competition (if applicable).
10.
If a player (including an off-field substitute) uses threatening,
abusive or insulting words or behavior towards any other player, a
referee, an official or any other participant, the referee should
show a red card and cause them to play no further part in the game
(sent-off) and the competition (if applicable).
Section
D. Starting, Stopping and Continuing Play
Starting
a Match
1.
A coin toss shall be used at the start of a game to determine whether
a team wishes to kick-off or chose which end they wish to attack. The
team winning the toss is granted first choice.
2.
The match shall commence only when the referee blows the
whistle.
3.
A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-off, even in the event
of a deflection into the goal from an opposing player or the
goalkeeper. The goal should be disallowed and a free kick awarded to
the opposing team.
Stopping
and Resuming Play
4.
If the referee blows the whistle to stop play, it must only be
resumed upon a further blow of the whistle. For example, quick free
kicks without a referee’s whistle to resume play are not
permitted.
5.
A drop ball may be used to resume play when it is not possible to
determine which team should have possession. For example, following a
sudden halt in play due to an injury.
6.
A kick-in shall resume play (on pitches with touchlines) at the point
where the ball left the field of play.
7.
A corner kick shall resume play (on pitches with goal lines) on the
same side of the pitch that the ball left the field of
play.
Continuing
Play
8.
Goalkeepers may distribute the ball when grounded.
9.
Unlimited back passes between a player and goalkeeper are
permitted.
10.
Goalkeepers can handle the ball directly from a back pass.
11.
Goals can be scored by any player from any outfield position (except
goalkeepers). In the event of a goalkeeper scoring a goal, the goal
should be disallowed, the ball deemed dead and retained by the
opposing goalkeeper.
Section
E. Safety
1.
Players must refrain from openly wearing jewelry or watches. Tape may
be used to cover rings
2.
All players must wear shin pads, covered by their socks.