WFFL Official Rules of Play

 

1. The Golden Rule: Spirit of the Game

The WFFL is built on mutual respect. All games are self-refereed. Players are expected to play with honesty, call their own fouls, and prioritize the safety and enjoyment of all participants over winning.

 

2. Movement & Contact

• Walking Only: At least one foot must be on the ground at all times. "Jogging" or running will result in an indirect free kick for the opposition.

• Non-Contact: This is a strictly non-contact sport. No tackling from behind, no sliding, and no physical leaning or "barging."

• Ball Winning: You may intercept the ball or take it when it is loose, but you cannot initiate physical contact to dispossess an opponent.

 

3. The Goalkeeper & The "Sanctuary"

• The Crease: The marked goalkeeper area is for the keeper only.

  • Outfield players entering the area results in a free kick.

  • The keeper must remain inside their area at all times.

• The Double-Pass Rule: To encourage open play, "double passing" back to the keeper is prohibited. Once the keeper plays the ball out, they cannot touch it again until it has been touched by an opponent or at least two other teammates.

• Keeper Transitions: To ensure everyone stays involved in the movement of the game, keepers must change every half.

 

4. Height Restrictions

• Waist Height: The ball must stay below waist height.

• Venue Exception (Caulfield Extreme): On fields with specific fencing, the ball must remain below fence height.

• Infringements: * Outfield players: Indirect free kick.

  • Goalkeepers: First offense is a warning; the second offense results in a penalty.

 

5. Restarts & Scoring

• Kick-ins: There are no throw-ins. Balls crossing the sideline are kicked in.

• After a Goal: When a goal is scored, the game restarts with the keeper taking possession and playing the ball out.

• Indirect Play: All free kicks are indirect (the ball must touch another player before a goal is scored), with the exception of penalties.

 

6. Fouls & Penalties

• Player Fouls: Result in an indirect free kick from the spot of the foul.

• Keeper Fouls: Any foul committed by the keeper results in a penalty kick.

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Please note that is a new initiative for Walking Football lovers and will develop and evolve over time.

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To get involved with the WFFL talk to your Walking Football hub leader or email the link below.