There’s a new season on the way, and with it some changes to the FA Laws of the Game. We play to FA Walking Football Rules in the Dorset Walking Football League – so let’s take a look at what’s new for the 2025/26 season.
FA Walking Football Rules: Changes for 2025/26
Here you’ll find notes direct from the Football Association, outlining amendments to the FA Walking Football Rules in February 2025. We’ve included what we consider to be our interpretation of the changes. When we say “our”, we actually mean Simon’s – the author of this article!
The FA Walking Football Rules which we look at here are…
- Law 1: The penalty area
- Law 4: Compulsory equipment
- Law 9: Height of ball restrictions
- Law 12: Fouls and misconduct
- Law 15: The kick-in
- Law 18: Walking
Law interpretations by Simon Allen (who has no right to think he’s correct!)
Law 1: The Field of Play (Playing Area) – The Penalty Area
“A penalty mark is made 6.5m from the midpoint between the goal posts.”
Our Interpretation of this FA Walking Football Rule
Previously, the penalty spot was six meters from the goal, and would be on the penalty area line, as that was, and still is, six meters from the middle of the goal. So now, the penalty spot should be half-a-meter outside of the penalty area.
Law 4: The Players’ Equipment – Compulsory Equipment
“…shinguards – these must be of suitable material to provide reasonable protection and covered by the socks.”
This law hasn’t been amended, but further information was provided in the update… “Micro” or “Mini” shin pads may increase the risk of injury due to the smaller amount of shin covered compared to larger sized shin pads.
To back up this point, England Football have also raised some concerns around under-sized shin guards.
Our Interpretation of this FA Walking Football Rule
There’s no change to what’s required and no minimum size is stated. However, it’s clear some players are playing loose with their own safety. As the England Football article says… “please give these protection levels serious consideration when deciding what is the right shin pad for you.”
Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play – Height of Ball Restrictions
“If a height offence occurs within the penalty area and is committed by the goalkeeper an indirect free kick should be awarded 3m from the penalty area line nearest to where the offence took place. Any save or block from a goalkeeper that rises above the designated height restriction, before then leaving the field of play, will result in a side-line restart (kick-in) for the opposing team, in line with where the offence took place.”
Our Interpretation of this FA Walking Football Rule
So, this change to the FA Walking Football Rules is particularly interesting, and my initial understanding was incorrect! I thought it was to do with whether the ball stayed in play or not, but that’s not the case.
It seems to come down to whether the ball went over head height off the keeper as a result of a save/block or a deliberate pass attempt.
- If the ‘keeper saves a shot and then the ball goes over head height: then it’ll be a kick-in restart in-line with where the ‘keeper last touched it.
- If the ‘keeper attempts to pass and the ball goes over head height: then it’ll be an indirect free-kick three meters out from the penalty area directly in-line with where the ‘keeper last touched it.
This rule change is definitely one to ask about if it’s not clear ahead of tournaments.
It’s worth noting that the phrase used in this law is “…designated height restriction…”. The previous paragraph of this law states… “A height restriction must apply, which cannot be less than the height of the crossbar and not greater than 2 metres.”
Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct
“An indirect free kick is awarded if, in the opinion of the referee, a player prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball.”
Our Interpretation of this FA Walking Football Rule
This is pretty straightforward – don’t impede the goalkeeper from releasing the ball! I’ve seen 3 meters mentioned, which of course is the case with any dead ball situation – that would make sense to me.
Law 15: The Kick-In/Roll-In
“A kick-in is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over a touch line, either on the ground or in the air OR when the ball rises above the designated height restriction after a save or block from the goalkeeper.”
Our Interpretation of this FA Walking Football Rule
The change here is just to tie up the change to Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play, in relation to goalkeepers. So, no actual change to the kick-in rule, just an additional scenario where one would be awarded.
Law 18: Walking
“Walking is defined as ‘always having at least one foot in contact with the ground’ and relates to the motion of all players moving around the field of play. A goalkeeper is exempt from this rule whilst in the action of making a save, for example diving or jumping with both feet off the ground.”
Our Interpretation of this FA Walking Football Rule
The definition of walking hasn’t changed. However, it’s now been clarified that goalkeeper’s are allowed to make saves which could be interpreted as not-walking by outfield players. Again common sense is being applied here.
Competition Modifications
The FA’s update also included a couple of points to clarify Competition Modifications.
- A restriction on the number of touches per player – No change: it’s good to get clarification on this point. Back in April we ran a story about an entry in a WFA newsletter which suggested the FA may be forced to implement a 5-touch rule. This news means we can put that story to bed… for now at least!
- A competition can determine whether numbered shirts are compulsory: I guess from the referees perspective, shirt numbers are certainly helpful. In my opinion I would say if numbered shirts are going to be required, clubs should probably be given plenty of time to get that sorted.
If you’re interested in reading the FA Walking Football Rules in full, you can download them on our Laws of the Game page.
Disclaimer
This article has been created and published in good faith. Any expressed opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of Dexter Sports Walking Football Club.
Reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of publication. You should expect the information to become outdated the older the article becomes.
