The Dorset Walking Football League (DWFL) recently held its very first Referees Conference. Our officials play a massive role in keeping our games safe and fun. However, once their initial training ends, they haven’t had a formal way to meet, share ideas, or get extra support.
This landmark meeting changed that. The goal was to get referees working as a single team so that games are handled the exact same way across every pitch.
Several key figures and referees from across the league attended to drive standards forward. The panel agreed that while DWFL matches generally run smoothly and player behavior is good, three key areas need a much tighter focus moving forward. Here is what Dexter Sports players and managers need to know:
1. Tighter Rules on ‘Running’
The league rule says that “four running offences equal a penalty“. While this has helped the game, different referees still judge running differently. To create consistency, the league is introducing two new steps:
- An Early Whistle: Referees will blow the whistle early in matches without giving verbal warnings first. This shows players right away what the referee will and won’t allow.
- A Second Pair of Eyes: The league suggested using a “spare” referee on the sidelines to watch for off-the-ball running and give feedback to the main referee. They may use injured referees for this role.
2. Stamping Out Physical Contact
Thankfully, no players are trying to hurt each other. However, careless and reckless play is on the rise. Walking football is a non-contact sport, but too many players are bringing regular football habits onto the pitch.
Referees have noticed too much shoulder-barging, pushing, and use of elbows. To stop this, a strict new policy is coming:
- Any Contact is a Foul: If one player makes contact with another, it is a foul – even if it was a total accident. The referee must award a free kick.
- The Three-Strike Rule: If a player makes three contact fouls in a single game, they will receive a blue card.
- Tracking Repeat Offenders: Referees will now send the names of all blue-carded players to the League. The League is currently creating a system to hand out extra penalties for repeat offenders.
3. Cracking Down on Dissent
While players do not shout outright abuse at referees, too many are trying to argue with decisions or constantly appeal for fouls. This must stop.
From now on, referees will use a strict Verbal Warning system. A player or manager will get a formal warning if they do any of these things twice:
- Disagree with a referee’s decision.
- Keep arguing about the same decision.
- Shout and appeal for a foul to be given their way.
- Complain about the behavior of the other team.
What happens after a warning? The very next argument will result in an immediate blue card. Referees also have the power to give a straight blue card without a warning if the player’s behavior is aggressive or excessive.
How this affects DSWFC
As a club, we pride ourselves on playing the game the right way. These updates mean our players can expect quicker whistles for running, a zero-tolerance approach to physical contact, and strict punishments for talking back to officials.
Let’s make sure we adapt quickly, respect the refs, and keep playing great walking football!
In the Dorset Walking Football League we play to the FA’s Rules. You can find the most recent version on our Walking Football: 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.
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