HOW TO PLAY

Games are refereed by NZFA qualified referees. The referee's decision is final.

Teams, Players and Apparel

1.1 Teams are 5-a-side plus goal keeper and unlimited rolling subs are allowed.

1.2. Players must be 50 plus years of age.

1.3. In Mixed competitions, there must be no more than two male players on the outfield at all times.

1.4. Same uniform shirts are compulsory

1.5. Goalkeepers must be identified with a different coloured shirt.

1.6. Shin-pads are compulsory.

1.7. Moulded sole boots or blades are the only type of football boots permitted. No sandshoes

1.8. All jewellery must be removed.

General Play

2.1. Games start at 6pm, 6:40pm and 7:20pm sharp in all leagues in the evening.

2.2. Teams require a minimum of 3 players plus goal keeper to start. For mixed competitions, the maximum 2 males in the outfield rule still applies.

2.3. The match ball will be provided by Walking Football New Zealand.

2.4. The ball can move in any direction from kick-off.

2.5. There are no off-sides.

2.6. An outfield player may not play at the ball with their hand or any part of their arm

2.7. Teams are awarded 3 points for a win, and 2 point for a draw.

2.8. When the ball goes out,  restart with a kicked in.

2.9. Corner kicks are taken on the corner of the touch line and goal line. 

2.10. Indirect Free kicks are taken from where an offence is committed.

2.11. Opposition players must stand 3m from the ball during a indirect free-kick, at kick-off or when the ball is kicked in from the touchline.

The Goalkeeper Area

3.1. The goalkeeper can handle the ball in the goalkeepers area

3.2. The goalkeeper must throw the ball into play

3.3. Goal kicks are taken from anywhere in the goalkeepers area.

3.4. The goalkeeper cannot handle a ball deliberately passed back from a team member.

Fouls and Misconduct

4.1. The referee’s decision is final.

4.2. Aggressive or violent conduct, foul play, referee abuse, spitting at others, and offensive speech will not be tolerated. Yellow or Red Card sanction applies

4.3. A indirect free kick or penalty may be awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences:

• Uses force when taking or attempting to take the ball from an opponent
• Slides when taking or attempting to take the ball from an opponent
• Pushes or holds an opponent
• Handles the ball
• Plays in a dangerous manner
• Impedes the progress of an opponent
• Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands
• Tackles an opponent from behind

4.4. Sin-bin offences (yellow card) include:

• unsporting behaviour
• dissent by word or action
• persistent infringement of the rules of Walking Football New Zealand
• delaying the restart of play
• failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a indirect free kick, corner kick or kick-in unless the restart is taken quickly.

4.5. Sin-binned players (yellow card) must remain off the field for 5 minutes.

4.6. Sending-off offences (red card) include:

• serious foul play
• violent conduct
• spitting at an opponent or any other person
• denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own area)
• denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty goal
• using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
• receiving a second caution in the same match

4.7. Sent-off players (red card) must leave the vicinity of the field of play and may not return to the game.

• Players sent off will automatic serve one week suspension.  
• Players fighting will automatic serve 4 weeks suspension
• Players sent off twice in a 10 week period will be expelled from the competition. The player must reapply to reenter the next competition.