The emphasis of Walking Football is competing for your team in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Winning is the aim but not the ‘be all and end all’ and playing the game fairly to the best of your ability is the priority.

 

Although it is competitive it should be played in a spirit of sportsmanship with good humour and respect for fellow players. The aim is to foster friendship and enjoyment for men and women of all skill levels.

 

Senior Spireites members must accept the F.A. Respect Code of Conduct (see bottom section of this page). In addition we will adopt the F.A. Kick-it-out ethos, which means we will not discriminate against anyone involved in the game and will welcome diversity. Any member involved in inappropriate behaviour on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation, appearance or any other personal issue, may be warned, fined or excluded by decision of the club's committee.

 

All players should recognise that some players may be slow, clumsy or occasionally just bigger than them and recognise that any foul committed is unlikely to be either intentional or malicious. However, tempering one's play to accommodate one's opponent's deficiencies may be prudent.

 

A referee with audible whistle is preferable whenever possible and the referee's interpretation of the prevailing rules of a particular match should not be disputed. Fair low-impact tackles are allowed but physical contact such as nudging, pushing, blocking or late tackles will be deemed a foul. Slide tackles are forbidden.

 

Aggressive play such as flailing arms and use of elbows should be penalised. Hanging on to or otherwise using the fence, where applicable, may be penalised. Play near the fence may be halted in the interest of safety, play resuming via the nearest goalkeeper. If a player is trapped in the corner of a fence they should be allowed out by the opposing players, or the ball may be given to the nearest goalkeeper.

 

If a player falls over play should be halted in the interest of safety, play resuming with possession awarded at the referee's discretion.

 

If a player suffers a foul they should never retaliate (it may deservedly result in their dismissal). If subjected to constant or continuous foul play they can try speaking calmly to the offending player, draw the matter to the referee's attention, or try moving to another area of the field, or swapping positions if they feel themselves getting angry. As a last resort they should remove themselves from the field of play in a quiet and calm manner if they fear the risk of serious injury.

 

Abusive behaviour or dissent should result in dismissal.

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TheFA.com/Respect Campaign Code of Conduct

 

We all have a part to play. We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game.

Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for players at all times.

 

On and off the field, I will:

• Adhere to the Laws and spirit of The Game

• Promote Fair Play

• Abide by the match officials decisions

• Never engage in public criticism of the match officials

• Never engage in offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour

• Be aware of the potential impact of bad language on other participants, facility users or neighbours

• Never engage in bullying, intimidation or harassment

• Speak to my team-mates, the opposition and my coach/manager with respect.

• Remember we all make mistakes.

• Win or lose with dignity.

• Shake hands with the opposing team and the referee before or at the end of every game.

 

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA: I may:

• Be required to apologise to team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager

• Receive a warning from the coach

• Receive a written warning from the club committee

• Be required to attend a FA education course

• Be dropped or substituted

• Be suspended from training

• Not be selected for the team

• Be required to serve a suspension

• Be fined

• Be required to leave the club

In addition:

• The FA/County FA could impose a fine and/or suspension on the club

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