Walking Football – The Basic Rules

How We Play at Inter Madeira Walking Football

At Inter Madeira Walking Football (IMWF), we enjoy football at a walking pace, with an emphasis on fitness, friendship, safety and having fun.

Our rules are based on the recreational Walking Football rules promoted by the Associação de Futebol da Madeira (AF Madeira), with some flexibility for our regular social sessions.

Walking Football is open to men and women aged 50 and over, regardless of their football experience or fitness level.

1. Walking – No Running

Players must walk at all times.
At least one foot must remain in contact with the ground.
Running or jogging is not allowed.
Running infringements result in an indirect free kick for the opposing team.

2. The Three-Touch Rule

Players are allowed a maximum of three consecutive touches of the ball.
After the third touch, the ball must be passed or played to another player.
A player cannot touch the ball again until another player has touched it.
Exceeding the three-touch limit results in an indirect free kick for the opposing team.

3. No Physical Contact

Walking Football is a non-contact sport.
Pushing, charging, holding and tackling involving physical contact are not allowed.
Slide tackles are prohibited.
Players must avoid dangerous challenges and respect each other’s personal space.

Safety always comes first.

4. Teams and Substitutions

Our social sessions can be played with five, six or seven players per team, depending on attendance and the available playing area.
Teams may include both men and women.
There are no goalkeepers.
Substitutions are unlimited.
Players who have been substituted may return to the game.

Official AF Madeira recreational matches normally use five players per team.

5. The Pitch and Goals

Walking Football is played on a smaller pitch than traditional football.
The standard AF Madeira recreational pitch is approximately 40 × 20 metres.
Goals are normally 3 metres wide and 1 metre high.
Pitch dimensions and team sizes may be adapted for friendly sessions.

6. Ball Height

The ball must remain below approximately waist height (1 metre).
High passes and shots are not permitted.
Playing the ball above the permitted height results in an indirect free kick.

7. Scoring Goals

There are no goalkeepers.
Players must respect the agreed scoring area and any restrictions around the goals.
Scoring restrictions may vary between social sessions and organised competitions.
The applicable scoring rules should be explained before play begins.

8. Free Kicks and Offside

There is no offside rule.
Free kicks for ordinary infringements are indirect.
Opposing players must remain at least 3 metres from the ball when an indirect free kick is taken.
Goals cannot be scored directly from an indirect free kick.

Formal competitions may also include penalty kicks under their specific regulations.

9. Match Duration

During regular IMWF sessions, match duration may be adjusted depending on the number of players and the session format.
Official AF Madeira recreational matches normally consist of two 20-minute halves, although adjustments are permitted.
Breaks are encouraged to allow players to rest and stay hydrated.

10. Respect and Fair Play

Respect fellow players, organisers and referees.
Accept refereeing decisions without unnecessary arguments.
Avoid aggressive or dangerous behaviour.
Be considerate of players with different levels of experience and physical ability.
Remember that Walking Football is about enjoyment, exercise and friendship.

At IMWF, the spirit of the game is just as important as the rules.

Different Walking Football Rules in Portugal

Walking Football is played under different rule systems, depending on the organisation and competition.

AF Madeira – The Madeira Football Association’s recreational format uses five players per team, a maximum of three consecutive touches, and specific rules about scoring areas.

Walking Football Portugal (RUTIS) – The mainland Portuguese organisation uses mixed teams of six players, has no limit on consecutive touches, and does not allow shots from inside the penalty area.

IMWF – Our regular social sessions follow the three-touch rule and the main principles of AF Madeira, with practical adjustments to suit our members and visiting teams.

When taking part in tournaments or matches organised by other clubs or associations, we follow the rules agreed for that event.

Further Information

Walking Football at IMWF – Keep Walking, Keep Playing, Keep Enjoying!