All players are expected to conduct themselves with respect, fairness and sportsmanship at every session. Walking football is a non-contact sport and the spirit of the game must be upheld at all times.

Respect & Behaviour

• Treat all fellow players, session organisers and officials with courtesy and respect at all times - before, during and after sessions.
• Abusive, aggressive or threatening language or behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated and may result in immediate exclusion from the session.
• Accept the decisions of the referee or session organiser without dissent. Raise concerns calmly and through appropriate channels after the session.
• Support and encourage fellow players, particularly those who are new or less experienced.

Fair Play

• Play within the rules of walking football at all times. Deliberate rule violations undermine the game and the safety of other players.
• No running, no high balls, no physical contact. These rules are not optional - they exist to protect everyone on the pitch.
• Celebrate success graciously. Show genuine respect for opponents regardless of the result.
• Do not argue or dispute officiating decisions during play. Walking football relies on mutual trust and respect.

Health, Safety & Attendance

• Inform session organisers of any medical conditions, injuries or health concerns before playing. Your safety and the safety of others depends on this.
• Do not attend if you are unwell or have a contagious illness.
• Warm up properly and listen to your body. There is no shame in taking a rest - it is always encouraged.
• Register and book in advance via Spond. If you cannot attend, cancel your place as early as possible so others can take it.
• Arrive on time. Sessions begin promptly and late arrivals disrupt the session for everyone.
• Bring £5 to pay on arrival. Persistent non-payment may result in suspension from sessions.
• Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times. No studs on indoor surfaces.
• Alcohol and recreational drugs must not be consumed before or during any session.

Disciplinary Procedure

• Verbal warning - issued by the session organiser for minor or first-time violations.
• Temporary suspension - removal from a session or sessions while matters are reviewed by the club committee.
• Permanent exclusion - reserved for serious or repeated misconduct, including any form of violence, harassment or discrimination.
• All disciplinary decisions can be appealed to the club committee. We aim to resolve all matters fairly and transparently.

Hebden Bridge Walking Football Club is an inclusive organisation. We welcome adults of all ages, genders, ethnicities, abilities, religions and sexual orientations. Football - walking or otherwise - belongs to everyone.

Our Commitment

• We are committed to providing a sporting environment that is free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation in any form.
• All members, regardless of their background or identity, have the right to participate fully and equally in club activities.
• We actively seek to remove any barriers - physical, social or cultural - that prevent adults from taking part in our sessions.
• Dedicated women's only sessions exist to provide a safe, supportive space for women to play football on their own terms, recognising that some participants feel more comfortable in this environment.

Prohibited Conduct

• Discrimination - treating any person less favourably because of a protected characteristic - is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disciplinary action.
• Harassment - unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading or offensive environment - is unacceptable in any form.
• Protected characteristics include: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
• Banter or jokes that target individuals or groups based on any protected characteristic are not acceptable, regardless of intent.

Raising Concerns

• Any member who experiences or witnesses discrimination or harassment should report it to the session organiser or club committee as soon as possible.
• All reports will be treated seriously, confidentially and without prejudice.
• No one who raises a genuine concern about equality or discrimination will be penalised or treated adversely as a result.

We love capturing the energy and community of our sessions, and we want to share that with the world - but only in a way that respects the privacy and wishes of every member.

Taking Photos & Videos

• Photography and video recording at sessions is permitted for personal use, provided it does not disrupt play and all individuals pictured are happy to be photographed.
• Before photographing or filming other participants, always check that they are comfortable being in your images or footage. If anyone asks not to be photographed, that request must be respected without question.
• Taking photos or video specifically of individuals without their knowledge or consent is not permitted.

Sharing Images on Social Media & Online

• Before sharing any image or video online that features identifiable members of the club, the consent of those individuals must be obtained.
• Images shared on social media must not bring the club or its members into disrepute.
• Tagging individuals in social media posts without their prior agreement is discouraged - always ask first.
• If you share images to the club's Facebook page, please ensure all participants pictured have agreed to this.

Club Use of Images

• The club may take photographs or video at sessions for use on our website, social media channels (Facebook) and promotional materials.
• Members will be informed when official photography is taking place and will always have the right to opt out.
• If you do not wish to appear in club photography, please inform the session organiser at the start of the session. Your preference will be respected and recorded.
• Members may request the removal of any image featuring them from club platforms at any time by contacting the club committee.

Data & Privacy

• Any personal data collected during registration (name, contact details, health information) is held securely and used only for the purpose of managing club membership and ensuring member safety.
• Personal data will not be shared with third parties without consent, except where required by law or for direct club management purposes (e.g. the Spond platform).
• Members may request to view, amend or delete their personal data at any time by contacting the club.