rules
Understanding the Laws of the Game.
The official rules for Futsal – ‘The FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game’ are published by FIFA and cover all aspects of the rules that the game should be played to and the disciplinary actions that players face when they infringe on those rules. There are 18 laws in all, ranging in focus from the technical requirements of the ball and pitch through to the exact workings of the accumulated foul rule.
You can watch a video explaining the basic rules of Futsal by clicking here.
- The pitch
Futsal is played on a marked pitch like the 11 a side game, and the ball can go out of play.
- The ball
Is a low rebound smaller size 4 football.
- Height restrictions
There are no restrictions as to how high the ball can be kicked in Futsal ie a head height rule, if the ball hits the ceiling a kick-in will be awarded to the opposition team.
- Rolling substitutions
Up to 10 players can be used in one match and there is no limit on how long a player must stay on or off the pitch. Players must enter and leave the field of play via the ‘substitution zone’ behind their own net.
- Kick-ins
In order to restart the game after a ball has gone out of play the ball is kicked back into play from the touchline and from corners. A goalkeeper cannot receive a pass from a kick-in.
- The 4 second rule
For kick-ins, free kicks, goal clearances and corner kicks the player in possession of the ball has 4 seconds to restart play which the referee will count with their fingers in the air. If play isn’t restarted within four seconds an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team. The goalkeeper is not allowed to control the ball for more than 4 seconds in his own half.
- The 5m rule
Players are required to keep 5m from the player in possession of the ball on free kicks, corners, goal clearances, kick-ins and penalties.
- Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers are allowed to come out of and players are allowed to go into the penalty area. A goal clearance must be thrown out and the goalkeeper cannot touch the ball again until it has crossed into the opponents half or a member of the opposition has touched the ball
- Accumulated fouls
Each team will be allowed to give away 5 direct free kicks in each half, then on the sixth foul a direct kick is awarded to the opposition. The offending team is not allowed to position any players other than the goal keeper between the ball and the goal. The kick may be take from the 10m mark or, if the foul was committed closer to the goal than the 10m mark, then the kick may be taken from the position where the foul took place.
- Slide Tackles
Sliding tackles are not allowed. Except by the goalkeeper in his own box. Outfield players may slide to block a shot, or if the opposition is not in possesion of the ball.
- Sending off
If a player is sent off then the team to which the player belongs must remain with 4 players until either two minutes have passed, or the opposition have scored a goal.
- Match duration
Each half is 18 minutes long with a 2 minute interval at half time.
- Teams
Teams are made of 5 players 4 outfield and one goalkeeper.
- Equipment
Shinguards are optional. If you don't have a team kit bibs are supplied, If theres a colour clash teams will be supplied with different coloured bibs. Matchballs are supplied.
- Handballs
Handballs are given for a deliberate movement of the hand or arm to alter the path of or control the ball. A ball striking someone protecting their body from a shot or trying to move their hand out of the path of the ball will not qualify as a handball.
- Sin bin
Players can be sin binned for 4 minutes after 2 minutes if the team has substitutes a player can be brought on to replace the player sin binned.
- Turning up late
If you turn up late to your match the match will be timed from the time it was meant to start at ie if you turn up 8 minutes late you will only play 8 minutes in the first half. This is to ensure the last team playing does not lose match time for someone elses lateness. Games can start with a team a man down if someone is running late. Teams will be penalised a goal against for every 5 minutes they are late. A team failing to show up for a game after 15 minutes will forfeit the game and the opposition are awarded a 3–0 win. Turning up on time is your responsibility you should arrive 10 minutes before your match starts.
- Forfeits
A team not showing up will forfeit the game and the opposition will be awarded a 3-0 win. A team that is over 15 minutes late will forfeit the game and he opposition will be awarded a 3-0 win.
- Match fees
Match fee is £25 this must be paid to the referee as soon as you arrived to prevent cutting into match time.
- No shows
If you don't show for a match and dont give 72 hours notice you will be required to pay the match fee.
