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SUMMARY OF THE RULES
THE BASICS
A futsal pitch for senior games should be between 38 - 42m in length and
18 - 22m in width. However, a pitch which is a minimum of 25m long and
15m wide is acceptable, particularly for junior games. The goalposts measure
3m wide by 2m high. A penalty spot is marked 6m from the goal line. Another
“free kick” spot is marked 10m from the goal line. An arc of radius 6m from
the line and goalpost uprights is marked as the goalkeeper’s area. The game
is played for two halves of 20 minutes with junior games being 15
minutes a half. The ball used is a size 4 and is designed to give to give a
restricted bounce. Each team starts with five players on the pitch
including the goalkeeper.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Usually there are two referees who officiate from the touchlines and a timekeeper controlling the clock
on the sideline. However, it’s not entirely necessary to employ three officials for junior games with one
being adequate.
TIMEOUTS
Each team is allowed a one minute timeout in each half. Coaches are not allowed on the pitch during the
timeout. No timeouts should the match go to extra time.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Each team can name up to seven substitutes and make unlimited substitutions. Any player replaced may
re- enter the game to replace another player at any time. The substitutions only take place through
marked substitution zones or areas.
BALL OUT OF PLAY
Futsal is a fast moving game and rules are designed to discourage time wasting. When ball goes out of play
at the sidelines, it is kicked (not thrown) back into play. Opponents must be five metres from the ball for the
kick in. Goals cannot be scored direct from kick ins. When the
ball goes wide at the end lines, goalkeepers can only throw
the ball back into play.
If kick ins, restart, corners and free kicks are not taken within
four seconds, the other team get possession of the ball.
FOULS
Futsal is designed to be a safe game with the emphasis on
skill. Direct free kicks are awarded for kicking, tripping,
charging, striking, pushing, holding, slide tackling (except the
goalkeeper within his / her arc), deliberate handball and
dissent. All other free kicks are indirect. Opponents must be
5 metres from the ball for free kicks.
ACCUMULATED FOULS
When a team has committed five fouls in any one half of the
game, every subsequent foul by that team in that half is
penalised by a direct free kick from the 10 metre mark. This is
irrespective of where the foul took place on the pitch and
unless the foul was closer than 10 metres from goal .The
defending team is not allowed to form a defensive wall for
these free kicks.
RED CARDS
If a player is sent off, a substitute can be sent on AFTER TWO
MINUTES – but the player who has received the red card may
not return. If a team reduced to three or four players concede
a goal within those two minutes they may bring on an extra
player, but only if their opponents had more players on the
pitch at that time. If a team is reduced to less than three
players, the match is abandoned.