How well do you know the futsal rules? You might be a ware of a few key rules, but there’s a chance you don’t know all of them. Or maybe you are here for just a brief recap of the rules before you go play the game. Well, you are in the right spot, since here we will be discusing all the rules and regulations that go into playing futsal.

In futsal two opposing teams each made of 5 players basically play soccer/football indoors. However, just like any other game, futsal is also governed by specific rules and regulations, that differ from those of soccer.

 

The Following Are The Main Futsal Rules:

 

20-minute Periods

A futsal match lasts for 40 minutes and is broken down into two periods – the first half and the second half. Each of the halves takes 20 minutes. However, due to delays because of fouls or the ball going out of play, the time will be a little longer. The referee will stop the watch when the ball is out of play or when a foul has been committed and then will restart it as soon a play commences.

 

1-Minute Timeouts

Each team is eligible for a one-minute timeout in every period. This usually allows the teams to hold a brief discussion to sort out things such as strategy etc. A team will, therefore, have two timeouts for the entire game. However, if the team doesn’t request a timeout in the first period, then the privilege is gone, and they will only have one timeout in the second period. Extra time doesn’t have any timeout.

 

Unlimited Substitutions

Substitutions in Futsal are done on the fly, meaning they can be called out any time. The switch will be done during play, as well as on a break or timeout. A team comprises of 5 players and 9 possible substitutes, and a player can enter and exit play several times during a match. Other than a player on the field, a substitute can also replace a player who has been sent off. However, he/she needs to enter or leave the court from specially marked zones.

 

Substituting Sent-Off Players In Futsal

A player who has been sent-off because of committing a foul can be substituted. The player joining the match should wait for two minutes to pass before he can re-join. However, he won’t have to wait for the full two minutes if the enemy team scores a goal during his elimination, and can rejoin immediately after this happens. The number of available players in every game should generally exceed 12 per team, since they can rotate as many times as they please.

 

Rules For The Goalkeeper

A futsal goalkeeper has 4 seconds to play the ball and can choose to kick or throw it. Once he has released the ball, he can’t touch it again (foot or hand), if a teammate deliberately kicks it back. He will only be allowed to touch it if the ball gets touched by an opponent or has crossed the halfway line. The futsal game rules recently went through some changes that allowed the goalkeeper to play anywhere on the court. Previously, the goalie was restricted to a designed zone and going beyond it was deemed a foul. The new changes also allow them to throw the ball past the halfway line.

 

Kick-ins

When the ball goes out of play, it can only be returned to play through a kick in. This can happen from either the corner or the sideline. The player places the ball at a stationary point with both feet behind the line. He/she then kicks it with one leg.

 

The 4-Second Rule In Futsal

A player in possession of the ball is allowed a maximum of 4 seconds to kick or throw the ball into play. This applies to free kicks, kick-ins, corner kicks, and goal clearances. The reference will signal for play to start and will start the countdown with the hand raised in the air as he counts down the fingers. If the player isn’t able to play the ball, possession reverts to the opponents and they are awarded an indirect free kick. Just like the earlier team, they also have 4 seconds to work with.

 

The 5-Meter Rule In Futsal

This rule applies to a goal clearance, corners, free kicks, penalties, and kick-ends. According to rules of futsal, players should maintain a minimum distance of 5 meters between them and the player in possession. When too close, the referee will signal for the player to move back.

 

Accumulated Fouls Rule

An accumulated foul gives the opponent the chance to take a penalty kick or a direct free-kick. If the fouls are less than six, the “culprit” team is allowed to defend its territory with a wall of players, when the opposite team is executing a free kick. However, if it’s the sixth consecutive foul, then they aren’t allowed to build a wall and their opponents will kick it directly towards the goal or goalkeeper.

 

Second Penalty Mark

This is the place where a kicker from the opponent kicks the ball from, when an accumulated foul has been committed. It’s usually 4 meters further from the first one or at the 10-meter mark but can be nearer the penalty area if the foul took place between the second penalty mark and the goal line.

 

Rules Governing Sliding Tackles In Futsal

Sliding tackles aren’t really permitted in normal Futsal games, but rather only in international level games. The reason is simple – in futsal, since it is played on a hard surface, falling is way more dangerous and hurtful than on a grass turf.

Nonetheless, a player can slide, so as to reach the ball. The difference between a sliding tackle and the allowed slide is that the tackler doesn’t come into contact with the opponent but just the ball. A slide is permitted in case the player is sliding to prevent the ball to go out of play or for other similar reasons.

However, if during his slide the player comes into contact with the other player who at that point had the ball, it’s considered a foul, and advantage goes to the wronged player. It’s not a foul if you slide to reach a ball, while the opponent doesn’t have possesion (but accidentally touches you as you slide to save the ball).

In any case, you must understand that generally slides in futsal can pe potentially dangerous, so if your slide causes another player to jump over it, lose balance etc, then the referee will award a free kick, no matter that your slide didn’t touch your opponent at all. So, overall, use sliding with caution and try no to put other players in any danger.

 

Red Cards

Just like the 11-player football game, futsal rules include a red card, which is also given to players who commit fouls. Nonetheless, the player will be sent off the pitch for only a limited time, and is required to remain there until 2 minutes have elapsed. This time can, however, be shortened if the opponent scores a goal. The red carded player is also eligible to be substituted while out of play.

 

No Offside Rule

Unlike the normal football, there is no offside play in this game. However, you can’t score from a direct kick-off in futsal.

 

Regulations Concerning The Futsal Ball

The ball used in futsal looks similar to that of regular soccer but it’s much smaller, heavier, and also less bouncy. This prevents it from bouncing too high or moving too fast since the playing surface is hard, unlike the soccer pitch which is softer and restricts the ball’s motion.

 

Summing Up

Obeying the futsal rules and regulations is important so as to ensure there is fair play. Nevertheless, it takes time to fully understand all the rules. That is why, going through them occasionally helps you remember them, and, eventually, you’ll have them at your fingertips.