FUTSAL LAWS OF THE GAME Key Points: i) Number of Players A goalkeeper and four outfield players are on the pitch at any one time ii) The Ball The ball is smaller and heavier than a conventional football and has reduced bounce to encourage players to pass the ball on the floor. iii) Substitutes 7 rolling substitutes are permitted. Players may be changed as frequently as desired at any point in the game, whether the ball is in, or out, of play. It is not necessary to ask the referee – just do it. The player coming off the pitch must cross through the designated “gate” marked on the side of the pitch so he leaves the pitch before the new player enters the pitch. iv) Duration of the Match The match shall consist of two equal halves of 25 minutes each. Half time will last a maximum of 5 minutes. Teams change ends at half-time. v) Time Outs Each team shall have the option of a one minute time out per half. A manager can request a time out at any time his team is in possession. vi) The Kick-Off Similar to 11 a-side. Opponents must be 3m from ball. Ball must move forward. A goal may be scored direct from the kick-off. vii) The Ball in and out of Play Similar to 11 a-side. When the whole of the ball passes over the side line it is a re-start by kick-in to the side opposing the team that touched the ball last. Balls crossing the goal line will result in a corner, or goal clearance, depending on who touched the ball last. No height restriction on playing the ball, but if it hits ceiling a kick-in is given to the opposing team. viii) The Kick-in. Opponents must be at least 5m away from the ball until it is kicked. The player taking the kick-in must do so within 4 seconds of taking possession of the ball. The kick-in requires the ball to be placed stationary on the side line before it is kicked. ix) The Goal Clearance A goal clearance is awarded when the ball, having been last touched by an opponent, crosses the goal line to the outside of either goal post, or over the cross bar.The goal keeper, who must remain inside his goal area, must throw the ball out from his hands. A goal may not be scored directly from this throw. The goalkeeper cannot touch the ball again unless it has either: crossed the half-way line, or been touched by an opponent. The goalkeeper may otherwise act as an outfield player in all normal respects. The goalkeeper cannot handle the ball outside of his area and cannot pick up a back pass from a team mate. x) The Corner Kick A corner kick is awarded when a defending player last touches the ball and it leaves the pitch over his own goal line, but outside of the goal itself. The attacking player has 4 seconds from taking possession of the ball to kick the ball in following its placement in the corner arc. xi) Accumulated Fouls Accumulated fouls are those punishable by a direct free kick. For the sixth and each subsequent foul committed by a team in each half a 10m penalty kick will be awarded. In the event the foul resulting in the penalty award is committed closer to the goal line than 10m the team receiving the penalty may opt to take the penalty from the 10m penalty mark, or at a place of their choosing outside of the penalty area. The defenders are not permitted to form a wall and must be level with, or behind, the ball and at least 5m from it. The goalkeeper is only required to be 5m from the ball i.e. he doesn’t have to stand on the goal line. xii) Fouls Penalised by Direct Free Kick - Kicking, or attempting to kick an opponent - Tripping, or attempting to trip an opponent - Jumping on an opponent - Charging an opponent - Striking, or attempting to strike an opponent - Pushing an opponent - Holding an opponent - Spitting - Any sliding tackle if the opponent is in possession. - Touching the opponent before the ball to win possession - Handling the ball (other than goalie in own area) For full explanation of rules see FIFA “Futsal Laws of the Game”