Futsal Rules

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Futsal League Rules

1. General Overview

• Futsal is played between two teams, each consisting of five players (four field players and one goalkeeper).
• Matches are played on a rectangular indoor court.

2. Match Duration

• Each match consists of two halves, each lasting 20 minutes.
• The clock stops for all stoppages (e.g., goals, fouls, injuries) and resumes at the referee's discretion.
• A 5-minute halftime break is allowed.

3. Substitutions

• Unlimited substitutions are permitted.
• Substitutions must occur at the designated substitution area and can only happen when the ball is out of play.

4. Starting the Match

• The match begins with a kick-off from the center of the court.
• The team that loses the coin toss starts the match.

5. Scoring

• A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts.
• There is no offside rule in futsal.

6. Fouls and Free Kicks

• A direct free kick is awarded for fouls such as tripping, pushing, or holding.
• Indirect free kicks are awarded for less serious infractions (e.g., dangerous play).
• After the fifth accumulated foul per half, a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the second penalty mark (10 meters from the goal).

7. Penalty Kicks

• A penalty kick is awarded for a foul committed by a defender within their penalty area.
• The penalty kick is taken from the 6-meter mark, with only the goalkeeper allowed to defend.

8. Goalkeeper Rules

• The goalkeeper has a maximum of 4 seconds to play the ball after gaining possession.
• Goalkeepers cannot touch the ball again until it has been touched by another player.
• Goalkeepers are not allowed to score directly from a throw or kick.

9. Ball In and Out of Play

• The ball is out of play when it completely crosses the goal line or sideline.
• Kick-ins are awarded when the ball goes out of play over the sideline; these are taken from the point where the ball crossed the line.
• Corner kicks are awarded for the defending team if the ball goes out over their goal line.

10. Conduct and Discipline

• Players, coaches, and officials must conduct themselves with respect.
• Yellow cards are issued for unsporting behavior; two yellow cards in one match result in a red card.
• A red card results in ejection from the match and a suspension from the next match.
• Serious infractions may lead to disciplinary action as determined by the league.

11. Team Uniforms

• Teams must wear matching uniforms, including jerseys, shorts, and socks.
• Each player must have a unique number on their jersey.

12. League Standings and Tie Breakers

• Points are awarded as follows: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss.
• In the event of a tie in the standings, the following criteria will be used to determine the ranking:
  1. Goal difference
  2. Total goals scored
  3. Head-to-head results
  4. Fair play points

13. Dispute Resolution

• Any disputes or appeals regarding match results or player conduct should be directed to the league administrator.