The Rules of Futsal: An Overview
Futsal, a variant of soccer played on a smaller, hard court with five players on each side, has its own set of regulations that differentiate it from traditional soccer. Developed in Uruguay in the 1930s and now widely played worldwide, futsal is governed by a set of rules designed to promote skillful play and emphasize quick decision-making. These rules are officially outlined by the International Futsal Federation (FIFA) and the Association Mundial de Futsal (AMF), with FIFA’s regulations being more commonly used in international competitions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the rules governing futsal.
1. The Court
Futsal is played on a rectangular court that is smaller than a standard soccer field. The dimensions typically range from 25 to 42 meters in length and 16 to 25 meters in width. The court is marked with a centerline, a penalty area, and a penalty spot. The goals are 3 meters wide and 2 meters high.
2. The Ball
The futsal ball is smaller and heavier than a regular soccer ball, which helps reduce bouncing and promotes skillful ball control. It has a lower bounce and is designed to remain close to the ground, making it easier to perform precise dribbling and passing.
3. Number of Players
Each team consists of five players on the field, including the goalkeeper. Teams may have up to seven substitutes who can be rotated in and out of the game without any limit on the number of substitutions, but substitutions must occur at designated substitution zones.
4. Match Duration
A futsal match is divided into two halves, each lasting 20 minutes. The clock stops for stoppages in play, such as injuries or time-outs, and resumes once the game is restarted. If the game ends in a tie during regular play, the match may go into extra time and potentially a penalty shootout, depending on the competition rules.
5. The Offside Rule
Unlike traditional soccer, futsal does not have an offside rule. Players can position themselves anywhere on the field, which encourages more attacking play and creative tactics.
6. Fouls and Free Kicks
Futsal has its own set of fouls and free kick rules. There are two types of free kicks: direct and indirect. A direct free kick is awarded for more serious fouls and can be taken directly at the goal, while an indirect free kick is given for less severe infractions and requires the ball to touch another player before a goal can be scored.
A key aspect of futsal is the accumulation of fouls. Each team is allowed up to five team fouls per half. After the fifth foul, subsequent fouls result in a direct free kick from the second penalty spot, which is located 10 meters from the goal.
7. Penalty Kicks
A penalty kick is awarded when a serious foul occurs within the penalty area. The kick is taken from a spot 6 meters from the goal. The goalkeeper must remain on their goal line until the ball is kicked. In the event of a foul during a penalty kick, the procedure is repeated.
8. Goalkeeper Rules
Goalkeepers in futsal have specific rules to follow. They are allowed to handle the ball only within their penalty area. Once they release the ball, they must pass it within four seconds to prevent stalling. The goalkeeper also cannot touch the ball again until it has been touched by another player.
9. Kick-ins
When the ball goes out of play over the sideline, a kick-in is used to resume play instead of a throw-in. The player must place one foot on or behind the sideline and kick the ball back into play. The ball must enter the field of play without touching the player taking the kick-in again before another player touches it.
10. Corner Kicks and Goal Kicks
Corner kicks are awarded when the ball goes out of play over the goal line, last touched by a player from the defending team. The kick is taken from the corner arc nearest to where the ball went out.
Goal kicks occur when the ball goes out of play over the goal line, last touched by an attacking player. The kick is taken from within the goal area.
11. Time-outs
In futsal, each team is allowed one time-out per half. The time-out lasts for one minute and provides an opportunity for coaches to give instructions or make tactical adjustments. Time-outs can only be called when the ball is out of play.
12. Player Conduct and Discipline
Players are expected to exhibit sportsmanship and respect for the officials and opponents. Fouls and misconduct can result in yellow or red cards. A yellow card serves as a warning, while a red card results in the player being sent off the field, and their team plays with one less player for the remainder of the match.
13. Restarting Play
Play is restarted with a kick-off from the center of the field after a goal is scored or at the beginning of each half. The ball must be passed to a teammate and cannot be touched by the same player again until another player has touched it.
14. Special Situations
In the case of a serious injury or exceptional circumstances, the referee may stop the game. If necessary, the game can be paused, and play resumes once the situation is resolved. The referee has the authority to add extra time to compensate for these stoppages.
15. Referee and Officials
Futsal matches are officiated by a referee and two assistant referees. The referee oversees the match and makes decisions on fouls, goals, and other critical aspects of the game. The assistant referees assist in monitoring the match and making calls related to out-of-bounds plays and offside situations.
In conclusion, futsal’s rules are designed to create a fast-paced and skill-oriented game. By focusing on technical ability, quick play, and strategic decision-making, futsal provides an engaging and dynamic experience for players and spectators alike. These rules help maintain the integrity of the game while promoting fair play and sportsmanship.