FIFA Futsal Rules
The Field of Play
Dimensions:
Length: 25 to 42 meters.
Width: 16 to 25 meters.
Surface: Must be smooth, flat, and made of suitable materials (wood, artificial turf, etc.).
Goals:
Width: 3 meters.
Height: 2 meters.
Penalty Area: A semi-circle with a radius of 6 meters from the goal.
The Ball
Size:
Size 4: For ages under 8.
Size 5: For ages 9 and above, including adults.
Weight: Between 400 to 440 grams.
Circumference: 60 to 62 cm for Size 5 and 50 to 52 cm for Size 4.
Material: Must be made of leather or another suitable material.
Number of Players
Team Composition:
A match consists of 5 players from each team (including the goalkeeper).
Each team can have up to 14 players (9 substitutes).
Substitutions:
Unlimited substitutions are permitted.
Substitutions must occur in the designated substitution area.
Match Duration
Game Structure:
Each match consists of two 20-minute halves.
A 5-minute halftime break is allowed.
Timekeeping:
The clock stops during the last 2 minutes of the game if the score is within 2 goals (at the referee’s discretion).
Time is stopped for injuries or stoppages as deemed necessary by the referee.
The Start and Restart of Play
Kick-Off:
The game starts with a kick-off from the center of the field.
A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-off.
Restarts:
Kick-ins: When the ball goes out of play over the sideline, a kick-in is awarded.
Free Kicks: Awarded for fouls; taken from the spot of the foul.
Penalty Kicks: Awarded for fouls committed inside the penalty area.
Fouls and Misconduct
Accumulated Fouls:
Each team is allowed a maximum of 5 accumulated fouls per half.
The 6th foul results in a direct free kick to the opposing team, taken from the 10-meter mark.
Types of Fouls:
Direct Free Kicks: For serious fouls (kicking, tripping, pushing, etc.).
Indirect Free Kicks: For lesser offenses (e.g., obstruction).
Penalty Kicks: Awarded for fouls committed within the penalty area. The ball is placed 6 meters from the goal line.
Offside Rule
There is no offside rule in futsal. Players can position themselves anywhere on the field.
Free Kicks
Direct Free Kicks: Can be taken directly at the goal.
Indirect Free Kicks: Must touch another player before a goal can be scored.
Distance: Opponents must be at least 5 meters away from the ball during a free kick.
Penalty Kicks
Awarded for fouls inside the penalty area.
The kick is taken from a mark 6 meters from the goal.
Only the goalkeeper can defend the penalty; all other players must be outside the penalty area.
Match Officials
Referees: Each match is officiated by two referees who are responsible for enforcing the rules.
Timekeeper: A timekeeper may be appointed to manage the game clock.
Scoring
A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar.
Futsal Tournament Rules
Team Composition: Each tournament may consist of 4-6 teams competing in a league format.
Match Format: Specific formats (e.g., round-robin or knockout) depend on the tournament structure.
Duration: Match durations can vary depending on tournament regulations.
Special Regulations for Youth Leagues
Game Duration: Youth games are often played with shorter durations than adult matches.
Age Groups: Different age groups may have specific rules regarding ball size and field dimensions.