Five-a-side football, also known as futsal, is a popular variation of traditional football, played on smaller indoor or outdoor pitches. The sport is increasingly popular due to its agility, technique, and unique tactical elements. In this article, we will explore this in detail. 5-a-side football rules The latest version for 2024, updated according to the standards of FIFA (International Football Federation) and VFF (Vietnam Football Federation).

Regulations regarding 5-a-side mini football pitches.

A 5-a-side football pitch is smaller than a traditional 11-a-side pitch. According to the latest regulations from FIFA and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF):

  • Yard dimensions:
    • Length: 25-42m
    • Width: 16-25m
    • Length/width ratio: 2:1
  • Delimitation:
    • Center line
    • Central circle: 3m diameter
    • Penalty area: a rectangle 6 meters from the goal line.
  • Goalposts:
    • Width: 3m
    • Height: 2m
  • Court surface:
    • It must be smooth, not bumpy.
    • It can be made of wood, synthetic rubber, or other artificial materials.
  • Substitution area:
    • Located in front of each team's technical area.
    • The line is 5 meters long and 5 meters from the center line on each side.
Regulations regarding 5-a-side mini football pitches.
Regulations regarding 5-a-side mini football pitches.

Regulations regarding match balls

The ball used in 5-a-side football has specific characteristics, suited to the unique nature of this sport:

  • Size: Circumference: 62-64cm. Diameter: 19.5-20cm
  • Weight: 400-440g at the start of the match
  • Pressure: 0.6-0.9 atm (600-900 g/cm²) at sea level
  • Material: Made of leather or other suitable material. Non-slip surface.
  • Bounce: When dropped from a height of 2m, the ball must bounce up at least 50cm and no more than 65cm on the first bounce.
  • Logo: Must include the official logo of FIFA or VFF (for domestic tournaments).

Regulations regarding the number of players

The number and roles of players in 5-a-side football differ from those in 11-a-side football:

  • Number of players on the field: Each team has 5 players, including 1 goalkeeper and 4 field players. The match cannot start if either team has fewer than 3 players.
  • Number of substitute players: A maximum of 9 substitute players per team. There is no limit to the number of substitutions allowed during the match.
  • Substitution procedure: Substitutions are made when the ball is in or out of play. The player being substituted must leave the field before the player being substituted enters the field. Substitutions must be made in the designated substitution area.
  • Substituting the goalkeeper: The goalkeeper may be replaced by any substitute player. Players on the field may swap positions with the goalkeeper, but must inform the referee and do so when the ball is out of play.
  • Violations and penalties:
    • If a substitute player enters the field before the player being substituted leaves, the referee will stop the game.
    • The offending player will be cautioned and must leave the field to complete the substitution procedure.
    • The match resumed with an indirect free kick for the opposing team.
Regulations regarding the number of players
Regulations regarding the number of players

Regulations concerning referees and assistant referees.

In five-a-side football, the refereeing system plays a crucial role in ensuring the match is played fairly and according to the rules:

  • Number of referees:
    • 2 main referees (referee 1 and referee 2)
    • 1 fourth official
    • 1 timekeeper (may be combined with a fourth official)
  • Referee's position:
    • Referee 1: moves along the touchline, opposite the technical area.
    • Referee 2: moves along the other sideline.
  • The referee's main duties:
    • Enforce the rules of the game.
    • Control the match with the cooperation of the assistant referee.
    • Ensure the ball meets the requirements of Law 2.
    • Ensure that players' equipment meets the requirements of Law 4.
    • Record the events of the match.
    • Stop, suspend, or terminate the match due to any violation of the Rules.
    • Stop the game if a player suffers a serious injury.
  • The referee's authority:
    • Leverage advantages
    • Take disciplinary action against the player who committed the foul.
    • Making the final decision in controversial situations.
  • Second referee and timekeeper:
    • Record accumulated errors.
    • Control match time
    • Electronic panel control
    • Notification regarding the suspension request and suspension duration.
  • Referee's signal:
    • Use whistles, hand gestures, and body language to signal decisions.
    • Use signals that have been standardized according to FIFA regulations.

Regulations regarding match times

The playing time in 5-a-side football has unique characteristics, suited to the fast-paced and intense nature of the sport:

  • Official time: The match consists of two halves, each 20 minutes long. Time is counted as "net" time, meaning the clock will stop whenever the ball is out of play.
  • Between halves: The break between the two halves shall not exceed 15 minutes.
  • Time-out: Each team is allowed to request one 1-minute time-out in each half. Time-outs can only be taken when the requesting team is in possession of the ball. If not used in the first half, time-outs cannot be carried over to the second half.
  • Added time: The referee may add extra time for the following situations:
    • Time-out
    • Assessing player injuries
    • Move the injured player off the field.
    • Wasting time
    • Any other cause
  • Extra time: In cases where a winner needs to be determined (e.g., in a knockout round), two extra time periods may be applied. Each extra time period lasts 5 minutes.
  • Penalty shootout:
    • If the score remains tied after two extra time periods, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout.
    • Each team will take 5 penalty kicks.
    • If the score remains tied, continue playing in pairs until a winner is determined.
  • End of half:
    • The match ends when an audio signal is given by the timing system.
    • If a free kick (starting from the 6th cumulative foul) or penalty is taken at the end of the half, the half only ends when the penalty has been taken.
Regulations regarding match times
Regulations regarding match times

Rules regarding valid goals

In five-a-side football, determining a valid goal has some specific characteristics:

  • Goal definition: A goal is considered valid when the entire ball crosses the goal line, between the goalposts, and under the crossbar. The ball must cross the goal line from the front, without being thrown, carried, or intentionally pushed by the hands or arms of the attacking player.
  • Goalkeeper goals: Goalkeepers are not allowed to score directly with their hands or arms from their penalty area. However, goalkeepers can score with their feet from any position on the field.
  • Indirect free-kick goals: If an indirect free-kick is taken directly into the opponent's goal, the goal is not awarded. The game will resume with a throw-in to the defending team.
  • Goals from goal kicks: Goalkeepers cannot score directly from a goal kick. If the ball goes straight into the opponent's goal from a goal kick, the game will continue with a throw-in for the opposing team.
  • Goals scored when a non-player or match official is present on the field when a goal is scored, the referee may disallow the goal if that person interferes with the game. The game will resume with a drop ball.
  • Invalid goal: If the referee signals a goal before the ball has completely crossed the goal line, play will resume with a drop ball.
  • The team that scores more goals: The team that scores more valid goals in the match will be the winner. If both teams score the same number of goals or no goals are scored, the match will end in a draw.

Rules regarding offenses

In five-a-side football, fouls are categorized and handled specifically to ensure fairness and safety in the match:

  • Direct error:
    • Kick or attempt to kick the opponent.
    • Insert or attempt to insert the opponent
    • Jump at the opponent
    • Attack the opponent, including using your shoulder.
    • Hit or attempt to hit the opponent.
    • Pushing the opponent
    • Preventing the other person from making physical contact.
    • Biting or spitting at the other person.
    • Throwing objects at an opponent or a ball.
    • Intentionally playing the ball with your hand (except when the goalkeeper is in their own penalty area)
  • Indirect error:
    • The goalkeeper controls the ball with his hands or feet in the penalty area for more than 4 seconds.
    • The goalkeeper touches the ball a second time after the kick-off and before any other player has touched it.
    • Preventing the other person from making physical contact.
    • Prevent the goalkeeper from kicking the ball.
    • Playing football in a dangerous way.
    • Using rude or offensive language or gestures.
  • Accumulated error:
    • All direct errors are counted as cumulative errors.
    • After five accumulated fouls in each half, the offending team will be awarded a free kick without a wall from second place.
  • Penalty card:
    • Yellow card: a warning for minor offenses.
    • Red card: Disqualification from the game for serious fouls or violent conduct.
    • A player who receives a red card must leave the field and cannot be substituted.
  • Advantage: The referee may apply the advantage rule if the fouled team still has a good opportunity to attack. If the advantage does not occur within 2-3 seconds, the referee will blow the whistle for the original foul.
  • Simultaneous foul: If two players from two different teams commit a foul at the same time, play will resume with a drop ball.
  • Out-of-play foul: If a player commits a foul when the ball is out of play, the game will continue in the way the ball was originally out of play (e.g., throw-in, corner kick).
Rules regarding fouls in 5-a-side football.
Rules regarding fouls in 5-a-side football.

The rules of penalty kicks in 5-a-side football.

In five-a-side football, free kicks play a crucial role and have their own specific rules. Let's explore in detail how to take them, how to handle violations, and the referee's signals in these situations.

Rules for taking penalty kicks

In five-a-side football, free kicks are taken according to specific rules:

Types of punishments:

  • Free kick: a direct goal can be scored into the opponent's goal.
  • Indirect free kick: cannot be scored directly; the ball must touch another player before entering the goal.

Location of execution:

  • The penalty kick is taken at the location where the foul occurred.
  • If a foul occurs within the defending team's penalty area, a free kick will be taken as a penalty.

Execution time:

  • The player has 4 seconds to take the free kick from the moment the referee gives the signal.
  • If more than 4 seconds pass, the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick.

Distance of opposing player:

  • Opposing players must stand at least 5 meters away from the ball.
  • If a penalty kick is taken from the defending team's penalty area, the opposing player must stand outside that area.

Referee's signal:

  • For a free kick: the referee raises one arm at shoulder level, indicating the direction the free kick should be taken.
  • For an indirect free kick: the referee raises one arm straight up above his head.

How to penalize violations

Free kick violation: If the player taking the free kick touches the ball a second time before it touches another player, the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick.

Defensive foul: If a defensive player violates the 5-meter line, the free kick will be retaken. If the foul occurs a second time, the offending player will receive a yellow card.

Offensive team violation: If an attacking player (other than the player taking the free kick) violates the 5-meter mark, the free kick will be retaken. The opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick from the location of the violation.

Referee's signals during penalty kicks

Referees use standard symbols to indicate decisions related to penalty kicks:

  • Free kick: The referee raises one arm at shoulder level, indicating the direction to take the free kick.
  • Indirect free kick: The referee raises one arm straight up above his head and holds this position until the free kick is taken and the ball touches another player or goes out of play.
  • Fifth cumulative foul: The referee raises one arm with five fingers spread out, pointing towards the referee's table.
  • Advantage: The referee raises both arms and points in the direction of the attack of the team that has the advantage.
The rules of penalty kicks in 5-a-side football.
The rules of penalty kicks in 5-a-side football.

Penalty rules in 5-a-side football

A penalty kick is a crucial situation in 5-a-side football, taken when a team commits a direct foul within their penalty area. Below are the detailed rules regarding penalty kicks:

  • Location of the penalty kick: The penalty spot is 6 meters from the goal line. The ball must be placed stationary at the penalty spot.
  • Player's position:
    • The player taking the penalty kick must be clearly identified.
    • The goalkeeper must stand on the goal line between the two goalposts until the ball is kicked.
    • The other players must stand:
      • In the yard
      • Outside the penalty area
      • Behind the penalty spot
      • Keep at least 5 meters away from the ball.
    • Procedure:
      • The player taking the penalty kick must kick the ball forward.
      • You are not allowed to touch the ball a second time until it touches another player.
      • The ball is in play when it is kicked and moving forward.
    • Time:
      • The penalty kick must be taken within 4 seconds of the referee's signal.
      • The referee may allow extra time to take a penalty kick at the end of each half or at the end of each extra time period.
    • Violations and penalties:
      • If the player taking the penalty kick violates the rules before the ball is in play:
        • If the ball goes into the goal, the penalty kick is retaken.
        • If the ball doesn't go into the goal, the referee stops the game and awards the opposing team an indirect free kick.
      • If the goalkeeper commits a foul before the ball is in play:
        • If the ball goes into the goal, the goal is awarded.
        • If the ball doesn't go into the goal, the penalty kick is retaken.
      • Special situation:
        • If a foreign object touches the ball after a penalty has been taken, the penalty will be retaken.
        • If the ball bounces off the goalkeeper, crossbar, or post into the pitch and then hits a foreign object:
          • The referee will stop the game.
          • The game resumed with a drop ball at the location where the ball had struck a foreign object.
        • Referee's signal:
          • The referee will point to the penalty spot.
          • Ensure all players are in the correct position before giving the signal to execute the move.
        • The result of the penalty kick:
          • A goal is awarded if the ball completely crosses the goal line, between the two goalposts, and under the crossbar.
          • A penalty kick is considered finished when the ball stops moving, goes out of play, or the referee stops play due to any foul.
Penalty rules in 5-a-side football
Penalty rules in 5-a-side football

The throw-in rule in 5-a-side football.

A throw-in is a way to bring the ball back into play when the entire ball has crossed the touchline, whether on the ground or in the air. Below are the detailed rules regarding throw-ins:

  • Taking a throw-in: The ball must be placed stationary on the sideline or no more than 25cm outside the sideline at the point where the ball goes out. Only kicking the ball is allowed; throwing or pushing the ball with your hands is prohibited.
  • Player positioning: The player taking the throw-in must place part of each foot on or outside the touchline. Opposing players must stand at least 5 meters away from the ball.
  • Time limit: Players have 4 seconds to take a throw-in from the moment they are ready. If more than 4 seconds have passed, the throw-in will be given to the opposing team.
  • Ball in play: The ball is considered in play as soon as it is kicked and moved.
  • Violations and penalties:
    • If the player taking the throw-in touches the ball a second time before it touches another player: The opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick at the location of the foul.
    • If an opposing player obstructs or prevents the take-off of a throw-in: The offending player will be cautioned for unsportsmanlike conduct.
  • Unable to score directly:
    • It was not possible to score directly from a throw-in.
    • If the ball goes directly into the opponent's goal, the game will resume with a throw-in to the defending team.
    • If the ball goes directly into the goal of the team taking the throw-in, the game will continue with a corner kick for the opposing team.

The rules for the kick-off in 5-a-side football.

The kick-off is the way to get the ball back into play when the entire ball has crossed the goal line after the last player touched it. Below are the detailed rules for the kick-off:

  • Take the penalty kick: The defending team's goalkeeper throws the ball from any point within the penalty area. The ball is considered in play when it is thrown directly out of the penalty area.
  • Player positioning: Opposing players must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.
  • Time limit: The goalkeeper has 4 seconds to take the penalty kick from the moment they are ready. If more than 4 seconds have passed, the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick on the penalty area boundary line, at the point closest to the location of the foul.
  • Violations and penalties:
    • If the ball is not thrown directly out of the penalty area: The kick-off is retaken.
    • If the goalkeeper touches the ball a second time after it has been put into play but before it has touched another player: The opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick at the location of the violation.
  • Unable to score directly:
    • The goalkeeper cannot score directly from a goal kick.
    • If the ball goes directly into the opponent's goal, the game will resume with a throw-in for the opposing team.
  • Special situations: If the goalkeeper takes the throw-in while an opposing player is in the penalty area: The throw-in is retaken if that player touches the ball or obstructs the throw-in.
The rules for the kick-off in 5-a-side football.
The rules for the kick-off in 5-a-side football.

Corner kick rules in 5-a-side football

A corner kick is awarded when the entire ball crosses the goal line after touching the last defender. Below are the detailed rules regarding corner kicks:

  • Taking a corner kick: The ball must be placed inside the corner kick circle closest to where the ball went out of bounds. Only kicking the ball is allowed; throwing or pushing the ball with your hands is prohibited.
  • Player positioning: The player taking the corner kick is not allowed to move the ball out of the corner area before it is in play. Opposing players must stand at least 5 meters away from the ball until it is in play.
  • Execution time: Players have 4 seconds to take a corner kick from the moment they are ready. If more than 4 seconds have passed, the opposing team will be awarded a free throw.
  • Ball in play: The ball is considered in play as soon as it is kicked and moved.
  • Violations and penalties:
    • If the player taking the corner kick touches the ball a second time before it touches another player: The opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick at the location of the violation.
    • If an opposing player obstructs or prevents the execution of a corner kick: The offending player will be cautioned for unsportsmanlike conduct.
  • Direct goals:
    • It is possible to score directly from a corner kick, but only into the opponent's goal.
    • If the ball goes directly into the goal of the team taking the corner kick, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick.

Other regulations in 5-a-side football rules

In addition to the main rules mentioned, 5-a-side football also has some other special regulations to suit the specific characteristics of this sport:

  • The 4-second rule:
    • Applicable to various situations such as free kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks.
    • Goalkeepers are also only allowed to control the ball in their penalty area for a maximum of 4 seconds.
  • Goalkeeper rules:
    • Goalkeepers are not allowed to throw the ball directly over the halfway line.
    • While the ball is in play, if the goalkeeper touches the ball in their own half after passing it to a teammate and receiving it back without touching an opponent, the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick.
  • Flying rules:
    • Players are not allowed to slide tackle to contest for the ball with an opponent.
    • However, it is permissible to lunge to block or intercept the ball when there is no opponent nearby.
  • Substitution rules:
    • Substitutions are unlimited and can be made while the ball is in play.
    • Substituted players must leave the field before substituted players enter the field.
    • Substitutions must be made in the designated substitution area.
  • Time-out rules:
    • Each team is allowed to request one 1-minute timeout during each half.
    • A timeout is only permitted when that team is in possession of the ball.
  • The "fifth player" rule:
    • When a team is losing, they can replace the goalkeeper with a field player to gain a numerical advantage.
    • This player usually wears a different colored jersey and has the right to play football like a regular player on the field.
  • Touch-the-ceiling rule: If the ball touches the ceiling, play will resume with a throw-in for the opposing team at the nearest point to where the ball touched the ceiling.
  • Cumulative error law:
    • Each team is only allowed to commit 5 direct fouls in each half.
    • From the 6th foul onwards, the opposing team will be awarded a free kick from the second position (10m) without a wall.
Other regulations in 5-a-side football rules
Other regulations in 5-a-side football rules

Conclude

The 2024 FIFA and VFF (Vietnam Football Federation) regulations for 5-a-side football have created a comprehensive legal framework, ensuring fairness, safety, and excitement for the game. With specific rules regarding the pitch, ball, number of players, and playing style, this sport demands agility, technique, and flexible tactics. Mastering the rules not only helps players and spectators better understand the game but also contributes to the sustainable development of 5-a-side football worldwide.

Visited 1 time, 1 visit(s) today