Basic futsal rules according to the latest 2024 standards.

Futsal is a popular indoor sport worldwide, combining agility, technique, and tactics. To ensure fairness and the attractiveness of the game, the International Football Federation (FIFA) has issued an official set of rules for the sport. The following article will provide detailed information about these rules. futsal rules Based on the latest 2024 standards, this helps players and fans better understand this fascinating sport.

Basic rules of futsal

To fully understand the rules of futsal, we need to grasp the basic regulations regarding the playing field, equipment, time limits, and the number of players. These elements form the foundation for an official futsal match.

Futsal pitch dimensions

Futsal pitches are smaller than 11-a-side football pitches, making them suitable for indoor play. According to the latest FIFA regulations:

• Length: 38-42m
• Width: 20-25m
• Penalty area: Rectangular shape, 6m from the goal line.
• Penalty spots: 6m and 10m from the goal line.
• Goal dimensions: Height 2m, width 3m

The court is divided into two equal halves by a center line. The center point of the court lies exactly in the middle of this line and is marked by a circle with a radius of 3 meters.

Futsal ball

Futsal balls have unique characteristics that differentiate them from 11-a-side football balls:

• Circumference: 62-64cm
• Weight: 400-440g
• Pressure: 0.6-0.9 atm
• Material: Leather or similar materials
• Bounce: When dropped from a height of 2m, the ball should bounce no more than 65cm and no less than 50cm on the first bounce.

Futsal balls are designed to reduce bounce, making them suitable for the confined space of indoor courts and the fast pace of the game.

Match duration in futsal

Futsal matches are shorter than 11-a-side football, but they are played with higher intensity.

• Each match consists of two halves, each lasting 20 minutes.
• Time is measured using a real-time clock (stopping clock), meaning the clock stops when the ball is out of play.
• Each team is allowed to request one timeout per half, lasting one minute.
• There is a 15-minute halftime break between the two halves.

If the match ends in a draw and a winner is needed (as in knockout matches), the two teams will play extra time or a penalty shootout, as per the tournament rules.

Regulations regarding players

The number and roles of players in futsal differ in some respects from 11-a-side football:

• Each team has 5 players on the field, including 1 goalkeeper.
• The maximum number of substitute players is 9.
• There is no limit to the number of substitutions allowed during the match.
• Substitutions can be made whether the ball is in play or out of play, without needing to notify the referee.
• Substituted players can come back onto the field.

This rule allows teams flexibility in personnel management and maintains high intensity throughout the match.

Regulations regarding referees in futsal rules.

Referees play a crucial role in officiating futsal matches. According to the latest rules, each match will have:

• Two main referees: They have the ultimate decision-making authority and directly officiate the match on the field.
• Table referee: Monitors the time, records match events, and operates the electronic scoreboard.
• Third official: Assists the main referee and the fourth official, monitoring accumulated fouls.

The main referee has the final say on all situations in the match, including awarding goals, penalties, and cards. They may also consult with other referees in situations where visibility is unclear.

The fourth official is responsible for controlling the playing time, recording goals, accumulated fouls, and other match information. They also operate the electronic scoreboard and announce when a team has accumulated five fouls.

The third official assists the two main referees in observing situations on the field, especially in areas out of the main referee's view. They also help control the technical area and the substitution process.

Rules regarding the tee shot

A throw-in is the way to restart the game after the ball goes out of bounds. In futsal, throw-ins are replaced by kick-outs, with some specific rules:

• The ball must be placed fixed on the sideline or outside the court, no more than 25cm from the sideline.
• All opponents must stand at least 5 meters away from the ball until it is in play.
• The player taking the throw-in must put the ball back into play within 4 seconds of it being ready.
• The ball is considered in play when it is clearly in motion.
• The player taking the throw-in is not allowed to touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player.

If the above rules are violated, the opposing team will be entitled to take a throw-in from their original position. A throw-in can result in a direct goal if the ball goes straight into the opponent's goal.

Common fouls in futsal rules

Futsal is a sport that demands high technical skill and speed, therefore rules regarding fouls and penalties are crucial to ensure fairness and safety for the players.

A team's number of fouls will be accumulated. Five accumulated fouls will result in a penalty kick.

One of the unique aspects of futsal rules is the regulation regarding cumulative fouls:

• Each team is allowed a maximum of 5 fouls in each half without incurring a penalty.
• From the sixth foul onwards in a half, the offending team will be awarded a penalty kick from 10 meters, regardless of the foul's location.
• The fouls that accumulate include: kicking or attempting to kick an opponent, throwing an opponent, jumping on an opponent, shoving an opponent, striking or attempting to strike an opponent, and illegal tackles.
• Accumulated fouls are reset to zero at the start of a new half or overtime period.

Red card: A player who receives a red card will be sent off for 2 minutes.

In futsal, the use of yellow and red cards differs in some ways from 11-a-side football:

• Yellow card: A warning to the player. Two yellow cards in the same match will result in a red card.
• Red card: Dismissal. A player who receives a red card must leave the field immediately and cannot participate in the remainder of the match.
• When a player receives a red card, their team will play with ten men for two minutes or until they concede a goal, whichever comes first.
• After 2 minutes or when a goal is conceded, the team playing with fewer players can bring another player onto the field.

Free kick error

In futsal, there are two main types of free kicks: direct free kicks and indirect free kicks.

Free kicks:

• This is done when there are serious fouls such as kicking, hitting, or shoving an opponent.
• The player taking the free kick can score directly from it.
• Opponents must stand at least 5 meters away from the ball.

Indirect free kick:

• This applies to less serious offenses such as dangerous play or obstructing an opponent when not contesting for the ball.
• For a goal to be considered valid, the ball must touch at least one other player before going into the net.
• Opponents must also stand 5 meters away from the ball.

In both cases, the player taking the free kick must put the ball back into play within 4 seconds of the referee's signal. Otherwise, the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick from their original position.

Futsal rules for goalkeepers

Goalkeepers in futsal have some special rules, different from those in 11-a-side football, aimed at increasing the excitement and speed of the game.

Goalkeepers are not allowed to hold the ball for more than 4 seconds.

This rule applies when the goalkeeper is in possession of the ball in their own half of the field:

• Goalkeepers are only allowed to hold the ball (with their hands or feet) for a maximum of 4 seconds.
• The 4-second period is counted from the moment the goalkeeper first touches the ball.
• If more than 4 seconds pass, the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick from the penalty area boundary line, at the point closest to the location of the violation.

Limit the goalkeeper's passing game.

To prevent time-wasting and encourage attacking play, futsal rules include provisions regarding passing the ball to the goalkeeper:

• Goalkeepers are not allowed to receive the ball directly from a teammate if it has not yet crossed the opponent's half of the field or touched an opponent.
• After dropping the ball onto the ground, the goalkeeper is not allowed to touch it again with their hands or arms until the ball has touched an opponent or gone out of bounds.
• If a violation occurs, the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick from the location of the violation.

Throw-in instead of kick-in

Unlike 11-a-side football, futsal uses throw-ins instead of throw-ins:

• When the ball goes out of bounds along the touchline, the game is restarted with a throw-in.
• The ball must be placed on the sideline or no more than 25cm from the sideline.
• The player taking the throw-in has 4 seconds to put the ball back into play.
• Opponents must stand at least 5 meters away from the ball.

The goalkeeper throws the ball when taking a goal kick.

When taking a goal kick (after the ball has gone out of bounds), the goalkeeper must follow these rules:

• Goalkeepers must throw the ball with their hands, not kick it.
• The ball must leave the penalty area within 4 seconds.
• The ball must touch the ground or another player before crossing the halfway line.
• The goalkeeper is not allowed to touch the ball again until it has touched an opponent or gone out of bounds.

If the above rules are violated, the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick from the penalty area boundary line.

Rules regarding corner kicks

Corner kicks in futsal differ in several ways from those in 11-a-side football:

• The ball must be placed precisely within the corner area, not outside of it.
• Opponents must stand at least 5 meters away from the ball until it is in play.
• The player taking the corner kick has 4 seconds to put the ball back into play.
• The ball is considered in play when it is clearly in motion.
• The player taking the corner kick is not allowed to touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player.

If the above rules are violated, the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick or a goal kick (depending on the specific situation).

Corner kicks in futsal often create many scoring opportunities due to their close proximity to the goal and the number of players concentrated in the small, confined area.

Conclude

The 2024 Futsal Rules have undergone numerous improvements to enhance the attractiveness and fairness of the sport. Special regulations regarding cumulative fouls, goalkeeper time limits, and the use of throw-ins have created a unique identity for futsal. Understanding and adhering to the rules not only helps players avoid fouls but also allows them to capitalize on opportunities during a match. For fans, mastering the rules allows for a more complete enjoyment of the game. With the continuous development of futsal, we can expect the rules to continue to be refined, contributing to improved competition quality and delivering exciting matches for fans worldwide.