The Basic Rules of Futsal

Setup

• 5 on each team (4 players and a goalkeeper) in play at a time.
• Ball size: Ages 5-7, size 2; Ages 8-10, size 3; Ages 11-14, size 4.
• Goals: 9.8ft x 6.5ft (3m x 2m).
• Regulation court: Usually 131ft x 66ft (40m x 20m).
• Duration: The game is two 20-minute periods.
• Both teams are entitled to a 1-minute timeout in each period.

Kick-off

• A kick-off starts the game at the beginning of each half or after a goal has been scored.
• A goal cannot be scored directly from the kick-off.
• The ball is in play when it moves forward.

Kick-in

• Restart from the touch-line.
• The ball must be stationary, and the kicker has 4 seconds to re-enter the ball on the pitch.
• A goal may not be scored directly from a kick-in.
• The kicker must have one foot on the touch-line or on the ground outside the pitch.
• Opponents must be 3 meters from the ball.

Corner Kick

• Restart after a ball crosses the goal line from a defender's touch.
• Defenders must allow at least 5 meters of space.
• The kicker has 4 seconds to take the kick.

Goal Clearance

• Restart after a ball crosses the goal line from the attacker's last touch.
• The goalkeeper throws the ball from any point inside the penalty area (no "goal kicks").
• On a throw, the ball must touch the ground or another player before crossing the halfway line.
• The goalkeeper has 4 seconds to put the ball in play.
• For younger age groups (under 11), the defending team must retreat to their half until the ball is released by the goalkeeper.

Offsides

• No offsides in futsal.

Goalkeeper Rules

• Goalkeepers cannot drop-kick or punt the ball.
• Once the goalkeeper has released the ball, they cannot receive it back (with hands or feet) unless it has crossed the halfway line or been touched by an opponent. This is called the "two-touch" rule, and an indirect free kick is awarded for a violation. (Referees may use discretion for younger players.)

Substitutions

• Unlimited substitutions are allowed.
• Rolling substitutions: Play does not stop during substitutions, and the ball doesn't need to be out of bounds.

Accumulated Foul Rule

• Once a team accumulates 5 fouls in a half, a direct kick is awarded for each subsequent foul.
• The defending team is not allowed to form a defensive wall for these kicks.
• Fouls within 10 meters of the goal line result in a direct free kick taken from the point of infringement or the second penalty spot.
• Fouls 10 meters or farther from the goal line result in a direct free kick from the second penalty spot.