What is Futsal?
Futsal, although similar to soccer, is more like indoor soccer with a few special changes for indoor play. The field is much smaller, about the size of a basketball court (25"x15"), and, unlike indoor soccer, futsal uses touch boundaries instead of dasherboards. The 5v5 match (one of who is the goalkeeper) consists of two 25 minute halves using the running watch we are used to in regulation soccer. A #4 ball (instead of #5) is used because of its low bounce properties. Clearly, because of the touch boundaries and special ball, futsal focuses more on ball control and creative plays in a tight area.
Below are some of the differences between Soccer and the PWSI Futsal Rules:
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Differences between Futsal and Soccer
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Soccer
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Futsal (PWSI)
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#5 ball
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#4 ball - 30% less bounce
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11 players
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5 players per side (including goal keeper)
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3 substitutions
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Unlimited, "on-the-fly" substitutions w/o ref permission at touchline in front of own bench and not to interfere with play
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Throw-in
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Kick-in; indirect
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Running clock
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Running clock
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45 minute halves
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25 minute halves; 2-minute half time
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No time-outs
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1 time-out per half when team is in possession with Referee’s discretion
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Goal kicks
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Goal clearance (thrown or placed on block and kicked) and cannot cross half line on a fly; must touch a player or the floor on own half of field first.No drop kicks.
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Some contact
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No shoulder charges or sliding tackles
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No absolute time limit to restart game
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4-second rule on restarts
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Offside rule
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No offside rule
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Goalkeeper steps
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No restrictions, but limited to 4 seconds
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Goalkeeper cannot touch by hand a ball kicked back
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Goalkeeper cannot touch by hand a ball played back
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Unlimited back passes to Goalkeeper
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Unlimited back passes to Goalkeeper
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No sub for player sent off
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Player sent off can be substituted for after 2 minutes or other team has scored
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Corner kick placed in arch
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Corner kick placed on corner
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Here is the 166 Page Link to the FIFA Futsal Rules.
FIFA Futsal Rules
