A Guide to Futsal Rules for Beginners

An Introduction to the Rules of Futsal

Knowing the rules of any sport is a must to play at an elite level. Although futsal is based on soccer, the rules are different in many ways. Those jumping straight from the pitch to the court could be in for a surprise if they're not prepared. Bownet® has put together an overview of basic futsal rules for newcomers who want to experience this fast-growing sport. The complete FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game for 2022-23 can be viewed here.

The Futsal Court

• The playing surface must be flat, smooth and non-abrasive. They're usually made of wood or artificial materials.
• International courts are 38-42 meters (125-138 feet) long and 20-25 meters (66-82 feet) wide. The typical size is 40 meters long by 20 meters wide, which is the same as an international handball court.
• The ceiling must be a minimum of 4 meters (13 feet) high.
• The futsal goal is rectangular and measures 2 meters (6.56 feet) high by 3 meters (9.84 feet) wide. A goal must be centered on each baseline.
• The 6-meter (20-foot) radius from the center of the goalposts is the "penalty area." If a foul is committed in the penalty area, a penalty shot is awarded.

The Futsal Ball

• Ages 7 and under use a size 2 ball which is 21 inches in circumference and weighs 11-12 ounces.
• Ages 8-12 use a size 3 ball which is 23 inches in circumference and weighs 12-13 ounces.
• Ages 13-plus use a size 4 ball which is 25 inches in circumference and weighs 14-16 ounces.
• The ball must have a "low-bounce" design.

Futsal Timing

• Futsal games consist of two 20-minute halves with a 15-minute halftime break.
• The clock stops anytime the ball is out of play, whether due to an out-of-bounds, penalty, goal score, injury or other stoppages.
• There is no stoppage time.
• Overtime is only played if the competition format requires a winner. It consists of two five-minute periods with a one-minute break between each.
• Each team receives one 60-second timeout per half. Teams can only call a timeout if they have possession and the ball is out of play.

Goalkeepers

• Goalkeepers have to wear a jersey that is a different color than other players.
• They can only touch the ball with their hands in the penalty area.
• Goalkeepers can't hold or otherwise possess the ball longer than four seconds in their half of the court.

General Futsal Rules

• All games are five-a-side with one goalkeeper and four "field" players.
• There are no offsides.
• Teams can use up to 14 players per game with unlimited substitutions.
• All substitutions, including goalkeepers, are done on the fly. Subs cannot enter the game until the player they're replacing is in the "substitution zone" in front of the bench.
• Substitutions cannot be made during a timeout.
• All kick-ins, goal clearances, free kicks and corner kicks must be performed within four seconds. If they aren't, the other team receives an indirect kick or goal clearance.