The game of futsal is governed by a set of rules known, like soccer/football, as the Laws of the Game.
Here are the basic rules of futsal:
Rule Category
Description
Players
Each team consists of five players on the court at a time, including a goalkeeper. A match cannot start with fewer than three players per team.
Substitutions
Unlimited "flying" substitutions are allowed during the game. Substitutions must occur within the designated substitution zone in front of the team bench. A player coming off must exit the court before the substitute enters.
Duration
A game consists of two 20-minute halves of actual playing time, with the clock stopping when the ball is out of play. Teams are allowed one one-minute timeout per half when in possession and the ball is out of play. There is no overtime or injury time.
Fouls
Fouls are accumulated, and after a team commits five fouls in a half, the opposing team is awarded a direct free kick or penalty kick for every subsequent foul. Accumulated fouls are reset at the start of the second half.
Restarts
Instead of throw-ins, futsal uses kick-ins from the touchline. Goalkeepers restart play with a goal clearance (throwing the ball). Corner kicks are direct and must be taken within 4 seconds. All restarts (except kick-off) have a 4-second time limit.
Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper is restricted to holding the ball for no more than four seconds in their own half. They cannot punt or drop-kick the ball. They can throw the ball directly across the halfway line. They can only touch the ball once per team possession in their own half.
Penalties
Direct free kicks, indirect free kicks, penalty kicks, yellow cards (caution), and red cards (ejection) can be issued. A player receiving a red card can be replaced after two minutes or when the opposing team scores.
Other Rules
There is no offside rule in futsal. Slide tackles are generally not allowed, except for goalkeepers within their penalty area in some circumstances. A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-off.
