Notes

Applying the Futsal Laws

That the same Futsal Laws apply in every match in every confederation, country, town and village throughout the world is a considerable strength which must be preserved. This is also an opportunity which must be harnessed for the good of futsal everywhere.

Those who educate match officials and other participants should emphasise that:

• referees should apply the Futsal Laws within the “spirit” of the game to help produce fair and safe matches;
• everyone must respect the match officials and their decisions, remembering and respecting the integrity of the Futsal Laws.

Players have a major responsibility for the image of the game and the team captain should play an important role in helping to ensure that the Futsal Laws and referees’ decisions are respected and protected.

Modifications to the Futsal Laws

The universality of the Futsal Laws of the Game means that the game is essentially the same in every part of the world and at every level. As well as creating a “fair” and safe environment in which the game is played, the Futsal Laws should also promote participation and enjoyment.

Historically, FIFA allowed national FAs some flexibility to modify the “organisational” Futsal Laws for specific categories of futsal. However, FIFA strongly believes that national FAs should be able to modify some other aspects of the way futsal is organised if it will benefit futsal in their own country.

How the game is played and refereed should be the same on every futsal pitch in the world. However, a country’s domestic futsal needs should determine how long the game lasts, how many people can take part and how some unfair behaviour is punished.

Consequently, national FAs, confederations and FIFA have the option to modify all or some of the following organisational areas of the Futsal Laws of the Game for which they are responsible:

For youth, veterans’, disability and grassroots futsal:

• The size of the pitch
• The size, weight and material of the ball
• The width between the goalposts and the height of the crossbar from the floor
• Specific requirements for the captain’s compulsory armband
• The duration of the two (equal) periods of the game (and two equal periods of extra time)
• Limitations on the throwing of the ball by the goalkeeper

In addition, to allow national FAs further flexibility to benefit and develop futsal domestically, the following changes relating to “categories” of futsal are permitted:

• National FAs, confederations and FIFA have the flexibility to decide the age restrictions for youth and veterans’ futsal.
• Each national FA will determine which competitions at the lowest levels of futsal are designated as “grassroots” futsal.

National FAs have the option to approve some of these modifications for different competitions – there is no requirement to apply them universally or to apply them all. However, no other modifications are allowed without the permission of FIFA.

Limitations on the throwing of the ball by the goalkeeper

FIFA has approved certain limitations on the throwing of the ball by goalkeepers for youth, veterans’, disability and grassroots futsal, subject to the approval of the national FA or confederation organising the competition or of FIFA – whichever is appropriate.

References to the limitations are found in:

Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct

“An indirect free kick is also awarded if a goalkeeper commits any of the following offences: […]

• where this is outlawed by domestic rules for youth, veterans’, disability and/or grassroots futsal, throws the ball directly over the halfway line (the free kick is to be taken from the place where the ball crossed the halfway line).”

Law 16 – The Goal Clearance

“Where this is outlawed by domestic rules for youth, veterans’, disability and/or grassroots futsal, if the goalkeeper throws the ball directly over the halfway line, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the ball crossed the halfway line.”

The philosophy behind this limitation is to promote creative futsal and encourage technical development.

National FAs are asked to inform FIFA of their use of all of the above-mentioned modifications, and at which levels, as this information, and especially the reason(s) why the modifications are being used, may identify development ideas or strategies that FIFA can share to assist the development of futsal by other national FAs.

FIFA would also be very interested to hear about other potential modifications to the Futsal Laws of the Game, which could increase participation, make futsal more attractive and promote its worldwide development.

Managing amendments to the Futsal Laws

For every proposed amendment, the focus must be on fairness, integrity, respect, safety, the enjoyment of the participants and how technology can benefit the game. The Futsal Laws must also encourage participation by everyone, regardless of background or ability.

Although accidents occur, the Futsal Laws should make the game as safe as possible. This requires players to show respect for their opponents, and referees should create a safe environment by dealing strongly with those whose play is too aggressive and dangerous. The Futsal Laws embody the unacceptability of unsafe play in their disciplinary phrases, e.g. “reckless challenge” (caution = yellow card/YC) and “endangering the safety of an opponent” or “using excessive force” (sending-off = red card/RC).

Futsal must be attractive and enjoyable for players, match officials and coaches, as well as spectators, fans, administrators, etc. These amendments must help make the game attractive and enjoyable so that people, regardless of age, race, religion, culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or disability, etc. want to take part and enjoy their involvement in futsal.

These amendments seek to simplify the game and bring many aspects of the Futsal Laws into line with those of football but, as many situations are “subjective” and referees are human (and thus make mistakes), some decisions will inevitably cause debate and discussion.

The Futsal Laws cannot deal with every single situation, so where there is no direct provision herein, FIFA expects the referees to make a decision within the “spirit” of the game utilising “futsal understanding” – this often involves asking the question, ”what would be in futsal’s best interests?”