Rules (Futsal)

📍 General Information

• Maximum goal differential recorded: 10
• Age groups: May be combined for competitive balance
• Health guidelines: Current recommendations will be followed
• Game days: Saturdays & Sundays (make-up games may be during the week)
• Venues: Montgomery County, MD

🏟️ General Rules

• Teams: 4 outfield players + 1 goalkeeper
• No throw-ins — use a kick-in to restart play
• No offsides in futsal
• One 1-minute timeout per half (when in possession and ball is out of play)
• No goal kicks — goalkeeper distributes by hand
• Substitutions:
  • Allowed any time (“on the fly”)
  • Must occur through the substitution zone in front of the team’s bench
  • Early or incorrect entry = possible yellow card
  • Teams switch benches at halftime (COVID protocols may alter this)

🔁 Restarts

• Kick-Offs: Goals may be scored directly.
• Kick-Ins (Indirect):
  • Taken within 4 seconds
  • Must be on the touch line
  • If delayed or missed → turnover
• Goal Clearances:
  • Goalkeeper throws/release from penalty area within 4 seconds
  • Opponents must stay outside penalty area
• Corner Kicks:
  • Direct; taken within 4 seconds
• Free Kicks:
  • May be direct or indirect; ball must be stationary
• Penalty Kicks:
  • From the penalty spot (5m / 16ft)
  • Player can run up and shoot.
  • Defenders ≥16ft away

🚨 Fouls & Misconduct

Indirect Free Kick Offenses:

• Dangerous play
• Impeding an opponent
• Preventing GK from releasing
• GK holds >4 seconds in own half
• GK plays ball again before it touches opponent
• Any cautionable offense

Direct Free Kick Offenses:

• Kicking, tripping, charging, pushing, holding, spitting, or deliberate handling
• All direct fouls count toward accumulated fouls

Cards:

• 🟨 Yellow Card: Caution
• 🟥 Red Card: Send-off (team plays one short for 2 minutes or until opponent scores)

Accumulated Fouls:

• 6+ direct fouls in one half → direct free kick without a wall
• Taken from the second penalty spot (10m / 32ft) or from the foul spot
• Fouls reset at halftime (carry into extra time if played)

🧤 Goalkeeper Rules

• Must wear a different color
• Can wear pants/padding
• May:
  • Receive a kick-in directly
  • Kick over half line
  • Score with feet
• May not:
  • Hold >4 seconds in own half
  • Throw over 6 feet high
  • Score with hands
  • Play a pass-back within own half before ball touches opponent
• After a save, can dribble or shoot, but must cross half within 4 seconds

📝 Rosters

• Accepted from MDSL, US Youth Soccer, MSI, URSL, SAM, etc.
• Upload to GotSport by Thursday before first game
• Must have roster + player cards or birth certificates on match day
• Illegal players = team ban (no refund)
• Injured/unregistered players are not insured
• Email: 📧 info@mdslsoccer.com

⚖️ Competition Format

• Official FIFA Futsal Rules, with MDSL exceptions listed here.
• Referee fees: Included in registration
• Age Groups: Boys & Girls U8–U19
• Divisions may be combined for balance

🧑‍🏫 Coaches

• No license required
• Coaches with multiple teams: schedules will attempt back-to-back games
• Coaches/managers must be registered

🛡️ Abuse Prevention

• USYS teams: Must complete SAFE SPORT Abuse Prevention Course
• Non-affiliated teams: Must provide a recent background check (within 1 year)
• Send all documents to 📧 info@mdslsoccer.com

🎯 Game Details

• Match Length: 2 × 20-minute halves + short halftime
• Ball Size:
  • U12 & younger → Size 3
  • U13 & older → Size 4
• Roster Size: Recommended 8–10 players (min 5, max 14)
• Uniforms:
  • Numbered jerseys required
  • Same color for all players
• Equipment:
  • Shin guards mandatory
  • Indoor/futsal shoes only

🏠 Home & Away

• Home team = listed first
• Home team changes jersey if color conflict
• Visitors kick off first

🚫 Forfeits

• 5-minute grace → clock starts
• After 10 minutes: forfeit (3–0 loss)
• Forfeit Fee: $35 credited to opponent’s future registration

🧮 Points & Tiebreakers

Tiebreakers:

1. Goal Differential
2. Goals Against
3. Head-to-Head
4. Most Wins
5. Bonus Points
6. Penalty Shootout

🚷 Ejections & Discipline

• Players: Minimum 1-game suspension
• Coaches: Minimum 1-game ban; possible expulsion for abuse
• Spectator/Staff abuse may result in expulsion from the league

🌧️ Cancellations & Reschedules

• By opponent: Opponent may still use the time slot
• By team: Text 301-613-9065
• Guaranteed conflicts: One allowed if submitted at registration
• MDSL cancellations: May be rescheduled (no refunds)

👨‍⚖️ Referees

Interested in joining? Email 📧 info@mdslsoccer.com

❓ FAQ Highlights

• Recommended roster: 8–10 players
• Ball size: U12– size 3; U13+ – size 4
• Game length: 2 × 20 minutes
• Substitutions: Unlimited, on the fly
• Numbered jerseys: Required
• Coach license: Not required

⚽ For more details

📎 Click here for complete Futsal Laws of the Game