Rules is Rules

Since our local futsal rules change every year, I though I would make a simple round-up of the key rules that we need to be aware of. Here we go:

Time: There is no overtime, injury time or stoppage time. Hello, fake injuries.

Substitutions: A substitute may not enter the match until the player leaving the match is at the touchline in the substitution zone. Coaches are asked to have players slap hands at the touchline to ensure that no more than five players are on the court at once. Yup, that's what it says.

Kick-offs: are indirect.

Goal Clearances: Goalkeepers may throw the ball directly across the half-way line. In these leagues, goal clearances are indirect. A ball thrown directly into the opposing goal results in a goal clearance for the opposing team. This is a major rule change that we need to adjust to, both offensively with deep throws, and defensively, by lying deeper on defense to concede the short throw.

Goalkeepers: May not possess the ball for more than four seconds in her own half. This applies even to possession on a back pass.

The "Back-Pass" rule: goalkeepers may only touch/receive the ball once per team possession unless the ball crosses the half-way line, after which time the goalkeeper may touch/receive the ball again. Ok, this is totally different then what they told us on Sunday. We need to clarify before each game what the referee thinks the rule is, and plan accordingly.