COACHES’ PAGE
If you are new to futsal, here is a kick-start to the game in comparison to soccer:
1. Futsal replaces goal kicks with goal throws, aka keeper throws (Goal Clearances).
2. Futsal replaces throw-ins with kick-ins.
3. The above two game restarts and all other restarts in futsal must be completed within 4 seconds of being able to, except kickoffs and penalty kicks.
4a. Goalkeepers are limited to playing the ball for 4 seconds in their defensive halves, a total of 4 seconds while the ball is in their hands AND at their feet – not 4 seconds each.
4b. Goalkeepers may not play the ball again in their defensive halves until the ball is played or touched by an opponent (or goes out of play).
5. No offside rule.
6a. All charging, including shoulder-to-shoulder charging is illegal in futsal.
6b. Slide tackling is illegal except by goalkeepers to prevent scores while in their penalty areas. (Slide tackles are allowed in only a few older divisions – see league rules on the Rules page.)
7. Substituting is allowed while the ball is in or out play but must be performed through the “substitution zones”, which is in front of the team benches. Like soccer, a player must exit the pitch before a substitute may enter.
For a little more rule coverage, view Very Simplified Futsal Laws of the Game. For even more rule coverage, view the Rules page, which includes the North Alabama Futsal League rules.
Specific Reminders from the League Rules:
While North Alabama FUTSAL prefers trained futsal coaches, we are still striving to reach 100%. If you have not taken a futsal coach coarse, consider the following:
Level 1 Futsal Online Today! (marketing video) and United Soccer Coaches Level 1 Futsal Diploma course (registration webpage) This course was produced jointly by United Soccer Coaches and USFF; it’s online; it costs only $65 – EXCELLENT !
UEFA Futsal Coaching Manual now available via their website FREE