Rules

UPDATED AS OF FEB 6th, 2012.

Game Rules

  1. All teams are to be present at least 5 minutes before the game, and in full numbered uniform: shirt, socks, shorts and shin guards (shin guards are mandatory).
  2. No jewelry or watches shall be worn by players.
  3. At the start of a match each team must have a minimum of 3 players, one of which is the goalie, or they forfeit the match and will be fined.
  4. Games will start promptly at their scheduled times. If after 5 minutes into the game a team does not have the minimum required players dressed and on the field, the game is forfeit by that team (even if they are in the change rooms or at the gym).
  5. If both teams have the same team colours, the home team must change uniforms or wear numbered bibs which may be provided by the league.
  6. All games will be played with a league supplied match ball, as no other ball is allowed for use during any game play.
  7. In the event of players being sent off during the match, no fewer than two players (including the goalkeeper) are to be left on either team, or the match will be ended. The league convenor and discipline board will decide the final outcome of the match depending on the situation in which the match is ended.
  8. Any dismissed players are to leave the field of play, and the team bench area immediately.
  9. The maximum benched players allowed for each team is ten (10).
  10. Only coaching staff (max 2) and fully dressed players are allowed on the bench.
  11. The game sheet must absolutely be filled in full before the match starts. This means the date, time, venue and division must be written in, not just the player roster. here have been teams that have continually forgotten to bring game shes and unfortunately we now have to implement a fine of $20 to any team that fails to bring them,which will go towards the league year end banquet.
  12. Two halves, of 20 minutes each, shall be played each game for U10 and U12,s while U13′s + will play 2 x 22 minute halves.
  13. Each team has a right to one ‘time-out’, lasting 1 minute in length, each half of the game.
  14. A team player or coaching staff can only call a ‘time-out’ when the ball is out of play and they have possession.
  15. A team that does not use their ‘time-out’ during the first half of game play will still only be able to use one ‘time-out’ during the second half of game play.
  16. Goals cannot be scored directly from kick-off, at the start of either half of the game, or on ‘Kick-ins’.
  17. Any and all ‘Kick-Ins’ and ‘Corner Kicks’ are to be done with the foot
  18. The keeper from an attacking team may play the ball with his hand, from a goal clearance, anywhere on the field (including the opposing teams penalty area) but cannot score directly from a goal clearance unless it has first touched another player from either team (intentionally or by deflection) before going into the opposing teams net. If it directly enters the opposing teams net, a goal clearance is awarded to the defending team.
  19. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.
  20. Any ‘free kick’ barriers or walls must be at a distance of 5 metres from the ball
  21. On any goal clearance, the goalie cannot touch the ball a second time in his own half, unless it’s touched or played by the opposing team.
  22. Goalkeeper pass back rule: The one rule that has probably caused the most confusion this season in every league. Now, a player cannot pass back to the goalie unless the ball has either gone out of bounds or if it has touched a player on the opposing team. The old FIFA rule allowed for the goalie to be able to touch the ball once it crossed half but that is no longer the rule. Once the goalie crosses the halfway line, he/she is then considered an on-court player and can hold on to the ball or touch it as many times as they wish. But be careful, you may get caught out of the net and chipped by the other team.
  23. The goalie may leave his penalty area and play as a fifth player but the following conditions apply i) The goalie has only four seconds maximum to release the ball in his own half. If he has possession of the ball for more than 4 seconds an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team. ii) Once the goalie has left his penalty area, he may not use his hands and is otherwise treated as any other player.
  24. After a team has accumulated 5 fouls combined, the following ‘free kick’ by the opposing team (if this foul was committed anywhere on the pitch behind the 2nd penalty mark) will be from the 2nd penalty mark and a wall/barrier cannot be used.  If the foul was committed anywhere on the pitch in front of the penalty mark that is not inside the penalty area, the player may choose to take the free kick either from the 2nd penalty mark or from the spot where the foul took place.
  25. If a team kicks the ball and it touches the ceiling, the opposing is awarded a ‘kick in’ from the touch line nearest to where the ball touched the ceiling.
  26. A player that is dismissed may be replaced by a substitute after a 2 minute penalty period, or after the opposing team scores a goal.
  27. Any and all substitutions are to be made within the teams’ designated ‘substitution area’.  This area is marked by lines near the teams’ bench.
  28. Any players that go on or off the field outside of their designated substitution areas may be given a caution (Yellow Card) for an improper substitution and play may be stopped.
  29. Any and all calls made by referees or game officials are final and cannot be disputed.
  30. Any arguing or disputing with the referees is ground for a caution and even a red card.
  31. In case of confliction, Fifa Futsal Rules will apply (click for FIFA Laws Of The Game)

League Rules

  1. The last date for a team to register a new player, or transfer a player from another team, is the first game date of the Second Round in the same season
  2. All player fees must be paid in full before a player will be added to a team roster and allowed to play with that team
  3. Any and all calls made by referees or game officials are final and cannot be disputed
  4. Any arguing or disputing with the referees is ground for a caution and even a red card
  5. Any team found to field a player that is not registered, or has not paid ther full registration fees will be given a loss and fined $50
  6. Any team that does not show up to a match, or defaults a game will be fined $50
  7. Players will be fined $5 for each yellow card accumulated during game play
  8. If a player accumulates 4 yellow cards throughout the season, that player will receive a 1 game suspension. Furthermore, if a player accumulates 6 yellow cards throughout the season, that player will receive a 2 game suspension.
  9. Players will be fined $20, plus given a 1 game suspension, for any red cards accumulated during game play
  10. Any player that is given a suspension will have to serve that suspension for the first game immediately after the suspension is given
  11. Any player that accumulates 3 red cards throughout the season will be fined and suspended for the remainder of the season, as well as for any playoff matches
  12. Any player or team fines must be paid in full before the player or team with the fine is allowed to participate in any further matches
  13. Any violent or abusive act from a player or team towards another player or team is grounds for a lengthy suspension that will be determined at the sole discretion of the league’s board of directors
  14. Any violent or abusive act from a player, coach team or fan towards any referees, game officials or league officials is grounds for permanent suspension from the league
  15. Any player, coach or fan asked to leave the premises will not receive refunds of any sort for any fines or fees paid by or for that person
  16. Registration and entrance fees are non refundable
  17. For any questions, comments, concerns or disputes with these rules, please refer to the Futsal Toronto’s Offical By-Laws