League Rules
Latest Version: Friday March 27, 2009
Match Rules
http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/developing/futsal/lawsofthegame.html
Knowledge of the Rules
It is the responsibility of each player to be familiar with these Rules.
Match Format
Games shall consist of two 18 minute halves. Teams will change ends at half time. There will be a one-minute break at half time. A game is started and finished by the referee‘s whistle.
Match Cards
Teams must complete a match card prior to commencement of game. Match cards must include full names of all players and cross out non playing members. Match payment must be made prior to the game. The referee must receive the teams match card before they can commence playing. Late players must be added to the match card before participating in the match.
Time of Game
Teams are to be on court at the scheduled game time. The referee will start the clock at the scheduled game time to ensure that all teams have a full match. The clock will not be stopped, except in the case of injury. Teams who have members running late must take to the court when they have a minimum of 3 players. Teams that fail to be on court within 2 minutes of the scheduled game time will receive a 1-goal penalty. Further lateness will result in an additional 1-goal penalty at 5 minutes and a further 1-goal penalty at 8 minutes. A total 5-goal penalty will apply if a team is over 10 minutes late from the scheduled game time. An automatic forfeit will apply if a team is not on court within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time. A forfeit notified 1 hour or later before kick off before the game will result in a financial penalty and a 5-0 win awarded to the opposition. Forfeit penalties will be deducted from the match bond.
Teams
No more than five players will be allowed on court at any time. A team may have up to seven substitutes. Players are not permitted to play for another team in the same division of the competition. Players are not permitted to play for another team in a lower division of the competition. Teams found to be playing ineligible players, relating to rules 6.4 and 6.5 will result in a forfeit of the match.
Optional Rule: To avoid a forfeit, teams can borrow registered players, only enough players can be borrowed to start play. Any goals scored by borrowed players do not count towards Golden Boot, but disciplinary actions do. If a player is sent off they cannot play in any further games that night.
Team Strips
All team strips must be the same colour with permanent numbers. The goal keeper must wear a different coloured top to that of their team. Shin guards are compulsory for all players. Long socks must cover the entire shin pad. All players must wear soccer shorts. Goalkeepers may wear pants. All players must remove all items of jewellery.
Substitutions
Players may substitute at any time without notifying the referee. There is no limit on the amount of substitutions a team is permitted to make during a game. In the case of a player being sent off; a substitute may replace the player 2 minutes after the offence has occurred or at the next goal.
Injuries
In the case of an injury occurring, the clock will be stopped up to a maximum of 5 minutes for the entire match. An injured player must leave the court as soon as reasonably possible so that play may continue. Once an injured player leaves the court the position may be filled with a substituted player. If a player is bleeding they must vacate the court immediately and cannot return until the bleeding has stopped. An injury that causes a stoppage of over 15 minutes will result in the abandonment of the game and a 5-5 result being recorded.
Points system
Teams shall be awarded 3 points for a win. Teams shall be awarded 1 point for a draw. In the case of a forfeit, a team shall receive 3 points for a win and a 5-0 result.
Finals
All finals fixtures will be advised to participating teams by the Monday prior via email and posted on the website. Finals for all competitions will be played in a ‘knockout’ format as follows:
Semi Final Game A: 1st place v 4th place
Semi Final Game B: 2nd place v 3rd place
3rd Place playoff: Losing team Game A v Losing Team Game B
Grand Final: Winning Team Game A v Winning Team Game B
Final ladder positions are determined by total match points. In the case of teams having equal points, higher goal difference will take precedence. If still equal, higher goals for will take precedence. If teams are tied at full-time of a finals match, extra time will consist of 2 x 3 minute halves. Tied games after extra time will go to a penalty shoot-out. Players must have played a minimum of 3 games in the regular season to be eligible to play in finals matches.
Referees
There will be one qualified referee assigned to each court. The match referee has the power to enforce the laws of the game for all events on and surrounding a court between the end of one game and the start of another. The referee’s decision is final.
Discipline
The following mandatory suspensions shall apply:
1 match suspension
• Direct red card for unsporting behaviour
• Second Cautionable Offence in a match
• Offensive, insulting or abusive language loudly or to opponents
• Accumulation of three yellow cards per season
2 match suspension
• Offensive, insulting or abusive language to referees, officials or spectators
3+ match suspension
• Serious foul play of a violent nature
• Violent conduct
• Accumulation of three red cards per season
All suspensions will be served in the next scheduled game. Flames Futsal Management has the discretion to review or confirm all suspensions
Additional Information
All participants and spectators must adhere to the rules of the venue in which the competition is held. Rules are subject to change at any time. Flames Futsal Management has the final discretion on any matter associated with the competition.