FUTSAL RULES

Match Format

Format
5v5, 7v7, 8v8 & 11v11

Game Duration
Two 20–25-minute halves (varies depending on the league).
The clock runs continuously and does not stop, with additional time added only at the referee’s discretion in very rare situations.

Overtime
No overtime.
If playoff games are tied, the match will be decided by a best-of-five penalty kick shootout.
In Coed leagues, at least one female player must be among the first three penalty kick takers.

Referee Fees
$25 per team, per game during the regular season and playoffs. $25 per team per game. Paid in cash or Venmo to your official on the field.
($30 per team per game for 11 v 11).
If your team is listed as an INDY team- you do not pay any referee fees until playoffs.

Players & Substitutions

League Formats

Men’s: Only men may be on the field

Women’s: Only women may be on the field

Open: Open to all players; no gender restrictions

Coed: Gender requirements apply (see below)

Coed Gender Breakdown (Applies only to Coed leagues)

(Full Strength)

When fielding a full team, no more than the following number of players of the same gender may be on the field at one time:

• 7v7: No more than 5 players of the same gender. Eg: 5M, 2W
• 8v8: No more than 6 players of the same gender. Eg: 6M, 2W
• 11v11: No more than 8 players of the same gender. Eg 8M, 3W
• 5v5, Futsal: No more than 4 players of the same gender. Eg: 4M, 1W

If a team fields fewer than the required number of players of a different gender (for example, only 1 in a 7v7 match), the team must play one player down. If the team does not play down one player, the match will be ruled a forfeit unless both captains agree otherwise prior to kickoff.

Minimum Players for an Official Game

If a team is short of players, the match may begin and continue provided the following minimums are met:

• 7v7: Minimum 5 players, including at least 1 player of a different gender.
• 8v8: Minimum 6 players, including at least 1 player of a different gender.
• 11v11: Minimum 8 players, including at least 2 players of a different gender.
• 5v5 / Futsal: Minimum 4 players, including at least 1 player of a different gender.

Borrowing Players

During the regular season, teams that are short on players may borrow guest players or players from other teams, provided both team captains agree prior to kickoff. Borrowed players may only be used to reach the number required to play at full strength and may not be used to create substitutes.

Gender Clarification

A “different gender” means any gender that differs from the majority of players on the field for that team.

Non-binary players may be used to satisfy any required gender minimum.

Substitutions

Substitutions are on the fly.

Roster Rules

For playoffs- you must be listed on the team roster in order to be eligible. In the event of a protest, the team captain must bring this protest prior to kick off and the referee will check the team roster for player’s eligibility. No protest once kickoff.

For playoffs- team will be given – 5 to 10 minute grace period in order to meet the min requirement to play. After the grace period expires, the referee has full authority to declare the game as an official forfeit. If the game is declare as an official forfeit- both teams can use the allocated time to host a friendly scrimmage. Please be prepare to start on time with the correct number of players to start when possible.

Equipment & Safety

Equipment
Shin guards are highly encouraged but not required.
Cleats are allowed (NO METAL CLEATS).
No wristbands or watches.
Fitbits or other electronic devices are allowed only if completely covered.

Start & Restart of Play

Kick-Off

(Before the match begins, it is recommended that the designated team captain briefly meet with the referee to confirm team payment, address any questions, and review league rules. This meeting should take no more than two minutes).
Kick-offs may be played in any direction.
A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-off without first passing the ball.

Offsides
No offsides.

Touchline Restarts
In most leagues, touchline restarts are taken as throw-ins, except in futsal. The referee can clarify the correct procedure, and each team is allowed one redo per game if a throw-in is taken incorrectly.

In futsal, all touchline restarts are taken as kick-ins.

Corners
A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.

Ceiling Restart (Indoor Leagues)
An indirect free kick is awarded under the spot where the ball hits the ceiling.

Goalkeeper Rules

Goal Kicks / Throws
Goal kicks may be taken from any point within the goal area.

A goalkeeper’s throw or goal kick must touch the ground or another player before crossing the halfway line.

If the ball crosses the halfway line without touching the ground or another player, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick at the halfway line.

A goal cannot be scored directly from a goal kick.

Sliding & Physical Play

Sliding
Sliding is strictly prohibited.

• Sliding toward an opponent to win the ball is not allowed.
• Sliding to block a shot or pass is not allowed.
• Sliding is not permitted even if no opponent is nearby.

Penalty:
Any slide will result in a yellow card and a 5-minute temporary dismissal, and the team will play short-handed.

Exception:
Goalkeepers may slide hands-first inside the penalty area as part of normal play.

Bicycle Kicks

Bicycle kicks are considered dangerous play and are not permitted.

Attempting a bicycle kick will result in a yellow card.

Discipline & Cautions

Cards are issued at the referee’s discretion based on the severity of the offense. The purpose of the card system is to maintain safety and control of the match.

Yellow Card

• 5-minute temporary dismissal.
• No substitution is allowed for the dismissed player.
• The team must play short-handed for the full 5 minutes.
• If the opposing team scores before the 5 minutes expire, the team may return to full strength.
• If a player receives a yellow card within the final five minutes of a half, the five-minute penalty clock will begin immediately. Any halftime break (for example, a three-minute break) counts toward that five-minute penalty time, and any remaining time will carry over into the next half.

Red Card (Send-Off)

• Permanent dismissal for the remainder of the night.
• The dismissed player must leave the premises.
• No substitution is allowed; the team must play short-handed for the remainder of the game.
• If the team has additional games scheduled that night (doubleheaders or playoffs), the dismissed player may not participate.
• A player who is dismissed with a red card may be subject to suspension or further disciplinary action, depending on the severity of the offense as outlined in the referee’s game report. The HUB Office has final authority over all additional disciplinary decisions related to red cards.

Zero Tolerance Policy

Any decisions made by the referee crew must be respected at all times, regardless of calls or outcomes.

Any inappropriate behavior or gestures directed at the referee crew by players, coaches, or fans will not be tolerated. This may warrant suspension and fines.

Any player who verbally or physically threatens another player, referee, or league representative may be suspended or permanently removed from the league.

Any player who pushes or hits another player, referee, or league representative may be suspended or permanently removed from the league.

It is the team’s responsibility to control their players and fans at all times.