About US Futsal The origin of Futsal (Five-a-Side Soccer) can be traced back to Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930 when Juan

Carlos Ceriani devised a five-a-side version of soccer for youth competion in YMCAs. The game is played on basketball-sized courts, both indoors and out without the use of sidewalls. The term FUTSAL is the international term used for the game. It is derived from the Spanish or Portuguese word for "soccer"-- FUTbol or FUTebol, and the French or Spanish word for "indoor" -- SALon or SALa. The term was adopted by U.S. Futsal since it includes the initials "fUtSAl" (USA). The term was trademarked in the United States after U.S. Futsal changed its corporate name within the state of California. The game is frequently referred to as Five-A-Side or Mini-soccer. Once Ceriani got the ball rolling, Futsal gained rapid popularity throughout South America, particularly in Brazil. The skill developed in this game is visible in the world-famous style the Brazilians display outdoors on the full-sized field. Pele, Zico, Socrates, Bebeto and other Brazilian superstars developed their skill playing Futsal. While Brazil continues to be the Futsal hub of the world, the game is now played, under the auspices of FIFA, all over the world, from Europe to North and Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and Asia and Oceania. The first international competition took place in 1965, when Paraguay won the first South American Cup. Six more South American Cups were held through 1979, with Brazil winning all of them. Brazil continued its dominance with a victory in the first Pan American Cup in 1980 and won it again the next time it was played in 1984. A U.S. team took part in the 1984 cup, but finished out of the running. U.S. Futsal was founded in 1981 and incorporated in January, 1983. Osvaldo Garcia was it's first president. The game is referred to as Minisoccer, five-a-side soccer, Futbol Sala or Futebol de Salao, but it is also widly refereed by it trademark name, Futsal. The current U.S. Futsal president is Alex J.C. Para. The first Futsal World Championship conducted under the auspices of FIFUSA (before its members integrated into FIFA in 1989) was held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 1982, with Brazil finishing in first place. The Brazilians repeated as champions at the second World Championship in 1985 in Spain, but lost in the third World Championship in 1988 in Australia to Paraguay. FIFA took over direct sponsorship of the event in 1989 in Holland and 1992 in Hong Kong. Brazil won both times. The U.S. Futsal (Indoor Team), finished third in 1989 and second in 1992 at the FIFA Five-a-Side World Championship. The highest showing by any team from the United States in a FIFA tournament until the U.S. Womens team won the gold medal in China for outdoor soccer. The Third FIFA World Championship was held November 24 through December 11, 1996, in Spain and for the first time FIFA names it the FIFA Futsal World Championship. The Fourth FIFA Futsal World Championship was held in Guatemala between November 18 to December 4th, 2000. The fifth Futsal World Championship was held in Taipei in December 2004. The first international Futsal match played by the U.S. Futsal National Team was in May 1984 in Nanaimo, Canada, and the United States won 65. The first international Futsal match in the United States was held in December, 1985, at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California. The U.S. select team, defeated Australia, 9-5. U.S. Futsal has conducted a National Championship each year since 1985. Futsal is establishing itself at the youth level in the U.S. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America took a strong interest after the Columbia Park Club in San Francisco asked U.S. Futsal to give a demonstration. The national organization adopted the sport, and it is now played at about 1,100 Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the U.S. The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) also plays the sport in a close working relationship with U.S. Futsal since 1988.

The U.S. Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) and U.S. Futsal signed an agreement in August of 1995 and in 1999, to promote futsal in all their National State Association as their game of choice for indoor soccer under the auspices of U.S. Futsa

Audible: When the quarterback changes the football play at the line of scrimmage. Backfield: This is the area of the football field behind the line of scrimmage. Backs: These football players include the running backs; the halfback and the fullback. Blitz: A football play where the defensive team rushes more football players than usual to try and sack the quarterback. Blocking: What the offensive team does to prevent a defensive player from getting to the football carrier; Blockers use their arms and bodies to get in the way, but may not grab onto (hold) an opponent.

Bump-and-run: When pass defenders hit a receiver once and then follow him to prevent him from catching a pass. Eligible receiver: Only certain football players on the offense are allowed by the rules to catch a forward pass; All the linemen and the quarterback are not eligible unless they notify the referee before the snap. The linemen must stand at least one yard behind the line of scrimmage. Encroachment: A penalty when any football player other than the center is in the neutral zone and contact occurs prior to the snap. End zone: This is the area where the football team must enter with the football to score a touchdown. Extra point: After a football team has scored a touchdown, they have the opportunity to score extra points via the pointafter-touchdown (1 point) or a 2-point conversion (2 points). Fair catch: The player making a football kick return can decide to catch a punt or kickoff and not advance the football. He must signals for a fair catch by raising one hand in the air and waving it. Field goal: The kicker must kick the football above the crossbar and between the uprights of the goalpost. The football team that kicked the football gets 3 points. Forward pass: When the football is thrown by a football player (typically the quarterback) towards the opponents goal line. On a play from scrimmage, only one forward pass can be thrown by the football team and it must be thrown from behind the line of scrimmage. Forward progress: The spot where a football carrier has moved the football regardless of whether he was pushed backwards from that spot. Fumble: When a football player drops the football. Whoever picks it up will gain possession for his team. Goalpost: The structure in the end zone that the kicker must kick the football through to score an extra point or a field goal.

Holding: A penalty where a football player stops the movement of an opponent by grasping or holding onto his body or uniform. Intentional grounding: A penalty when the quarterback purposely throws an incomplete pass just to avoid a sack. Interception: A pass that is caught by a football player on the defense. Kickoff: When a football player kicks the football to the other team. This happens at the start of the game, the second half and overtime, and after each score. Lateral: A pass thrown that is backwards from the teams line of scrimmage. Football players may lateral the football as many times per play as they want. Line of scrimmage: The place on the field where the football is spotted and the next play starts. Lineman: The offensive and defensive football players who start each play at the line of scrimmage. Neutral zone: The area between the offense and defense where the football as it sits on the ground before each play. Nickel defense: When the defense brings in a 5th defensive back to help cover the pass play. Offside: A penalty that occurs when any part of a football players body is beyond his line of scrimmage when the football is snapped. Pass protection: Blocking by the offensive football players to keep defenders away from the quarterback to give him time to throw the football. Pass rush: When a defender tries to bet by the blockers to sack the quarterback. Personal foul: A penalty for an action that had intent to cause injury to another football player. Place kick: When the kicker tries to kick the football between the goal post. The football is held by another player between his finger and the ground. Play-action pass: When the quarterback fakes handing off the football, then tries to make a pass. Pocket: The area where the quarterback stands and is protected from the rush by his blockers. Punt: When a football team kicks the football to the other team rather than loose the football on downs. The kicker holds the football in his hands and kicks it to the other football team. Quarterback: This is the football player that starts each play. He takes the snap from the center and either runs with it, hands off the football to another player, or passes it. Receivers: The football players who catch the football. Rush: When the football player runs with the football. Sack: When the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage. Safety: When a football player is tackled in his own end zone. The defense gets 2 points and the football off of a free kick. Scrambling: When the quarterback runs around trying not to get sacked with the football. Snap:

Sometimes called the hike. The center hands off the football between his legs to a player standing behind him (usually the quarterback) at the start of each play. Special teams: These are the football players who are involved in the kicking plays. Spot: Where the official decides the line of scrimmage will be for the start of the next football play. Tackle: 1) A football player position on the offensive or defensive line. There are two of them and they play on each side of the center or the nose guard. 2) When a football player causes the football carrier to touch the ground such that they are considered down. Touchdown: The main object of football. When a player has control of the football within the end zone his team gets 6 points. Turnover: When, with either a fumble or an interception, one team loses possession of the football to the other.

Game of Futsal Dimensions Length: minimum 25 m / maximum 42 m

Width: minimum 15 m / maximum 25 m

International Games Length: minimum 38 m / maximum 42 m

Width: minimum 18 m / maximum 22 m

Playing Court Markings The playing court is marked with lines. These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries.

The two longer boundary lines are called touchlines. The two shorter lines are called goal lines.

All lines are 8 cm. wide. The Playing Court is divided into two halves by the halfway line. The center spot is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of 3 m is marked around it.

The Penalty Area A penalty area is defined at each end of the playing court as follows: Quarter circles, with 6 m radius, are drawn centered on the outside of each goal post. The quarter circles are drawn from the goal line to meet imaginary lines drawn at right angles to the goal line from the outside of the goal post. The upper part of each quarter circle is joined by a 3.16 m line running parallel to the goal line between the goal post. Penalty Spot Quarter circles, with 6 m radius, are drawn centered on the outside of each goal post. The quarter circles are drawn from the goal line to meet imaginary lines drawn at right angles to the goal line from the outside of the goal post. The upper part of each quarter circle is joined by a 3.16 m line running parallel to the goal line between the goal post.

A penalty spot is drawn 6 m from the midpoint between the goal posts and equidistant from them.

Second Penalty Spot A second penalty spot is drawn on the playing court 10 m from the midpoint between the goal posts and equidistant from them.

A penalty spot is drawn 6 m from the midpoint between the goal posts and equidistant from them.

The Corner Arc A quarter circle with a radius of 25cm from each corner is drawn inside the playing court. Substitution Zone The substitution zone is situated on the same side of the playing court as the teams benches and directly in front of them and is where the players enter and leave the playing court for substitutions.

Goals

The substitution zones are situated directly in front of the teams benches and are each at least 3 m in length. They are marked on each side by a line, at right angles to the touch line, 8 cm wide and 80 cm in length, 40 cm of which is drawn on the inside of the playing court and 40 cm on the outside of the playing court. There is a distance of 3 m between the closest end of each substitution zone and the intersection of the halfway line and the touchline. This free space, directly in front of the timekeepers table, is kept clear. Goals must be placed on the center of each goal line. They consist of two upright posts equidistant from each corner and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The distance (inside measurement) between the posts is 3 m and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2 m. Both goal posts and the crossbar have the same width and depth of 8 cm. Nets, made of hemp, jute or nylon, are attached to the posts and crossbars behind the goals. The lower part is supported by curved bars or some other adequate support. The depth of the goal, described as the distance from the inside edge of the goal posts towards the outside of the playing court, is at least 80 cm (in) at the top and 100 cm (in) at ground level. The goals may be portable but they must be anchored securely to the ground during play.

Safety

The Playing Court Surface

The surface is smooth and flat and non-abrasive. The use of wood or artificial material is recommended. Concrete or tarmac should be avoided.

Decisions Decision 1 In the event that the goal lines measure between 15 to 16 m, the radius of the centre circle measures only 4 m. In this case the penalty mark is no longer situated on the line defining the penalty area but remains at a distance of 6 m from the midpoint between the goal posts and equidistant from them. Decision 2 The use of natural turf, artificial turf or soil is permitted for league games but not for international games. Decision 3 A mark may be drawn outside the playing court, 5m from the corner arc and at right angles to the goal line to ensure that this distance is observed when a corner kick is being taken. The width of this mark is 8 cm. Decision 4 The teams' benches are situated behind the touch lines directly next to the space beside the timekeepers table, but no closer that 3 meters.

Regulation 2: The Ball Size: #4 Circumference: 62-64 cm Weight: 390-430 grams Bounce: 55-65 cm on first bounce Material: Leather or other suitable material Regulation 3: Number of Players Minimum Number of Players to Start Match: 5, one of whom shall be a goalkeeper Minimum Number of Players to Finish Match: 2 Maximum Number of Substitutes: 7 Substitution Limit: None Substitution Method: "Flying substitution" (all players but the goalkeeper enter and leave as they please; goalkeeper substitutions can only be made when the ball is out of play and with a referee's consent). Regulation 4: Players Equipment Usual Equipment including the following: Numbered shirts, shorts, socks, protective shin-guards and footwear with rubber soles. Regulation 5: Main Referee

Duties: Enforce the laws, apply the advantage rule, keep a record of all incidents before, during and after game, stop game when deemed necessary, caution or expel players guilty of misconduct, violent conduct or other ungentlemanly behavior, allow no others to enter the pitch, stop game to have injured players removed, signal for game to be restarted after every stoppage, decide that the ball meets with the stipulated requirements. Position: The side opposite to the player benches - Power Unique to Main Referee: Can overrule Assistant Referee's calls. Regulation 6: Time Keeper Duties: Start game clock after kick-off, stop it when the ball is out of play, and restart it after all restarts; keep a check on 2-minute punishment for sending off; indicate end of first half and match with some sort of sound; record time-outs and fouls (and indicate when a team has exceeded the 5-foul limit); record game stoppages, scorers, players cautioned and sent off, and other information relevant to the game. Position: Outside halfway line on the same side as the substitution zone (i.e., the players' bench side). Regulation 7: Length of the Game The poule-games will have a duration of 20 minutes without a pause. The finals and the matches to determine the third and fourth place will take two 20 minute-halves with a pause of 5 minutes maximum. Regulation 8: Start of Play The first mentioned teams will take the first half kick-off; kicker shall not touch ball before someone else touches it; ensuing kick-offs taken after goals scored and at start of second half. Regulation 9: Ball in and out of Play Ball out of play: When it has wholly crossed the goal line or touchline; when the game has been stopped by a referee; when the ball hits the ceiling (restart: dropped ball beneath that point). Lines: Touchlines and goal lines are considered inside the playing area. Regulation 10: Ball in and out of Play When the whole of the ball has passed over the goal line, between the goal posts and under the crossbar (except by illegal means). Regulation 11: Fouls and Misconduct Direct free kick awarded when a player intentionally commits any of the following 11 offenses (penalty kick awarded when infringement takes place in penalty area):

01. Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent 02. Tripping an opponent 03. Jumping at an opponent 04. Charging an opponent in a violent or dangerous manner 05. Charging an opponent from behind 06. Striking, attempting to strike, or spitting at an opponent 07. Holding an opponent 08. Pushing an opponent 09. Charging an opponent with shoulder (i.e., shoulder charge) 10. Sliding at an opponent (i.e., sliding tackle) 11. Handling the ball (except goalkeeper) Indirect free kick's awarded when any of the following 8 offenses are committed (kick taken from the 6-meter line when infringement takes place in penalty area): 01. Dangerous play (e.g. attempting to kick ball held by goalkeeper) 02. Obstruction 03. Charging the goalkeeper in the penalty area (goalkeeper charge) 04. goalkeeper picks up or touches with his hands a back pass 05. goalkeeper picks up or touches with his hands a kick-in from a teammate 06. goalkeeper controls the ball with any part of his body for more than 4 seconds 07. when a substituting player enters the pitch from an incorrect position or before the player he is substituting has entirely left the pitch - he persistently infringes the Laws of the Game - he shows dissent with any decision of the referee - he is guilty of ungentlemanly conduct These 4 yellow-card offenses are punishable by an indirect free kicktaken from the point of infringement (or from the 6meter line when the infringement takes place in penalty area). Sending Off: Players shall be sent off (i.e., shown the red card) for: (a) serious foul play. (b) violent conduct. (c) foul or abusive language. (d) second instance of cautionable offense (i.e., second yellow card).

(e) intentionally impeding a clear goal opportunity (e.g. through a "professional foul"). (f) intentionally impeding a clear goal opportunity in the penalty area by handling the ball. Direct free kicks (or penalty kicks) accompany the expulsion for (a), (b), (e) and (f); indirect free kicks, for (c) and (d) (from the 6-meter line when the infringement takes place in the penalty area). Rules of Expulsion: The player sent off is out for the rest of the game and is not even permitted to sit on the reserves' bench. The team of the player sent off can substitute for that player after 2 minutes of playing time or after the opposing team scores which ever comes first. The 2-minute punishment shall be checked by the timekeeper (or by the assistant referee, if there is no timekeeper). The substitute cannot come on until the ball is out of play and he has a referee's consent.

Regulation 12: Free Kicks Types: Direct free kicks and indirect free kicks. Wall: At least 5 meters away until the ball is in play. Ball in Play: After it has traveled the distance of its own circumference. Time Limit: Kick must be taken within 4 seconds. Restriction: Kicker cannot touch the ball again until it has been touched by another player. Regulation 14: Penalty Kicks To be taken from the penalty mark on the mid-point of the 6-m-line. The kicker is to aim at goal, with the intention of scoring. All players must be out of the penalty area, and the players of the opposing team must also be at least 5 m from the penalty spot. The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player. Regulation 15: Kick In's To be taken in place of the throw-in. The ball is placed on the touch line before kicking.

The kicker's foot not kicking the ball must be outside or at least on the touchline; if it crosses the touchline all of the way, into the pitch, the kick-in is given to the opposing team. The kick-in must be taken within 4 seconds; if it is not, the kick-in is given to the opposing team. The kicker cannot play the ball a second time until it has been played by another player; infringement of this rule entail an indirect free kick to the opposing from the point of infringement. - Players on opposing team must be at least 5 m away from point of kick-in. Players cannot score directly from a kick-in. Regulation 16: Goal Clearance To be taken in place of goal kick. From inside the penalty area, the goalkeeper throws the ball into play. The ball is not in play until it has passed outside of the penalty area. If the goal clearance is received inside of the penalty area, the goal clearance shall be taken over. Regulation 17: Corner Kicks Ball placed on the corner (no corner-kick arc). If ball is misplaced, the corner kick is taken over. Must be taken within 4 seconds; failure to do so entails indirect free kick to the opposing team from the corner mark. The kicker cannot play the ball a second time until it has been played by another player; infringement of this rule entail an indirect free kick to the opposing from the point of infringement. Players on opposing team must be at least 5 m away from point of the corner kick. Players can score goal directly from a corner kick.