rules & rosters

📋 league Rules

📅 Game Guarantee & Format

DayDetails
WeekdaysGames may be played in the week during the season.
WeekendsMost games during the season will be played on Saturday and/or Sunday

🏆 Finals & Advancement

CategoryDetails
Finals QualificationThis depends on the division. We may or may not have a division where the top two teams meet to decide the winner.
Multiple BracketsTop team overall may advance to Final

🥇 Awards

PlacementAwards
ChampionsTrophies + medals
FinalistsMedals

🧾 Check-In & Credentials

Registration (GotSport):

  • Current USYS, US Club, current league, or PPP league rosters are accepted
  • Player passes if using a USYS roster
  • Release of Liability form for non-USYS and US Club rostered teams. Due 5 days before the league season begins.
  • Roster changes are allowed up to Week #4.

Credentials:

  • If a recreation or school team – provide your league roster and a signed medical release waiver
  • Valid player ID cards with photos
  • Signed Medical Release forms
  • US Club teams must provide approved roster from US Club site
  • Players may only play for one team in their division.
  • Unique jersey numbers required (no duplicates or changes)

👥 SEASONAL Players

  • Maximum of 7 seasonal players. This applies to teams who have players playing for them solely for the winter season. These players can be written on the roster.
  • ❌ No mixing of US Club & USYS cards. If you are unable to provide solely a US Club or USYS cards/rosters, then you can complete a PPP Roster.
  • Must stay within roster limits

⚖️ Rules of Play

  • FIFA Laws of the Game (modified by USYS & MSYSA)
  • ❌ No heading for U11 and younger

⚽ Game Setup

  • Players: 5 per team (4 field players + 1 goalkeeper)
  • Substitutions: Unlimited, on-the-fly (no stoppage needed)
  • Field: Smaller, hard court (indoor or outdoor)
  • Ball: Size 3 (U-8 – U-12) and Size 4 (U-13+), low-bounce futsal ball

⏱️ Game Duration

  • Two halves of 20 minutes each
  • Clock stops due to injury or when the ball is visible to the game clock manager

🚫 No Offside

  • There is no offside rule in futsal

▶️ Restarts

  • Kickoff: Starts play and after goals
  • Kick-ins (instead of throw-ins):
    • Ball must be placed on or behind the line
    • Must be taken within 4 seconds
  • Corner kicks: Also 4 seconds
  • Goal clearance (goal kick):
    • Must be thrown by the goalkeeper (not kicked)

🧤 Goalkeeper Rules

  • Must release the ball within 4 seconds
  • Cannot receive the ball back from a teammate unless it crosses half court or touches an opponent
  • Teammates are NOT allowed to pass the ball back to the goalkeeper unless it has first touched an opponent or crossed half court
  • Can only handle the ball in their own penalty area
  • U-12 and under: Goalkeepers cannot throw the ball across the halfway line (must bounce or touch a player before crossing)

⚠️ Fouls & Free Kicks

  • Most fouls result in a direct free kick
  • Teams accumulate fouls each half:
    • After 5 fouls, every additional foul = penalty shot (no wall)
  • No sliding at all. Players must stay on their feet.

🟥 Cards

  • Yellow card: Warning
  • Red card: Player is sent off
    • Team plays short for 2 minutes or until opponent scores

⏳ 4-Second Rule

Applies to:

  • Kick-ins
  • Corner kicks
  • Free kicks
  • Goalkeeper possession

🎯 Key Differences from Soccer

  • Smaller teams and field
  • Faster pace, more touches
  • No offsides
  • Kick-ins instead of throw-ins
  • Accumulated foul system

⏱️ Game Duration & Format

Age GroupFormatGame LengthBall Size
U8–U105v52 × 20 minutes4
U11–U195v52 × 20 minutes4

📊 Additional Rules

RuleDetails
Halftime3 minutes
Preliminary RoundsNo overtime
ScoringWin = 3 pts • Tie = 1 pt • Loss = 0 pts
Elimination GamesPenalty kicks if tied after regulation (U8–U19)

🏅 Tie-Breakers

CategoryDetails
Tie-BreakersRefer to GotSport link on team schedule
Final DecisionTournament Manager

🧩 Division Formats

# of TeamsFormat
4 TeamsTop 2 advance to Final
8 TeamsTop team in each bracket advances
12 Teams1st in each bracket + Wild Card to Semifinals
16 Teams1st (and possibly 2nd) to Quarterfinals/Semifinals (manager discretion)
20+ Teams1st in each bracket + Wild Cards to Quarterfinals

Note: Wild Cards are reseeded to avoid rematches.

🎯 Game Check-In & Conduct

  • Referees conduct pregame safety checks
  • Managers retain player cards unless requested
  • Medical forms & laminated cards required at all times
  • Referees manage official Game Cards

🔁 Substitutions

  • Unlimited with referee permission (USYSA Rule 302)
  • Substitutions are made on the fly

🧤 Player Equipment

  • Shin guards required (FIFA Law 4)
  • Referee determines safety (including braces)

🎙️ Coaching Conduct

  • Within 10 yards of halfway line
  • No mechanical aids
  • Positive/instructional tone only
  • ❌ No profanity, harassment, or disruption
  • Coaches responsible for team & spectators

🟥 Cautions & Ejections

  • 2 yellow cards = red card (ejection)
  • Ejected players miss next game (2 games for violent conduct)
  • Ejected coaches: same penalties + out of sight/sound
  • Additional discipline may be imposed

⏸️ Suspended / Terminated Games

  • Suspended games may resume (must end 5 min before next game)
  • Misconduct termination = forfeit + possible expulsion

🩹 Injury & Added Time

  • Referee may add time for injuries
  • Games must finish before dark
  • Added time does not delay next match

👨‍⚖️ Referee Decisions

  • Final on all in-game matters

🏠 Home / Away Team Protocol

  • Home Team: Listed first, wears light jerseys, provides game ball, kicks off
  • Away Team: Wears dark jerseys, chooses direction
  • Color conflict: Home team changes

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Spectators & Sidelines

  • Spectators sit opposite team benches
  • Must remain on their designated side
  • Teams switch benches after half-time