WFL Futsal Rules

Please read the rules carefully. Our goal is to make the league fun and enjoyable for players of all levels and help everyone get the most out of each match.

 

Team Composition

• Each team has 5 players on the court, including a goalkeeper.

• Unlimited substitutions are allowed, which can happen “rolling” at any time, provided the player leaving the court has fully exited.

• Recommended squad size: 6–8 players.

 

Game Duration

Matches are 30 minutes long with no halftime. 

• The clock may stop for injury or at the discretion of the referee.

 

Starting and Restarting Play

• Games start with a kick-off from the center of the court.

• Kick-offs are also used after a goal is scored.

• Restarts include kick-ins, corner kicks, goal clearances, and free kicks.

 

Ball In and Out of Play

• The ball is out of play when it completely crosses the goal line or the touchline, whether on the ground or in the air.

• Goal clearances are taken by the goalkeeper from inside the goal area.

 

Scoring

• A goal is awarded when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar.

• There are NO offsides.

• The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins.

 

•A goal cannot be scored directly from a side line kick (the ball must touch another player before going in the goal). However a goal can be scored directly from a corner kick or the starting/re-starting kick- off.

​

Fouls and Misconduct

• Fouls include kicking, tripping, pushing, holding, handball or dangerous play.

• No sliding when another player is near.

• Players may receive yellow cards (caution) or red cards (ejection) for serious misconduct.

 

Free Kicks

A direct free kick is awarded when a player commits any of the following carelessly, recklessly, or with excessive force:

DIRECT FREE KICK = shot can be taken directly on goal.

1. Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent

2. Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent

3. Jumping at an opponent

4. Charging an opponent

5. Striking or attempting to strike an opponent

(including elbowing)

6. Pushing an opponent

And also when a player:

8. Holds an opponent

9. Spits at an opponent

10. Handles the ball deliberately (except goalkeeper in allowed situations)

​

INDIRECT FREE KICKS = The ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored.

Indirect Free Kick Offenses:

1. Goalkeeper offenses

• Controls the ball with the hands for more than 4 seconds (at referees discretion)

• Touches the ball again after releasing it without it touching an opponent

• Receives the ball from a teammate who deliberately kicks it to the goalkeeper (back-pass rule)

 

Dangerous play

Example: high foot near an opponent’s head.

Obstruction (impeding progress of opponent)

Preventing goalkeeper from releasing the ball

​​

Goalkeeper Rules (goalie to wear a different colour)

Possession and Time Limit

A goalkeeper has four seconds to release the ball when controlling it with either the hands or the feet. Exceeding this time results in an indirect free kick (4 seconds at the referees discretion to prevent time wasting and keep the game moving).

 

Second Touch Restriction

After releasing the ball, the goalkeeper may not touch it again in the team’s own half until an opponent has touched it or the team has lost and regained possession. Violations lead to an indirect free kick.

 

Handling Restrictions

A goalkeeper may not use the hands on a deliberate pass or kick-in from a teammate unless an opponent has touched the ball first. This also results in an indirect free kick.

 

Goal Clearance

When restarting with a goal clearance, the goalkeeper must throw the ball and ensure it leaves the penalty area before it is in play. A goal cannot be scored directly from a goal clearance.

 

Playing as an Outfield Player

The goalkeeper may leave the penalty area and participate as an outfield player, including scoring. The four-second rule still applies in the team’s own half, and handling the ball outside the penalty area is a direct free kick offense that may also result in disciplinary action.

 

Substitution Rules

A goalkeeper may be substituted at any time, must wear a different coloured top (standard flying substitution procedures applied).

 

Substitutions

• Unlimited “rolling subs” substitutions are allowed. Your squad may be as large as you want.

• Players must exit the court completely before their replacement enters.

 

General Conduct

• Futsal is fast-paced and competitive but encourages fair play and respect.

• Referees’ decisions are final.

• Safety is important: avoid dangerous tackles or reckless play.

​

Defaulting

If your team is short one or two players, please contact the organiser as soon as possible. We may be able to help find fill-in players so your game can still go ahead.

 

Defaulting (forfeiting) games is disappointing for both teams and the competition overall, so we encourage all teams to make every effort to play their scheduled matches.

 

If your team absolutely must default, please notify the organiser as early as possible so we can inform the other team and make necessary adjustments.

 

Teams that default too frequently may be excluded from entering future seasons or competitions at the organiser’s discretion.

 

• Teams must have at least 3 players to start a game competitively. The other team is not required to also play short but may choose to do so in the sprit of sportsmanship. 

• If a team is more than 5 minutes late (has less than 3 players) the game may be declared a forfeit (3–0 loss). The game will continue in a ‘friendly capacity’ with the score of the ‘friendly game’ not counted.

• Referees’ decisions are final. Please respect all officials and opponents.

• No ring-ins on finals night. Players must have played multiple games to play in the finals.

 

Sportsmanship & Conduct

The WFL is a positive and respectful environment for everyone involved. All players and spectators are expected to show good sportsmanship and respect towards referees, staff, and other teams. Unsportsmanlike behaviour, including verbal abuse or aggression, will not be tolerated. 

 

Safety

The referees will make decisions with safety as a top priority. This is a social sports league, however it is an adult league. Shoulder-to-shoulder challenges and fair physical contests for the ball are permitted as long as they are not careless, reckless, or using excessive force. All players participate at their own risk. Please warm up properly and play responsibly to help keep everyone safe.

 

Photos & Media

During the season, we may take photos or videos for social media and promotional purposes. If your team prefers not to be photographed, please let us know before the season starts.

 

Cancellations

In the case of venue closures or unforeseen circumstances, the League will do its best to reschedule affected games. If the full season cannot be completed, decisions regarding credits or refunds will be made on a case-by-case basis.