The History of Futsal and the Rules!
GBS - The history of futsal began in the 1930s in Uruguay. The game was originally called "fútbol sala," which means "indoor soccer." Juan Carlos Ceriani, a teacher in Montevideo, Uruguay, created futsal to provide a soccer game that could be played indoors or on a smaller field.
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The primary objective of futsal was to develop individual techniques and player creativity within a confined space. The game was considered effective in training ball control, short passing, and agility, as the smaller space required players to move and think faster.
Futsal gradually gained popularity and spread throughout South America. It then made its way to Europe and various countries around the world. In 1971, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) recognized futsal as an official branch of soccer. Subsequently, in 1989, the International Football Federation (FIFA) officially recognized futsal as a legitimate sport and established specific rules and regulations for the game.
Futsal rapidly evolved into a popular sport, both at the amateur and professional levels. Various futsal tournaments and competitions are held worldwide, including the FIFA Futsal World Cup, which was first held in 1989.
FIFA governs the rules of futsal, and there are some differences compared to traditional field soccer. For instance, futsal is played on a smaller field, with fewer players, and there are limitations on using walls as aids during the game.
Since its creation by Juan Carlos Ceriani, futsal has become an integral part of player development and training in soccer around the world. The sport continues to grow and attract interest from people of various backgrounds, whether as players, coaches, or fans.
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| (image source : Agencia Brasil) |
- Team Composition: Each team consists of five players, including one goalkeeper. Teams may also have a few substitutes, and substitutions can be made during stoppages in play.
- Duration of the Game: A standard futsal match consists of two halves, each lasting 20 minutes, with a short halftime break.
- Ball: A smaller and heavier ball is used in futsal compared to traditional soccer.
- Kick-off: The game begins with a kick-off at the center of the court. The ball must move forward on the first touch.
- No Offside Rule: Unlike soccer, futsal does not have an offside rule, meaning players can position themselves anywhere on the court without any restrictions.
- Goalkeeper Restrictions: The goalkeeper cannot touch the ball with their hands or arms beyond their own penalty area. They are allowed to use their feet, head, chest, or any other part of their body while inside the penalty area.
- Goal Clearances: After the ball goes out of play over the goal line, the goalkeeper throws or rolls the ball back into play from inside the penalty area.
- Corners and Kick-ins: For out-of-bounds plays along the sidelines, the opposing team executes a kick-in from the spot where the ball went out. For corners, the ball is placed inside a marked corner area near the goal.
- Fouls and Free Kicks: Fouls result in free kicks for the opposing team. Accumulation of fouls can lead to a penalty kick.
- Accumulated Fouls: If a team commits a certain number of fouls within a half (usually five or six, depending on the competition), the opposing team is awarded a penalty kick for every subsequent foul.
- No Slide Tackles: Slide tackles are generally not allowed in futsal to minimize the risk of injury.
- Goal Scoring: A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar.
Futsal is a fast-paced and skillful game that encourages quick thinking, precise passing, and excellent ball control. These rules help maintain the fluidity and safety of the game while promoting an entertaining and competitive experience for players and spectators alike.