Some Futsal Distinctions

1. Soccer is a contact sport - Futsal is a LESS-CONTACT sport. The level for determining dangerous, careless, reckless, and serious foul play is tighter reflecting the safety requirements of an indoor environment.
2. Goal Keepers may not be "rushed" - this is playing dangerously.
3. Free Kicks and Kick-ins require that defenders give 5 yards.
4. Kick-offs require that defenders give 10 feet.
5. On the sixth DFK foul in a half, the fouled team is awarded a penalty kick from the second penalty spot (unless they choose to take the kick from the spot of the foul).
6. All restarts except Kick-offs and Penalty Kicks must occur within four seconds as determined by the referee, or else the ball is turned over to the opponent.
7. Substitutes must not enter the playing court until the substituted player has come to the bench area. All substitutions on or off must be through the designated substitution zone.
8. Team benches must be on their defensive half of the court.
9. Goal clearances are like goal kicks outdoors. Opponents must be outside of the penalty area, opponents must not interfere with the release, and no player may play the ball until it exits the penalty area.
10. The goal area is identical to the penalty area (defined by the arc). Any kick inside the area awarded to the defenders may be taken anywhere on or inside the arc. An Indirect Free Kick awarded to the attackers within the area must be moved to the closest spot on the arc. A Direct Free Kick foul against the attackers results in a penalty kick.