Metro Futsal League Rules
Effective March 2018:
1. Scores will not be posted online for U7 & U8 divisions (this does not apply to blended U8/9 divisions).
2. All Other Ages: The maximum goal differential that will be recorded is 10.
To keep the playing surfaces clean and dry, please instruct your players not to wear dirty or wet game shoes into the facilities.
Referees
Metro Futsal is the only United States Youth Futsal sanctioned futsal league in DC Metro Area . We use futsal certified officials to call our games, assuring the game is played the way it should be. There is no additional charge for referees
Age Divisions/Groups
Boys & Girls U7 - Adult.
Metro Futsal reserves the right to drop or combine divisions or age groups.
Team Registration
Online registration only at the Metro Futsal website www.metrofutsalleague.com
Season Play
Teams will be scheduled to play 5-8 games. All games will be played on Saturdays and/or Sundays.
IMPORTANT COACH INFORMATION
There is no coaching license needed to coach a team. Any adult who is registered with the team as a coach or manager can sit the bench. This is a great option for teams with outdoor coaches who want to take a break, but still want their teams to have fun and play.
Coaches with multiple teams
Metro Futsal will accommodate coaches with multiple teams by scheduling them with back-to-back games as much as possible. If you coach multiple teams, you must enter this information in the registration system when you register.
Game Scorecards
Before each game, a pre-printed game card will be available from the referees. The cards migth be populated with player names. Please check the cards for accuracy before the game begins. At the end of each game, the referee will sign the completed game cards. The coaches are to verify the score before leaving the game. The scores on the signed cards are official and will be entered into the standings.
Competition Format & Rules
Official futsal FIFA Rules and Regulations as stated under the Laws of The Game will be enforced. Exceptions are noted below under House Rules. You may print up a copy of the Laws of the Game at the US Youth Futsal website.
House Rules to the Laws of the Game
1. Goalkeeper cannot throw the ball into the opponent’s penalty arc
2. Kick-offs and kick-ins are indirect.
3. Goalkeeper cannot drop kick or punt the ball.
4. We will be switching benches between halves
5. Game length is two 20 minute halves
6. 1 time out per halve is permitted
7. ABSOLUTELY NO SLIDE TACKLING OR LEAVING YOUR FEET FOR ANY REASON!!
8. Effective September 1, 2016: No heading will be permitted for the U11 and younger brackets
The pass back rule will be played at all age groups. Once the keeper touches the ball, they cannot play the ball again until ball is touched by an opponent.
Player Cards
Metro Futsal will institute the issuance of player cards. To be eligible to play, each player must have a card. Player cards are $13.50 per player and are valid through July 31 each year. Player cards will only be issued after full payment of team fees, signed Medical / Media Release forms have been received and all players have been registered online. The league will conduct a team check-in before league play begins to issue player cards. Players do not need to be present. Check-in time and place will be announced.
**Effective Winter Session 2012: The player card fee must be paid through the HTG Sports registration system by each individual player. No exceptions. Player cards will still be valid through July 31 each year.
Double Rostering
Players may be double - rostered on teams that are in different divisions, but a player cannot play down an age group. A player may NOT be double - rostered on two teams in the same age group unless it is pre-approved by the League Director.
Futsal Game Balls
The home team is responsible for providing the game ball.
Size ball used by each age group:
U12 and younger use a size 3 or a Select "Jinga Jr" ball that is 21.5-22.5 inches in diameter
U13 and older use a size 4 or a Select "Jinga" ball that is 24.5-25.5 inches in diameter
*In the event that the U11 and U12 age groups are combined, games will be played with the size 3 or Select Jinga Jr ball.
Metro Futsal currently has futsal balls available.
Do not bring outdoor balls into the facilities. They are not allowed for warm-up. Only futsal balls are allowed. Home team is responsible for providing a game quality ball.
Equipment
The wearing of shin guards will be mandatory for all players. Indoor, flat soled soccer shoes also must be worn.
Time Outs
Time outs may only be initiated by the referee during league play.
Home Team
The Home team is the team that is listed first on the Schedule. In the case of a jersey conflict, home team must change jerseys. Visiting teams kicks off first.
Forfeited Games
If a team fails to show for a scheduled match, the referee shall allow a 5 min grace period. After the 5 minutes, if the team has not yet arrived or does not have enough players to field a team (4), the game clock will begin. If ten minutes have passed since the scheduled game time and 4 players are not present, the game will be forfeited. The game will be tallied as a 3 to 0 loss for the forfeiting team and a 3 to 0 win for their opponent.
If the referee terminates a match for reasons other than an act of God or field conditions, the Metro Futsal Directors will decide the result of the match after hearing the official reason from the referee, and both coaches.
***New Forfeit Fee effective March 18, 2012. There will be a $35 fee due for any game your team forfeits.
Point System and Tiebreakers
The determination within the group standings is as follows:
3 points for a win
1 point for a tie
0 points for a loss
Forfeited games are recorded as a 3 - 0 loss, minus 1 point from standings
Tiebreakers
1. Total Points
2. Head-To-Head
3. Head-To-Head Goal Differential
4. Overall Goal Differential
Scores & standings will not be kept for U8 & below.
Effective Spring 2014: Posted scores will have a maximum 10 goal differential.
Ejections - Red Cards
If a player is ejected from a match, the player’s pass together with a referee’s report of the incident shall be turned over to the Metro Futsal administrator by the referee.
The minimum penalty for an ejection is that the player shall not be permitted to play in the immediate next match.
The maximum penalty, after review by the Metro Futsal Directors, may result in the individual players or teams’ expulsion from the competition.
If a player is ejected from a match the referee will hold onto the player pass, document red card on the back of the score sheet and present it to the League administrator. The player will have his/her pass returned after a one game suspension.
Coach Ejections
If a coach is ejected from any match, a referee’s report of the incident shall be turned over to the League administrator by the referee.
The minimum penalty for an ejection is that the coach shall not be permitted to coach or remain on the player’s bench in the immediate next match.
The maximum penalty, after review by Metro Futsal Directors, may result in the individual coach or team’s expulsion from the League.
Games Cancelled by opponents
If an opponent cancels a game or does not show for the game, the other team may use the game time. If your team must cancel, call the league (571.348.4161) as soon as possible so we can notify the referees and give the other team a chance to plan accordingly. Cancelling a game not only short-changes your team, but your scheduled opponent. Games cancelled by teams will not be rescheduled until the $50 reschedule fee is paid.
Reschedules
At time of registration, each team is allowed one guaranteed conflict if entered into registration system before registration deadline. You may enter a second date at the time of registration only if you are willing to play double headers. Reschedules will not be made unless a $50 rescheduling fee is paid to the league. This helps pay for the additional court fees and referee fees.
Games cancelled by Metro Futsal
We reserve the right to postpone or cancel games at any time for any reason such as bad weather or facility problems. If we do decide to cancel games, refunds will not be provided.
Referees
If you have an interest in joining the Metro Futsal referee pool, please email us at registration@metrofutsalleague.com. To be eligible for consideration, you must be licensed with US Soccer as an outdoor referee.
Additional Questions
If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding Metro Futsal, please feel free to contact us at registration@metrofutsalleague.com