Version control: Original 1999 / Updated 2003 / Updated 2015
Introduction
You must refer to the Requirements for All Sport and Physical Activity (PDF 466KB) to understand your overall compliance responsibilities.
The game of futsal is played on a marked area or court 15m-25m in width and 25m-42m in length.
Under no circumstances may a game be conducted where the ball is played off the wall.
A team consists of five players, four (4) court players and one goalkeeper.
Where considered appropriate, for example inclusion in a school sport program, parents or caregivers must be informed of full details of the location, supervision to be provided and activities to be undertaken when seeking their written permission.
Teacher/Instructor Qualifications and Experience
The teacher/instructor must have appropriate expertise and/or training in the teaching/coaching of futsal.
The School Sport Unit, in partnership with the FFA, offers the following professional learning workshops for teachers:
- Futsal coaching certificate.
A teacher must be present who has recognised current emergency care training.
Supervision
Principals and organising teachers must take into account such factors as age, experience, maturity of students, nature of the activity and experience of adult supervisors when arranging supervision and instruction.
Where an adult other than a teacher is engaged to provide instruction, a teacher must be present to take overall responsibility.
Equipment
All players must wear shin pads including the goalkeeper. Socks must cover the shin pads at all times.
Students are to wear appropriate footwear such as sports shoes with non-marking soles.
Goal structures must be checked for stability prior to each game. They must be firmly anchored to the wall or floor. Where possible, nets should be used. Goals should be constructed of light weight material to enable easy transportation and reduce any risk of injury.
Because of the pitch/court dimensions, a low bounce ball should be used (U12 years - size 3 and 13+ years a size 4 low bounce ball). As a guide, the ball shall not bounce higher than 65cm (the first time it rebounds) when dropped from a height of 2 metres.
A well-equipped medical kit must be readily available.
Venues
The playing surface must be smooth, flat and free of obstructions and loose objects. The use of a wooden surface is recommended. Concrete or bitumen must be avoided.
Venues which accommodate several games at one time utilise nets to divide playing areas. Nets must only hang to the floor surface. Any excess netting lying on the floor is a hazard to players.
The immediate surrounds of the court perimeter must have a space well clear of any roofing supports or obstacles, eg. equipment, seating, spectators.
Safety
Dangerous play is not allowed.
Students must be made aware of the rules regarding dangerous play, e.g. no slide tackling, tackling from behind, shoulder charging, tripping and playing of the player not the ball.
Students must remove jewellery and other ornaments likely to cause injury.
Boundary lines for the game must be clearly marked a distance well clear of any roof support structures and walls. The space between the walls and the boundary must be sufficient to ensure the safe movements of players and referees.
Spectators and reserve players must be positioned at a safe distance from the field of play.
Where possible, ice should be available for the treatment of injuries.