Boston Azzurri offers Futsal and/or Futbolito leagues to compliment and promote skilled play.

Futsal is a form of 5v5 soccer and is the only form of indoor soccer sanctioned by FIFA and USSF. It is played without boards on a hard surface using a special weighted ball. Match play is governed by modified FIFA Futsal Laws of The Game.

The surface, ball and rules create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing in small spaces. These factors combine to allow players to develop quick, confident touches, and make quick, confident decisions on and off the ball while playing a fast paced, exciting game.

20-minute periods Futsal matches comprise two periods each lasting 20 minutes of actual playing time. The clock is stopped every time the ball goes out of play and is restarted when play resumes. 

Time outs Teams are entitled to a one-minute time-out in each period. A team that does not request a time-out in the first half of the match is only entitled to one time-out during the second half. There are no time-outs in extra time. 

Unlimited substitutions A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than five players (a goalkeeper and four outfield players) and nine substitutes. There is no restriction on the number of substitutions that may be made during a match. Substitutions may be made at any time, whether the ball is in play or not, but only in the specially demarcated substitution zones. 

Replacement of sent-off players A substitute player may replace a sent-off player and enter the pitch two full minutes after the sending-off. They may, however, enter the pitch before the two minutes have elapsed should their team concede a goal while a player down. 

The goalkeepers Goalkeepers have only four seconds in which to play the ball, with either their hands or feet, and may not touch it again if it has been deliberately played to them by a team-mate without an opponent playing or touching it. Goalkeepers are also now free to play anywhere on the pitch and throw the ball beyond the halfway line, which was not previously permitted. 

Accumulated fouls and the second penalty mark Accumulated fouls are those penalized with a direct free-kick or penalty kick, regardless of whether advantage has been played or not. If a team commits a sixth accumulated foul, the opposing side may take the subsequent free-kick awarded to them without a wall, either from the second penalty mark, which is positioned four meters behind the first, or from a position even closer to the penalty area if the foul was committed between the goal line and the second penalty mark. 

Two more things Unlike 11-a-side football, goals may not be scored directly from the kick-off in futsal and there is no offside.

Futbolito is 4v4 soccer without goalies, The surface is grass or hard surface, the field size is small and rules create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing in small spaces. These factors combine to allow players to develop quick, confident touches, and make quick, confident decisions on and off the ball while playing a fast paced, exciting game.

Number of Players: Seven is the maximum number of players on a team: four field players and three substitutes. Four players are on the field at a time. Minimum number of players on the field is three. There are no goalkeepers. 


Substitution: Substitutions may be made at any dead-ball situation, regardless of possession. Teams must get the referee’s permission before making the substitution and players are to enter and exit at midfield. There are no substitutions on the fly. 

Field Dimensions: The minimum playing field is 20 yards wide by 30 yards long. Goals are 4’x6’. 

Penalty Box: Area Rule: There is no ball contact allowed within the goal box, however, any player may pass through the goal box. If the ball comes to rest in the goal box, a goal kick is awarded regardless of who touched the ball last. Any part of the ball or player's body on the line is considered in the goal box and is an extension of such. If a defender touches the ball in the goal box, a penalty kick is awarded to the offensive team. If an offensive player touches the ball within the goal box, a goal kick is awarded to the defensive team. 

Ball Size: Regulation Game Balls (size 5) will be issued by the tournament staff. Youth age groups (Under 8, and 9/10) will use a size 4 ball. 

Goal Scoring: A goal may be scored from anywhere on the field. The ball changes possession after a goal is scored. 

Restarts: All restarts are indirect kicks (including the kickoff to start each half). This does not include Penalty Kicks, which will be direct. 

Kickoff: Is an indirect kick and may be taken in any direction. 

Three (3) Yard Rule: In all dead ball situations, restarts, including game start and halftime start, defending players must stand at least three (3) yards away from the ball. If the defensive player’s goal area is closer than three (3) yards, the ball shall be placed three (3) yards from the goal area in line with the place of the penalty. 

Kick-ins: The ball shall be kicked into play from the sideline instead of thrown in. The defending player must be at least three yards from ball on all kick-ins. 

Goal Kicks: May be taken from any point on the defensive touchline. 

Throw-ins: There are no throw-ins, only "kick-ins." 

Penalty Kicks: A penalty kick will be taken from midfield in front of an open goal. Per the Arc Rule, there will be no defending player/goalie contesting the penalty kick. All non-kicking players must be behind midfield. A penalty kick shall be awarded if, in the referee’s opinion, a scoring opportunity was nullified by the infraction (the infraction does not automatically result in a red card). This is a dead-ball kick. If a goal is not scored, the defense obtains possession with a goal kick.

Off Sides No offsides and no slide tackling.