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.
Who can play
Leagues are a comprised of group of teams registering for a league. They are of similar age and ability. They are formed from our player pool, club teams, Academy pool and Elite town teams AND outside teams registering with a coach.
All teams will be registered for a season through the “EMFL” Eastern Massachusetts Futsal League
Teams must have players in the same uniform including sock color and jersey numbers.
Uniform for Individually registered or Pool Players consists of a Select Kit; game jersey, shorts, socks.
Players range from 6 -20 years
Seasons
Fall - Futsal/Futbolito Pick Up Games (U06-U14 only) click here to register
Winter - Futsal/Futbolito League and Tournament teams (U06-U20)
Spring - Futsal/Futbolito Pick Up Games (U06-U20)
Summer - Futsal/ Futbolito, Sand Soccer League and Tournament teams (U06-adult)
How to register
REGISTER for U07-U14 or for U15-U19 by clicking on age group
UNIFORM click here
Optional Gear for League Player or SAVE by ordering a Premier Kit
STORE for League purchases
SCHEDULES click here LOCATIONS click here