Pitch football, futsal and society: which rules change?
The three codes look alike, but they have different rules, dimensions and rhythms.
Pitch football, futsal and small-sided "society" football share the ball and the goal of scoring, but differ in space, number of players and rules. This comparison gathers the main differences. Since rules change between federations and competitions, treat the points here as general guidance and check the regulations of the tournament or the court you will attend.
Time
- Pitch football: two halves of 45 minutes, with added time set by the referee and the clock running.
- Futsal: in many official competitions, two halves of 20 minutes, with the clock stopped in some stoppages (effective time).
- Society: varies. Many matches have two parts of 20 to 30 minutes, but the length depends on local organization.
Dimensions
Pitch football is played on a large grass field, with 11 players per team. Futsal is played on a smaller court with a smooth surface, with 5 players per team, including the goalkeeper. Society uses fields smaller than the full pitch, usually with artificial turf, with 6 to 8 players per team, but this varies. Exact measurements depend on the competition.
Rules that change
- Offside: it exists in pitch football and, in general, does not exist in futsal. In society, it depends on the venue, and many games do not have it.
- Touchline restart: in pitch football it is with the hands (throw-in); in futsal it is with the feet (kick-in).
- Accumulated fouls: futsal usually counts fouls per team and, beyond a certain number, awards a kick without a wall.
- Substitutions: in futsal they are unlimited and can occur with the ball in play; on the pitch there is a limit and changes occur at stoppages.
- Physical contact: the pitch game allows more body contest within the rules; in society, many venues restrict contact and sliding tackles.
- Goalkeeper: specific rules on back-passes and time in possession change by code.
Why they vary
Pitch football has international rules set by IFAB. Futsal has its own rules, organized by international bodies. Society, having no single regulation, depends on leagues, courts and organizers. So the same play may be treated in different ways.
How to choose
Choose the code by space, number of people and the rhythm you want. Before playing at a new venue, ask about local rules.