Referee Futsal

Futsal is FIFA’s official indoor football (soccer) game which is a scaled down version of outdoor football played indoors. It is a small sided game (5v5: goal keeper and 4 court players) played on a smaller field (basketball court sized) with a smaller (size 3-4) ball. Football Queensland Futsal is the state’s official provider of Futsal.

Futsal is played between two teams of five players each, including one goalkeeper, with unlimited substitutions permitted and touchline boundaries. The confined space, hard court surface and smaller ball create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique.

Whether refereeing social or competitive leagues, futsal is a great opportunity to continue to apply your trade year round!

For NEW Referees:

Futsal provides a fantastic opportunity to earn additional money during the year and especially over the summer months. New referees have typically played futsal or indoor football before and therefore have some understanding of the sport.

Games last for 40 minutes (2 x halves) and appointments are created based on where you are live and what your availability is. For social competitions, you will typically be assigned to a venue and referee several games back to back.

Each game can have up to four referees creating a fantastic support network and opportunity to learn. Futsal Referees are mentored and supported through their first appointments.

For Existing Referees:

Futsal is quite similar to outdoor football however there are a few differences which create a great opportunity and challenge to extend your refereeing skills.

Differences:

• Futsal is played in a smaller area (on a pitch)
• The speed of the game is significantly faster
• Balls re-enter the pitch on the ground
• Referees are much closer to the players
• All matches last for 2 x equal periods of 20minutes
• Each team is entitled to a 1minute time out period in each half
• A referee team is made up of two active referees, one on either side of the pitch and support roles

**What are the benefits based on the differences?**

Referees develop their skill acquisition, decision making and experience far quicker than is typically experienced in outdoor football.

For these reasons, outdoor referees who also referee futsal have noticed a significant improvement in their ability (and panel grading). When these referees have re-started refereeing outdoor the following season, they have been better prepared, more composed and perform consistently well.

Refereeing futsal enables participation in the game all year round and can be easily suited to availability and geographic location.

Football Queensland are committed to delivering opportunities, courses and support for futsal referees in conjunction with each of the local associations.

Season Start Dates 2020

• SEQ Premier League – 14th November
• Arana United Futsal Club – 11th October (Seniors) & 22nd November (Juniors)
• Brisbane Magic Futsal Club – 20th October
• Chandler Eagles Futsal Club – September
• Elite Futsal (Bardon) – October
• Super Futsal – October (some comps year round)
• Bundaberg – TBC
• Gold Coast Futsal Association – 6th October
• Ipswich Futsal – November
• Gympie Scorpions – 16th November
• Sunshine Coast Futsal Association – 16th November
• Tablelands – 7th September
• Futsal Toowoomba – 6th October

Seasons typically run until early December with some continuing after a Christmas break into February. More information can be found on the association webpages (click the club to learn more).

Use the map below to find a futsal venue near you!

SOCIAL FUTSAL

For social leagues, referees register/express interest with the closest location and are then appointed to matches. Some social leagues run during the week as well as on the weekend, however depend on the organisation facilitating the competitions. There’s a wide range of social competitions for all ages and skill level.

Check out your local social futsal organisation HERE and learn more about their competitions.

ELITE FUTSAL (SEQ PREMIER LEAGUE)

Referees who have experience in futsal refereeing are identified for elite competitions and are appointed to matches based on their geographic location and availability. Elite games are typically scheduled all day Saturday or Sunday so back to back game appointments are done at one venue.

SEQ Premier League has competitions for juniors and seniors for both Men & Women.