Two major rule changes are set to change the face of all levels of Series Futsal Victoria next season.
In a throwback to the original rules of futsal, players will be permitted to throw the ball into play on side balls. As per the current rules, kick-ins will also be allowed, giving players and teams the option to either throw the ball in or kick it back into play.
The other significant rule adjustment is that there can no longer be a drawn result.
If scores between the sides are drawn at the end of regular time, a minimum of three ’10 metre’ spot kicks will be taken in a penalty shootout scenario to decide the winner.
The ‘no-draw’ rule will mean that players, teams and fans will come to games knowing that a result will unfold.
Series Futsal and Futsal Oz founder Peter Parthimos says that the rule changes are designed to create a better game experience for players and fans.
“Throw-ins were an original part of the game of futsal, and we want to see the game become more dynamic and spectacular,” Parthimos told SeriesFutsal.com.
“We believe the throw-ins is an element of futsal that has gone missing and forgotten, which has been a shame.
“Players skills will be tested with the ball in the air. The games will be able to flow faster and there will be the opportunities for some spectacular play.
“We’re not saying good bye to the kick-ins. It will be the player’s choice.”
To effect a correct throw-in, players will need to throw the ball from over their heads and must be behind the line or have some part of their feet on the line (unlike the outdoor version of the game where all parts of the players foot must be behind the line).
The no-draw feature was trialed at the Futsal Oz Live event in July and will become a feature of the game day experience.
“We trialed the ‘no-draw’ concept during Futsal Oz Live, and we feel its more entertaining,” Parthimos said.
“When you come to a Series Futsal event, you know there is going to be a definite result.
“For a game as fast-paced as futsal, there’s no room for draws. Each week, you’ll know that there are four games, four winners and four losers.”
These new rules will come into effect from the opening round of the 2016/17 Series Futsal Victoria premierships – for the men, youth and women leagues.
The new rules will not be used in the lower elite state leagues or at the Series Futsal Australia tournament in October.
This weekend marks the final round of the 2016 Series Futsal Victoria premiership for men. CLICK HERE for the live stream link, with the first game of the final round kicking off at 5pm AEST, Sunday.
The premiership will be followed by the prestigious Foz Cup and relegation play-offs, with the 2016/17 Series Futsal Victoria season starting on Sunday, September 25.
CLICK HERE for the Youth and Women Foz Cup, held at Thomastown tonight. Live stream starts at 6pm AEST.