Futsal Laws of the Game - FIFA.com

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LAW 5 – THE REFEREES
The advantage is not permitted for infringements of the four-second rule,
unless the infringement is committed by the goalkeeper in controlling the ball
when it is already in play in his own half of the pitch, and if he loses possession
of the ball. In the remaining cases: free kicks, kick-ins, goal clearances and
corner kicks, the referees cannot apply the advantage.
The referees should consider the following circumstances in deciding whether
to apply the advantage or stop play:
• the severity of the offence: if the infringement warrants an expulsion,
the referees must stop play and send off the player unless there is an
opportunity to score a goal
• the position where the offence was committed: the closer to the opposing
goal, the more effective it can be
• the chances of an immediate, promising attack
• the infringement committed must not be a team’s sixth or greater
accumulated foul, unless there is an opportunity to score a goal
• the atmosphere of the match
The decision to penalise the original offence must be taken within a few
seconds, but it is not possible to go back if the corresponding signal has not
previously been given or a new passage of play has been allowed.
If the offence warrants a caution, it must be issued at the next stoppage.
However, unless there is a clear advantage, it is recommended that the referees
stop play and caution the player immediately. If the caution is not issued at the
next stoppage, it cannot be shown later.
If an infringement requires play to be restarted with an indirect free kick, the
referees must apply the advantage to ensure that play fl ows, provided that this
does not lead to any retaliation and is not prejudicial to the team against which
the offence was committed.