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    Glossary term

    4-Second Rule

    Players have 4 seconds to restart play on a kick-in, corner, free-kick or goalkeeper distribution; failure results in a turnover.

    In depth

    The referee starts a visible hand-count when the player is ready. The rule keeps the game flowing and prevents time-wasting — it applies to all dead-ball restarts and to the goalkeeper holding the ball in their own half.

    Examples

    • ›A goalkeeper holds the ball for 5 seconds in their half — the opponent gets an indirect free-kick.
    • ›A defender takes too long on a kick-in — possession is awarded to the other team.

    Related terms

    Kick-In

    Restart used in futsal instead of a throw-in: the ball is placed on the touchline and kicked back into play within 4 seconds.

    Goalkeeper

    The only player allowed to use their hands inside the penalty area; in futsal they often act as an extra outfield player to create overloads.

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