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These table
soccer rules are the comprehensive set of rules of the ITSF or
International Table Soccer Federation,
www.table-soccer.org
This set of
rules for table soccer play is put forth to enable players
anywhere in the world to compete on any table in the world
according to one set of international rules.
TABLE
a - The Official
tables are voted by ITSF General Assembly. This choice of table
can be modified according to the agreements between the ITSF and
manufacturers and partners.
b - The organizers must provide competitive equipment
(sandpapered players, clean and straight bars).
c - In no cases may the surface of the table be sandpapered, and
doing so will be penalized by exclusion of the tournament and
reimbursement of the surface.
d - Players are free to lubricate the exterior of the bars. Not
interior in case of telescopic bars.
e - The organizers may make it compulsory to utilize specific
brands of lubrication products and cleaning agents. These must
then be made accessible to the Players. Under these
circumstances, the use of another brand will result in exclusion
of the Player from the tournament.
f - Use of resin (as used in handball) or magnesium or anything
similar on the table (surface, handle, balls) is strictly
prohibited, and can be penalized by exclusion from the
tournament.
g - The organizers are free to prohibit any products considered
to be dangerous for the equipment or for the Players.
h – No changes may be made to affect the interior playing
characteristics of the table or men with the exception of
routine table maintenance.
BALLS
a - The Official
balls are voted by ITSF sport commission. An appendix to this
rule will be provided after the final choice for the season has
been made.
b - In a tournament, games must be played with balls bought on
the tournament site.
c - All Players should be able to provide a tournament ball.
HANDLES
a- Each Player
may use the handles of his choice on tables where handles can be
changed. They must be able to fit onto the bars without causing
damage to the table or injury to the player.
b- The Players movements must be unassisted and unobstructed. No
mechanical systems will be authorized. The handles must be
securely attached to the bar on which they are installed.
c- The organizers may rule that specific handles are dangerous
and therefore require that the Player not use them. Refusal by a
Player to remove his handles will lead to exclusion from the
tournament.
d- In a multiple game match players must be able to change the
handles within the time allotted between games, time outs or
between points.
OTHER
ACCESSORIES
a- All other
accessories (gloves, elastic bands, no-skid handle-sleeves…) are
authorized unless they are perceived to endanger the Player or
other participants.
b- Under no circumstances may the surface or sides of the table
be modified by the accessories.
ITSF Rule Book -
5/18 - January 15, 2007
1. Code of
Ethics
Any action of an
unsportsmanlike or unethical nature during tournament play, in
the tournament room, or on the grounds of the host facility,
will be considered a violation of the Code of Ethics. Mutual
respect between all players, officials and/or spectators is a
requirement. It shall be the aim of every player and official to
represent table-soccer in the most positive and sportsmanlike
manner possible.
1. 1 The penalty for breaking the Code of Ethics may be
forfeiture of a game or match, expulsion from the tournament,
and/or a fine. Whether or not the Code of Ethics has been
broken, and what is the appropriate penalty for the infraction
will be determined by the ITSF Disciplinary Commission or if not
present by the Head Official and Tournament Director.
2. The Match -
Unless otherwise stated by the tournament director, a match
shall consist of 3 out of 5 games. Each game shall consist of 5
points. The final game of the match shall be to 5 points but you
must win by 2 up to a maximum of 8 points.
2.1 The number of games played is the responsibility of the
Tournament Director and will be published in the tournament
announcement.
2.2 The Tournament Director may reduce the amount of games and
points played per match if time becomes a factor.
2.2.1 This decision is final and refers to all matches played in
this event.
2.3 In every official ITSF tournament the number of games played
will be announced by the ITSF Sports Commission and will be
published in the official ITSF tournament announcement.
2.4 The penalty for breaking the official number of games or
points played may be forfeiture of a match or expulsion from the
tournament to both teams involved.
3. To Start a
Match - A coin flip shall precede the start of the match. The
team that wins the flip has the choice of table side or first
serve. The team that loses the flip has the remaining option.
3.1 Once a team has chosen either the table side or the first
serve, they may not change their decision.
3.2 The match officially starts once the ball has been put into
play. (BUT violations such as cursing, etc. may be called by the
official assigned to judge the match as soon as he and both
teams are present at the table.)
4. Serve and
Ready Protocol - Is defined as putting the ball into play at the
five-man rod at the beginning of a game, after a point is scored
or if the ball is awarded to a player on the five-man rod
following a rules infraction. The ready protocol will be used
whenever putting the ball into play.
4.1 The serve. The serve shall begin with the ball stopped at
the middle player figure of the five-man rod. The player serving
the ball must then follow the ready protocol.
4.1.1 If the ball is served from a position other than the
middle player figure and the violation is discovered before the
ball is scored play shall stop and the ball will be re-served by
the same team. Once a point is scored, no appeal shall be made.
The penalty for subsequent violations is loss of possession to
the opponent for serve.
4.2 Ready Protocol before putting the ball into play the player
in possession of the ball shall ask the opponent if he is
"ready". The direct opponent has three seconds to respond
"ready". The player in possession of the ball ITSF Rule Book -
6/18 - January 15, 2007 now has three seconds to begin to put
the ball into play. Waiting beyond these time limits will be
considered a delay of game (See Rule 25). The player must move
the ball from one player figure to another and then wait at
least one second before advancing the ball. The player is not
required to stop the ball. Time limits begin one second after
the ball contacts the second player figure.
4.2.1 The penalty for beginning to put the ball into play before
the opponent responds “ready” is a warning and the ball shall be
put into play from its original position. The penalty for
subsequent violations is loss of possession to the opponent for
serve.
4.2.2 The penalty for advancing the ball without making it
contact two player figures or failing to wait one second before
advancing the ball is the opponent's choice to either continue
play from the current position (including the goal) or to serve
the ball.
5. Subsequent
Serves - Following the first serve of a match, subsequent serves
shall be made by the team last scored upon. The first serve in
subsequent games of a multi-game match shall be made by the team
that lost the preceding game.
5.1 If the ball is served by the wrong team, and the violation
is discovered before the ball is scored, play shall be stopped
and the ball shall be served by the proper team. Once the ball
is scored, no protests shall be allowed, and play shall continue
as if no infraction had been committed.
5.2 If a team is awarded possession because the opposing team is
penalized for a rules infraction and the ball subsequently goes
dead between the five-man rods it shall be served by the team
who originally served that ball.
6. Ball in Play
- Once a ball is put into play it shall remain in play until the
ball is hit off the table, a dead ball is declared, time out is
called, or a point is scored.
7. Ball Off the
Table - If the ball leaves the playing area and strikes the
scoring markers, light fixture, or any object that is not part
of the table, the ball shall be declared off the table. If the
ball hits the top of the side rails or cabinet ends and then
immediately returns to the playing surface it will be considered
in play.
7.1 The play area shall be defined as the area above the playing
surface to the height of the sideboards of the cabinet. The top
of the side rails and cabinet ends are only in play if the ball
immediately returns to the playing surface.
7.2 A ball entering the serving hole (if present) and then
returning to the playfield is still considered "in play."
7.3 If the power of a player’s shot or pass causes the ball to
go off the table it will be put back into play at the opponent’s
two-man rod.
7.4 A player may not perform any shot that causes the ball to
lob or volley over the opponent’s rods (Example: Aerial Shot).
It is not considered a penalty if a shot, which leaves the
current rod of possession, deflects off another rod and then
goes airborne.
7.5 Penalty for violating rule 7.4 is loss of possession to
opponent’s five-man rod for serve.
8. Dead Ball - A
ball shall be declared a dead ball when it has completely
stopped its motion and is not within reach of any player figure.
8.1 If the ball is declared dead anywhere between the five-man
rods, it shall be put back into play at the five-man rod by the
team who originally served the ball. (See Rule 4). ITSF Rule
Book - 7/18 - January 15, 2007
8.2 If the ball is declared dead between the goal and five-man
rods, it shall be put back into play at the two-man rod nearest
the spot of the dead ball. Play shall resume using the “Ready”
Protocol (See Rule 4).
8.3 In the goalie area, if the ball is spinning in place but out
of reach of any player figure it is not considered a dead ball
and time limits shall be suspended until the ball either moves
within reach or goes dead.
8.4 A ball that is intentionally made dead shall be awarded to
the opposing team for a serve. (Example: pushing the ball from
the bottom until out of reach)
9. Time Out -
Each team is allowed two time outs per game during which the
players may leave the table. Such time outs shall not exceed 30
seconds. If the ball is in play, time out may be called only by
the team in possession of the ball, and then only if the ball is
completely stopped. If the ball is not in play, either team may
call time out.
9.1 Either team may take the full 30 seconds, even if the team
that called the time out does not wish to take the full
allotment.
9.2 In any doubles event, either team may switch positions
during a time out. (See Rule 14.1)
9.3 A time out called between games shall count towards the
number of time-outs allowed in the following game.
9.4 A player who removes both hands from the handles and turns
completely away from the table while the ball is in play shall
be deemed to have requested a time out.
9.4.1 A player can take his hands from the handles to wipe them
off before a shot, as long as this takes no more than two or
three seconds. All time limits continue to run while the player
wipes his hands. The team on defense should not relax if the
opponent takes his hand(s) off the rod.
9.4.2 Once the hand/wrist is replaced on the rod, a shot or pass
may not be attempted until one full second has elapsed.
9.5 Only the player or team in possession of the ball may call a
time out while the ball is in play. The time out starts the
moment the time out is called.
9.5.1 If the team with the ball attempts a shot or pass
immediately after requesting a time out, the play shall not
count, and the team shall be charged with a distraction (See
Rule 20) rather than a time out.
9.6 If the team in possession of the ball calls a time out while
the ball is in play and moving, that team shall lose possession
to the opposing five-man rod for serve. If the team not in
possession of the ball calls a time out when the ball is in
play, that team shall be charged with a distraction (See Rule
20).
9.6.1 If the ball is in play and moving when the time out is
called and then falls into the same team’s goal, the point shall
count for the opposing team.
9.7 If a team is not ready to play at the end of the 30 second
period, that team shall be charged with delay of game (See Rule
25).
9.8 A team requesting more than two time outs per game shall be
issued a warning and the request will be denied. If the team is
in possession of the ball and the ball is in play they shall
lose possession to the opposing five-man rod for serve.
Subsequent requests will result in a technical foul. ITSF Rule
Book - 8/18 - January 15, 2007
9.8.1 A team that is charged with more than two time outs in a
game due to delay of game, requesting a second official during
play, losing an appeal, or any other reason will result in a
technical foul.
9.9 Once a player begins to put the ball back into play
following a time out (by moving the ball), another time out may
not be called until the ball has left the current rod of
possession. Both goalie rods are considered as one rod.
9.9.1 The Penalty for violation of rule 9.9 is loss of
possession to the opposing goalie. The team shall not be charged
with a time out.
9.10 During a time out a player may reach into the play area to
lubricate the rods, wipe the playfield, etc. The ball may be
picked up by hand as long as permission is granted by the
opponent and is returned to its original position before
resuming play. A request to move or pick the ball up can be
declined by the opposing team or by the official if present at
the table (e.g. when the ball is near the edge of the goal).
9.10.1 If a player picks the ball up after the request has been
declined the ball will be awarded to the opponent’s five-man rod
for serve. If the ball is on the edge of the same team’s goal, a
point will be scored for the opponent.
10. Resuming
Play After a Time Out - Following a time out, the ball shall be
put back into play at the rod of possession where the time out
was called.
10.1 If the ball was in play when the time out was called, the
player in possession must have the assurance that the opposing
team is ready before moving the ball. The player must move the
ball from one player figure to another and then wait at least
one second before advancing the ball (See Rule 4).
10.1.1 As soon as the player in possession puts his hands back
on the handles, if the ball leaves the current rod before the
procedure of putting the ball back into play has begun, the
opponent has the choice to continue play from the current
position or to serve the ball.
10.2 If the ball was not in play when the time out was called,
the ball shall be put back into play by the team legally
entitled to do so according to the rules.
10.2.1 If the time-out was called between balls (after a goal is
scored but before the next ball is served) the ball shall be
served on the 5-rod by the team which was last scored upon.
10.3 The penalty for illegally putting the ball back into play
is the opponent's choice to continue play from the current
position or serve the ball.
11. Official
Time Out - An official time out does not count towards the two
time outs allowed per team per game. After an official time out,
the ball is put back into play as though a regular time out were
called.
11.1 If an official is not present at the start of the match,
and a dispute arises during play, either team may request an
official. Such a request can be made at any point during the
match that the ball is stopped or dead.
11.1.1 The first request for an official is considered an
official time out.
11.1.2 If the defensive team makes a request for an official
while the ball is in play and stopped, and the offensive team
simultaneously attempts a pass or shot, the request for a time
out will be treated as a distraction by the defensive team.
Likewise, a request for an official while the ball is in motion
will also be considered a distraction.
11.2 Once play has resumed with an official at the table, any
player requesting a second official will automatically be
charged with a time out. Such a request may only be made during
a dead (ITSF Rule Book - 9/18 - January 15, 2007) ball or when
the ball is not in play. The penalty for requesting another
official while the ball is in play is a technical foul.
11.2.1 If play has resumed with two officials at the table any
request to replace an official will be decided by the head
official or tournament director. If the request is denied, the
player shall be charged with a technical foul.
11.2.2 Deleted
11.3 A team may not switch positions during an official time
out, unless they are otherwise entitled to do so (see 14).
11.4 Table Maintenance - Any necessary table maintenance, such
as changing balls, tightening the men, etc., must be requested
before the start of the match. The only time that a player may
call a table maintenance time out during a match would be in the
case of a sudden alteration to the table, such as a broken man,
broken screw, crumbling bumper, bent rod, etc.
11.4.1 If a player figure is broken while in contact with the
ball, an official time out will be declared while the rod is
fixed. Play will resume on the rod where the player figure
broke.
11.4.2 If the table lighting fails, play shall immediately stop
at that point (as though an official time out were called).
11.4.3 Routine maintenance, such as spraying the rods, etc.,
should only be done during time outs and between games.
11.5 Foreign objects on field of play - if an object should fall
on the playfield, play shall immediately stop at that point and
the object shall be removed. Play shall resume from the rod
where the ball was when the object hit the playfield. There
should be nothing on the ends of the table that could fall onto
the playfield. If the ball is in motion it will be put back into
play by the player who had last possession.
11.5.1 If the ball comes into contact with a foreign object on
the playfield that was overlooked play shall stop and the object
shall be removed. Play shall continue at the rod of possession
when play was stopped.
11.6 Medical time out - a player or team may request a medical
time out. This request must be approved by the Tournament
Director, the Head Official, or the referee of the match if the
medical necessity is evident. They will determine the length of
the medical time out, up to a maximum or 60 minutes. A player
who is physically unable to continue playing after that time
must forfeit the match.
11.6.1 If the request for a medical time out is denied, the
player will be charged with a time out. The player may also be
penalized for delay of game (see 25), at the discretion of the
official.
12. Point Scored
- A ball entering the goal shall count as a point, as long as it
was legally scored. A ball which enters the goal but returns to
the playing surface and/or leaves the table still counts as a
goal.
12.1 If a point is not counted on the scoring markers and both
teams agree that it was previously scored and inadvertently not
marked up, the point shall count. If both teams do not agree
that a point was scored and not marked up that point shall not
be counted. Once the next game (or match) has begun no appeal
can be made and the point shall not count.
12.2 If there is a controversy over whether or not the ball
entered the goal, an official should be called to make a ruling.
The official may make a ruling based on information received by
the players and/or spectators. If the information gathered is
inconclusive the point shall not count. ITSF Rule Book - 10/18 -
January 15, 2007
12.3 Any team intentionally marking up a point not scored shall
not get credit for the point illegally marked up and shall be
charged with a technical foul. Further violations of this rule
will be grounds for forfeiture of game or match (to be
determined by the Head Official).
13. Table Sides
- At the end of each game, teams may switch sides of the table
before play of the next game can begin. If both teams switch
sides they will have to switch after each game. A maximum of 90
seconds is allowed between games.
13.1 Either team can request the full 90 seconds. If both teams
acknowledge that they are ready to resume play before the full
time is used, play shall continue and the remainder of the 90
seconds is then forfeited.
13.2 If a team, is not ready to play at the end of the 90 second
period, that team shall be charged with delay of game. (See Rule
25)
14. Change of
Positions - In any doubles event, players may only play the two
rods normally designated for his position. Once the ball is put
into play, the players must play the same position until a point
is scored, a team requests a time out, or a technical foul is
called.
14.1 Either team may switch positions during a time out, between
points, between games, or before and/or after a technical foul
shot.
14.2 Once a team has switched positions, they may not switch
back until after the ball has been put back into play or another
time out been called.
14.2.1 A team is considered to have switched positions once both
players are in their respective places facing the table. If both
teams wish to switch positions at the same time the team in
possession of the ball must decide their position first.
14.3 Illegally switching positions while the ball is in play
will be judged a distraction and the players must return to
their original positions.
14.3.1 In any doubles event any player placing their hand on any
rod normally designated as one played by their partner while the
ball is in play shall be judged as a distraction violations.
15. Spinning the
Rods - Spinning of the rods is illegal. Spinning is defined as
the rotation of any soccer figure more than 360 degrees before
or more than 360° after striking the ball. In calculating the
360° you do not add the degrees spun prior to striking the ball
to the degrees spun after striking the ball.
15.1 If a ball is advanced by an illegal spin the opposing team
will have the option of continuing play from the current
position or to serve the ball.
15.2 Spinning of a rod which does not advance and/or strike the
ball does not constitute an illegal spin. If a player's spinning
rod hits the ball backwards into his own goal, it will count as
a goal for the opposing team. Spinning of a rod away from the
ball (when there is no possession) is not considered an illegal
spin, but may be ruled as a distraction.
15.3 If an ungrasped rod is spun by the force of a ball hitting
a player figure on the rod, the spin will be considered legal
(example: a two-man shot in singles hitting the three-man). ITSF
Rule Book - 11/18 - January 15, 2007
16. Jarring -
Jarring, sliding, or lifting of the table while the ball is in
play is illegal. Whether or not the table jarring is done
intentionally is of no consequence. It is not necessary for a
player to lose the ball for jarring to be called on his
opponent. Jars are accumulated for the entire match.
16.1 The penalty for violation of this rule: First and second
offense - the opposing team has the option of continuing play
from the current position, continuing play from the point of
infraction, or serving the ball. If an illegal jar causes the
player to lose possession of the ball from a rod, play may be
continued from that rod. Subsequent violations - Technical foul.
16.2 Touching or coming into contact with your opponent's rods
in any way shall be penalized exactly like jarring, sliding, or
lifting.
16.3 Jarring of the table after a point has been scored or when
the ball is not in play may be judged unsportsmanlike behavior.
Slamming the rod after a shot while the ball is still in play
may be considered a jar.
17. Reset - If a
player exerts sufficient force on the table to impair the
opponent’s ability to execute a shot or pass, but the opponent’s
possession of the ball has not been jeopardized, the official
present will call “reset” and the time of possession shall be
reset. The player with the ball has the option of setting the
ball up again or ignoring the reset call and continuing play
from the current position.
17.1 Any movement of the ball, no matter how slight, may be
considered grounds for a reset (example: a ball rocking in
place). A reset can be called even if the ball is pinned or
moving.
17.2 A reset call is not considered a distraction, and the
player with the ball may shoot immediately. The defensive team
should not, therefore, relax or look at the official upon
hearing the word "reset," but rather should stay on defense.
17.3 A reset violation behind the ball shall not be considered a
reset violation. It shall be considered a jarring violation.
(Example: if the opposing forward is judged to have reset his
opponent when the opponent has the ball on the three-man rod.)
17.4 An intentional reset by the team in possession of the ball
for the purposes of attempting to get a reset call from the
official shall not be allowed. The team judged to be in
violation of this rule shall lose possession and the ball shall
be served by the opposing team (This is not counted as a reset).
17.5 After a team is called for their first reset in a game, a
team causing two subsequent resets during the same point will be
charged with a technical foul. Once the first reset call is
made, upon the next violation the official present will call
“reset warning” or just “warning”. If there is another reset
violation on the same ball following a reset warning a technical
foul shall be called.
17.5.1 If a technical foul is called for excessive resets, the
next reset call shall not result in a technical foul.
17.5.2 Resets are charged per team not per player and are also
charged per game not per match.
17.6 If the defender intentionally jars the table, this will not
be considered a reset, and jarring will be called immediately.
17.7 A reset call made while the ball is on the five-man rod
will reset the amount of times the ball has struck the wall as
well as the time limit.
18. Reaching
Into the Playing Area - It is illegal for a player to reach into
the play area while the ball is in play without first having
permission from the opposing team or official whether he touches
the ball or not. However, whenever the opposing team or official
grants a player permission to reach into the playing area, it is
legal for the player to do so.
18.1 A spinning ball is considered "in-play," even if it is not
in reach of a player figure. It is illegal to reach into the
playing area to stop a spinning ball, even if done for an
opponent. ITSF Rule Book - 12/18 - January 15, 2007
18.2 A ball which becomes airborne over the table is still in
play until it has hit something not a part of the playing area.
Do not catch a flying ball over the table.
18.3 A ball which has gone dead is considered out of play (See
Rule 8). The ball may be freely touched once permission has been
granted by the official, or if no official is present, by the
opposing team.
18.4 A player may wipe shot marks off any part of the table
while the ball is not in play. He does not need to ask
permission of the opposing team.
18.5 The penalty for violating any part of this rule is as
follows: If the player has possession of the ball, and the ball
is stopped - loss of possession to the opposing team for serve.
If the player is not in possession of the ball or the ball is
moving – Technical foul. If a player reaches into the playing
area to prevent the ball from entering the goal a point is
scored for the opposing team and the ball shall be served as if
it had gone into the goal.
18.6 If a technical foul is called for touching a flying ball
over the table it will be replayed as follows: If the technical
shot is scored it will be served by the opposing team. If the
technical shot is not scored, it will be served by the
non-offending team.
19. Alterations
to the Table - Playing area - no changes can be made that would
affect the interior playing characteristics of the table by any
player. This includes changes to the men, playing surface,
bumpers, etc.
19.1 A player cannot wipe sweat, spit or any foreign substance
on his hand before wiping ball marks off the table.
19.1.1 Wiping rosin or any other substance on the playfield is
illegal.
19.1.2 Any player using a substance on their hands to improve
their grip must make sure that this substance does not get on
the table or ball. If this does occur and the substance is
judged to affect the play of the ball (Example: a ball coated
with rosin) that ball and any others in the table similarly
affected shall be cleaned or replaced immediately. The player in
violation shall be penalized for delay of game and any
subsequent violations the player will be prohibited from using
the substance for the remainder of the match.
19.2 If a player who uses a substance, such as rosin, to improve
his grip leaves a deposit on the handles when switching sides he
must clean the handles immediately.
19.2.1 If the time necessary to remove the substance exceeds 90
seconds, the player will be penalized for delay of game, and the
player will be prohibited from using the substance again.
19.3 A player may not place anything on the rods, handles or
exterior of the table that affects the movement of the rods
(example: limiting the motion of the goalie rod).
19.4 A player may switch the handles on the exterior of the
tables if it can be done within the time limits and without
impeding the opponent’s ability to change sides between games.
Taking too much time will be grounds for delay of game (See Rule
25).
19.5 A request to change balls before the start of the match
must be approved by the official present or the Tournament
Director. The request will be granted only if the playing
characteristics of the existing balls are significantly
different from the standard.
19.5.1 New ball - a player may not ask for a new ball while the
ball is in play. During a dead ball, however, a player may
request a new ball from the rack inside the table. Such a
request will generally be granted, unless the official present
judges that such a request is made for the purpose of stalling
play.
19.5.2 A player requesting a new ball while the ball is in play
shall be charged with a time out, unless the official present
judges the ball to be unplayable, in which case no time out will
be charged. ITSF Rule Book - 13/18 - January 15, 2007
19.6 Unless otherwise specified, penalty for violation of any
part of this rule may be grounds for a technical foul.
20. Distraction
- Any movement or sound made away from or behind the rod where
the ball is in play may be judged as a distraction. No point
made as a result of a distraction will count. If a player
believes he is being distracted, it is his responsibility to
call for an official.
20.1 Banging the five-man rod or any rod prior to, during, or
after a shot is considered a distraction. Moving the five-rod
slightly after the shot has started is not considered a
distraction.
20.2 Talking between teammates while the ball is in play may be
judged a distraction. 20.3 It is not considered a distraction,
when passing, to move the catching rod as part of a fake.
Excessive motion, however, is grounds for a distraction.
20.4 It is considered a distraction, after setting up a shot, to
remove a hand from the handle and then immediately shoot the
ball. The ball may only be shot after both hands (and/or wrist)
have been on both handles for one full second.
20.4.1 In singles, rule 20.4 only applies to a set shot on the
three-rod.
20.5 A player who removes his hands from the handles and reaches
down or away from the table (to wipe his hands, apply rosin,
etc) while the ball is in play shall be charged with a
distraction.
20.6 Penalty for distraction. For the first distraction
violation, the guilty team may be charged with a warning if the
official present judges the distraction to be harmless. If a
shot is scored as a result of a distraction by the offensive
team, the point will not count and the opposing team will serve
the ball. In all other cases, the opposing team has the option
of continuing play from the current position; continue play from
the point of infraction, or serve the ball. Subsequent
violations may be grounds for a technical foul.
21. Practice -
Practice shall be permitted on any table before the match begins
and between games. Once a game has begun no practice shall be
permitted.
21.1 Practice is defined as moving the ball from one player
figure to another or shooting the ball.
21.1.1 Illegal Practice is a judgment call by the official
present at the table. Inadvertent movement of the ball does not
constitute Practice.
21.2 The Penalty for illegal practice is a loss of possession to
the opposing team for serve. If the player does not have
possession he will be issued a warning. Subsequent violations
will be a technical foul.
22. Language and
Behavior - Unsportsmanlike conduct or comments made directly or
indirectly by a player are not allowed. Violations of this rule
may be grounds for a technical foul.
22.1 Calling the attention of the opposing team away from the
game is not allowed (see Rule 20). Any shouts or sounds made
during a match, even if of an enthusiastic nature, may be
grounds for a technical foul.
22.2 Cursing by a player shall not be allowed. The penalty for
cursing is a technical foul. Continued cursing by a player may
be cause for forfeiture of games and/or expulsion from the
tournament site. ITSF Rule Book - 14/18 - January 15, 2007
22.3 The use of a spotter in the audience shall not be allowed.
Furthermore, a member of the audience is not allowed to
influence a match by distracting a player or official. Violation
of this rule may be grounds for expulsion of the person from the
tournament site.
22.4 Coaching will be allowed, but only during time outs and
between games.
23. Passing -
23.1 A ball which is advanced from a pinned or stopped position
on the five-man rod cannot be directly caught on the three-man
rod of the same team regardless of whether or not the ball is
touched by the opposing five-rod. The ball must touch at least
two player figures prior to advancing to legally be caught on
the three-man rod. A pinned ball is one that is pinned to the
wall or playfield.
23.1.1 A ball whose motion has clearly stopped may be legally
passed if this pass is immediate. If there is any hesitation
before the pass, the pass shall be declared illegal. Once a ball
has clearly stopped and is not passed immediately it must then
touch at least two player figures before it can be legally
passed.
23.1.2 A ball that is briefly stubbed or pinched to the playing
surface and immediately released forward can be legally caught
on the three-man rod as long as the ball touches two men prior
to advancing. However, if the ball is stubbed or pinched to the
playing surface, released, and then passed by the same player
figure it is illegal.
23.1.3 It is not considered an illegal pass from the five-man
rod if a stopped or pinned ball deflects off the same team’s
three-man rod provided it was not caught and there was no
controlled advancement by the three-man rod.
23.1.4 If the ball touches the front or back of the man prior to
the motion of a pass it must touch a second man before it can be
legally caught on the three-rod (or five-man rod when passing
from the goalie rods). However, if the ball hits the front or
back of the man on the initial contact from another rod it can
be legally passed with the same man.
23.2 A player cannot make the ball strike the side walls of the
table (or the side strips if present) more than twice before
passing or shooting from the five-man rod. Regardless of which
wall the ball touches, a total of two times is all that is
allowed prior to advancing the ball. If the ball goes to the
wall a third time, it may not be struck again by any player
figure on the passing rod.
23.2.1 Defensive trap - if an opponent's pass or shot is caught
by trapping it against the side wall, that does not count as one
of the two times allowed to touch the wall by the player who
made the trap and is now in possession of the ball on his
five-man rod.
23.2.2 Once the ball has touched the wall or side strip, it will
not be counted as hitting the wall again until it has rolled off
the side strip or is sufficiently maneuvered away from the wall
if there is no side strip present and the ball has come to rest
against the wall.
23.2.3 Following a time-out, any strike the ball makes against
the wall prior to touching a second man will not be counted
against the allowed two strikes.
23.3 Passing from the two-man (or three-man goalie rod) to the
same teams five-man is ruled the same as 23.1 except that if the
ball should strike an opposing team's player figures, the ball
is no longer considered a pass but a live ball that may be
legally caught by any player. The three wall violation is also
not in effect.
23.4 It is legal to have just one hand on the rods when playing
defense (example: right hand on defensive five-man). It is also
legal to use two hands to move one rod (example: defensive
five-man). Excessive switching of the hand between the handles
may be judged a distraction. ITSF Rule Book - 15/18 - January
15, 2007
23.5 Penalty for an illegal pass - if a team violates the above
rule of passing; the opposing team has the option of continuing
play from the current position to serve the ball.
24. Time of
Possession - Possession is defined as the ball being within
reach of a player figure. Possession of the ball shall be
limited to 10 seconds on the five-man rod and 15 seconds on all
other rods. Both goalie rods are considered one rod of
possession.
24.1 Advancement defined: A ball is considered to have advanced
once it is out of reach of the player figures on that rod
whether it went forward or backwards. In the case of the goalie
area, a ball is considered advanced once out of reach of the
player figures on the two-rod and beyond the goal area.
24.2 A spinning ball that is within reach of a player figure
shall be considered in that rod's possession and all time limits
shall continue, however, if the spinning ball is not within
reach, the time limits are not in effect. (See Rule 8.3)
24.3 Penalty - penalty for three-man delay is loss of possession
to the opposing goalie. Penalty for delay at any other rod is
loss of possession to the opposing forward for serve.
25. Delay of
Game - Play shall be continuous, except during time outs.
Continuous shall be defined as no more than 5 seconds duration
between a ball scored and the beginning of the ready protocol. A
delay of game penalty may only be called by an official.
25.1 After a team is charged with delay of game play shall
resume in at most 10 seconds. At the end of 10 seconds another
delay of game call should be made.
25.2 The first infraction of this rule is a warning. Subsequent
infractions will result in the player being charged with a time
out. Example: Player charged with delay of game. If still not
ready to resume play after 10 seconds - time out charged. If
after the time out still not ready, another 10 seconds - second
time out charged
26. Recalls and
Forfeiture - Once a match has been called, both teams should
report immediately to the designated table. If a team has not
reported to the table within three minutes, they should be
recalled. A team, upon being recalled, must report immediately
to the table in order to stop the forfeiture process.
26.1 A recall is made every three minutes. Penalty for third and
subsequent recalls is forfeiture of each game until the match is
over.
26.2 If a team has forfeited any games due to recalls, they get
the choice of side or serve once play begins.
26.3 Enforcement of this rule is the responsibility of the
Tournament Director.
27. Technical
Fouls - If, in the judgment of an authorized tournament
official, either team competing in a match is at any time in
flagrant or intentional violation of these rules of play, a
technical foul may be called on the offending team.
27.1 When a technical foul is called, play shall stop and the
opponent will be awarded the ball on the three-man rod. Only the
player shooting and the player blocking are allowed to stay at
the table. One shot will be taken and then play shall stop. If a
goal was scored, the ball is served by the team who was scored
on. If no goal was scored, play shall resume from where the ball
was prior to the technical shot or where specified by rules.
27.1.1 A player is considered to have taken a technical foul
shot once the ball has left the three-man rod. A player is
considered to have blocked the shot once the ball has either
stopped in or left the defender's area. ITSF Rule Book - 16/18 -
January 15, 2007
27.2 On a technical foul shot, the ball must be legally put into
play before shooting. Furthermore, all rules, including time
limits and resets, still apply.
27.3 A team may switch positions before and/or after the
technical foul shot without being charged with a time out.
27.4 Time outs may be called during a technical shot, as long as
they would otherwise be legal
27.5 A point scored on an illegal technical shot shall not be
counted. Play shall resume at the rod of possession where the
technical foul was called or as specified by rule.
27.6 If a technical foul shot ends the game, the opposing team
gets the first serve of the next game.
27.7 Further violations of a flagrant or intentional nature
shall carry additional technical fouls. A third technical foul
in any one game shall result in an automatic forfeiture of the
game.
27.8 The official may announce at any time after the first
technical foul that further violation by that team may be cause
for forfeiture of the game or match.
28. Rules
Decisions and Appeals - If a controversy involves a question of
judgment and the official is present at the time the events in
question transpired, his decision is final and no appeal may be
made. If the controversy involved an interpretation of the
rules, or the official was not present at the time the events in
question transpired, the official shall make the most equitable
decision possible under the circumstances. Decisions of this
nature may be appealed, but it must be done immediately in the
manner prescribed below.
28.1 In order to appeal a rules interpretation, a player must
file that appeal with the official before the ball being played
at the time of the controversy is put back into play. An appeal
concerning the loss of a match must be filed before the team
that won has begun its next match.
28.2 All rule appeals shall be considered by the Head Official
and (if present) at least two members of the officiating staff.
All decisions on appeals are final.
28.3 A team making an unsuccessful rules appeal of an obvious
nature, or a team that questions a judgment call, will be
charged with a time out. In addition, the team may also be
penalized for delay of game, at the discretion of the official.
28.4 Arguing with an official during a match will not be
allowed. Violation of this rule will be grounds for a delay of
game penalty and/or a violation of the code of ethics.
29. Dress Code -
Players who wish to compete in an ITSF sanctioned event must
wear proper sporting attire and are expected to uphold the
highest level of personal and professional appearance.
Enforcement of the dress code is the responsibility of the
Tournament Director, the Head Official and/or a member of an
official ITSF Sporting Commission.
29.1 Acceptable sporting attire consists of warm-up jackets and
pants, athletic shirts, sport tee shirts, polo shirts, athletic
shorts, and athletic shoes. Sport caps, visors, sweatbands, and
sport bandanas are also acceptable.
29.2 Prohibited attire includes clothing displaying profanity,
tank tops, denim or jeans of any kind, as well as cargo pants,
cargo shorts, form-fitting Spandex or Lycra pants and shorts.
Flip-flops, sandals and non-athletic shoes are also prohibited.
29.3 Players are encouraged to have the name of their country
clearly displayed on their shirt and jacket. This is mandatory
for the top rated players who will also be required to wear
patches on their sleeves indicating their World Ranking. It is
recommended but not mandatory for the player’s uniform to be in
their national colors with their country’s name, flag, and
sponsors logos prominently displayed.
29.4 The penalty for violating the dress code may be forfeiture
of a game or match. If a player is in violation of the dress
code during a match he must change into acceptable attire before
play can continue and the team will be charged with delay of
game (See Rule 25). ITSF Rule Book - 17/18 - January 15, 2007
30. Tournament
Director - The administration of tournament play shall be the
responsibility of the Tournament Director. This includes making
the draws, scheduling the events, timing matches, etc. The
decision of the Tournament Director in such matters is final.
30.1 All matters pertaining to rules of play (appointing
officials, handling appeals, etc.) shall be the responsibility
of the Head Official. The Tournament Director is responsible for
appointing the Head Official.
30.2 In every official ITSF tournament the Tournament Director
is subordinate to the ITSF Sport Commission. |
