Forward Shootout
1.
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 and must
also pay for the first game, with that expense alternating thereafter.
1. Once a team has chosen either
the table side or the first serve, they may not change their decision.
2. In the event of the loser's
bracket winner beating the winner's bracket team in the first match, the
second match will be started in the same manner as a regular match with the
coin flip, etc.
3. 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.)
2.
A serve through the serving hole is
used to put the ball into play at the start of the match, after a point is
scored, or after a ball leaves the table. The server may attempt to influence
the roll of the ball, but may not allow any part of either hand to be in
the play area once the ball hits the playfield.
1. The play area shall be defined
as the area above the playing surface to the height of the side boards of
the cabinet.
2. Prior to serving the ball,
the server may place either hand in the play area in order to position the
ball.
3. The ball may not be struck
by either team following a serve until it has touched the playfield, at which
time the ball is considered to be "in play" and the time limits start.
4. Spinning the ball shall
be allowed in order to influence the serve, however, no point shall be scored
by the serving team unless the ball is struck by one of the serving team's
figures.
5. The server must not serve
the ball until he has the assurance that the opposing team is ready for play
to begin. The server can signify that play is about to begin by tapping the
ball on the side of the table.
a. The server has tapped the
ball, and the opposing team is holding their handles, the opposing team shall
be deemed to be ready for play (unless they have specifically stated before
the ball hits the playing surface that they are not ready yet).
6. On the first violation of
any part of this rule, the ball shall be re-served by the original server.
Subsequent violations, however, shall result in the ball being put into play
by a server of the opposing team.
a. If the ball is incorrectly
served, but the server has not violated any part of these rules, the ball
is considered in play. In particular, the player may not reach into the play
area to re-serve the ball (see 16).
3.
Following the first serve of a match,
subsequent serves shall be made by the team last scored upon. First serves
in subsequent games of a multi-game match shall be made by the team which
lost the preceding game.
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 re-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.
2. If a team receives the serve
because the opposing team is being penalized for a rules infraction, and
if, after the ball is served, it goes dead or leaves the table and must be
re-served, it shall be re- served by the team who originally served it prior
to the infraction.
4.
Once a ball is put into play by the
server (see 2), 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.
5.
If the ball should leave the playing
area and strike the scoring marker, ash trays, top of the side rails, cabinet
ends, or any object that is not a part of the table, the ball shall be declared
off the table.
1. A ball which leaves the
table as a result of a shot, pass, or any other form of clearing the ball
from the two-rod, the ball will be played as follows: If the team which caused
the ball to leave the table is the original server, then the ball will go
back to that team's two-rod. If the team which caused the ball to leave the
table is not the original server, then the other team shall serve the
ball.
a. In any other case of the
ball leaving the table, it will be put back into play with a serve by the
team which originally served the ball.
2. A ball entering the serving
cup and then returning to the playfield is still considered "in play."
6.
A ball shall be declared a dead ball
when it has completely stopped its motion and is not within reach of any
player figure.
1. If the ball is declared
dead anywhere between the two-man rods, it shall be put back into play with
a serve by the team that originally served the ball.
2. If the ball is declared
dead anywhere between the goal and the two-man rods, it shall be put back
into play by placing the ball at the play figure nearest the spot of the
dead ball.
a. The goalie must have the
assurance that the opposing team is ready for play to continue before putting
the ball back into play in this manner (see 2.6). Furthermore, the goalie
must then move the ball from one player figure to another one and then stop
the ball for a full second before the motion of a shot or pass may
begin.
3. The time limits begin one
second after the ball touches the second man.
4. A ball that is spinning
in place is not considered to be a dead ball.
5. A ball that is intentionally
made dead in order to advance the ball or reset the time limits shall be
given to the opposing team for a re-serve (example: the two-man placing the
ball just out of reach in order to re-serve the ball).
6. The penalty for illegally
putting the ball back into play (as in 6.2.a) is the opponent's choice of
either continuing play from the current position or re-serving the ball.
This includes the cases where a player either loses the ball or scores on
himself before the ball has been put back into play.
7.
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.
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.
2. Either team may switch positions
during a time out (see 12).
3. A time out called between
games shall apply to the following game to be played in counting time outs
per game.
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 considered to have requested a time out.
a. A player can take his hands
from the handles to wipe them off before a shot, as long as it doesn't take
more than two or three seconds. However, 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 (see 18.4).
5. Either team member may call
time out when either he or his partner has the ball. The time out starts
the moment the time out is called.
a. If the team with the ball
attempts a shot or pass immedieately after requesting a time out, the play
shall not count, and the team shall be charged with a distraction (see 18)
rather than a time out.
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, and the ball shall be served by the opposing forward.
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 18.2).
7. If a team is not ready to
play at the end of the 30 second period, that team shall be charged with
another time out.
8. A team calling and/or charged
with more than two time outs per game shall be charged with an automatic
technical foul. The technical foul shall be shot before the 30 second period
is granted.
a. A team charged with a time
out shall always be given the full 30 second period, even if they have previously
taken two time outs, and either team may switch positions during this
time.
9. Once a player begins to
put the ball back into play following a time out (by moving the ball), a
time out may not be called again until the ball has left the current rod
of possession.
a. Penalty for violation of
this rule (7.9) is loss of possession, and the ball shall be served by the
opposing forward. The team shall not be charged with a time out.
10. During a time out a player
may reach into the play area to spray the rods, wipe the playfield, etc.
The ball may be picked up by hand, as long as it is returned to its original
position before play is continued.
11. During a time out the player
may not move the ball from man to man without the permission of the official,
as this can be considered practice (see 19). Penalty for violation of this
rule (7.11) is loss of possession and the ball shall be served by the opposing
forward. If the official present feels that it would be impossible to be
sure of accurately replacing the ball to the exact position it occupied at
the time of a time out, they may deny a request to pick up the ball (example:
a ball precariously perched on the edge of the goal).
8.
Following a time out, the ball shall
be put back into play by the player who had possession when the time out
was called.
1. If the ball was in play
when the time out was called, the player [B must have the assurance that
the opposing team is ready before moving the ball. The player must then move
the ball from one player figure to another one and then stop the ball for
a full second before the motion of a shot or pass may begin.
a. The time limit begins one
second after the ball touches the second man.
2. If the ball was not in play
when the time out was called, the ball shall be put back into play with a
serve by the team that originally served that ball.
3. The penalty for illegally
putting the ball back into play is the opponent's choice of either continuing
play from the current position or re-serving the ball. This includes the
case of a player losing the ball before touching two men.
9.
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.
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.
a. The first request for an
official is considered an official time out. The cost for the official will
be split between the two teams.
b. 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.
2. Any team subsequently requesting
an official will automatically be charged with a time out. Such a request
may only be made during a dead ball. The penalty for requesting another official
while the ball is in play is a technical foul.
a. The Head Official will decide
whether the request for a new official will be granted. If the request is
granted, the team requesting the official must pay the full cost of the new
official. The two officials will then judge the match. An official may be
replaced only at the discretion of the Head Official.
b. If there are already two
officials present, any request for a new official will be denied, and the
team will be charged with a technical foul.
3. A team may not switch positions
during an official time out, unless they are otherwise entitled to do so
(see 12).
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.
a. 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.
b. If the table lighting fails,
play shall immediately stop at that point (as though an official time out
were called).
c. Routine maintenance, such
as spraying the rods, etc., should only be done during time outs and between
games.
5. Foreign objects on field
of play - if an object should fall on the playfield, play shall immediately
stop at that point. There should be nothing on the ends of the table that
could fall onto the playfield.
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, and a member of the officiating
staff. 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.
a. 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 24), at the discretion of the
official.
b. Medical time outs will typically
be granted only for accidental or unexpected injuries incurred during the
course of play.
10.
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.
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, after another ball is
scored, that point shall not be counted.
2. If there is a controversy
over whether or not the ball entered the goal, an official should be
called.
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).
11.
At the end of each game, teams must
switch sides of the table before play of the next game can begin. A maximum
of 60 seconds is allowed between games.
1. Either team can request
the full 60 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 that 60 seconds is then forfeited.
2. If a team, is not ready
to play at the end of the 60 second period, that team shall be charged with
delay of game.
12.
In any doubles event, each player
may play only 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 is called.
1. Either team may switch positions
during a time out, between points, between games, or before and/or after
a technical foul shot.
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 has been called.
a. A team is considered to
have switched positions once both players are in their respective places
facing the table.
3. Illegally switching positions
while the ball is in play will be judged a distraction.
a. 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.
13.
Spinning of the rods is illegal. Spinning
is defined as the rotation of any soccer figure more than 360 degrees before
or after striking the ball. In calculating the 360 degrees, you do not add
the degrees spun prior to striking the ball to the degrees spun after striking
the ball.
1. A ball which is advanced
by an illegal spin is replayed as follows: If the ball goes in the goal,
then it will not be counted as a point and will be put back into play by
the goalie as if the ball had been declared a dead ball between the goal
and the nearest two-man rod. If the ball does not go in the goal, the opposing
team will have the option of continuing play from the current position or
re-serving the ball.
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.
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).
14.
Any jarring, sliding, or lifting of
the table shall be illegal. Whether or not the table jarring is done
intentionally is of no consequence. This call must be made by an official.
It is not necessary for a player to lose the ball for jarring to be called
on his opponent.
1. The penalty for violation
of this rule: First offense - the opposing team has the option of continuing
play from the current position, continuing play from the point of infraction,
or re-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. After the technical shot the non offending team
continues to have the options listed under First Offense (14.1).
2. Touching or coming into
contact with your opponent's rods in any way shall be penalized exactly like
jarring, sliding, or lifting.
3. Jarring of the table may
be called even if the ball is not in play. In particular, slamming the rod
after the shot may be considered jarring.
15.
If a player has the ball stopped and
set up to shoot or pass, and the ball is unintentionally moved due to jarring
by the opponent, the official present will call "reset" and he will reset
all time limits. The player with the ball has the option of setting the ball
up again, or ignoring the reset call and playing the ball where it is.
1. Any movement of the ball,
no matter how slight, may be considered grounds for a reset (example: a ball
rocking in place).
2. A reset 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.
3. A reset call does not count
as jarring infraction, however, repeated offenses may be grounds for the
official present to call a technical foul on the defensive player causing
the reset.
4. 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 3 rod.)
5. 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 of the ball, the ball to
be reserved by the other team. (This is not counted as a reset.)
6. A team is allowed one reset
call per game. After that, a team causing two resets during the same point
will be charged with a technical foul.
a. If a technical foul is called
for excessive resets, the next reset call shall not result in a technical
foul.
b. Resets are charged per-team
and not per-player.
7. If the defender intentionally
jars the table, this will not be considered a reset, and jarring will be
called immediately.
8. 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.
16.
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, whether he touches the ball or not. However, whenever
the opposing team grants a player permission to reach into the playing area,
it is legal for the player to do so.
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 playing area to stop a spinning ball, even if done for an
opponent.
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.
3. A ball which has gone dead
is considered out of play. The ball may be freely touched once permission
has been granted by the official, or if no official is present, by the opposing
team.
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.
5. The penalty for violation
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. If the ball
is moving in the player's goal area behind the two-man rod - a point is scored
for the opposing team, and the ball is re-served as if it had gone in the
goal. Any other case - technical foul.
17.
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.
1. A player cannot wipe sweat
or spit or any foreign substance on his hand before wiping ball marks off
the table.
a. Wiping rosin on the table
is illegal.
b. Any player using a substance
on their hands to improve their grip, for example, must make sure that this
substance does not get on the 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
immediately and the team judged to have caussed this to occur shall be penalied
for delay of game and warned that if this occurs again during the match they
will be prohibited from using the substance.
2. Handles - in regard to the
use of substances to improve grip, if a player uses a substance that, upon
switching tables sides, has left a deposit on the handles, he must immediately
clean the handles.
a. If the time necessary to
remove the substance exceeds 60 seconds, the player will be penalized for
delay of game, and the player will be prohibited from using the substance
again.
3. A player may not place a
tube or handle on the table exterior that inhibits the motion of the rods
(example: for limiting the motion of the goalie rod).
4. A player may not switch
the handles on the exterior of the tables.
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.
a. 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 simply for the purpose of stalling play.
b. 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.
6. Unless otherwise specified,
penalty for violation of any part of this rule may be grounds for a technical
foul.
18.
Any movement or sound made away from
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.
1. Banging the five-man rod
or any rod prior to, during, or after a shot is considered a distraction.
Moving the five man slightly after the shot has started is not considered
a distraction, however.
2. Talking between teammates
while the ball is in play may be judged a distraction.
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.
4. It is considered a distraction,
after setting up a shot, to remove a hand from the handle and then shoot
the ball. The ball may only be shot after the hand/wrist has been on the
handle for a full second.
a. In singles, rule 18.4 only
applies to a set shet on the three-rod.
5. 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 re-serve the ball. In
all other cases, the opposing team has the option of continuing play from
the current position, continuing play from the point of infraction, or re-serving
the ball. Subsequent violations may be grounds for a technical foul.
19.
Once a match has begun, no player
may practice either his serve or shot on either the table being played or
on any other table. This rule applies during time outs and between
games.
11 Practice is defined as either
moving the ball (by contacting it with a player figure) or practicing the
serve.
a. Illegal Practice is a judgement
call by th official present at the table. Inadvertent movement of th ball
does not necessarily constitute Practice.
2. Penalty for this infraction
is a technical foul, except in the case of putting the ball back into play
following a time out (see 7.11).
20.
Unsportsmanlike comments made directly
or indirectly by a player are not allowed. Violations of this rule may be
grounds for a technical foul.
1. Calling the attention of
the opposing team away from the game is not allowed (see 18). Any shouts
or sounds made during a match, even if of an enthusiastic nature, may be
grounds for a technical foul.
2. Cursing by a player shall
not be allowed. Continued cursing by a player may be cause for forfeiture
of games and/or expulsion from the tournament site.
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.
4. Coaching will be allowed,
but only during time outs and inbetween games.
21.
1. A pinned ball on the 5 man
cannot be directly advanced to the 3 man rod of the same team. It must touch
at least two player figures as it is put into the motion of a pass (Except
an accidental stub or squib pass SEE 21.1c). A pinned ball is on that is
pinned to the wall or playfield.
a. A ball whose motion has
clearly stopped may be legally passed if this pass if immediate. Any hesitation
befor the pass and the pass shall be declared illegal. Once a ball has clearly
stopped and is not immediately passed it must then touch at least two player
figures before it can be legally passed.
b. Changing the lateral speed
or direction of the ball from the front or back of the man prior to passing
the ball is considered to be an adjustment and is illegal. Changing the speed
or direction of the ball from the side of the man is legal.
c. An accidental stub or squib
pass is legal. However, if a ball is stubbed or squibbed by a player figure,
released, and then passed by that player figure before striking another player
figure on that same rod, it is illegal.
2. A pinned or stopped ball
may be shot on goal, to be considered a shot, the ball must either go into
the goal, be blocked by the opposing goalie's men, or hit the back wall.
If the atte[Bmpted shot is blocked by the opposing five-man rod and then
caught by the shooter's three-man, It shall be declared an illegal pass.
a. If a pinned or stopped ball
from the five-man is shot on goal, and the ball hits the shooter's three-man
row, then the shot would be legal, provided the ball was not caught by the
three-man.
b. A caught ball is defined
as a ball that is in the possession of a rod long enough for a controlled
pass or shot to be attempted (examples: pick-up and quick shots).
3. Before attempting a pass
from the five-man rod, the player cannot make the ball strike the side wall
of the table more than twice. It makes no difference which wall the ball
touches - a total of two times is all that is allowed. If the ball goes to
the wall a third time, it must be advanced in the motion of a pass or
shot.
a. Defensive trap - if an
opponent's pass or shot is stopped 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.
b. Once the ball has touched
the wall, it will not be counted as hitting the wall again until the ball
has rolled off the side strip (if present on the table).
c. 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.
4. Passing from the two-man
and goalie rods - rule 21.1 also applies to a pass from the two-man or goalie
rod to the same team's five-man rod. However, once a ball is forwarded from
either the two-man or the goalie rods, if it should strike an opposing team's
player figures, that ball is no longer considered a pass but a live ball
that may be legally caught by any player.
a. Rule 21.2a also applies
here for a stopped shot from the two- man touched by the five-man.
5. It is legal to have just
one hand on the rods when playing defensive (example: right hand on defensive
five-man). It is also legal to use two hands to move a rod (example: defensive
five-man).
6. 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 or re-serving the
ball.
22.
Possession of the ball at any one
rod shall be limited to 15 seconds, except the five-man rod which has a ten
second limit, by the end of which time period the player in possession must
advance the ball to or past at least one rod of the opposing team.
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.
2. Enforcement of the time
of possession rule shall be made only by a certified tournament offical.
3. A spinning ball that is
within reach of a player figure shall be considered to be in that rod's
possession and all time limits shall continue. Players must make an honest
effort to gain possession of a spinning ball that is within reach, however,
if the spinning ball is not within reach, the time limits are not in
effect.
4. Penalty - penalty for three-man
delay is loss of possession to the opposing goalie. The goalie shall put
the ball back into play as if it had been declared a dead ball. Penalty for
delay at any other rod is loss of possession to the opposing forward for
serve.
23.
Best of five matches shall be limited
to one hour of play from the time the match is started. Best of three matches
shall be limited to 35 minutes from the time the match is called.
1. If the specified time limit
expires before the match has been completed, an official will announce to
the players that a ten minute overtime period will begin at that time. If
the overtime period ends before the match has been completed, the winner
of the match shall be the player or team which has won the most games, or
if the teams have an equal number of games, it shall be the team that has
scored the most points in the game in progress, after the ball in play at
this time that the overtime period expires has been scored. If the teams
have won an equal number of games and scored an equal number of points after
this ball has been scored, one more ball shall be played to determine the
winner of the match.
2. Time outs called within
the regular time limit of a match shall be counted against the total amount
of time left to play. However, time outs do not count against the ten minutes
in the overtime period (a time out would then stop the clock).
3. Official time outs do not
count against the total amount of time left to play.
4. Enforcement of this rule
is the responsibility or the Tour nt Director.
24.
Play shall be continuous, except during
time outs. Continuous shall be defined as no
more than 5 seconds duration between a ball scored and a new ball served. A delay of game penalty may only be called by an official.
1. After a delay of game infraction
play shall resume in at most 10 seconds. At the end of 10 seconds another
delay of game call should be made.
2. Taking too much time to
serve the ball or to put the ball back into play may be grounds for delay
of game. Taking too much time to place one’s hand
on the handle or to become silent may be grounds for delay of game.
3. 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 (See 7.8).
25.
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.
1. A recall is made every three
minutes. Penalty for second and subsequent recalls is forfeiture of a
game.
2. If a team has forfeited
any games due to recalls, they get the choice of side or serve once play
begins.
3. Enforcement of this rule
is the responsibility of the Tournament Director.
26.
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.
1. When a technical foul is
called, play shall stop and the ball awarded to the opponents of the offending
team at its three-man rod. One shot will be taken after which play shall
stop. If it scores or not, the ball shall be put back into play at the spot
it was when the technical was called. If the ball was in motion, it will
be put back into play as if it had been declared dead at that spot. (Except
as provided in 14.1).
a. A player is considered to
have taken a technical foul shot once ball has left the three-man rod. A
player is considered to have been blocked the shot once the ball has either
stopped in or left the defender's area.
2. On a technical foul shot,
the ball must be put into play before shooting (see 8.1). Furthermore, all
rules, including time limits and resets, still apply.
3. A team may switch positions
before and/or after the technical foul shot without being charged with a
time out (see 12).
4. Time outs may be called
during a technical shot, as long as they would otherwise be legal (see
7).
5. A point scored on an illegal
technical shot shall not be allowed, and play shall resume at the spot the
technical was called.
6. If a technical foul shot
ends the game, the opposing team gets the first serve of the next game.
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. Also, the official may announce at any time after the first
technical foul is called on a team that further violation by that team shall
be cause for forfeiture of the game or match.
27.
If a controversy involves a question
of judgement, 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.
1. In order to appeal a rule
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.
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.
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.
4. Arguing with a Certified
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.
28.
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.
1. Penalty - the penalty for
breaking the Code or 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 Disciplinary Committee of the USTSA.
29.
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.
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.
Goalie
Wars
Goalie Wars is a singles specialty
event where the three and five-man rods are lifted up, and the defenders
play against each other.
1. The Serve
The ball must touch two men and then
be stopped for a full second before a shot may be attempted. Violation is
loss of possession.
1. Time limits start one second
after the ball has touched the second man.
2. Possession
In order to shoot the ball and score
a point, a player must have possession of the ball. If the ball is in a player's
defensive area, that player has possession of the ball. However, if the ball
is in the center of the table, the player who last had the ball in his defensive
area loses possession of the ball to the other player.
1. A player's defensive area
is defined to extend from the back wall to the end of where the two-man rod
reaches. The center of the table is the remaining area of play.
2. A ball that strikes any
rod, player figure, or bumper in the center of the table is still considered
a live ball. These rods play no part in determining possession of the
ball.
3. If a ball leaves the playing
area and strikes a foreign object, the ball is re-served by the player who
originally served the ball. If a ball goes dead on the table, the ball is
re-served by the player who has possession of the ball.
4. If player A shoots a ball
that never reaches player B's defensive area, player A must first stop or
control the ball, and then give the ball back to player B to re-serve. In
particular, a shot that bounces back and goes in the shooter's goal counts,
since that player must first stop and control the ball.
3. Time Limits
There is a ten second possession limit
in the defensive area. In addition, once the ball is stopped or pinned for
more than three seconds, three ball must be moved to another man before a
shot is attempted.
4. Time Outs
You are allowed two time outs per
game.
Four-on-Four
Four on Four is a specialty event
where there are four players on a side, with each player holding a single
rod.
1. Change of Positions
1. If a team scores a point,
they must rotate positions before the next point: the player on the three-man
rod moves to the goalie-rod, while the players on the goalie, two-man, and
five-man rods move to the two- man, five-man, and three-man rods
respectively.
2. A team may also change positions
before the start of the match or between games. However, no other changes
of positions will be allowed.
2. Legal Shots
1. The game is played rollerball
style, i.e., a ball may not be pinned for more than three seconds or stopped
for more than one second, and there is a ten second time limit per rod.
2. Once a ball is stopped or
pinned, the player must make sure the ball touches another man of the same
team (on any rod) in order to score a point.
3. If a point is scored illegally,
the ball shall be re-served by the opposing team.
3. Time Outs
You are allowed two time outs per
game. However, you may not call a time-out while the ball is in play.
Two-Ball
Rollerball
Two-Ball Rollerball is a specialty
event played with two balls served at the beginning of a point.
1. Time Limits
The game is played rollerball style,
i.e., a ball may not be pinned for more than three seconds or stopped for
more than one second, and there is a ten second time limit per rod. A shot
may be directly scored from a pinned or stopped position
2. Serving the Ball
1. At the start of a point,
each forward should serve their ball on the count of three. Both balls should
hit the playfield within one second of the three count.
2. If a ball goes off the table,
and no balls have been scored yet, both balls shall be re-served. Otherwise,
the team scored upon serves the remaining ball.
3. Scoring
1. If each team scores a goal,
then neither team receives a point. Two balls are re-served.
2. If a team has scored the
first ball, they may stop play any time they have control of the second ball
and take one point. If a team elects to take the point, two balls are
re-served.
3. A team that scores both
goals gets two points. Two balls are re-served.
4. A shot that goes "in and
out" does not count as a goal scored in Two-Ball Rollerball (rather, play
continues).
4. Time Outs
You are allowed two time outs per
game. However, you may not call a time-out while the ball is in play.
Forward
Shootout
Forward Shootout a singles specialty
event where the players alternately shoot technical foul shots on each
other.
1. The Serve
The ball is placed on the three-man,
and then must touch two men and be stopped for a full second before a shot
may be attempted. Violation is loss of possession.
1. The first serve of the match
is determined in the usual fashion, by a flip of the coin.
2. The serve alternates between
players for the remainder of the match.
2. Shooting
The ball is considered to have been
shot once it leaves the forward's three man. The ball is considered to have
been blocked once the ball has either stopped in or left the defender's
area.
3. Time Limits
The usual time limit (15 seconds)
applies on the three-man. Time limits start one second after the ball has
touched the second man.
4. Time Outs
You are allowed two time outs per
game.
ROTO DOUBLES
Roto Doubles will be played the same as an Open Doubles match with the following
exceptions:
When a team scores a point, they switch positions and remain in that position
until they score another point. You cannot switch on dead balls or
during a time-out, only when your team scores.
THREE ON THREE
Three On Three is played just like Open Doubles, except with 3 players and all
players must play the same position throughout the game. Player #1 plays the
three and five man rods, while Player #2 plays the two man rod and Player #3
plays the goalie position.
THREE ON THREE ROTO
Three On Three Roto is played like Three On Three including the starting positions.
However, the players must rotate one position to the right upon their team scoring.
