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rec.sport.table-soccer FAQ5 - USTSA Rules of Play - 1994/09/25


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Archive-name: sports/table-soccer/USTSA-rules-of-play
Rec-sport-table-soccer-archive-name: USTSA-rules-of-play
Alt-sport-foosball-archive-name: USTSA-rules-of-play
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Last-modified: 1996/09/25
URL: http://www.foosballheaven.com
Version: 1995.1.b

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*****************************************
REC.SPORT.TABLE-SOCCER  FAQ 5  
USTSA Rules of Play  Revised January 1995
*****************************************

The latest version of this file is available at Rob's Foosball Heaven 
http://www.foosballheaven.com

Version 1995.1.b:  The b revision indicates the addition of the Adrian 
Zamora's Rules Clarification from the Officiating Clinic on 8-96.  
Submitted to RSTS by Ronald Rockhold (rlr@austin.ibm.com)

Reprinted with the permission of
The United States Table Soccer Association; (817) 561-0511 and
Tornado Table Soccer, Inc. -  4949 Rendon Road; Fort Worth, 
Texas  76140-0626; (817) 483-6646.

__________________________________________________________

Table of Contents


1..........Start of Match
2..........Serve
3..........Subsequent Serves
4..........Ball in Play
5..........Ball Off the Table
6..........Dead Ball
7..........Time Out
8..........Resuming Play After Time Out
9..........Official Time Out
10.........Point Scored on an In and Out
11.........Table Sides
12.........Change of Positions
13.........Spinning the Rods
14.........Jarring
15.........Reset
16.........Reaching into Playing Area
17.........Alterations to the Table
18.........Distraction
19.........Practice
20.........Language
21.........Passing
22.........Time of Possession
23.........Match Time Limit
24.........Delay of Game
25.........Forteiture
26.........Technical Fouls
27.........Rules Decisions and Appeals
28.........Code of Ethics
29.........Tournament Director
...........Goalie War
...........Four on Four
...........Two-Ball Rollerball
...........Forward Shootout
...........Rules Clarification 8-96



_________________________________________________________________________


1. 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 and must also pay for the 
first game, with that expense alternating thereafter.  

1.1     Once a team has chosen either the table side or the first serve, 
they may not change their decision.

1.2     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.

1.3     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. The Serve

   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.

2.1     The play area shall be defined as the area above the playing 
surface to the height of the side boards of the cabinet.

2.2     Prior to serving the ball, the server may place either hand in 
the 
play area in order to position the ball.

2.3     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.

2.4     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.

2.5     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.

2.5a    If 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).

2.6     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.

2.6a    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.      Subsequent Serves

   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.

3.1     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.

3.2     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. Ball in Play

   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. Ball Off the Table

   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.  The ball should be put back into play with a serve by the team 
which originally served that ball.

5.1     A ball entering the serving cup and then returning to the 
playfield is still considered "in play".

6.      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.

6.1     If the ball is declared dead between the goal and two-man rods, 
it 
shall be put back into play by placing the ball in the corner nearest 
the spot of the dead ball and releasing it into play from rest.

6.1a    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.

6.1b    The time limits begin one second after the ball touches the 
second man.

6.2     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 that ball.

6.3     A ball that is spinning in place is not considered to be a dead 
ball.
 
6.4     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).

6.5     The penalty for illegally putting the ball back into play (as in 
6.1) 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.      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.

7.1     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.

7.2     Either team may switch positions during a time out (see 12).

7.3     A time out called between games shall apply to the following game 
to be played in counting time outs per game.

7.4     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.

7.4a    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 the 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).

7.5     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.

7.5a    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 18.2) rather than a time out.

7.6     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).

7.7     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.

7.8     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.

7.8a    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.

7.9     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.

7.9a    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.

7.10    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.

7.11    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.      Resuming Play After Time Out

   Following a time out, the ball shall be put back into play by the 
player who had possession when the time out was called.

8.1     If the ball was in play when the time out was called, the player 
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.

8.1a    The time limit begins one second after the ball touches the 
second 
man.

8.2     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.

8.3     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.      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.  

9.1     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.

9.la    The first request for an official is considered an official time 
out.  The cost for the official will be split between the two teams.

9.1b    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.

9.2     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.

9.2a    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.

9.2b    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.

9.3     A team may not switch positions during an official time out, 
unless they are otherwise entitled to do so (see 12).

9.4     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.

9.4a    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.

9.4b    If the table lighting fails, play shall immediately stop at 
that point (as though an official time out were called).

9.4c    Routine maintenance, such as spraying the rods, etc., 
should only be done during time outs and between games.

9.5     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.

9.6     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.

9.6a    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.

9.6b    Medical time outs will typically be granted only for 
accidental or unexpected injuries incurred during the course of play.

10.     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.

10.1    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.

10.2    If there is a controversy over whether or not the ball entered
the goal, an official should be called.

10.3     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.    Table Sides

   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.

11.1    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.

11.2    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.     Change of Positions

   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.

12.1    Either team may switch positions during a time out, between 
points, between games, or before and/or after a technical foul shot.

12.2    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.

12.2a   A team is considered to have switched positions once both 
players are in their respective places facing the table.

12.3    Illegally switching positions while the ball is in play will be 
judged a distraction.

12.3a   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 the Rods

   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.

13.1    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.

13.2    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.

13.3    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.     Jarring

   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.

14.1    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).

14.2    Touching or coming into contact with your opponent's rods in any 
way shall be penalized exactly like jarring, sliding, or lifting.

14.3    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.     Reset

   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.

15.1    Any movement of the ball, no matter how slight, may be considered 
grounds for a reset (example: a ball rocking in place).

15.2    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.

15.3    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.

15.3a   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.)

15.3b   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 and the ball is to be reserved by the other team.
(This is not counted as a reset.)

15.4    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.

15.4a   If a technical foul is called for excessive resets, the next 
reset call shall not result in a technical foul.

15.4b   Resets are charged per-team and not per-player.

15.5    If the defender intentionally jars the table, this will not be 
considered a reset, and jarring will be called immediately.

16.     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, 
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.

16.1    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.

16.2    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.

16.3    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.

16.3a   There is no penalty for touching the ball after it is dead, 
regardless of whether or not permission was given to touch the ball.

16.4    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.

16.5    The penalty for violation of this rule is as follows:

16.5a   If the player has possession of the ball, and the ball is 
stopped - loss of possession to the opposing team.

16.5b   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.

16.5c   Any other case - technical foul.

17.     Alterations to the Table

17.1    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.

17.1a   A player cannot wipe sweat or spit or any foreign substance 
on his hand before wiping ball marks off the table.

17.1b   Wiping rosin on the table is illegal.

17.1c   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 penalized for delay
of game and warned that if this occurs again during the match they
will be prohibited from using the substance.

17.2    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.

17.2a   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.

17.2b   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).

17.2c   A player may not switch the handles on the exterior of the 
tables.

17.3    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.

17.3a   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 shall be 
granted, unless the official present judges that such a request is made
simply for the purpose of stalling play.

17.3b   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.

17.4    Unless otherwise specified, penalty for violation of any part of 
this rule may be grounds for a technical foul.

18.     Distractions

   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.

18.1    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.

18.2    Talking between teammates while the ball is in play may be judged 
a distraction.

18.3    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.

18.4    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 both hands are on the handles for a full second.

18.5    Penalty for distraction - 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.     Practice

   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.

19.1    Practice is defined as either moving the ball (by contacting it 
with a player figure) or practicing the serve.

19.1a   Illegal Practice is a judgement call by the official present
at the table.  Inadvertent movement of the ball does not necessarily
constitute practice.

19.2    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.     Language

   Unsportsmanlike comments made directly or indirectly by a player 
are not allowed.  Violations of this rule may be grounds for a technical 
foul.

20.1    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.

20.2    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.

20.3    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.

20.4    Coaching will be allowed, but only during time outs.

21.     Passing

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 one that is pinned to the
wall or playfield. 

21.1a   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.

21.1b   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.

21.1c   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.

21.2    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 attempted 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.

21.2a   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.

21.2b   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).

21.3    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.

21.3a   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.

21.3b   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).

21.4    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.

21.4a   Rule 21.2a also applies here for a stopped shot from the two-
man touched by the five-man.

21.5    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).

21.6    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.     Time of Possession

22.1    Enforcement of the time of possession rule shall be made only by 
an authorized tournament official.

22.2    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.

22.3    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.

22.4    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.     Match Time Limit

   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 started.

23.1    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.

23.2    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).

23.3    Official time outs do not count against the total amount of time 
left to play.

23.4    Enforcement of this rule is the responsibility of the Tournament 
Director.

24.     Delay of Game

   Play shall be continuous, except during time outs.  A delay of 
game penalty may only be called by an official.

24.1    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.

24.2    Taking too much time to serve the ball or to put the ball back 
into play may be grounds for delay of game.

24.3    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 (Technical - 
SEE 7.8).

25.     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.

25.1    A recall is made every three minutes.  Penalty for second and 
subsequent recalls is forfeiture of a game.

25.2    If a team has forfeited any games due to recalls, they get the 
choice of side or serve once play begins.

25.3    Enforcement of this rule is the responsibility of the Tournament 
Director.

26.     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.

26.1    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).

26.1a   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.

26.2    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.

26.2a   A team may switch positions before and/or after the technical 
foul shot without being charged with a time out (see 12).

26.2b   Time outs may be called during a technical shot, as long as 
they would otherwise be legal (see 7).

26.2c   A point scored on an illegal technical shot shall not be 
allowed, and play shall resume at the spot the technical was called.

26.3    If a technical foul shot ends the game, the opposing team gets 
the 
first serve of the next game.

26.4    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.     Rules Decisions and Appeals

   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.

27.1    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.

27.2    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.

27.3    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.

27.4    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.     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.

28.1    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.     Tournament Director

29.1    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.

29.2    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 WAR


Goalie War 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.

1.1     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.

2.1     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.

2.2     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.

2.3     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 
the ball
   goes dead on the table, the ball is re-served by the player
   who had possession of the ball.

2.3 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

1.1     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.

1.2     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

2.1     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.

2.2     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.

2.3     If a point is scored illegally, the ball shall be re-served by 
the 
   opposing team.

3.     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 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 if 
it is done immediately.

2. Serving the Ball

2.1     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.

2.2     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

3.1     If each team scores a goal, then neither team receives a point.  
Two 
   balls are re-served.

3.2     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.

3.3     A team that scores both goals gets two points.  Two balls are
   re-served.

3.4     A shot that goes "in and out" does not count as a goal scored in
   Two-Ball Rollerball (rather, play continues).

4.     You are allowed two tie 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.

1.2     The first serve of the match is determined in the usual fashion, 
by 
   a flip of the coin.

1.3     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.   You are allowed two time outs per game. 


_________________________________________________________________________

Rules Clarification 8-96

By Adrian Zamora
Officiating Clinic at the 1996 USTSA World Championships



There have been repeated questions regarding the interpretation and/or
intent of several rules.  To help players and officials better
understand,the following is a list of these rules with their 
interpretations:


Rule 24 - Continuous play defined:

Between balls, a player shall be allowed to wipe their brow, dry their
hands, adjust their grip, change their stance, or any other activity
they deem necessary to prepare themselves for the play of the next ball,
providing the combination of ALL such activities takes less than 5
seconds.



Rule 7 - Time Out.

When calling a time out while the ball was in play, a team is allowed to
take a second time out (providing they have one left) as long as they do 
not begin to put the ball back into play (by moving the ball). During an
official time out, a team may not request a time out unless they would
have otherwise been allowed to do so had the official time out not been
called.


Rule 18.5 - The last sentence reads - "Subsequent violations may be
grounds for a technical foul."

This does not mean that the second infraction should be a technical
foul.  After the first infraction, the offending team will, at minimum,
have to give up the drop to the other team.  A technical _should_ be
called when an official feels that the team is flagrantly distracting
their opponent.  A technical should also be called in the case of 
repeated 
distractions when the team being distracted has the ball on the three
row (in which case a drop would be of no benefit to the team being
distracted.)  In the case where play was in no way affected (loss of
possession or being distracted while shooting or passing) the first
infraction will be a warning.


Rule 18.4

The problem with this rule is the wording which will be corrected on
the next revision of the rules.  The intent of the rule is to avoid
having a player remove their hands from the handles _in a distracting
manner_ and then shooting as soon as they place their hand back on the 
handle. The word "grasped" was used in the last sentence of this rule.  
In the case of the "Roll-Over" shot, the rod will be considered to be 
grasped when on the wrist of the shooter.  In an attempt to stay 
consistent with   the way we have been ruling in the cases where a roll-
over shooter shoots as soon as he slides his wrist on the handle, this 
will be legal as long as it is not done in a distracting manner.  The way 
this is ruled  will be looked at by the officiating committee and 
possibly 
changed after the World Championships.  The one second on the handle does 
not apply in singles except in the case of a set shot on the forward three
row. The European style roll-over straight: This is shot by making the
play figure spin around while rolling the handle from your palm to you
fingertips.  It is most common with the European style front pin and a
straight option on a pull shot.  This is a legal shot.


Rule 22.3 - The second part of the last sentence reads, "If the spinning
ball is not within reach, the time limits are not in effect."
In the case of this happening in the goalie area, time will be suspended
while the ball is not in reach.  The official will add the amount of the
suspended time at the end of the 15 seconds allowed.


Rule 13.1 - Defining advancement:

A ball is considered to have advanced once it is out of reach of the
playing 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 two bar and beyond the goalie area.



No Harm - No Foul:

The "No harm-No foul" rule was implemented in an attempt to give the
officials some latitude in calling infractions, particularly jarring.
This rule has been misinterpreted by some in a way that no jarring, _no
matter how flagrant_, would be called unless play was affected.  This
rule should be used on _marginal_ jarring in which play was not
affected in any way.



_________________________________________________________________________


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