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USTSA
Rules of Play
Revised March, 1997
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1.
To
Start a Match |
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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. |
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1.1
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Once
a team has chosen either the table side or the first serve, they may
not change their decision. |
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1.2
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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. |
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1.3
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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 |
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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 toll of the ball,
but may not allow any part of either hand to be in the play area once
the ball hits the playfield. |
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2.1
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The
play area shall be defined as the area above the playing surface to
the height of the side boards of the cabinet. |
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2.2
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Prior
to serving the ball, the server may place either hand in the play
area in order to position the ball. |
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2.3
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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. |
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2.4
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Spinning
the ball shall be allowed in order to influence the serve, however,
no point shall be scored by the serving team, directly or as a result
of the serve, unless the ball is struck by one of the serving team's
figures. |
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2.5
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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. |
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2.5a
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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). |
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2.6
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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. |
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2.6a
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If
the ball is incorrectly served, but the server has not vio- lated
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. |
3.
Subsequent
Serves |
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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. |
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3.1
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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. |
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3.2
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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 |
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Once
a ball is put into play by the server, 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 |
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If
the ball should leave the playing area and strike the scoring markers,
ash trays, top of the side rails, cabinet ends, or any object that
is not part of the table, the ball shall be declared off the table. |
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5.1
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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: |
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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. |
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If
the team which caused the ball to leave the table is not the original
server, then the other team shall serve the ball. |
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5.1a |
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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. |
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5.2 |
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A
ball entering the serving cup and then returning to the playfield
is still considered "in play". |
6.
Dead Ball |
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A
ball shall be declared a dead ball when it has completely stopped
its motion and is not within reach of any player figure. |
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6.1
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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. |
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6.2
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If
the ball is declared dead between the goal and 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. |
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6.2a |
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If
the team which caused the ball to leave the table is not the original
server, then the other team shall serve the ball. |
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6.3 |
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The
time limits begin one second after the ball touches the second man. |
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6.4 |
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A
ball that is spinning in place is not considered to be a dead ball. |
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6.5 |
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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
reserve (example: the two-man placing the ball just out of reach in
order to reserve the ball) |
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6.6 |
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The
penalty for illegally putting the ball back into play (as in 6.2a)
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 him/herself before the ball has
been put back into play. |
7. Time Out |
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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 stopped. If the ball is
not in play, either team may call time out. |
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7.1
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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. |
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7.2
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Either
team may switch positions during a time out (see 12). |
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7.3 |
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A
time out called between games shall apply to the following game to
be played in counting time outs per game. |
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7.4 |
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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. |
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7.4a |
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Players can take their 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/her
hands. The team on defense should not relax if the opponent takes
his/her hand(s) off the rod (see 18.4) |
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7.5 |
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Either
team member may call time out when either they or their partner has
the ball. The time out starts the moment the time out is called. |
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7.5a |
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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) rather than a time out. |
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7.6 |
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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). |
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7.7 |
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If the team is not ready to play at the end of the 30 second period,
that team will be charged with delay of game. |
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7.8 |
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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. |
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7.8a |
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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. |
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7.9 |
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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. |
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7.9a |
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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. |
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7.10 |
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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.
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7.11 |
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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
the 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. |
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Following
a time out, the ball shall be put back into play at the rod of possession
when the time out was called. |
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8.1
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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. |
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8.1a
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The time limits begin one second after the ball touches the second
man. |
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8.2 |
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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. |
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8.3 |
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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 |
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An
official time out does not count towards the two time outs allowed
per team per game. After an official time, the ball is put back into
play as though a regular time out was called. |
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9.1
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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. |
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9.1a
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The
first request for an official is considered an official time out.
The cost for the official will be split between the two teams. |
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9.1b |
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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. |
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9.2 |
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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. |
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9.2a |
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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. |
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9.2b |
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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.
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9.3 |
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A
team may not switch positions during an official time out, unless
they are otherwise entitled to do so (see 12). |
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9.4 |
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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 roll pin, crumbling bumper,
bent rod, etc. |
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9.4a |
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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. |
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9.4b |
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If the table lighting fails, play shall immediately stop at that point
(as though an official time out were called). |
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9.4c |
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Routine
maintenance, such as spraying the rods, etc., should only be done
during time outs and between games. |
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9.5 |
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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. |
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9.6 |
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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 of 60 minutes. A player who
is physically unable to continue playing after that time must forfeit
the match. |
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9.6a |
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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. |
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9.6b |
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Medical
time outs will typically be granted only for accidental or unexpected
injuries incurred during the course of play. |
10.
Point Scored |
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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. |
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10.1
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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. |
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10.2
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If
there is a controversy over whether or not the ball entered the goal,
an official should be called. |
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10.3 |
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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 the game or match (to be determined by the Head Official). |
11.
Table Sides |
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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. |
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11.1
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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. |
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11.2
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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 |
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In
any doubles event, each player may play only the two rods normally
designated for their 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. |
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12.1
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Either
team may switch positions during a time out, between points, between
games, and before and/or after a technical foul shot. |
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12.2
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Once
a team has switched positions, they may not switch back until after
the ball has been put back into play or until another time out has
been called. |
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12.2a |
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A
team is considered to have switched positions once both players are
in their respective places facing the table. |
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12.3 |
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Illegally switching positions while the ball is in play will be judged
a distraction. |
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12.3a |
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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 violation. |
13.
Spinning the Rods |
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Spinning 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. |
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13.1
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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. |
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13.2
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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 back-ward
into his/her 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.
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13.3 |
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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 |
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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. |
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14.1
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The penalty for violation of these rules: |
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First
and second offense - The opposing team has the option of continuing
the current position, 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. |
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Subsequent
violations- Technical foul. After the technical shot the non offending
team continues to have the options listed under First Offense (14.1).
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14.2 |
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Touching
or coming into contact with your opponent's rods in any way shall
be penalized exactly like jarring, sliding, or lifting. |
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14.3 |
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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 |
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If a player has the ball 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/she 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. |
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15.1
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Any movement of the ball, no matter how slight, may be considered
grounds for a reset (example: a ball rocking in place). |
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15.2
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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. |
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15.3 |
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A
reset call does not count as a jarring infraction. However, repeated
offenses may be grounds for the official present to call a technical
foul on the defensive player causing the reset. |
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15.4 |
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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.) |
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15.5 |
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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). |
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15.6 |
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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. |
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15.6a |
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If
a technical foul is called for excessive resets, the next reset call
shall not result in a technical foul. |
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15.6b |
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Resets
are charged per-team and not per-player. |
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15.7 |
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If
the defender intentionally jars the table, this will not be considered
a reset, and jarring will be called immediately. |
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15.8 |
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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.
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16.
Reaching Into the Play Area |
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It is illegal for a player to reach into the play area while the ball
is in play (regardless if he/she touches the ball) without first having
permission from the official, or if no official is present, by the
opposing team. |
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16.1
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A
spinning ball is considered "in-play", even if it is not in reach
of a player figure. It is illegal to reach into the playing area to
stop a spinning ball, even if done for an opponent. |
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16.2
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A
ball which becomes airborne over the table is still in play until
it hits something not a part of the playing area. Do not catch a flyingball
over the table. |
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16.3 |
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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. |
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16.4 |
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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 from the opposing
team. |
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16.5 |
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The
penalty for violation of this rule is as follows: |
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If
the ball is moving in the player's goal area or precariously perched
on the edge of the goal - a point is scored for the opposing team,
and the ball is re-served as if it had gone in the goal. |
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If
the player has possession of the ball, and the ball is stopped or
if the ball has gone dead - loss of possession to the opposing team.
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Any
other cast,--technical foul. |
17.
Alterations to the Table |
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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. |
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17.1
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A player cannot wipe sweat or spit or any foreign substance on his
hand before wiping ball marks off the table. |
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17.1a
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Wiping rosin on the table is illegal. |
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17.1b |
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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 caused 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. |
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17.2 |
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Handles
- in regard to the use of substances to improve grip, if a player
uses a substance that, upon switching table sides, has left a deposit
on the handles, he must immediately clean the handles. |
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17.2a |
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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. |
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17.3 |
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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). |
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17.4 |
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A player may not switch the handles on the exterior of the tables.
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17.5 |
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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. |
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17.5a |
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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. |
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17.5b |
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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. |
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17.6 |
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Unless
otherwise specified, penalty for violation of any part of this rule
may be grounds for a technical foul. |
18.
Distraction |
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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. |
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18.1
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Banging
the five-man rod or any rod prior to, during, or after a shot is considered
a distraction. Moving the five-man rod during or after the shot has
started is not considered a distraction. |
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18.2
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Talking
between teammates while the ball is in play may be judged a distraction.
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18.3 |
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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. |
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18.4 |
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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. |
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18.4a |
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In singles, rule 18.4 only applies to a set shot on the 3-rod. |
|
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 the 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 judgment 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. Violation 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 and in-between games. |
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.I c). 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 is immediate. Any hesitation before 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). |
|
21.3c |
|
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.
|
|
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 anyplayer. |
|
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 defense (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 rules of
passing, the opposing team has the option of continuing play from
the current position or reserving the ball. |
22.
Time of Possession |
|
|
|
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 the player must advance the ball. |
|
22.1
|
|
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. |
|
22.2
|
|
Enforcement
of the time of possession rule shall be made only by a certified tournament
official. |
|
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 from the time the match
is called. Best of three matches shall be limited to 35 minutes from
the time the match is called. |
|
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 the
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 count against the total amount of time left to play.
|
|
23.4 |
|
Enforcement
of this rule is the responsibility of the of the Toumament 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 ten seconds.
At the end of ten 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 ten seconds--time-out charged. If after the time-out still not
ready, another ten seconds--second time-out charged (See 7.8). |
25.
Forfeiture |
|
|
|
Once
a match has been called, both teams should report inunediately 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 Toumament director. |
26.
Technical Foul |
|
|
|
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 it's 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 it 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 the
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. |
|
26.3 |
|
A
team may switch positions before and/or after the technical foul shot
without being charged with a time out (see 12). |
|
26.4 |
|
Time
outs may be called during a technical shot, as long as they would
otherwise be legal (see 7). |
|
26.5 |
|
A
point scored on an illegal technical shot shall not be allowed, and
play shall resume at the spot the technical was called. |
|
26.6 |
|
If
a technical foul shot ends the game, the opposing team gets the first
serve of the next game. |
|
26.7 |
|
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.
Rules Decisions and Appeals |
|
|
|
If a controversy involves a question of judgment, and the official
is present at the time the events in question transpired, his decision
is final and no appeal may be made. If the controversy involves 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
rules 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 officiail 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 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 of Ethics may be forfeiture
of a game or match, expulsion from the tournament, and/or a fine.
Whether or not the Code of Ethics has been broken, and what is the
appropriate penalty for the infraction will be determined by the Disciplinary
Committee of the USTSA. |
29.
Tournament Director |
|
|
|
Tournainent
Director The administration of tournament play shall be the responsibility
of the Tournament Director. This includes making the draws, scheduling
the events, timing matches, etc. The decision of the Tournament Director
in such matters is final. |
|
29.1
|
|
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
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. |
|
2.4 |
|
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, the
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. 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 time outs per game. However, you may not call a time
out while the ball is in play. |
|
Forward
Shootout |
|
Forward Shootout is 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
had 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. |
Last updated: June 14th 6:
PM
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