Worthing Fivestar Table Football Club

Table of contents ........................................................................................................... 1

Part I. LEXICON AND DEFINITIONS ...................................................................... 6

1. Base ................................................................................................................... 6

2. Body ................................................................................................................... 6

3. Field playing figure ............................................................................................... 6

4. Figure ................................................................................................................... 6

5. Goalkeeper............................................................................................................. 6

6. Match ................................................................................................................... 7

7. Passing a line ......................................................................................................... 7

8. Player ................................................................................................................... 7

9. Playing area ........................................................................................................... 7

10. Playing board....................................................................................................... 7

11. Playing figure ...................................................................................................... 8

12. Playing surface .................................................................................................... 8

13. Referee................................................................................................................. 8

14. Spare-Goalkeeper ................................................................................................ 8

15. Team ................................................................................................................... 8

16. Type ................................................................................................................... 9

17. Rules of Construction.......................................................................................... 9

Part II. SPORTS RULES OF THE GAME................................................................ 10

Rule 1: Manipulation of the playing figures........................................................... 10

1.1. Flicking ............................................................................................... 10

1.2. Illegal flicking..................................................................................... 11

1.3. Position of the player .......................................................................... 11

1.4. Polishing of playing figures................................................................ 11

1.5. Number of playing figures .................................................................. 12

Rule 2: Placing, raising and substituting of playing figures................................... 13

The bottom part of a playing figure. The base of a playing figure allows it

to slide or move forward on the playing surface.

In these rules, any reference to the body of a player shall mean the physical

body of that player including his or her clothing.

All playing figures of a player excluding the spare-goalkeeper.

The figure is the upper part of a playing figure that is firmly fixed to the

playing figure's base and shall represent a human body.

The goalkeeper consists of a specific figure, and usually a base, firmly

fixed to the end of a rod equipped with a handle, and used for goalkeeping

by the player.

In a match of sports table football, two players or teams face each other by

following the FISTF rules and regulations. At the end of an individual

match between two players, the player who has scored more goals than

his/her opponent wins the match. At the end of a match between two

teams, the achieved points and if necessary the accumulated goal

difference determine the final result.

The ball or the playing figure has completely passed a line when the

referee is able to see green between the ball or the playing figure and the

line when viewed from directly above.

The physical person who plays an individual match of sports table football.

The area of the playing surface inside the goal- and touchlines.

The playing board consists of hardboard or similar material with a playing

surface and two goals properly fixed, and is surrounded by a fence or other

barrier.

Playing figures are used for flicking by the player and consist of a figure

and a base. There are two types of playing figures: field playing figures

and spare-goalkeepers.

A rectangle of smooth pitch cloth with the defined printed lines to play

sports table football.

The physical person appointed to enforce the rules of the game and

arbitrate the disagreements between the players during an individual

match.

A playing figure additional to the field playing figures, and that may on

occasion replace the goalkeeper.

A team consists of four players playing four individual matches against the

same number of players of another team on the same number of playing

boards.

A defined and distinct model of ball, playing figure or goalkeeper. New

types of balls, playing figures and goalkeepers must be homologated to be

authorized for use in a match.

In case of any conflict between the FISTF Statutes and any section of these

rules, the provisions of the FISTF Statutes shall prevail.

If any provision of these rules or its applicability to any person or

circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions

or application of these rules which can be given effect without the invalid

provision or application, and to this end the provisions of these rules shall

be severable.

The rights and obligations herein contained shall inure to the benefit of,

and be binding upon, FISTF, member national associations, registered

players and registered clubs and their respective executors, administrators,

successors and assigns.

Any forbearance of FISTF, member national associations, registered

players or registered clubs to exercise any right or remedy to which he is

entitled to herein shall not be construed as a waiver of, or preclude the

exercise of, any right or remedy.

As used herein, words in the masculine gender shall mean and include

corresponding neuter words or words in the feminine gender and viceversa,

words in the singular shall mean and include the plural and viceversa,

and the word "may" gives sole discretion without any obligation to

take any action.

Any case not provided for herein shall be in first instance resolved by the

match referee or the competition head referee. It shall later be referred to

the FISTF Board of Directors, which shall issue a final, binding and

conclusive ruling on the case.

1.1.1. A playing figure shall be propelled by placing the index or

middle finger of either hand next to the playing figure and

flicking with the nail of the finger against the playing figure's

base.

1.1.2. Playing figures may not be knocked, pushed, nudged or scraped

along nor may any leverage be gained other than from the

playing surface. The flicked playing figure shall instantaneously

leave the nail of the used finger. The player's hand and lower

forearm may not move during the flick. Propelling the figure

without touching the playing figure's base is not allowed.

Neither player may flick a playing figure if they are not allowed to take a

flick or if the playing figure is lying down or is entangled.

1.3.1. The players may touch the playing board’s barrier in order to

keep balance. However, neither player may:

1.3.1.1. Put both hands on or above the playing-area at the same time.

1.3.1.2. Lean on or push the playing board so as to destabilize it.

1.4.1. The playing figures' bases may be polished with any desired

means. The playing figures may be polished before the game or

during the half-time break.

Each player shall use a maximum of 10 field playing figures, one

goalkeeper and one spare-goalkeeper.

2.1.1.1. A playing figure that has passed the touch- or goalline without

leaving the playing surface stays where it stopped and remains in

play. The figure may be played at any time.

2.1.1.2. If the playing figure remains at 21 mm or less from the line,

which is less than the diameter of the ball, it is possible to force a

flick-in, corner flick or goal flick on this figure. If the playing

figure is at 22 mm or more from the line, it is not possible to

force any flick-in, corner flick or goal flick on this figure.

2.1.1.3. In order to be absolutely sure if it is possible to force or not, the

attacker, providing the ball is stationary, may ask the referee if a

defending playing figure may be forced upon. In that case, the

following procedure has to be followed:

2.1.2.1. A playing figure that has left the playing surface and remains on

the playing board without hitting the barrier shall be placed by

the referee on the internal limit of the playing surface, off the

nearer touch- or goalline level to where it has come to rest, as

soon as the ball is stationary.

2.1.2.2. After it has stopped out of the playing surface, a playing figure is

not in play and may not be used again until it has been

positioned by the referee as described above.

2.1.2.3. A figure is considered as having left the playing surface as soon

as any part of its base touches the playing board.

2.1.2.4. Temporarily leaving the playing surface by a playing figure is

accepted if it does not rebound off the barriers. The figure may

then be played normally.

2.1.2.5. The following procedure shall be followed immediately when

the ball becomes stationary:

2.1.3.1. A playing figure that has rebounded off the barriers shall be

placed by the referee on the internal limit of the playing surface,

off the nearer touch- or goalline level to where it has come to

rest as soon as the ball is stationary.

2.1.3.2. After rebounding off the barriers, a playing figure is not in play

and may not be used again until it has been positioned by the

referee as described above.

2.1.3.3. After rebounding off the barriers, a playing figure may not

interfere with play and touch any playing figure and/or the ball

before it has been placed correctly.

2.1.4.1. Providing the ball is stationary, a playing figure that has left the

playing board shall be placed by the referee on the internal limit

of the playing surface, off the touchline on the side where it has

left the playing board, at the height of the middle-line.

2.1.4.2. The same procedure as point 2.1.2 has to be used to place the

playing figure.

2.1.4.3. As the playing figure is placed at more than 21 mm from the

touchline, and as the figure is not completely in a zone, it is not

possible to force any flick-in on this figure.

2.2.1. Providing the ball is stationary, a playing figure positioned in the

goal-area, goal-mouth or touching the goal-area lines shall be

placed by the referee 1 mm off the goal-area forward in the

penalty-area perpendicularly to the goalline.

2.2.2. Playing figures shall remain positioned in the goal-area when the

goalkeeper of that specific goal-area is replaced by the sparegoalkeeper.

However, if a playing figure is positioned

completely in the goal-mouth the referee shall place it 1 mm off

the goal-area forward in the penalty-area perpendicularly to the

goalline.

If some kind of obstacle does not allow placing a playing figure

in accordance with the positioning rules, this figure shall be

placed 1 mm off this obstacle, in the direction of its own goal, or

in the direction of the corner if the figure had to be placed off the

goalline.

2.4.1. Providing the ball is stationary, a playing figure lying down shall

be put upright by the referee. To put a lying playing figure

upright the junction of the lying playing figure's base with the

playing surface shall be used as a fixed point when standing up

the playing figure.

2.4.2. The same procedure as point 2.1.2 has to be used to place the

playing figure.

2.4.3. Providing the ball is stationary, entangled playing figures shall

be taken apart and placed by the referee 1 mm next to each other.

2.5.1. Damaged or broken playing figures may not be used and shall be

substituted. During playing time maximum 3 playing figures may

be substituted as long as the replacement playing figures are

equally colored and of the same type.

2.5.2. Playing figures may only be substituted at the occasion of a goalflick,

corner-flick, flick-in, free-flick, or penalty-flick, or if a

goal has been scored.

2.6.1. On the occasions of a free-flick, corner-flick, or flick-in the

offended player (now the attacker) may claim "distance" if any

defending playing figure is positioned too close to the ball after

all the positional flicks have been taken. In this case, only the

defending playing figures shall be put at distance.

2.6.2. On the occasion of a penalty-flick or goal-flick, the referee shall

of his or her own initiative place the playing figures at the

required distance.

2.6.3. The following are the required minimum distances when viewed

directly from above:

Flick-in 40 mm between defending playing figures and the ball

Free-flick 40 mm between defending playing figures and the ball

Corner-flick 90 mm between defending playing figures and the ball

Penalty-flick All playing figures except the penalty taker and the

goalkeeper are to be positioned off the regarded penalty area

and its semi-circle.

Goal-flick The playing figures are to be positioned with a minimum

distance of 20 mm between any defending and attacking

playing figure. All playing figures except the goalkeeper and

the goal-flick taker are to be positioned outside the penalty

area where the goal-flick is being taken.

3.1.1. A match shall consist of two periods of fifteen minutes each. The

half time interval shall be 3-5 minutes. The referee shall be the

sole match timer, keeping track with his own watch.

3.1.2. The players may use their individual time device. Each player's

time device shall not interfere with or disturb the match by sound

or position. The referee shall give no importance to a player's

time device, and has the right to ask the player(s) to remove it if

he thinks it could disturb the game.

3.2.1. In case of substitution of a playing figure or goalkeeper, a

delaying interruption of the match, or in case of time wasting by

either player, the referee shall add lost time at the end of the

affected period. See rule 10.8.

3.2.2. At the end of normal time, the referee shall announce how long

extra time shall last. Thereby, it may occur that the extra time is

extended based on occurrences during the extra time.

3.2.3. The referee shall add time at the end of a period to allow a

penalty-flick to be taken. See rule 12.

3.3.1.1. If in knock-out competitions the score of a match is drawn at the

end of full time, one period of ten minutes sudden death shall be

played. The sudden death shall start immediately after full time

with a flick-off. See rule 4. The match shall end when one player

has scored.

3.3.1.2. If, after sudden death, the match is still drawn a shoot-out shall

take place immediately. See rule 17.

3.3.2.1. If a knock-out game between two teams is drawn at the end of

full time, the cumulated goal difference of all four matches shall

decide on the winner. If the score and the cumulated goal

difference are equal, one period of ten minutes sudden death

shall be played on all four tables. The sudden death shall start

immediately after full time with a flick-off. See rule 4. The

match shall end when one of the players on the four different

tables has scored.

3.3.2.2. If, after sudden death, the match is still drawn a shoot-out shall

take place immediately. See rule 17.

4.1.1. Prior to the start of the game or extra time the referee shall

choose a player to call and toss a coin, and the winner shall have

choice of flick-off or ends. For the second half the players shall

change ends and the flick-off shall be taken by the player who

did not start the game.

4.1.2. If two players meet with identically or similarly colored or

painted bases, a coin shall be tossed by the referee and the player

losing the call shall exchange his playing figures. The designated

player shall not use more than 2 minutes to exchange his playing

figures.

4.2.1. The playing figures of each player shall be positioned

completely in their own half of the playing-area with the

defender having no playing figure positioned inside the centercircle

or touching the center-circle line.

4.3.1. The ball remains in the game at all times after flick-off, unless

the referee interrupts the game.

4.3.2. The referee shall interrupt the game when the ball has

completely passed a goal- or touchline.

4.3.3. The referee shall interrupt the game when an offense is

committed and the offended player does not request to play on.

4.3.4. The referee shall also interrupt the game as provided by the rules

in the following situations:

a. Rule 2.1: Placing and raising of playing figures.

b. Rule 5.4: Limited flick.

c. Rule 8.3: Substitution of the goalkeeper.

d. Rule 9.2.2: Removing of the spare-goalkeeper.

e. Rule 10: Foul-play and misconduct.

4.3.5. The referee shall interrupt the game at the end of the duration of

the game as defined in Rule 3.

5.1.1. The player in possession of the ball shall be deemed the attacker.

5.1.2. Possession of the ball shall remain with the attacker unless:

a. The flicked attacking playing figure has missed the ball.

b. The ball hits a stationary defending playing figure or the

defender’s goalkeeper. A playing figure lying down may not

gain possession of the ball and is considered to be a neutral

object.

c. A flick-in, free-flick, corner-flick, goal-flick, flick-off or

penalty-flick is awarded to the defender.

5.2.1. The attacker may play a moving or stopped ball, but may not

play the ball with the same attacking playing figure more than

5.3.1. An attacking playing figure flicked at the ball may not touch any

stationary playing figure or goalkeeper, or the defender’s body,

before hitting the ball.

5.4.1. If the attacker, when attempting to flick a playing figure at the

ball, needs to take up a position behind the playing board that

requires the defender to move out of convenient reach of the

goalkeeper, the referee shall allow the attacker to make his/her

flick, then allow the defender time to take his/her block-flick.

5.4.2. It must be clear that the concept of limited flick may not be

extended to other situations where the attacker does not hinder

the goalkeeping of the defender. There shall never be a limited

flick when the attacker is not physically positioned behind the

defender's goalline, or when the attacker is not actually hindering

the goalkeeping of the defender.

6.1.1. The player not in possession of the ball shall be deemed the

defender.

6.1.2. The defender obtains possession of the ball when:

a. The flicked attacking playing figure has missed the ball.

b. The ball hits a stationary defending playing figure or the

defender’s goalkeeper. A playing figure lying down may not

gain possession of the ball and is considered to be a neutral

object.

c. A flick-in, free-flick, corner-flick, goal-flick, flick-off or

penalty-flick is awarded to the defender.

6.2.1. After each touch of the ball by a flicked attacking playing figure

or the attacking goalkeeper, the defender may flick a playing

figure for defensive purpose - block-flick. The defender may not

take his block-flick before the attacker has touched the ball.

(1) The defending playing figure touches a

stationary playing figure: back (i).

(2) The defending playing figure touches the

stationary ball: back (i).

(3) The defending playing figure touches a

moving attacking playing figure: obstruction -

back (iv).

(1) The defending playing figure touches a

stationary playing figure: case (ii).

(2) The defending playing figure touches the

moving ball: free flick (iii).

(3) The defending playing figure touches a

moving playing figure: free flick (iii).

(i) If back is claimed the referee shall replace all affected playing figures

and/or the ball to their previous positions. Then, the referee shall give

the signal for the game to continue by stating: play!

(ii) For violating a stationary playing figure, a free-flick (iii) shall only be

awarded if the violated playing figure has been prevented to be used

to play a moving ball. Otherwise a back shall be applied as mentioned

under (i).

(iii) Free-flick from where the offending playing figure has committed the

offense. Free-flick from the penalty-spot if the offense has been

committed in the penalty-area. See rule 11.

(iv) If back is requested by the attacker, the referee shall replace the

offending playing figure and the eventually affected ball to the

previous position. The referee shall position the offended attacking

playing figure where the offense took place and give the signal for the

game to continue by stating: "play!" Thereby, the attacker gains some

7.1.1. A goal is scored if the ball has completely crossed the goalline

between the goal posts and under the crossbar providing:

a. the ball has been shot from completely inside the opposing

shooting-area, regardless of the shooting playing figure's

initial position. See rule 9.1c.

b. the ball has been shot before the signal to end the game has

started.

7.1.2. The referee shall immediately announce if the ball has

completely passed the shooting-line and is positioned inside the

shooting-area by stating: "shootable!"

7.1.3. The referee shall immediately announce a correctly scored goal

by stating: "goal!"

7.2.1. A goal-flick shall be awarded if a goal is scored not according to

rule 7.1. See rule 15.

7.2.2. The goalkeeper may try to save or stop a shot not according to

rule 7.1 without the risk of scoring an own goal by deflecting the

ball. A goal-flick shall be awarded instead if the goalkeeper

deflects an irregular shot into his own goal. See rule 15.

7.3.1. A player may score an own goal from anywhere on the pitch

regardless of the playing figure’s and the ball’s position.

7.3.2. However, the attacker may not score an own goal directly from a

free-flick, corner-flick, flick-in, goal-flick or penalty-flick. A

corner-flick shall be awarded to the opposing player instead. See

rule 16.

7.3.3. If the ball rebounds directly off the post or crossbar after a

regular shot at the opponent's goal and passes the attacker's

8.1.1. The goalkeeper shall be placed under one of the back bars of the

goal and protrude with its rod from the rear of the goal.

8.2.1. Before, during and after a shot at goal the goalkeeper may be

held in any desired position in attempt to play or save the ball

within the goal-area. However, no part of the goalkeeper may go

past the line of the goal-area or to touch the goal-area line.

8.3.1. The goalkeeper may be temporarily replaced by the sparegoalkeeper.

See rule 9.

8.3.2. A broken or damaged goalkeeper may be substituted at any time

during the match providing the ball is stationary. If the

goalkeeper is not damaged or broken it may be substituted only

at the occasion of a goal-flick, corner-flick, flick-in, free-flick,

penalty-flick or after a goal has been scored.

9.1.1. To enter the game, the spare-goalkeeper shall be positioned by

the player completely inside the goal-area or behind the goalline

within the extension of the goal-area lines.

9.2.1. The spare-goalkeeper may be taken off the playing-area any time

to reinstall the goalkeeper provided the ball is stationary and the

spare-goalkeeper's player is in possession of the ball. If the

spare-goalkeeper's player has lost possession of the ball, the

spare-goalkeeper remains in the game and the goalkeeper may

only be reinstalled providing:

a. Possession of the ball has been regained by the sparegoalkeeper’s

player. However, if the played attacking figure

flicks the ball onto a defensive playing figure (not the

goalkeeper), and from there it rebounds back to an attacking

playing figure, the requirement of change of possession is not

fulfilled in order to remove the spare goalkeeper.

b. The ball has crossed either touch- or goalline.

c. A free-flick or penalty-flick is awarded to the sparegoalkeeper's

player and that player does not request to play on.

d. A penalty-flick is awarded against the spare-goalkeeper’s

player and that player does not request to play on.

9.2.2. When the spare-goalkeeper is removed, the referee shall allow

the defender time to take an untaken block flick. Then the

attacker may proceed with attacking.

In case of intentional or continuous violation of the rules the referee has

the authority to give the offending player a warning: yellow card.

10.2.1. If a cautioned player continuously or intentionally violates the

rules, the referee shall give him an orange card.

10.2.2. The orange card implies that the referee shall remove the

offending player’s spare-goalkeeper from the playing board.

10.3.1. In case of serious misconduct, the referee shall give the

offending player a red card that implies the immediate

disqualification from the match by losing with a minimum of 0-

3. If the score of the interrupted match was higher, the actual

score shall be kept.

10.3.2. The disqualified player may suffer from additional disciplinary

sanctions defined by the competition's head referee or FISTF.

10.4.1. A player may not touch any stationary playing figure with any

part of his body, except the playing figure which is to be flicked.

10.5.1. A player may not touch the ball in play with any part of his body.

10.6.1. A player may not obstruct his opponent physically on or off the

playing-area with any part of his body in order to prevent a flick

from being taken.

10.7.1. During the two fifteen minutes periods, extra-time, sudden death

and shoot-out the players may not speak or make exaggerated

gestures. The players may not comment on the match, criticize or

influence the referee's decisions or influence the opponent, the

referee or the spectators.

10.7.2. The players shall strictly follow the referee's decision and the

only occasions for a player to speak during a match are:

10.7.2.1. The offended player informs the referee on playing on: "play

on", or of accepting the awarded sanction in case of any

infringements by the opposing player.

10.7.2.2. The attacker may ask for distance in accordance with Rule 2.6:

"distance!"

10.7.2.3. Both players may ask the referee to remove the ball and the

nominated playing figure in order to take a positional flick

before a flick-in, corner-flick or free-flick. See rule 11.2.2.

10.7.2.4. The attacker shall ask the referee for permission to take a tickflick

and to announce that it is being taken: "Offside? - Tick!"

10.7.2.5. Both players may announce the substitution of a playing figure

or the goalkeeper: "substitution!"

10.7.2.6. Both players shall declare their readiness in case of a shoot-out

when shooting or goalkeeping: "ready!" See rule 17.

10.7.2.7. Mutual communication between the two players to outvote the

referee in a questionable situation.

10.8.1. The players may not use more time to proceed with playing than

it seems adequate to the referee.

When a player takes up position to shoot, by placing his/her hand on the

table behind the shooting playing figure, there may not be any feigning of

a shot in order to provoke a reaction from the goalkeeper, nor may the

shooting player remove his/her hand from the playing board until the shot

has been completed.

11.1.1. All free-flicks are to be taken indirectly. Please consider Rule 12

in the case of a penalty-flick.

11.1.2. Playing figures off the playing-area can be fouled. The free-flick

is then to be taken from the nearest point on the goal- or

touchline.

11.1.3. A free-flick for an offense in the penalty area, on or off the

goalline within the extension of the penalty-area, or on any line

of the penalty area shall be taken from the penalty-spot.

11.2.1. The player taking the free-flick shall nominate the playing figure

to take the free-flick before the positional flick is made. The

playing figure to take the free-flick shall be placed as desired by

the ball.

12.1.1. The following offenses are punished with a penalty-flick

providing the offending player commits the offense within

his/her own penalty-area. Thereby, the penalty-area line and the

section of the goalline limiting the penalty-area are considered to

be part of the penalty-area.

12.1.1.1. Foul play by the attacker. See rule 5.3.

12.1.1.2. Illegal manipulation of the goalkeeper. See rules 8.1.2 and 8.2.1.

12.1.1.3. Finger-foul. See rule 10.4.

12.1.1.4. Handball. See rule 10.5.

12.1.1.5. Incorrect tick-flick. See rule 13.4.3.

12.1.2. A game shall be extended at half time or full time to allow a

penalty-flick to be taken or retaken. The extension shall last until

the referee has decided whether or not a goal has been scored.

No other flicks by either player shall be made after the penaltyflick

is taken, apart from the manipulation of the goalkeeper by

the defender.

12.2.1. The ball shall be placed on the penalty spot. A playing figure

shall be nominated to take the penalty-flick and may be

positioned as desired by the ball.

12.2.2. All playing figures, apart from the goalkeeper and the penaltyflick

taker shall be placed outside the penalty-area and its semicircle.

The referee shall move all other playing figures from the

penalty-area on a line perpendicular to the goalline 1 mm off the

penalty-area and its semi-circle.

12.2.3. If, at the time a penalty-flick is awarded, the goalkeeper of the

offending player was removed and his spare-goalkeeper was in

play, the spare-goalkeeper may be taken off the playing-area and

the goalkeeper reinstalled.

13.1.1.1. An attacking playing figure may not be positioned:

a. within the defender's shooting-area; and

b. nearer to the defender's goalline than the ball; and

c. if the goalkeeper has been removed, when one or no defending

playing figure is nearer to the defender’s goalline than the

attacking playing figure; or

d. if the goalkeeper is in use, when no defending playing figure

is nearer to the defender’s goalline than the attacking playing

figure.

13.1.1.2. An attacking playing figure positioned as described in 13.1.1.1 is

said to be in offside position.

13.1.2.1. An attacking playing figure in offside position shall be declared

offside when the slightest part of the ball has passed the

penultimate defending playing figure's base and the ball is

positioned completely in the defender's shooting-area.

13.1.2.2. If the ball is already placed past the penultimate defending

playing figure’s base and positioned completely in the defender’s

shooting area, an attacking playing figure in offside position

shall be declared offside when the ball is played toward the

defender's goalline by another attacking playing figure.

13.1.2.3. For an offside to be declared, the attacking playing figure must

have been in offside position when the ball is touched by another

attacking playing figure. Therefore, the defender cannot play an

attacking playing figure offside after the ball has been touched.

If, by an attacking move, the played playing figure moves from non-offside

position into offside position, there shall be no offside for this playing

figure as long as the ball is moving: passive offside. However, this playing

figure may not play the ball again until the ball has stopped.

13.3.1. The attacker may attempt to flick a playing figure which is in

offside position into onside position by taking a tick-flick. For

each period of possession, the attacker may take three tick-flicks.

13.3.2. However, if the played attacking figure flicks the ball onto a

defensive playing figure (not the goalkeeper), and from there it

rebounds back to an attacking playing figure, the requirement of

change of possession is not fulfilled in order to regain three tick

flicks.

13.4.1. The player must ask the referee for permission to take a tickflick,

and also state "tick" before the onside flick is taken.

14.1.1. If the ball has completely crossed the touchline, a flick-in shall

be awarded to the player whose playing figure or goalkeeper was

not last to touch the ball.

14.1.2. In order to force a flick-in, the ball, the deflecting defending

playing figure and the forcing attacking playing figure or

goalkeeper shall be positioned and played from completely

inside the same field-quarter as the ball passes completely the

sideline with its full size. All required elements considered

positioned completely inside the same field-quarter if they are

positioned past the regarded shooting-area line and/or the centerline.

14.1.3. A flick-in may not be forced off a playing figure that is

positioned off the playing-area.

14.1.4. If the defender accidentally plays the ball across the touchline

with his block-flick, the attacker may accept a flick-in.

14.1.5. A goal may not be scored directly from a flick-in. See rule 7.3.

14.1.6. If the goalkeeper touches the ball, it is always considered as

playing it (see rule 8.1.3). Therefore, it is impossible to force a

flick-in on the goalkeeper as described in rule 14.1.2. However,

the goalkeeper may force a flick-in.

14.2.1. A flick-in shall be taken from the point where the ball has

crossed the touchline.

14.2.2. The player taking the flick-in shall first nominate the playing

figure to take the flick-in, before any positional flicks are taken.

15.1.1. A goal-flick shall be awarded to the defender when:

15.1.1.1. The attacker plays the ball across the defender's goalline.

15.1.1.2. The attacker plays the ball across the defender's goalline by last

deflecting off an attacking playing figure or the attacker's

goalkeeper.

15.1.1.3. The attacker plays the ball that is not positioned in the defender's

shooting-area across the defender's goalline by last being

deflected by any playing figure.

15.1.1.4. The defender’s goalkeeper deflects an irregular shot from the

attacker (when the ball is not originally positioned in the

defender’s shooting-area) in his own goal or behind the goalline.

15.1.2. The attacker may force a goal-flick providing the ball is

positioned completely inside his own shooting-area and has last

been deflected by a defending playing figure positioned

completely in the attacker’s shooting-area before crossing the

attacker's goalline. See rule 7.2 and 7.3.

15.1.3. If the defender accidentally plays the ball across the attacker's

goalline with his block-flick, the attacker may accept a goalflick.

15.1.4. A goal-flick may not be forced off a playing figure that is

positioned off the playing-area.

15.1.5. A goal may not be scored directly from a goal-flick. See rule 7.3.

15.2.1. Both players may pick up their playing figures and place them

under the following restrictions:

15.2.1.1. The attacker has to place his playing figures first, but not the

playing figure taking the goal flick. After the attacker has

completed the placing of his playing figures he may not change

16.1.1. A corner-flick shall be awarded if the ball has crossed the

goalline in the following situations:

16.1.1.1. The attacker may force a corner-flick providing the ball is played

from inside the defender's shooting-area and the ball has last

been deflected by a defending playing figure or the defending

goalkeeper before passing the defender's goalline.

16.1.1.2. A corner-flick is awarded to the defender, if the attacker plays

the ball across his own goalline. See rule 7.3.

16.1.2. If the defender accidentally plays the ball across his own

goalline with his block-flick, the attacker may accept a cornerflick.

16.1.3. A corner-flick may not be forced off a playing figure or a

goalkeeper that is positioned off the playing-area.

16.1.4. A goal may be scored directly from a corner-flick. See rule 7.3.

16.2.1. The ball shall be placed within the quarter circle or centrally on

the quarter circle line at the side of the goal where the ball has

crossed the goalline. The ball may be partly outside the quarter

circle, but no more than half of the ball may be seen outside of it

when observed directly from above.

16.2.2. The player taking the corner-flick shall first nominate the

playing figure to take the corner-flick, before any positional

flicks are taken. The playing figure to take the corner-flick may

be placed as desired.

17.1.1. If a knock-out match in an individual or team competition is

drawn after sudden death also regarding the accumulated goaldifference

between the two teams, a shoot-out shall take place. In

a team match, the team captain shall nominate one of the 4 last

performing players to represent his team.

17.1.2. The referee shall decide which goal to use and shall then toss a

coin and ask one of the players to call. The player who wins the

toss may opt to shoot or to keep goal first.

17.1.3. Five shots per player are taken alternately, starting from the side

of the pitch chosen by the referee, from the following positions:

17.1.3.1. The ball shall be placed completely in the shooting-area, as near

to the shooting-line and touchline as possible, without touching

them.

17.1.3.2. The ball shall be placed completely in the shooting-area, as near

to the shooting-line as possible without touching it and so that a

line drawn by extending the side of the penalty-area would pass

through the center of the ball.

17.1.3.3. The ball shall be placed completely in the shooting-area, as near

to the shooting-line as possible without touching it and so that a

line from the center of the goalline drawn through the penalty

spot would pass through the center of the ball.

17.1.3.4. As position 17.1.3.2, but on the other side of the pitch.

17.1.3.5. As position 17.1.3.1, but on the other side of the pitch.

17.1.4. If after five shots no winner has been determined, sudden death

shots continue from position 17.1.3.1. If after an even number of

shots taken one player has scored more goals than the other, then

that player is the winner.

17.2.1. The referee shall place the ball according to the above

definitions.

17.2.2. The attacker shall place his playing figure to shoot and confirm

that he is prepared to proceed with the shot by stating: "ready!"

If the attacker is not ready after 10 seconds the referee shall

regard the shot as being taken unsuccessfully. If the attacker

changes the position of the prepared playing figure after he has

announced his readiness, the shot is considered as being taken

unsuccessfully.

17.2.3. The referee then asks the goalkeeper to be ready. The defender

may not go forward of the goalline with any part of his body for

any reason. The defender is given maximum 10 seconds to

confirm that he is prepared to proceed with goalkeeping by

stating: "ready!" If the goalkeeper is not ready after 10 seconds

the referee shall regard the shot as being taken successfully.

17.2.4. The referee signals for the shot to be taken by stating: "play!"

17.2.5. The attacker shall proceed with his shot within 10 seconds. If the

attacker has not taken the shot within 10 seconds the referee

shall regard the shot as being taken unsuccessfully.

1.1.1. The playing surface shall be properly fixed to hardboard or

similar material. It shall be a maximum 90 cm, minimum 70 cm

above floor level. The board shall be level.

1.1.2. The playing surface and the playing board shall extend outside

the playing-area for 4-10 cm from the touch- and goallines. The

playing board may not extend more than 10 cm behind the back

of the goal.

1.1.3. The playing board shall be surrounded by a fence of 2-10 cm in

height and a maximum of 10 cm in width. Centrally behind each

goal there shall be a gap of 15-25 cm in the surround.

1.1.4. There shall be at least 100 cm of free space around the table for

the players, the referee and linesman to perform.

1.1.5. The pitch cloth shall be smooth and free of any disturbing

particles and shall allow a precise sliding of the playing figures

and a straight run of the ball.

1.1.6. The lines printed on the pitch cloth shall not be more than 3 mm

in width and not interfere with the game by affecting the run of

the ball and/or the sliding of the playing figures.

1.2.1. The playing-area of the pitch shall be a rectangle. The length

shall be marked by touchlines of maximum 140 cm, minimum 90

cm. The width shall be marked by goallines of maximum 100

cm, minimum 60 cm. However, the width of the playing area

shall always be at least 30 cm smaller than its length. The 

playing-area shall be divided into two equal halves by a centerline

parallel to the goallines. There shall be a center-spot on the

center-line equidistant from each touchline and a center-circle of

radius 6-12 cm, concentric to the center-spot.

1.2.2. Each half shall be divided into two equal zones by a shootingline,

parallel to the goallines. The zone between the shootingline

and the goalline shall be called the shooting-area.

1.2.3. In each shooting-area there shall be a penalty-area adjacent to

the goalline. Each penalty-area shall be formed by two parallel

lines, 12-18 cm long and 30-48 cm apart, which are equidistant

from the center of the goalline. These lines shall be at right

angles to the goallines and joined at their ends to form

rectangles. There shall be a penalty spot in each penalty-area, 8-

14 cm from the goalline and equidistant from each touchline.

1.2.4. In each shooting-area there shall be a goal-area adjacent to the

goalline. Each goal-area shall be formed by two parallel lines, 5-

7 cm long and 22-26 cm apart, which are equidistant from the

center of the goalline. The vertical goal-area lines may extend

behind the goalline to allow a more precise positioning of the

spare-goalkeeper.

1.2.5. In each corner of the playing-area there shall be a quarter circle

of radius 2-3 cm concentric to the junction of the touch- and

goallines.

2.1. A goal shall be placed centrally on each goalline so that the front

posts are on the line. The goals shall be solidly constructed and

produced of solid material that does not bend or break under any

playing conditions. The goals shall be fixed mechanically to the

playing board.

2.2. A goal shall consist of two posts, one crossbar, two side bars on

each side, a back bar and a net, which shall be firmly fixed to the

posts and the bars. 

2.3. The posts shall be upright and parallel, 6 cm long and 12.5 cm

apart. The crossbar shall be fixed to the top of the posts. The

back bar(s) shall be positioned parallel to the crossbar. The posts

and the bars shall not be thicker than 5 mm. The distance from

the goalline to the back bar shall be 6-9 cm.

3.1. The ball shall be an empty plastic sphere of 2.2 cm in diameter

and 1.5 g in weight.

3.2. The balls that are currently homologated are the Subbuteo balls

that satisfy the above criteria, and the Zeugo balls.

3.3. If the players cannot agree on a ball, a white Subbuteo "Tango"

ball shall be used.

3.4. A painted or marked ball may only be used if both players agree.

The referee shall replace a broken ball immediately when the

ball is stationary.

3.5. It is necessary to ask for homologation of new ball type to the

F.I.S.T.F. Board of Directors before any player might use it in a

game. The applicant shall send a sample of his products, with a

memorandum of understanding of the conditions of points 3.6

and 3.7.

3.6. To be successfully homologated, a new type of ball must be

industrially produced and distributed in sufficient quantity to

supply any required order.

3.7. Homologation is granted purely on sports grounds, and FISTF

expressly disclaims any obligation or warranty, express or

implied, including, without limitation, any implied warranty

arising from course of performance, course of dealing or usage

of trade, all other obligations and liabilities whatsoever whether

in contract, warranty, tort (including without limitation,

negligence, active, passive or imputed liability or strict liability),

by statute or otherwise, strict liability or product liability of any

nature whatsoever, and intellectual property rights, related to the 

homologated products, either towards the applicant or any third

party.

The playing figures shall consist of a round base and a figure which shall

be firmly fixed to the base by fulfilling the following standards:

4.1.1. The base shall be maximum 0.7 cm, minimum 0.5 cm in height

and maximum 2.1 cm, minimum 1.6 cm in diameter.

4.1.2. The figure fixed to the base shall be maximum 1.3 cm, minimum

0.6 cm at its widest point and maximum 0.6 cm in thickness. The

figure shall symbolize a human body.

4.1.3. The maximum height of the playing figure including its base

shall be 3.9 cm, the minimum height shall be 2.7 cm.

Each player shall use ten field playing figures, one spare-goalkeeper and a

goalkeeper. Each playing figure of a set shall be of the same type. All

figures shall be painted equally and the bases shall have the same color,

excepting the spare-goalkeeper’s base that shall be different in color from

all other playing figures.

4.3.1. It is necessary to ask for homologation of new types of playing

figures to the F.I.S.T.F. Board of Directors before any player

might use them in a game. The applicant shall send a sample of

his products, with a memorandum of understanding of the

conditions of points 4.3.3 and 4.3.4.

4.3.2. The following types of playing figures are approved by FISTF.

Any further design of a playing figure is to be presented to

FISTF and authorized before it may be used in any competition. 

4.3.2.1. Flat playing figures: (produced since 1940s): 17-18 mm

diameter of the base, 35-39 mm height of the playing figure

inclusive the base. There are the different homologated playing

figures styles: English style, Subbuteo style, Swiss style, German

style, and Newfooty style.

4.3.2.2. 00-scale playing figures made by Subbuteo: 18-21 mm diameter

of the base, 28-31 mm height of the playing figure including the

base: "molded" type (produced in 1960/70s: The figure and the

plate is made out of one mould), "walking-figure" type

(produced in 1950/60s: The figure and the plate is made out of

one mould. The figure shows a walking man.), "bar-figure" type

(produced in 1960/70s: The figure is fixed on a bar that is put in

the base.), "plug-figure" type (produced since 1980s: The figure

is fixed on a knob that is put in the base.).

4.3.2.3. Sports playing figures (produced since 1993): 21 mm diameter

of the base, 35-37 mm height of the playing figure inclusive the

base.

4.3.2.4. Toccer playing figures (produced since 1994): 21 mm diameter

of the disk shaped base, 34-36 mm height of the playing figure

inclusive the base.

4.3.2.5. Profibase bases (produced since 1995): that are similar to 00-

scale or Toccer bases and may be used with 00-scales figures.

4.3.2.6. Woodentop figures (produced since 1995): consisting of a

wooden figure of 30-32 mm height (without base) to be used on

00-scale, Profibase, or Sports bases.

4.3.2.7. Zeugo figures (produced since 1998): similar to the 00-scale

figures.

4.3.3. To be successfully homologated, a new type of playing figures

must be industrially produced and distributed in sufficient

quantity to supply any required order.

4.3.4 Homologation is granted purely on sports grounds, and FISTF

expressly disclaims any obligation or warranty, express or

implied, including, without limitation, any implied warranty

arising from course of performance, course of dealing or usage

of trade, all other obligations and liabilities whatsoever whether

in contract, warranty, tort (including without limitation, 

negligence, active, passive or imputed liability or strict liability),

by statute or otherwise, strict liability or product liability of any

nature whatsoever, and intellectual property rights, related to the

homologated products, either towards the applicant or any third

party.

The goalkeeper shall consist of a figure or of a figure with a base. The

goalkeeper shall be firmly fixed to a rod, have a three dimensional

defending contents of maximum 2700 mm3 excluding the rod, and

restricted by the following regulations by fulfilling the following

standards:

5.1.1. Maximum height of the goalkeeper: 39 mm

5.1.2. Maximum thickness of the goalkeeper figure: 6 mm

5.1.3. Maximum width of the goalkeeper: 21 mm

5.1.4. The goalkeeper shall symbolize a human body

The rod is fixed to the goalkeeper figure or the base and is part of the

goalkeeper by fulfilling the following standards:

5.2.1. The goalkeeper's rod shall be a straight rod up to 15 cm in length

and 4 mm of maximum width, excluding the handle.

5.2.2. The handle may not exceed 10 cm in length.

5.3.1. It is necessary to ask for homologation of new goalkeeper type to

the F.I.S.T.F. Board of Directors before any player might use

them in a game. The applicant shall send a sample of his

products, with a memorandum of understanding of the

conditions of points 5.3.3 and 5.3.4. 

5.3.2. The following goalkeeper figures are approved by FISTF. Any

further design of a goalkeeper is to be presented to FISTF and

authorized before it may be used in any competition.

5.3.2.1. The following flat goalkeeper styles: English style, Subbuteo

style, Swiss style, German style.

5.3.2.2. 00-scale jockey goalkeeper exchangeable or not exchangeable,

00-scale goalkeeper with stretched arms, 00-scale goalkeeper

with bended body. Metal and plastic versions of the goalkeeper

figure are accepted.

5.3.2.3. Sports figure goalkeeper, consisting of a Sports playing figure

with a rod protruding from its base. Wooden and polystyrene

versions of the goalkeeper figure are accepted.

5.3.2.4. Toccer goalkeeper, consisting of a special Toccer figure without

base, with a rod protruding from its feet. Metal and plastic

versions of the goalkeeper figure are accepted.

5.3.2.5. Woodentop goalkeeper, consisting of a Woodentop figure

mounted on a 00-scale base with a rod protruding from it.

5.3.2.6. Zeugo goalkeeper, similar to the 00-scale goalkeepers.

5.3.3. To be successfully homologated, a new type of goalkeeper must

be industrially produced and distributed in sufficient quantity to

supply any required order.

5.3.4. Homologation is granted purely on sports grounds, and FISTF

expressly disclaims any obligation or warranty, express or

implied, including, without limitation, any implied warranty

arising from course of performance, course of dealing or usage

of trade, all other obligations and liabilities whatsoever whether

in contract, warranty, tort (including without limitation,

negligence, active, passive or imputed liability or strict liability),

by statute or otherwise, strict liability or product liability of any

nature whatsoever, and intellectual property rights, related to the

homologated products, either towards the applicant or any third

party.

1.1. A referee shall be appointed to monitor each game of an

F.I.S.T.F. competition event. He shall be in total control of the

game for the duration, including the half time intervals. He shall

announce any breach of the rules and give swift and clear

instructions according to the international sport table football

rules and by applying the international referee’s vocabulary.

1.2. The referee shall enforce the rules of the game but may refrain

from penalizing in case the offending player requests to play on.

The offended player may not accept an awarded sanction

subsequently after having played on.

1.3. The referee shall interrupt the game on the occasions defined by

the rules and whenever he assumes it to be necessary in order to

clarify or verify a specific or unclear situation. If in case of a

questionable situation, the attacker keeps on playing without

giving the referee the opportunity to interrupt the game in order

to clarify or verify the regarded situation, the referee shall decide

in favor of the defender.

1.4. The referee's decision is final. In case of uncertainty, the referee

may interrupt the match and ask the head referee for advice.

1.5. Before flick-off the referee shall verify the identity of the

performing players and control the conformity of the used

equipment with FISTF regulations.

1.6. The referee shall be the sole match timer, keeping track with

his/her own watch. In case of delaying interruptions of the match

or in case of time wasting by one or the other player, the referee

shall consider lost time to be played at the end of the regarded

time interval. 

1.7. The referee shall fill out the match-report form and hand it back

to the head referee immediately after the match has been

finished.

1.8. The referee shall wear the official referee’s uniform or a

tracksuit during the match. The competition organizer has the

competence to oblige referees to perform in sports shoes.

A linesman may be appointed to assist the referee. He may draw the

referee’s attention to any breach of the rules and may support the referee

with other requested assistance.

1. The duration of the game is 2 times 7 minutes.

2. Five playing figures and a goalkeeper are used to play. There is no

spare-goalkeeper required.

3.1. A playing figure that left the playing board shall be placed on the

touch- or goalline level to where it has left the playing board.

3.2. If a playing figure is positioned within the goal-area or goal-mouth,

it shall be moved forward to 1 mm inside the penalty-area.

3.3. If a figure is positioned across the touchline and is closer to the

barrier than the touchline, it can be placed on the touchline to be

played.

4. The playing board's barriers can be used with either the playing

figures or the ball to rebound off.

5. The attacker may play a moving ball. However, if the ball has

stopped, the attacker must allow the defender to take a block-flick.

While the attacker is playing a moving ball, the defender is not

allowed to interfere.

6. After a save by the goalkeeper, the ball must be stationary before

the attacker may continue to play.

7. There is no offside and therefore also no tick-flicks required.

8.1. For a flick-in, the ball must leave the playing board on one or the

other side.

8.2. A flick-in can be forced off any playing figure or goalkeeper that is

positioned on the playing board. However, the ball must leave the

playing board in the same half as the forcing and deflecting figures.

9.1. For a goal-flick the ball must leave the playing board on one or the

other side of the goal. 

9.2. A goal-flick can be forced off any playing figure or goalkeeper that

is positioned on the playing board.

10.1. For a corner-flick, the ball must leave the playing board on one or

the other side of the goal.

10.2. A corner-flick can be forced off any playing figure or goalkeeper

that is positioned on the playing board. However, the ball must

leave the playing board in the same half as the forcing and

deflecting figures.

11. By taking a flick-off, flick-in, corner-flick or goal-flick, the ball

must become stationary and the defender may take a block-flick

before the attacker can proceed with his attack.

12. The standard size of the playing area is 60 x 90 cm.

13. Except when mentioned above, the playing rules of point II are also

applicable to Indoor sports table football.

Indoor rules by Willy Hofmann