Rules of Play

Fastball “Alvolo” is the traditional Italian game where players are not allowed to stop, control or pass the ball to another figure on the same bar before shooting. These rules are translated from the official rules of FICB (Federazione Italiano Calcio Ballila) and modified through many Italian associations such as the C.T.S.F. (Canadian Table Soccer Federation).

Rule 1 - The winner of a coin toss may choose either side or first serve/kickoff. The loser will pay for the game.

Rule 2 - The goalie or defender will start the game by clearly saying ‘ready’ or ‘via’ and play the ball off the side wall. A maximum of five touches between the goalie and the 2 rod (defender) are allowed before shooting. On infringement of this rule, the ball will pass to the opposing team at the defense.

Rule 3 - Once a goal is scored, serve/kickoff in defense goes to the losing team. If the ball exits the table or becomes unplayable between the 2-bar and 5-bar rods, it shall return to the player’s goal-area.

Rule 4 - A match is played up to 5 goals, and teams alternate sides at the end of each game. On series ball (when series is all tied up and it is the final ball of the series being played) winner must win by two goals.

Rule 5 - It is forbidden to touch the ball twice with the same figure or two figures on the same rod before shooting. However if a player passes in between two players of the same rod, and hit a wall before shooting, the shot will be deemed acceptable. If a player touches the ball twice with the same figure or two figures on the same rod and scores, accidental or not, play must restart. A double touch will be allowed only in counter-attack in a shot from the goalkeeper or 5-bar (i.e. if you stop a shot or a pass and the ball is still near your figure you can re-shoot the ball without necessarily touching the side wall).

Rule 7 - The following plays are allowed from defense with the ball in motion in alvolo fastball:
(a) Shot to side of table (bank-shot)
(b) Pass from defender (2-bar) to goalkeeper and shoot, not stopping the ball.
(c) Pass from goalie to defender and shoot
(d) Slap-back shot from opponent
(e) Dribble (bounce) ball against side wall and shoot.
(f) Diagonal or central fake without dragging the ball (no pull or push-shots)

Rule 8 - The following plays are allowed from attack with the ball in motion:
(a) Shot to side of table (bank-shot)
(b) Pass from attack (3-bar) to midfield (5-bar) then shoot
(c) Pass from midfield to attack and shoot
(d) Slap-back shot from opponent
(e) Dribble against side wall and shoot
(f) Diagonal or central fake without dragging the ball (no pull or push-shots)

Rule 9 - One time out of up to 5 minutes is allowed per game (per team) to allow medical or technical problems to be resolved. A team is entitled to 2 timeouts a series of up to 30 seconds and can only be taken when a goal is scored or ball exits the table. All technical modifications (grips, lubrication, wiping the hands) must be completed before the game starts. A ball which enters the goal and bounces out is a valid goal.

Rule 10 - The following moves are illegal, if these result in a goal it will not count.
(a) Pass between two players on the same rod and scoring.
(b) The ball may not be dragged before shooting (push/pull shots) unless it then touches the side-wall before being shot.
(c) Spinning - The rod may not rotate more than 360 degrees before striking the ball
(d) The ball may not touch 2 players in attack before entering the goal
(e) The ball leaves the table, hits a foreign object, and rebounds into goal
(f) Shooting a stopped ball.
(g) Where, following serve, a goal is scored from defense without saying ‘ready’ or ‘via’.
(h) When you save and shoot directly without playing the ball against the side-wall at least once.

Rule 11 - In case of dispute, a referee shall be appointed by the tournament director. The referee will decide, after hearing the case of both sides, whether a goal is valid. After any foul, the ball will be re-served from the opposing defense.

Rule 12 - All the rules also apply to singles events where players hold a rod. Players are expected to act in an appropriate sporting manner and not bring the game into disrepute.

These are the Official Canadian Table Soccer Rules, from the Canadian Table Soccer Federation's website at www.canadafoos.com.