Rules of Play

These are the OTSA approved rules of play for Ontario.

Rule 1 - The ball is served into play by the team located on the serving side of the table for all circumstances including when the ball leaves the table during the game. The ball must touch both walls and be along the line prior to being played and goals from the throw-in will count on this condition. Teams will alternate sides after every game but may choose to remain on their respective sides as long as both teams agree.

Rule 2 - A single game is played first to five goals. OTS Tour Events are either first to win two out of three games or three out of five games. The deuce rule (a team must win by two goals once a game is tied 4 - 4) only applies to the Tournament Final deciding game (meaning the series is tied 1-1 or 2-2 and this will determine the Tournament winner) – this may me altered for Major Tournaments.

Rule 3 - Passing between two players on the same rod is not permitted in any circumstances and any goal scored either accidentally or intentionally even after hitting a side wall or an opposing team’s player will not count. (except for own goals – meaning the goal enters the shooting teams net) No aerial type shots are allowed.

Rule 4 - The game allows 5 touches per possession, excluding the save or interception. In attack 5 touches are allowed to have 5 touches against the side on the midfield and 5 touches in attack with the same rule. All shooting and passing must be carried out with the ball in motion. If the ball touches an opponents figure the touch count is reset. In defense a total of 5 touches are allowed between defender and goalie (excluding the save). Players are not allowed to intentionally slow the game and if they continue to do so they will be assessed a warning and then goal penalties (a goal will be awarded to the other team) at the discretion of the OTSA Tournament Official.

Rule 5 - It is forbidden to touch the ball twice with the same figure or two figures on the same rod before shooting. If this occurs the ball must be passed to the side-wall before shooting). 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 6 - The following plays are allowed from defense with the ball in motion:
(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 7 - 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 8 - One time out of up to 5 minutes is allowed per game (per team) to allow medical or technical problems to be resolved. Two time outs of 30 seconds are allowed at each team’s discretion. A time out may 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 9 - The following moves are illegal, if these result in a goal it will not count:
(a) Pass between two players on the same rod
(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 – during that time a players hand does not have to be in contact with the rod
(d) The ball may not touch 2 players in attack before entering the goal
(e) When cannoning (bouncing) between the side wall and the man the ball enters the goal "jumping" behind the goalkeeper
(f) The ball leaves the table, hits a foreign object, and rebounds into goal
(g) Shooting a stopped ball

Rule 10 - 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 team on the serving side of the table.

Rule 11 - These rules apply to all types of events (singles, doubles, etc...) Players are expected to act in an appropriate sporting manner and not bring the game into disrepute. Players must agree to follow all decisions of Tournament Officials and/or Directors (including playing on the first available table to open during a tournament) and any player/team refusing to do so will be disqualified.