The table football rules (and their many variations!) you know them like the back of your hand. So much so that you wouldn't say no to a little novelty. Rejoice, with the "Speed Ball" your wishes will be granted!
This new game mode will be tested during the World Champion Series Bonzini 2014. For the moment, the rules of Speed Ball are not final and some adjustments will be made at the end of the experimental phase. Want to become a guinea pig? See you soon at the WCS Bonzini in Pontoise! On Saturday, May 17, players eliminated and not selected for the national team will have the privilege of testing the Speed Ball on magnificent Bonzini table football (opposite) requisitioned for the event. To better prepare yourself, we suggest you take a quick look at the Speed Ball rules.
In Speed Ball, a match is played in 2 winning sets of 5 points each. To determine the team that makes the kickoff, a coin toss is held. Please note: changing ends between sets is strictly prohibited. Note: it is the type of table football that determines the choice of ball.
The Kickoff
The ball is kicked off at the height of the player placed in the center of the half-yard bar. The player who makes the kickoff must absolutely ask the other players if they are "ready." They must respond within 3 seconds and the game must begin within 3 seconds of their response. In the event of a violation of these two time limits, delay-of-game penalties may be applied.
During a game
In Speed Ball, as its name suggests, play must be continuous and fluid. The ball cannot be stopped under a player for more than one second. Please note: if the ball is blocked, released, and then blocked again, another player must be touched before it can be played. In the event of a violation of this rule, the opposing player may, if they wish, put the ball back into play.
A ball goes out of the table football
If the ball goes out of the table football, the ball is put back into play by the backs of the team that last scored. The player who took the ball out does not take a penalty. Important: A ball that bounces, touches the bases or the goalposts, and then returns to the court is still in play.
Time-out Management
A team may take up to two 15-second time-outs per end, and only between ends. A ball in play renders any time-out request invalid. Any violation of this rule is considered a delay of game and is penalized. The first penalty is a simple warning. The second is the loss of the ball. The third is a penalty. Important: After a penalty, play must resume within 3 seconds.
Passing
In Speed Ball, all passes are allowed, and the ball can bounce many times against the goalposts before being played; there is no limit. It can also be passed after a block. Therefore, be careful to respect the rules stated in the "during a game" section.
The Penalty
The penalty must be taken from the 3-point line by the team that did not commit the foul. The rules of Speed Ball during a penalty are the same as during the rest of the game.
Ethics
Unsportsmanlike behavior is, of course, not tolerated. Appealing a referee's decision is not permitted. The referee has the right to penalize, exclude from the table, or expel from a tournament any player who behaves unethically.
The main points of Speed Ball now hold no secrets for you! And what better way to inaugurate a new game mode than with a good old Bonzini B60 table football?
