unified rule of table soccer

1. TABLE FOOTBALL
UNIFIED
RULE
TECHNICAL NORMS
BRAZILIAN UNION OF TABLE FOOTBALL

2. PRACTICE TABLE FOOTBALL – UNIFIED RULE
TABLE
FEEL THE PLEASURE AND EMOTION OF PLAYING BUTTON
FOOTBALL!
SIMPLY THE BEST GAME IN THE WORLD…
FOOTBALL
UNIFIED RULE
TABLE FOOTBALL – UNIFIED RULE
TECHNICAL NORMS TECHNICAL NORMS

3. TABLE FOOTBALL SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION
TABLE FOOTBALL or BUTTON FOOTBALL is a football game played by 11
(eleven) players, represented by 10 (ten) circular buttons and 1 (one) goaltender in
the form of a rectangular block (parallelogram). It is played on a smooth, flat table
UNIFIED RULE
preferably covered with laminated plates or plywood from “guatambu”, ivory,
“imbuia” or any special hardwood. Buttons are propelled using disks of any nature
manipulated by a coach, responsible for the team.
BRAZILIAN UNION OF TABLE FOOTBALL The football field is a rectangular flat surface with marking where Table
Football is played. The goals must be fixed on the game table made of resistant
galvanized wire or the like and with a cotton of nylon net attached or sewn to its
external parts. The game ball, used by players as the main objective, is specially
made with a diameter of 1 (one) cm in a circular form.
A CONCRETE PROPOSAL TO UNIFY THE RULES OF TABLE
At the end of the regular time, the team that scores the highest number of
FOOTBALL IN BRAZIL, EUROPE AND AMERICAS goals is the winner. If the score is the same for both teams, the game is tied.
GAME RULE – UNIFIED RULE is a system utilized by a Table
Football coach that basically consists of one touch per team except when the ball is
“passed” (with 2 touches) and other cases foreseen in this Statute.
“PASSING” is the act of sending the ball towards another field piece of the
same team. The ball is not intercepted by any opposing player (and neither can the
goaltender of the goal bar be used to exchange passes even if the pass has been
previously clean and direct).

4. SUMMARY OF UNIFIED RULE SYSTEM UNIFIED RULE SYSTEM
TECHNICAL NORMS
I – One-Touch plays:
1 – GOAL KICKS CHAPTER I
2 – OFFSIDE THE FIELD
3 – FOULS Article 1 – The football field is a rectangular flat surface with markings, where Table
4 – SIMPLE THROW-INS Football is played.
5 – SIMPLE CORNERS
§ 1º - The field must be made of special friction-resistant wood to withstand
6 – DIRECT INFRINGEMENT (FOUL OR HANDBALL ON THE OPPOSING FIELD)
pressure as token dislocates over a piece.
7 – HAND BALL OF TEAM COACH
§ 2º - The field must be framed all around with wood measuring 1,5 cm of height so
8 – NORMAL PLAYS (WITHOUT PASSES BETWEEN TWO PLAYERS)
as to avoid the falling of the buttons. A ditch, 5 cm wide and approximately 2 cm
deep might be a choice as well.
II – TWO-TOUCH PLAYS:
§ 3º - The field shall be built in accordance with instructions contained in this rule for
1 – CONCEDED CORNER standardization sake.
2 – CONCEDED THROW-IN
§ 4º - In the event of games, the field shall be seated on easels to get perfectly
3 – INDIRECT INFRINGEMENT
leveled.
4 – PLAYS WITH PASSES
5 – ONSET OF GAME AND RESTARTING AFTER EACH GOAL § 5º - The field or game table may be made in 3 different dimensions, minimum,
medium and maximum. Minimum dimensions are preferably meant for the “juniors”
categories and the maximum ones for “adults” categories. Medium dimensions may
be used in all categories.
Such resolution aims to promote the practice of Table Football among the young
and encourage the qualification of new coach-players for the future thus helping with
the global development of this sport.
CHAPTER II
DIMENSIONS
Article 2 – The game table (a flat framed surface) shall measure:

5. Minimum Dimensions: b) major central circle: 12 cm of ray
a) Length: 1,60 m c) minor central circle: or field center: 1 cm of ray
b) Width: 1,20 m d) large area: 50 cm X 24 cm
c) Thickness: 2 cm e) small area: 20 cm X 5 cm
f) large area half-moon: 13 cm of ray (penalty mark).
Medium Dimensions:
Article 5 – The external spaces of the field shall measure:
a) Length: 1,80 m
a) back field spaces: 10 cm
b) Width: 1,40 m
b) side spaces: 10 cm
c) Thickness: 2 cm
Article 6 – The goals shall measure:
Maximum Dimensions:
a) Length: 13 cm (internally)
a) Length: 2,00 m
b) Height: 4 cm (internally)
b) Width: 1,50 m
c) Depth: 8 cm
c) Thickness: 2 cm
d) Diameter of bars: 4 mm maximum (in galvanized or metallic wire) or 8 mm
§ UNIQUE – Easels supporting the field must be: maximum (when made in roundish wood).
Minimum Height: 80 cm and Maximum Height: 82 cm
Article 3 – The field itself shall measure: CHAPTER III
THE PLAYERS
Minimum Dimensions:
Article 7 – Each team consists of 11 (eleven) players including the goaltender, being
a) Length: 1,40 m (internally)
forbidden to utilize players (buttons and goaltenders) exclusively made of
b) Width: 1,00 m (internally)
“transparent crystal” acrylic (or the kind) that hinder the view of the players on field
Medium Dimensions:
from the referee and opposing team and a goaltender whose shine and reflection
a) Length: 1,60 m (internally)
may compromise the perfect view of the goal.
b) Width: 1,20 m (internally)
Article 8 – A player is the button used for this purpose, duly prepared or adapted and
Maximum Dimensions:
specially made of some type of plastic matter (galalite or acrylic preferably) in a
a) Length: 1,80 m (internally)
circular and cylindrical form.
b) Width: 1,30 m (internally)
§ 1º - The circular player shall have the following measures:
§ UNIQUE – The Center of the field or dividing line is a line that divides the field into
a) maximum diameter: 5 cm
two equal parts.
b) minimum diameter: 3 cm
Article 4 – Internal markings of the field shall measure: c) maximum thickness: 6 mm
a) a quarter circle of the corner: 3 cm of ray

6. § 2º - The goaltender is rectangular in shape (parallelogram) and shall be made of Article 13 – Upside down players that turned over during the game shall immediately
some type of plastic matter. The goaltender can only play in horizontal positions be put back into the same position not losing the right to participate in the first play
lengthwise, supported in any its sides or major faces. The goaltender shall measure: of their team.
a) length: 6 cm
Article 14 – All players, except the goalkeeper, are propelled by a disc or token of
b) height: 3 cm
any kind.
c) width or depth: 2 cm
§ 3º - The goaltender may present a cut in one of its faces whose purpose is to CHAPTER IV
incase the ball. The cut or cavity on the goalkeeper may be 1 cm as the most at the
POSITIONS
horizontal base and 0,5 cm at the height and may be made only in a straight line,
Article 15 – Each player has its definite position, within the field, to start and restart
without bends for standardization sake.
the game. The location is marked by a point of 2 mm of diameter
§ 4º - The goaltender may act in a more lowered position in cases when the ball is The positions are the following:
passed back to the goalkeeper.
a) ONE MIDFIELDER – placed 35 cm from the center of its circumference to the
Article 9 – Each player must be clearly identified by a number and an emblem middle of the goal.
placed on the upper superior side and preferably standardized in colors, at least on b) TWO SIDE MIDFIELDERS – placed 22 cm from the center of its circumference to
the coloring of the upper layer. In official competitions the teams must display the the lateral line of the field and 40 cm from the back line of the field.
colors of their players standardized or the like. c) TWO CENTER MIDFIELDERS – placed 24 or 25 cm from the center of its
circumference to the small central circle (field center) and 13 cm from the dividing
Article 10 – No player can be removed by hand, except for:
line.
a) kicking a foul or any occurrence
d) TWO WINGERS – placed 11 cm from the center of its circumference to the lateral
b) starting the game
line of the field and 11 cm from the dividing line.
c) returning to the field
e) ONE CENTERFORWARD – placed 15 cm from the middle of the dividing line of
d) removing players to kick penalties
the field.
e) positioning the goaltender for defense.
§ 1º - THE TWO BACKS must be placed in positions coinciding with the upper
Article 11 – No player can be relegated by hand to its respective place, except in the
vertices of the large area, internally.
event of:
a) a goal § 2º - THE GOALTENDER must stay under the arch or goal and may only be
b) an offside dislocated within the small area whenever the coach deems it necessary for his
gameplay, yet dislocating the goaltender is not considered to be a play.
Article 12 – Leaning players, opponents or not, shall be moved by the coach or
referee to a distance equivalent to the thickness of a game piece. § 3º - THE GOALTENDER mustn’t be dislocated with the purpose of obstructing an
opposing piece, unless the opposing team announces a shot on goal.

7. § 4º - THE GOALKEEPER may obstruct an opposing play only if it already been in Article 19 – A play is the act of pressuring the token on a piece making it slide on the
such position previously. field towards the aim desired by the coach.
§ UNIQUE – In case the disc runs over the player as it is played or the button moves
CHAPTER V under any circumstance yet very slightly, the coach shall not have the right to replay.
THE BALL
Article 16 – The game ball shall be standard, made of special plastic, such as CHAPTER VII
acrylic, polyester or the like. It shall measure 1 cm of diameter and shall be circular THE OPENING KICKOFF
and flattened (in the form of a small button or disk). Also, games and competitions
Article 20 – The kickoff consists of two initial and consecutive plays with the ball
may be played with a “felt ball” using a spherical felt ball, synthetic rubber or any
departing in the first play from the central circle (small one) towards the opposing
other similar material.
field and in the second play coming from the central circle (large one).
§ UNIQUE – During the game, the ball cannot be touched by hand except in the
§ 1º - The coach supposed to do the opening kickoff may dislocate two of his players
event of foul kicks or other occurrences.
at the most (the centerforward and one of midfielders), placing them in any position
near the ball, within the central circles without touching the dividing line of the field.
§ 2º - The centerforward shall give the initial touch towards the opposing field. The
CHAPTER VI
player and the ball must be totally kept within the great central circle (therefore, they
THE GAMES are not supposed to leave and return).
Article 17 – A game is the period of time played by contenders. The length of the In the second and last play of the opening kickoff, the ball, shot by one of the
game is 40 (forty) minutes, divided into two phases of 20 (twenty) minutes and each midfielders must leave the great circle.
coach has the right to initiate the game in 2 phases (halves) in all competitions and
§ 3º - The referee shall decide to have the game start again in case the previous
have the team exchange sides in each half.
paragraph is not fulfilled (twice at the most).
§ 1º - There will be a 5 – minute break between the end of the first half and the
§ 4º - If the executor performs the kickoff incorrectly a technical foul shall favor the
beginning of the second half, the teams must change sides within the field.
opposing team.
§ 2º - On the onset of each half, players shall be relegated to their respective
Article 21 – After the two initial and consecutive plays at the opening of the game,
positions.
each coach shall be entitled to only play at the time, except when there is a 2-touch
§ 3º - At the referee’s discretion, the duration of the game may be extended with gameplay (foreseen in the statute) or when the “passing” resource is utilized
additional time. (passing the ball between two buttons without being intercepted by an opposing
Article 18 – A coach is a contender who, during the game, propels the pieces using player), being also a 2-touch gameplay.
a disc or a token.

8. § UNIQUE – A shot on goal shall not be allowed in a two-play opening kickoff (if a § 3º - When there is a shot on the opposing goal and the ball hits the goal bar or the
goal occurs, a goal kick takes place); likewise, a throw-in shall reverse the play. In goaltender and returns to the shooting team, under legal condition, the first play of
case a corner occurs, a goal kick takes place. the opposing piece cannot be shot on goal; if a goal is scored (or a corner) it is
annulled and a goal kick takes place.
Also at the opening kickoff, the gameplay ball “touch” over or under the opposing
button is not allowed. In case it happens, there will be a new opening. Article 24 – The coach whose turn is next at the closing time of the game or the first
half is entitled to his turn, which shall be the last.
CHAPTER VIII § UNIQUE – In this case, the coach has no right to kick fouls derived from this play,
THE SHOT ON GOAL except for a very special case such as “hand touch by the coach” or “a foul
Article 22 – A shot on goal with the purpose of scoring may occur: committed by the opposing coach”, favoring the shooting team.
a) when the ball lands on the defender’s field and the next play belongs to the
attacker; CHAPTER IX
b) when there is a direct foul kick. INFRINGEMENTS
Article 23 – The shot on goal is valid only if: Article 25 – An infringement is:
a) the ball passes the dividing line of the field completely; a) a foul
b) the shooting player is qualified to do so and is totally or partially inside in the field, b) touching
except when there is a corner or a foul kick; c) handball
c) a prior notice is given to the opposing coach declaring the shot on goal, the d) penalty
number or name of the player to perform the shooting, so that the opposing coach e) corner
can position his goaltender. f) technical foul
d) when the passing resource is used, in order to validate the shot on goal, the ball
§ 1º - The foul shall be kicked directly or indirectly:
and the button receiving the pass must be totally positioned within the attacking field
a) DIRECTLY – when shot on the opposing goal once;
the moment the ball is thrown, except when there is an indirect foul (foul or hand
b) INDIRECTLY – when kicked into touches; the first being called “pass” and the
touch) when the ball may be thrown from the defending field to the attacking field.
second called “play”. In the second, the ball may be shot on goal if it lands on the
§ 1º - When the ball is thrown to a player on the attacking field and then hits another attacking field and has not been intercepted by an opposing piece and it may also
player of the same team positioned on his defending field or the dividing line of the provoke a throw-in or a corner after the pass. As for the indirect foul kick (foul or
field or still the ball reaches the dividing line of the field, the referred team cannot touch), the pass originated from the defending field to a player totally positioned in
shoot on the opposing goal with the purpose of scoring. the attacking field is still good to shoot on goal.
§ 2º - A ball stopped on the dividing line of the field is considered neuter, so the
coach whose turn is next is not allowed a corner kick or a shot on goal.

9. When the pass is done in the defending field in indirect foul kick, the favored team place. The reference point is where the button was dislocated. If the player touches
shall be entitled to a second play; however, this time it cannot be shot on goal even the ball dislocating it, the foul shall be marked where the ball came from.
if had stopped on the attacking field.
In case an opposing player deliberately or not, directly or indirectly tries to
§ 2º - The foul committed on the infractor’s field shall be kicked directly, unless it is a “disarrange” an opposing team gameplay, a foul shall be marked (direct or indirect)
technical foul, which shall be kicked in a simple, indirect play, and the corner may where the ball came from.
kicked directly or indirectly.
§ 4º - When one or more players of the same team commit a foul in just one play
§ 3º - The foul committed on the favored team’s field or in the dividing line shall be directly hitting and/or dislocating indirectly opposing players positioned on both sides
kicked indirectly. of the dividing line of the field, the first foul occurred must be considered unless the
referee interprets it as a deliberate play by the infractor coach to “disarrange” the
Article 26 – The foul committed on the infractor’s field shall be kicked directly, this is,
opponent’s gameplay, when he considers the second foul (a direct foul on the
in only one play without using the passing resource and consequent shot on goal.
infractor’s team); or yet, if the first player of the opposing team is directly thrown
Article 27 – In the indirect foul kick, in case the ball touches an opposing player in
against the second with the purpose of “disarranging” the opponent’s gameplay,
the first play, the favored team shall lose the right to a second play.
referee may also mark a foul (direct or indirectly) from where the ball came from.
Article 28 –When kicking fouls, it is allowed to move aside up to two players that are
6 (six) cm from the ball (equivalent to the length of a goaltender) if they are CHAPTER XI
disturbing the gameplay. TOUCHING
Article 29 – In case the favored coach wishes, any foul, except the corner and the Article 31 – Touching is when the ball stays put on a player (on it side), on top or
touching, may be taken as conquered and therefore not executed. even underneath.
§ 1º - Touching on the infractor’s field is a direct free kick; on the other field, it is
CHAPTER X characterized as an indirect kick.
THE FOUL
§ 2º - In case there is “double touching” (when the ball remains on two opposing
Article 30 – A foul occurs when a player hits the opposing piece, including the
players simultaneously) the referee shall decide to separate the two faulty buttons.
goalkeeper, before hitting the ball, or when the coach deliberately or not plays or
This time the ball is in the same position, leaning against both players; however, it is
manipulates an opposing player.
now placed on the surface of the table. The referee shall not mark any foul and the
§ 1º - The foul on the infractor’s field shall be kicked directly. It is kicked indirectly game proceeds normally.
when it occurs on the favored team’s field or on the dividing line.
§ 3º - At the opening kickoff and the first throw-in no “touching” foul can be earned
§ 2º - The foul committed on the goaltender shall be kicked within the penalty area. with the ball over or under the opposing player.
§ 3º - When the coach deliberately or not plays or manipulates an opposing player, a
direct or indirect foul is marked against such coach depending on the spot it took

10. CHAPTER XII § 1º - A conceded corner kick is when the ball goes out the back line of the
defending team. The last play had belonged to the defending team and the ball had
THE HANDBALL
not last touched any opposing player.
Article 32 – A handball is when the ball hits the token or the coach’s hand, or over
the line of the infractor’s large area (it includes any object the coach is holding or The “conceded” corner kick is performed in two plays: the first is passing the ball to a
even his clothes). player positioned in the attacking field (or simply kicking the ball to the interior of the
large area of the opposing team; in this case, the ball cannot stop on a marking line
§ UNIQUE – A handball on the infractor’s field earns a direct free kick (from the top
or be intercepted by a defending piece) and the second play is a shot on goal which
angle of the great area).
may also provoke a new corner kick or a throw-in.
CHAPTER XIII The player in the first event is not allowed to participate in the second (not even be
moved) before the ball is touched by another player.
THE PENALTY KICK
In the first kick it is not allowed to provoke a throw-in and neither a corner kick. If this
Article 33 – Penalty is every foul committed within the great area defended by the
happens the play will reverse to the opposing team when a throw-in or a goal kick is
infractor or over the marking line, except for the corner, the coach’s handball and the
taken, respectively.
technical foul.
If the ball touches an opposing player in the first kick, the other team will lose the
§ 1º - A penalty kick is a direct shot on goal with the ball placed 14 (fourteen) cm
right to the second play.
counting from the goal line towards the center of the great area.
The player in charge of the penalty kick is placed outside of the great area. Also, the goal is considered valid if the ball enters the goal after a direct corner kick
(Olympic goal) or if the ball hits any other player and then penetrates the goal;
§ 2º - Upon a penalty kick, players within the great area should be removed from it
however, the coach of the play must declare a goal shot so that the opposing team
manually.
can position their goaltender.
§ 3º - After the penalty kick, players shall keep on playing from where they stand if
§ 2º - The simple corner kick is when the ball shot on goal or not by an opposing
the ball is in play or goes out the field in the back or on the sides.
piece, touches a defending player and leaves the goal line of the defending team.
§ 4º - The goaltender may be placed anywhere under the goal so that his front is on This is also called simple corner kick.
the line of the goal to defend the penalty kick.
In a simple corner kick there is one direct play, the goal being valid if shot directly on
goal or hit any other player in the infractor’s field. It is not allowed to provoke a
CHAPTER XIV
throw-in or a corner kick. If this happens, the play shall reverse to the opposing team
THE CORNER KICK when a throw-in or a goal kick is taken, respectively.
Article 34 – A corner kick may be conceded or simple. The kick is executed with the
If the ball hits an opposing piece after hitting a player of the same team and leaves
ball placed on the quarter circle of the field’s angle from the side where the ball went
the field, the play will be valid and a new play will take a throw-in or a corner kick.
out.

11. § 3º - The player kicking the corner cannot touch the ball in two consecutive f) ostensively commenting on the opposing conduct or the referee’s performance so
opportunities (and cannot be moved either) before the ball is touched by another as to disturb the game play;
player, opponent or not, except for the goaltender. g) two or more players of the same team closing the ball between them or against
the goal line or lateral; not allowing the opposing player (of greater diameter,
§ 4º - To characterize a corner kick (including a conceded corner kick), it is
pursuant to the Regulation) to touch the ball. The coach must then open the play he
necessary that the ball come from the infractor’s field.
is entitled to, thus allowing a passage to the opposing player. In this case, the
§ 5º - The player touching the dividing line of the field is regarded as neutral;
opposing player does not have to be positioned to touch the ball. The greater
therefore, if the ball coming from a player of the same team touches him and leaves
diameter of the circular player allowed by the present Regulation (5 cm) is always
the bounds, the corner kick is not valid and just a technical foul is taken (from the
taken as a reference. In the absence of bigger buttons, a circular token of 5 cm
dividing line to the lateral). A corner kick “provoked” on a player standing on the
carried by the referee must be utilized to measure the space. Otherwise, a technical
dividing line is not valid, either, only a goal kick.
foul will be called.
§ 6º - The corner kick shall reverse to the opposing player (a goal kick) if the ball for
Exception: in a kick with the ball stopped, the ball obstruction among three or more
a corner kick is not placed within the quarter circle of the field angle or at least
players of the same team will be considered a technical foul, provided that no
touching it.
opposing player can enter the closed play. The kick is taken from where the offence
occurred and the infractors shall be moved laterally;
CHAPTER XV h) the player kicking a corner or doing a throw-in and consecutively touches the ball
THE TECHNICAL FOUL in two opportunities (or is simply moved without touching the ball) before it is
Article 35 – A technical foul consists of: touched by another player, opponent or not, except for the goalie;
a) leaving the goalie partially or totally out of the goal area (box) as he directly or i) any corner kick with the ball reaching the opposing field or the dividing line (or a
indirectly participates in a play; player positioned on the dividing line) is considered a technical foul and shall be
b) failing to start the game or replace the ball in play in two consecutive tries; taken on the dividing line with the lateral of the field where the ball left;
c) two or more players of a team simultaneously participating in the same play (that j) If a goal is scored against the goal defended by one team but the ball came
is, throwing one player against the other), except when the ball is shot on the directly from the opposing field or left the defending field and reached the opposing
opposing goal (with the ball entering the goal or hitting the goal bar or the goalie) or field on the dividing line (or the player was on the dividing line) a technical foul will
when the ball leaves the goal line. The player button cannot be utilized as an be called and shall be taken on the dividing line with the lateral line;
element to be intentionally propelled against the goal bar with the intent to obstruct k) a technical foul will be called if the coach does have at least one foot on the
the opposing play; ground while performing a play;
d) delaying more than 10 (ten) seconds to kick; l) if opposing players are pushed outside the field, on purpose or not, during a goal
e) trying to impede the progress of the game by complaining without permission or in kick, a throw-in, an offside or any type of violation a technical foul will be called and it
any other way; will be taken where the ball stopped (or on the dividing line with the lateral line in the
field where the ball left), the players returning to their original position;

12. m) if a goal is scored against the team throwing in a ball; § 2º - The goal scored against the very goal defended by a team shall not be valid
n) a coach handball shall be considered a technical foul anywhere in the game field, when the ball shot on the opposing arch hits the goal bar or a player and moves in
except when it is committed within or on the line of the great area of the infractor’s the same play penetrating the very goal defended by the shooting team.
field, where the offence is taken (a kind of direct kick foul) on the upper angle of the A goal kick simply follows the play.
great area.
§ 3º - The goal scored against the very goal defended by a team shall not be valid
§ UNIQUE – the technical foul will be kicked through a simple indirect shot, the goal when the ball departing directly from the opposing field or the defending team
not being valid, except the goal scored against the kicker’s own goal. reaches the opposite field or the dividing line of the field.
a) the technical foul shall be taken where the play is taking place when included in A technical foul should be called in any of these cases, and will be kicked from the
items b, c, d, e, f, g and h. dividing line with the lateral line.
b) the technical foul shall be kicked with the ball placed in upper angle of the great
§ 4º - A play touching the dividing line is considered neutral; therefore, if the ball hits
area when included in entering “a” and in items “b, c, d, e, f, g and h” when the play
him and enters the goal (box), the score will be annulled.
occurs within the great area.
Article 38 – When a goal is scored, the game will restart and players must be
relegated to their respective positions.
CHAPTER XVI
OCCURRENCES
CHAPTER XVIII
Article 36 – The following are occurrences:
OFFSIDE
a) goal;
Article 39 – An offside is when one or more players of a team are in the opposing
b) offside;
field facing only the goaltender of the opposing team (only when his body is totally
c) goal kick;
ahead of the opposing player) and the ball completely passes the line of the last
d) throw-in; and
defending button placed in his defending field with the ball in play within the field.
e) goaltender defense.
§ UNIQUE – The offside will be kicked in a single play.
CHAPTER XVII Article 40 – The offside will be called only if the ball coming from the defending field
THE GOAL towards the attacking field reaches or stops in the field with the faulty player
Article 37 – A goal is scored when the ball in play, propelled by a player enters positioned nearer the back line than any other of his opponents, except the goalie.
totally the goal line (box), once the shot fulfills the requisites of Article 23.
§ 1º - Also, the referee will call “offside” if the ball hits the goal bar or the goalie after
§ 1º - A goal without previously being declared will be valid only if scored against the a shot on goal from the opposing team returning to the defending team and lands
goal defended by the team shooting it, provided that the ball had departed from the near the opposing player in his attacking field, in irregular position, having only the
field of the defending team. goaltender ahead and the reference player positioned nearer the backline than any
other player of his opponents, except the goalie.

13. § 2º - The player in offside will be manually removed and relegated to his original § 3º - In a goal kick, it is allowed for the right or left back to be removed manually to
position and will lose the right to the first play the coach is entitled to; it may however the position of kicker of a goal kicks, even if this player has temporarily been out of
be the object of violation or occurrence in the play following its recollocation. the field or comes from an offside position.
The player returning from an offside position to his position is not allowed to
Article 44 – In a goal kick, it is not allowed to move players nor to try to earn a throw-
participate in the first play of his team, except when the offside kick is passed back
in, a corner or a goal, if this happens, it will reverse and a throw-in or goal kick shall
to the goaltender and the game restarts with a goal kick (in this case, the player that
respectively be taken in the last two cases.
has returned from offside may participate in the first play of his team).
Article 45 – When there is a shot on the opposing goal and the ball hits the goal bar
§ 3º - If there are two buttons in offside simultaneously, the offside kick will be taken
or the goaltender and, in the same play, moves and enters the goal defended by the
from the place where the last button was, that is, the one nearest the backline.
shooting team (a goal scored against one’s own team), a goal kick should follow.
Article 41 – There will be no offside when the ball originating from a goal kick, a However, if the ball does not enter the goal defended by the shooting team, in the
throw-in or any other event touches an opposing player, provided that this player is play mentioned and leaves the backline of the field it is still a goal kick even if the
positioned in his defending field (except for the goaltender). ball comes directly from the opposing goal bar.
Article 42 – There will be no offside when one or more players of the attacking team
receive the ball directly from the opposing player or at least from a play done by the CHAPTER XX
opposing team, no matter what field or player last hit it, the opposing team or his THE THROW-IN
own team (except for the specific case mentioned in paragraph 1 of Article 40). Article 46 – A throw-in happens when the ball crosses the side marking of the game
field.
CHAPTER XIX § 1º - A throw-in is “conceded” every time the ball touches a player of the (same)
THE GOAL KICK team shooting it and directly goes out of the bounds. A throw-in is done in two plays,
Article 43 – The goal kick is a play that takes place immediately after the ball leaves the first called a “pass” and the second a “play”. A team has the right for the second
the backline, propelled or hit by an opposing attacker, or when the ball is in the play if the ball is not intercepted by an opposing player in the first “pass”.
goaltender’s possession or still when the ball enters the goal, but it is annulled. It is not allowed to earn a goal, a corner kick or another throw-in in any of the two
plays. In case it happens, the opposing team will be awarded a goal kick or a simple
§ 1º - The goal kick is done by one of the two backs with the ball placed anywhere
throw-in.
within the great area.
§ 2º - A throw-in is “earned” or simple every time the ball hits a player of the
§ 2º - To be valid, the goal kick must leave from inside the great area, this kick may
opposing team and goes out of the bonds. A simple throw-in is done in one play and
be executed by the team in up to two tries (if the first is invalidated); if the favored
it is not allowed to earn a goal, a corner kick or another throw-in. In case it happens,
team does not kick correctly, a technical foul shall be called.
the opposing team will be awarded a goal kick or a simple throw-in.

14. § 3º - “Touching” over or underneath the opposing player is not allowed in the first Article 51 – The ball remaining within the small area or just touching its line,
play of a throw-in. In case it happens, a new throw-in is taken and if “touching” including the back line, is deemed to be defended by the goalie.
occurs again, the opposing team will be awarded a throw-in.
§ UNIQUE – The ball defended by the goalie shall be put into play by one of the
§ 4º - When the ball is shot on goal and hits one of the goal bars and/or the backs with a shot similar to a goal kick from any spot within the great area.
goaltender and leaves the bounds, touching a player or not, a simple throw-in is
Article 52 – If, in an attempt to back to ball to the goalie, it hits the referred
taken (one single play and no passing).
goaltender and goes outside of the small area, this fact is not considered a pass
§ 5º - In a throw-in the ball must rigorously be placed on the marking line and in the since the goaltender may only intercept a pass and not actually pass the ball.
exact place it left the field or on the referee’s command if the ball crosses the line
Article 53 – If the goaltender remains outside his area after defending a shot, the
over a player previously standing there.
referee of the defending coach should place it back.
Article 47 – Simple throw-in will be awarded to the opposing team in case paragraph
5 of Article 46 is not fulfilled. CHAPTER XXII
Article 48 – The player throwing in the ball cannot hit it consecutively in two GENERAL CLAUSES
opportunities (not even be moved without hitting the ball) before it is hit by another Article 54 – A pass is the act of propelling the ball with a button in which the ball hits
player, opponent or not, except for the goalie. a player of the same team directly without being intercepted by an opposing player
(not utilizing the goaltender or the goal bar as helping elements, even though the
Article 49 – The player standing on the markings of the field lateral and back, is
previous pass has been clean and sample).
actually in play so if the ball hits him and leaves the bounds, the opposing team will
earn a throw-in, except when the player is clearly out of the field. It is not considered a pass when the ball touches the opposing player before or after
the conventional pass (the pass between two players of the same team).
Article 50 – A throw-in “earned” in the attacking field must be done by throwing the
ball into the half of the field opposite to the attacking field (the ball should park Article 55 – The player performs any play with the ball stopped cannot touch it in two
there), that is, the ball should be thrown into the half of the field. Contrary to the spot consecutive opportunities not even more before any player hits it, opponent or not,
where the throw-in takes place. If the throw-in is not done correctly, the opposing except the goalie. If he does it, a technical foul will be taken from the spot where the
team will take it. ball was being kicked.
§ UNIQUE – When the ball is shot on the opposing goal and hits the goalie or the Article 56 – A player is considered to be out of the field when he is completely out of
goal bar, touching a player or not, the play is considered normal followed by a the rectangle marking the field, that is, when he completely crosses the lateral line or
simple throw-in. back line.
Article 57 – A player shall be placed exactly where he left on the corresponding line
CHAPTER XXI mark if he:
THE GOALTENDER DEFENSE a) totally crosses the lateral line;

15. b) totally crosses the back line; an indirect or direct free kick depending on the place where the game play is
c) totally enters the goal (in this case, the player will be removed and placed by the developing, after being warned by the referee. In a specific case when the
lateral line of the small area and the back line, being out of play during the first more goaltender is placed partially or completed outside the small area, even if the ball
of his team); does not hit him, there will be a direct free kick from the upper angle of the great
d) partially or totally parks in the small area (in this case, the player will be removed area.
from the small area and placed by the front line or lateral line of this area, being
Article 63 – When the ball remains on the quarter circle of the corner there will be:
allowed to play).
a) a goal kick, if propelled by an attacking player;
§ 1º - The player who leaves the field must remain out for one play (the first play of b) a simple throw-in, if propelled by a defending player.
his team) automatically returning to the game field, duly qualified, for the play that
Article 64 – When a defending button penetrates or touches the quarter circle
follows his coach’s first participation.
marking of the corner and a corner kick occurs next and the button remains in that
§ 2º - The referee must remove or place back any player who left the field under any position, it should be moved laterally to a distance of 6 cm (the length of the
circumstance. goaltender).
§ 3º - A player who leaves the field is allowed to enter the game field, in the first play Article 65 – Two movable acrylic blades shall be placed outside the field, in front of
of his team, only for a throw-in or a corner kick and foul kicks; and so are the two the central dividing line, one on each side in order to mark the side where the ball
backs for the goal kickers. left the field. Also outside the field, on the four corners or angles, four blades shall
be placed to mark the line where the ball left and thus define cases of a corner kick,
Article 58 – The ball will be out of the field if it crosses completely one of the four
goal kick or throw-in.
markings of the game field.
Article 66 – A sequence of three or more consecutive plays is not allowed except for
Article 59 – The number of substitutions per official game is three at the most and
direct or indirect free kicks. Before the 3 rd consecutive play, the opposing team may
may be done at the end of the first half, except when a player breaks or the layers
play once moving the button without the ball.
come off, previously communicated to the referee.
Article 67 – In cases of infringements occurred on the back line zone( or very close
Article 60 – The referee will not allow any player to participate in official games
to that line) the pass is exceptionally permitted in the attacking field as the best
without a number on the upper part or even with repeated numbers on the same
option followed by a shot on goal, the goal being valid. The back line consists of
team.
internal rectangular fields located on the extension of the imaginary front line of the
Article 61 – The referee should require silence in the site where they game is being
small area to the lateral markings of the field.
played. Also, he should check the teams and make sure the coaches are not
Article 68 – The coach may use some paraffin or wax on the upper part of the
wearing a wristwatch in official competitions.
buttons to polish then and add a better performance to the players.
Article 62 – Breaking the technical norms and the rules of the game will be taken as
Article 69 – The names “TABLE FOOTBALL” and “BUTTON FOOTBALL”
a technical foul in the spot where it took place and if it happens again, there will be
correspond to the same sport and are equally ruled by these REGULATIONS.

16. FINAL CLAUSES
All Brazilian, European and Latin American button players should preferably
constitute TABLE FOOTBALL CLUBS and/or organize themselves in BUTTON
PLAYERS ASSOCIATIONS in all places, spreading this sport through all means of
communication and making the TECHNICAL NORMS and UNIFIED RULE SYSTEM
known, aiming to foster the unification of Table Football Rule in Brazil, Europe and
the Americas.
A Technical-Juridical Committee of Brazilian button players, coordinator of these
technical norms of Table Football and the Unified Rule System will permanently
welcome suggestions for studies on possible changes and/or improvement in the
current standardized rule looking forward to adopting and officializing it all over the
national territory through the juridical constitution of the UNION OF BRAZILIAN
FOOTABLE, based on the National Confederation models.
In the years to come, once the UNIFIED RULE of table football is accepted, adopted
and developed throughout Latin America, PAN-AMERICAN CONFEDERATIONS
shall be established as well as the EUROPEAN UNION OF TABLE FOOTBALL in
the European continent.
Finally, after the consolidation of the main continental confederations, the
FIFUMESA may be founded, which stands for INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF
TABLE FOOTBALL, the worldwide head of button football in charge of organizing
intercontinental world championships of table football under standardized unified
rules.

17. UNIFIED RULE
A CONCRETE PROPOSAL TO UNIFY THE RULES OF TABLE
FOOTBALL IN BRAZIL, EUROPE AND AMERICAS
Coordinator:
ENIO ERNO SEIBERT
Address: Rua Bento Martins, 651/603- Centro
Zip: 90010-080- Porto Alegre- Rio Grande do Sul- Brazil
e-mail: enioseibert@hotmail.com
Phone: (51) 32260085