Fédération Internationale du Sport Football de Table

Federation of International Sports Table Football

Tournament Organisers Handbook

fistf.com

Last Updated: 30 December 2021

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

Section 1 Preface _________________________________________ 1

1. Document Basis & Explanation ________________________________________ 1
2. Disclaimer of Liability ________________________________________________ 1
Section 2 Competition Organization Regulations _______________ 3
3. Organisation of a Competition _________________________________________ 3
3.1. General Rules__________________________________________________________ 3
3.2. Management of the Competition ___________________________________________ 3
3.2.1. Official Invitation and Promotion________________________________________________________ 3
3.2.2. Banners and Posters __________________________________________________________________ 3
3.2.3. Tournament Registrations _____________________________________________________________ 3
3.2.4. Official Confirmation _________________________________________________________________ 3
3.2.5. Promotion, public relations and Sponsorship ______________________________________________ 4
3.2.6. Meeting the spectators _______________________________________________________________ 4
3.2.7. The Draw ___________________________________________________________________________ 4
3.2.8. Management of referees ______________________________________________________________ 4
3.2.9. Registration of Players and Clubs________________________________________________________ 5
3.2.10. Trophies ___________________________________________________________________________ 5
3.2.11. Competition reports __________________________________________________________________ 6
3.2.12. Insurance___________________________________________________________________________ 6
3.2.13. List of Players _______________________________________________________________________ 6
3.2.14. Entry fees __________________________________________________________________________ 6
3.2.15. Special fees for Champions and Europa Leagues ___________________________________________ 6

4. Technical Infrastructure ______________________________________________ 7

4.1. Schedule of the Competition ______________________________________________ 7
4.2. Venue ________________________________________________________________ 7
4.3. Area for spectators ______________________________________________________ 7
4.4. Rest area _____________________________________________________________ 7
4.5. Climatic conditions ______________________________________________________ 7
4.6. Luminosity ____________________________________________________________ 7
4.7. Timing ________________________________________________________________ 7
4.8. Refreshments __________________________________________________________ 7
4.9. Playing Area ___________________________________________________________ 8
4.10. Transport _____________________________________________________________ 8
4.11. Accommodation ________________________________________________________ 8
4.12. Health and safety _______________________________________________________ 8
4.13. Review of the papers ____________________________________________________ 8
5. Duties of the Organiser _______________________________________________ 8
5.1. Sending Results ________________________________________________________ 8
5.2. Sending of Tournament Report ____________________________________________ 9
5.3. Administrative Sanctions _________________________________________________ 9
6. Other Continental Championships ______________________________________ 9

Last Updated: 30 December 2021 Page i

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

Section 3 Competition Regulations __________________________ 10

7. Individual Competitions ______________________________________________ 10
7.1. General Competition structure ____________________________________________ 10
7.2. Groups rankings _______________________________________________________ 10
8. Team Competitions _________________________________________________ 10
8.1. General Competition structure ____________________________________________ 10
8.2. Groups rankings _______________________________________________________ 11
8.3. Seeding procedure _____________________________________________________ 12
8.4. Substitution rules ______________________________________________________ 12
8.5. In case of draw ________________________________________________________ 12
9. Group rules ________________________________________________________ 13
9.1. Order of matches ______________________________________________________ 13
9.2. Special situations ______________________________________________________ 13
9.3. Notes _______________________________________________________________ 13
10. Formula guidelines for each number of entrants _________________________ 14
2 groups ___________________________________________________________________________________ 14
3 groups ___________________________________________________________________________________ 14
4 groups ___________________________________________________________________________________ 14
5 groups ___________________________________________________________________________________ 14
6 groups ___________________________________________________________________________________ 14
7 groups ___________________________________________________________________________________ 14
8 groups ___________________________________________________________________________________ 14
9 groups ___________________________________________________________________________________ 14
10 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 15
11 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 15
12 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 15
13 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 15
14 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 15
15 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 15
16 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 16
17 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 16
18 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 16
19 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 16
20 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 17
21 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 17
22 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 17
23 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 17
24 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 18
25 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 18
26 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 18
27 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 18
28 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 19
29 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 19
30 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 20
31 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 20
32 groups __________________________________________________________________________________ 21

Last Updated: 30 December 2021 Page ii

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

Section 1 Preface
1. Document Basis & Explanation
• The provisions of this handbook apply to FISTF, its Member Nations, registered players,
registered Clubs and competition organizers in the conduct of any activity related to sports
table football.
• In case of any conflict between the FISTF Statutes and any other section of this handbook,
the provisions of the FISTF Statutes shall prevail.
• If any provision of this handbook or its applicability to any person or circumstance is held
invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this handbook which
can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the
provisions of this handbook shall be severable.
• In the event of any controversy, dispute or claim arising out of or relating to this handbook,
or to the interpretation, breach, or enforcement thereof, the parties shall in good faith use
best efforts to settle such controversy, dispute or claim by negotiation. If such negotiation
should fail, such controversy, dispute or claim shall be submitted to the FISTF Board of
Directors, which shall issue a final, binding and conclusive ruling on all interested parties.
• The rights and obligations herein contained shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding
upon, FISTF, Member Nations, registered players and registered clubs and their respective
executors, administrators, successors and assigns.
• Any forbearance of FISTF, Member Nations, registered players or registered clubs to
exercise any right or remedy to which they are entitled to under this handbook shall not be
construed as a waiver of, or preclude the exercise of, any right or remedy.
• As used in this handbook, words in the masculine gender shall mean and include
corresponding neuter words or words in the feminine gender and vice-versa, words in the
singular shall mean and include the plural and vice versa, and the word “may” gives sole
discretion without any obligation to take any action.
• Any case not provided for in this handbook shall be referred to the FISTF Board of
Directors, which shall issue a final, binding and conclusive ruling on the case.

2. Disclaimer of Liability
FISTF hereby disclaims any warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, any
implied warranty arising from course of performance, course of dealing or usage of trade, and also
disclaims all other obligations and liabilities whatsoever whether in contract, warranty, product
liability, tort (including without limitation, negligence, active, passive or imputed liability or strict
liability), by statute or otherwise, related to the organization and conduct of sports table football
competitions, except as expressly assumed by FISTF in its statutes or in the present handbook.
Member Nations by becoming FISTF members and accepting to organize sports table football
competitions, expressly agree that FISTF is released from, and shall not be liable to Member
Nations or competition organizers upon, any claim howsoever arising out of sports table football
competitions, whether in contract, warranty, product liability or tort (including without limitation,
negligence, active, passive or imputed liability or strict liability), by statute or otherwise, and all
direct, indirect, special, consequential and incidental damages of any nature whatsoever, except as
expressly assumed by FISTF in its statutes or in the valid handbook, and Member Nations and

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 1

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

competition organizers assume all risk and liability whatsoever related to sports table football
competition organized by them, that is not expressly assumed by FISTF.
Should a registered player, registered club, registered referee or any other third party assert a
claim against or sue FISTF whether in contract, warranty, product liability or tort (including without
limitation, negligence, active, passive or imputed liability or strict liability), either at law or in equity,
for events related to a sports table football competition, the competition organizer of such
competition shall be responsible for dealing with and settling, at their own expense, any such
claim, action or proceeding. Should FISTF incur any expenses in dealing with such claim, action of
proceeding, the competition organizer shall indemnify FISTF for all damages incurred to FISTF.
At the time of renewing their FISTF membership or of first becoming members of FISTF, Member
Nations have been expressly made aware of the provisions of this section “disclaimer of liabilities”
and, by accepting membership, recognize that these provisions are fully understood and accepted.
At the time of applying for the organization of a table football competition, competition organizers
have been expressly made aware of the provisions of this section “disclaimer of liabilities” and, by
accepting membership or the task of competition organizer, recognize that these provisions are
fully understood and accepted.
In case of any conflict between this section “disclaimer of liabilities” and any other section of this
handbook (excepting the FISTF statutes), the provisions of this section “disclaimer of liabilities”
shall prevail.
All Member Nations that approve this handbook will be listed here, with date of approval.
This Handbook shall become a ‘living’ document, which will be posted on the FISTF website
(fistf.com). All changes will be made to it, becoming active at the time of publication, unless
otherwise stated.

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 2

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

Section 2 Competition Organization Regulations

3. Organisation of a Competition
3.1. General Rules
(a) The most important points for the organisation of a tournament must be the quality
of the equipment and the venue.

(b) The goal of every tournament must be to become a Major Grand Prix.

(c) Quality equipment and the fact that the organizers keep the same hall and the same
date every year can help candidates to become a Major.

3.2. Management of the Competition

3.2.1. Official Invitation and Promotion
(i) An official invitation must be available at least two months before the
tournament.
(ii) Even if an invitation is not sent to every National Association or every club,
the information must be available on the FISTF website.

3.2.2. Banners and Posters

(iii) A poster or banner announcing the tournament is mandatory for a Major
Grand Prix, Grand Prix or International Open. For other tournaments,
although it is not mandatory, it is advisable.
(iv) It is mandatory to include the FISTF logo and the logo of the local National
Association as well.

3.2.3. Tournament Registrations

(v) Set a deadline to receive the registrations (for instance 2 or 3 days before
the tournament).
(vi) For larger tournaments (over 100 players), it may be necessary to have a
longer deadline (one week).
(vii) In order to register the players in the tournament, the organizer shall use the
Form F22 (Event Registration for Individuals Form).
(viii) In order to register the clubs in the tournament, the organizer shall use the
Form F23 (Event Registration for Teams Form)
(ix) Both Forms must be sent to FISTF before the tournament.

3.2.4. Official Confirmation

(x) The organizer should ask the representatives of the various clubs to confirm
the participation of their players the day before the tournament.

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 3

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

3.2.5. Promotion, public relations and Sponsorship

(xi) For any FISTF event, it is important to invite the national and regional media.
This can provide significant positive images for the game and clubs in the
organising country.
(xii) A member of the Organising Committee must be available to meet the
reporters. Basic information should be available in a hand-out to the media.

3.2.6. Meeting the spectators

(xiii) For each tournament, it is important to attract spectators. This is the best
way to attract new players.
(xiv) The use of posters can be a good tool for attracting people but it is also very
important to explain to them what is going on. From this point of view, it is
very important to prepare a programme with the names of the competitors,
the schedule of the tournament, the sponsors, etc.

3.2.7. The Draw

(xv) The draw for the individual and team events can be made up to two days
before the tournament in order to allow some last minute changes. For large
tournaments, it can be useful to do the draw even earlier.
(xvi) The current World Rankings shall be used to make the draw and to select
the seeded players/clubs.
(xvii) A player is typically allowed to play in his/her main category and one
category of his choice. If there are organisational reasons (time constraints,
pitch availability) that doesn’t allow playing two categories, it is up to the
player which category he/she would like to take part.
(xviii) The draw must be made in such a way that, wherever possible,
players/teams from the same country will not be drawn into the same group.
(xix) Wherever possible, match referees should not be assigned to players/teams
from their own country.
(xx) The draw and the list of matches must be affixed to the wall. Each round of
matches must be announced in the hall by microphone.

3.2.8. Management of referees

(xxi) The choice of referees is very important. The Tournament Manager with the
help of the head referee can do this.
(xxii) In every competition, as there is one chance in three that there will be no
group of four players, the organizer should be careful about the referees. If
there is only one group of four players, the organizer must find three
additional referees if he wants the first round to be completed after three
series of matches. Usually, all players must play twice and referee once
during the first round. However, groups of four can be played over four series
of matches with the groups of three having a rest series.
(xxiii) From the knockout stages, the players who have been eliminated from the
tournament in the previous round should be asked to referee in the following
round but avoiding having them referee the player that has just eliminated
them.
FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 4
 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

(xxiv) In principle, it is the responsibility of the organizing club to provide missing

referees.
(xxv) U12 players can never be referees in FISTF tournaments.
(xxvi) As described in the FISTF handbook, head referee(s) must be nominated for
the event.
(xxvii) Remind from FISTF Handbook : The Head Referee is required to:
(A) be fully focused on what happens in the tournament venue
(B) be ready to interrupt a match if player/coach/referee behaviour
requires this
(C) assist with clarifications about the rules
(D) avoid any evaluative comment on players/matches
(E) be respectful to players/coaches/spectators
(F) check player equipment if required to do so by an officiating referee
(G) report a player/coach/referee to the Disciplinary Council if needed
(xxviii) If the Head Referee is playing in the event, there must be more than one
head referee for the event
(xxix) Head referees should be exempted from arbitrating so that they can
intervene when necessary
(xxx) Head referee(s) should remain in the competition room so that they can
intervene immediately if necessary

3.2.9. Registration of Players and Clubs

(xxxi) Clubs must fill FORM F23 - Event Registration for Teams Form to register in
a team competition of a FISTF tournament and send it to the organizer.
(xxxii) Clubs (or individual players) must fill FORM F22 - Event Registration for
Individuals Form for registering on an individual competition of a FISTF
tournament and send it to the organizer.
(xxxiii) The tournament organizer must refuse clubs or players without a FISTF
license.
(xxxiv) An organizer that accepts the registration of a club without a FISTF license
will be fined 20 Euro for each non-licensed club.
(xxxv) An organizer that accepts the registration of a player without a FISTF license
will be fined 10 Euro for each non-licensed player.

3.2.10. Trophies
(xxxvi) All the organizers must guarantee minimum the trophies for the first four
classified in each category.
(xxxvii) In the cat. Under 20, Under 16 and Under 12, in addition to the prizes for the
first four, each participant must receive a souvenir of the event (for example
medals, stickers, etc.).

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 5

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

3.2.11. Competition reports

(xxxviii) The LOCs must send, within 4 days of the event, a report of the event
indicating the results and photos of the awards. If the FISTF does not receive
this documentation, it may not grant the organization of the event next year.
(xxxix) FISTF reserves the right to contact players to receive feedback on the event.

3.2.12. Insurance
(xl) The competition organizer shall be solely responsible for the carriage of
insurance suitable to the competition organized, and to the infrastructure in
which it is played.

3.2.13. List of Players

(xli) The list of registered players shall be sent to the nations at least 2 days
before the date of the tournament.
(xlii) This list can always be updated after the deadline defined in 19.2.14.1

3.2.14. Entry fees

(xliii) The entry fees must be paid at the deadline of the registrations. If
international players are entered, some flexibility is possible.
(xliv) Organizers must publish their entry fees at least 1 months before the
tournament if they want to make them higher in any category compared to
the standard maximum limits. If no information is provided, then the
organizer will have to respect the limits set by the FISTF BoD.
(xlv) The current maximum limits for the entry fees are as follows:
Tournament Type Open & Other Team
Veterans Categories
Major Grand Prix 12 € 8€ 29 €
International GP/Golden GP 12 € 7€ 23 €
International Open 12 € 7€ 23 €
Satellites 6€ 4€ 14 €
The current limits for nations with a different currency will depend on the
exchange value between the local currency and the maximum values defined
for EURO currency on this table.

3.2.15. Special fees for Champions and Europa Leagues

(xlvi) All teams who qualify and all teams who enter the CL and EL event via their
MNA will be charged 20 Euro per team. This shall be collected by their
National Associations and then paid to FISTF.
(xlvii) This cost will cover the scoreboards/scorecards required for the venue and
will be passed to the CL/EL Organizer upon receipt at FISTF. The organizer
will supply to FISTF full receipts of the payment.
(xlviii) The entrance fees must be paid before the start of the event and cleared with
FISTF.
(xlix) All clubs shall be entitled to keep their scorecards after the event.

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 6

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

4. Technical Infrastructure
4.1. Schedule of the Competition
The Board recommends that organizers provide a schedule of their tournaments to the players
at the start of the weekend or in the invitation. For every round of matches, a reasonable period
should be allowed. For instance
(A) 50 minutes for a team group match
(B) 60 minutes for a team knockout match
(C) 45 minutes for an individual group match
(D) 60 minutes for an individual knockout match.

4.2. Venue
Make sure the hall is suitable for the kind of tournaments that you are organizing. The hall must
not only be large enough for tables but also have an area reserved for officials, a rest area, and
walkways for spectators.

4.3. Area for spectators

Ideally, the spectators must be able to walk freely around the hall so that they can watch
games without disturbing the players. It is important to make paths with partitions or barriers
where the spectators could walk.

4.4. Rest area

It is important to provide areas where the players can sit and rest around the tables.

4.5. Climatic conditions

The temperature in the hall must be between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius with sufficient
ventilation.

4.6. Luminosity
Every playing area must be sufficiently lit. The correct level of lighting is between 80 and 100
lux.

4.7. Timing
Ideally, the organizer should have a timer showing the time and announcing the end of the
game with a bell.

4.8. Refreshments
During competitions, the organizers are invited to provide drinks and food to players and
spectators. A canteen can be a good source of income for the organisational team.

(a) However, the price of drinks and food must remain reasonable. It is also important to
place this service in a good position so that it does not disturb players.

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 7

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

(b) It is strictly prohibited for players or spectators to enter the playing hall with any
alcoholic beverage. The head referees and the organizers have a duty to monitor
compliance with this prohibition. Players who fail to comply with this prohibition
should be reported to the Disciplinary Council.

4.9. Playing Area

(a) The playing area should be large enough to provide at least 2 meters between
tables. All tables must be of the same type. The ground must be level and firm.

(b) To organize a tournament under good conditions, make sure that there is easy
access to the hall for players and spectators. Signs to indicate the direction of the
hall are mandatory.

4.10. Transport
If some players come by train or by plane, directions to the venue must be clear and provided
in all pre-tournament literature. Ideally, shuttles should be organized to bring the players to the
hall.

4.11. Accommodation
Some players sometimes come for a few days and they need a hotel for one or more nights.
Organizers should always try to provide details of suitable hotels and B&Bs that are close to
the hall.

4.12. Health and safety

The competition organizer is solely responsible to comply with any and all health and safety
law and regulations applicable to the kind of competition that is organized, and to the
infrastructure in which it is played.

4.13. Review of the papers

To attract sponsors for future editions, Nationals must keep copies of all press articles about
previous tournaments. This will provide an informative file that can be used in media releases
and promotions.

5. Duties of the Organiser

5.1. Sending Results
(a) The full results must be sent to the FISTF Sports Director within 5 days of the
tournament.

(b) Full results include:

(l) All individual results of the individual tournament must be listed
(li) All individual results of the teams’ tournament must be listed
(lii) All absent players must be reported (which means the results must not just
record a 0-3 score, but also note that the player was absent.

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 8

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

(c) Only the standard FISTF score sheet file will be accepted for this purpose.

5.2. Sending of Tournament Report

(a) The tournament report, including list absent without reason, should be sent
electronically to the FISTF Board within 5 days after the tournament.

(b) Only the standard FISTF organizers file will be accepted for this purpose.

5.3. Administrative Sanctions

(a) Tournament Score sheet:
(i) 5 EUR fine if the results are not sent 5 days after the tournament.
(ii) 10 EUR fine if the results are not sent 14 days after the tournament.
(iii) There will be an additional fine of 5 EUR per week for late delivery of the
tournament results.
(iv) Additional to the fines above, there will be a 10 EUR fine if the results are not
sent in FISTF standard format.
(v) The maximum fine for the point “Tournament Score sheet” will never exceed
100 EUR.

(b) Tournament Organizers file:

(i) 10 EUR fine if players’ data are missing or not complete.
(ii) 5 EUR fine if the tournament sheets are sent later than 5 days after the
tournament (but less than 15 days).
(iii) 15 EUR fine if the sheets are sent later than 15 days after the tournament.
(iv) From the 3rd week, the will be an additional fine of 5 EUR per week.
(v) The maximum fine for the point “Tournament organizers file” will never
exceed 75 EUR.

6. Other Continental Championships

For other Continents except Europe, the rules are as follows:
(a) Each continental organizer is free to choose the system of tournament but the
system must be presented to the FISTF Sports Director two (2) months before the
event.
(b) Continental Championship events available are:
(A) Individuals
(B) Club Teams
(C) National Teams

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 9

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

Section 3 Competition Regulations

7. Individual Competitions
7.1. General Competition structure
The format for each tournament that is part of the FISTF calendar provides the best
organisation for matches. This is normally the same format, although the World Cup and the
Masters are organised differently.

7.2. Groups rankings

(a) The results of group matches are awarded as follows:
(D) Win = 3 points
(E) Draw = 1 point
(F) Loss = 0 points

(b) Final group positions are determined as follows:

1) Number of points won.
2) Result(s) of the direct match(es) between the players that have the same
points.
3) Goal difference in the match(es) between the players that have the same
points.
4) Most goals scored in the match(es) between the players that have the same
points.
5) Total goal difference.
6) Most goals scored.
7) Shoot-out

(c) In individual competitions in the U12, U16, U20 and Ladies categories, the
maximum score in the group stage can only be 5-0. For instance:
(i) If a game ends on 9-2, it will be reported as 5-0 in the results file.
(ii) If a game ends on 7-2, it will be reported as 5-0 in the results file.

8. Team Competitions
8.1. General Competition structure
(a) A team comprises 4 players and 2 reserves for each match.
(b) A club may enter as many teams as it wishes in a tournament.
(c) A club may not transfer any players between its teams during the same tournament.
(d) A club may play a maximum of two foreign players. Foreign players are those from a
National Association that is different to that to which the Club belongs (see transfer
rules – 5.10).
(e) A player may only be a member of one team at any one time.
(f) The coach of each team is responsible for all aspects of his team.
FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 10
 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

(g) The coach may follow the progress of the match from the playing area but may not
disturb a player or the referee.
(h) During the game the coach may only give verbal instructions related to tactics to his
team in a reasonable manner.
(i) A coach may be asked to leave the playing area for inappropriate behaviour by any
of the four referees.
(j) Each of the four players shall play a player from the opposing team.
(k) Each team will gain one point for a victory in each individual match.
(l) No points are awarded for a draw or a loss.
(m) If a player is disqualified, he will lose the match by a minimum of 3-0, unless the
score in the match was higher than this when he was disqualified.
(n) A team that has had a player disqualified cannot win a match on goal difference.
(o) If a team is disqualified it loses that match 0-4 with a goal difference of 0-12.
(p) If a team or one of its players is not ready at kick off time the referee shall decide
whether to disqualify the player/team or to accept a late kick off.

8.2. Groups rankings

(a) The results of group matches are awarded as follows:
(A) Win = 3 points
(B) Draw = 1 point
(C) Loss = 0 points

(b) Final group positions are determined as follows:

1) Number of points won.
2) Result(s) of the direct match(es) between the teams that have the same
points.
3) Individual wins difference in the match(es) between the teams that have the
same points.
4) Most individual wins achieved in the match(es) between the teams that have
the same points.
5) Total individual wins difference.
6) Most individual wins achieved.
7) Goal difference in the match(es) between the teams that have the same
points.
8) Most goals scored in the match(es) between the teams that have the same
points.
9) Total goal difference.
10) Most goals scored.
11) Shoot-out

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 11

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

8.3. Seeding procedure

(a) For each team match, the team’s coach shall present a maximum of 6 players in the
playing area for the seeding procedure as follows:
(A) Referee tosses a coin to determine which coach will start the seeding
procedure - coach A / coach B.
(B) The coach who won the toss will field him first or have the losing
coach field.
(C) Coach B selects one of his players to play in match 1
(D) Coach B selects one of his players to play in match 2
(E) Coach A selects one of his players to play in match 2
(F) Coach A selects one of his players to play in match 3
(G) Coach B selects one of his players to play in match 3
(H) Coach B selects one of his players to play in match 4
(I) Coach A selects one of his players to play in match 4
(b) A team must consist of a minimum of three players.
(c) The coach of a team with only three players must start the seeding procedure and
must forfeit the fourth match. A team consisting of three players cannot win a match
on goal difference. If both teams consist of 3 players, the classic draw will be made.
The fourth game will be considered void.
(d) A FORM F24 - Team Competition Match Form shall be used to register every team
match.

8.4. Substitution rules

At half time, both coaches have the opportunity to substitute one of the four players that has
played the first half of the match. The referee shall be notified of any changes made. The
reserve player takes over any sanction cards of the substituted player from the first half of the
match. The team that won the toss must first declare its intention to make the substitution. The
referee will ask to the captain of the team that won the toss, to declare the intention to make
the substitution. Once the captain of the team that won the toss, has made his substitution or
declared he didn’t want to make substitution, the captain of the other team has the possibility to
make his substitution.

8.5. In case of draw

In case of a draw in a team competition, there will be a sudden death of 10 minutes and, if
needed, a single shoot-out between two players. For the shootout, each team has to decide
which player will play.

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 12

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

9. Group rules
9.1. Order of matches
The order of play depends on the number of elements of each group, as indicated on the table
below.

Group of .. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Raw 1 1v3 1v4 1v5 1v5 2v3 1v3 4v7 1v3 2v8 1v3 4v9 1v3 2v10 4v9
2v3 2v3 4v6 5v6 4v7 5v6 5v8 6v7 5v8 6v7
Raw 2 2v3 1v3 2v4 1v6 2v4 1v5 2v4 1v5 2v4 1v5 2v4 1v5 2v4 3v10
2v4 3v5 3v5 6v7 3v8 6v7 6v9 7v8 6v9 7v8
Raw 3 1v2 1v2 1v4 1v4 2v5 1v7 2v6 1v7 2v6 1v7 2v6 1v7 2v6 3v5
3v4 2v5 3v6 3v5 3v5 4v8 3v5 8v9 4v10 8v9
Raw 4 1v3 1v3 2v6 1v2 3v7 1v2 3v7 1v9 2v8 1v9 2v8 3v7
4v5 4v5 4v6 4v6 5v8 3v7 4v6 4v6 5v10
Raw 5 1v2 1v2 3v4 1v4 2v3 1v4 2v3 1v2 3v9 1v2 3v9 4v8
3v4 5v6 5v7 5v7 6v8 4v8 5v7 5v7 6v10
Raw 6 1v6 2v5 1v6 2v5 1v4 2v3 1v4 2v3 5v9
3v4 3v4 7v8 5v9 6v8 6v8 7v10
Raw 7 2v7 3v6 1v8 2v7 1v6 2v5 1v6 2v5 3v4
4v5 3v6 4v5 3v4 7v9 7v9 8v10
Raw 8 1v8 2v7 1v8 2v7 3v6
3v6 4v5 4v5 9v10
Raw 9 2v9 3v8 1v10 2v9 3v8
4v7 5v6 4v7 5v6

9.2. Special situations

In a group, if there are 2 players/team from the same club/country, or (as in the case of a World
Cup),2 players of the same country, then the first match of the group must be between these
two players/teams. Thus, a different order should be used as indicated below.
On a Group of 3:
(a) If players are 1 and 2 then group order is 1v2, 2v3, 1v3
(b) If players are 2 and 3 then group order is 2v3, 1v3, 1v2
On a Group of 4:
(c) If players are 1 and 2, or 3 and 4 then group order is 1v2, 3v4 ; 1v4, 2v3 ; 1v3, 2v4
(d) If players are 1 and 3, or 2 and 4 then group order is:1v3, 2v4 ; 1v4, 2v3 ; 1v2, 3v4
On Groups of 5 to 10:
(e) Tournament organiser can allocate his/her own numbers and play as above to make
sure that no two club members play each other last, unless of course there are more
than 50% of players from the same club in the group.

9.3. Notes
(f) 3 is the minimum number of players/teams in a group
(g) 10 is the maximum number of players/teams in a group
(h) Groups of 4 should be preferred to groups of 3 if possible
(i) Top-2 players/teams in each group are qualified for the following stage
FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 13
 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

10. Formula guidelines for each number of entrants

2 groups 3 groups
Barrages Semi-finals Barrages Semi-finals
1A - 2B M1 3A - 1B 1A - M2
1B - 2A M2 2B - 3B M1 - 2A

4 groups 5 groups
Barrages Quarter-finals Barrages Quarter-finals
1A - 3B M1 2B - 3B 1A - M1
2B - 4A M2 4B - 5B 5A - 4A
3A - 1B 3A - 1B
4B - 2A M2 - 2A

6 groups 7 groups
Barrages Quarter-finals Barrages Quarter-finals
M1 5A - 3B 1A - M4 M1 3A - 5B 1A - M6
M2 6A - 4B M1 - 4A M2 4A - 7B M3 - M2
M3 1B - 5B 3A - M2 M3 5A - 6B M1 - M4
M4 2B - 6B M3 - 2A M4 6A - 4B M5 - 2A
M5 7A - 1B
M6 2B - 3B

8 groups 9 groups
Barrages Last 16 Barrages Last 16
1A - 7B M1 8B - 9B 1A - M2
2B - 8A M2 6B - 7B 9A - 8A
5A - 3B 5A - 2B
6B - 4A 3B - 4A
3A - 5B 3A - 5B
4B - 6A 4B - 6A
7A - 1B 7A - 1B
8B - 2A M1 - 2A

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 14

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

10 groups 11 groups
Barrages Last 16 Barrages Last 16
M1 3B - 7B 1A - M4 M1 11A - 4B 1A - M5
M2 4B - 8B 9A - 8A M2 2B - 6B 9A - 8A
M3 5B - 9B 5A - 2B M3 1B - 8B 5A - M2
M4 6B - 10B M1 - 4A M4 3B - 11B M4 - 4A
3A - M2 M5 7B - 10B 3A - M3
1B - 6A M6 5B - 9B M1 - 6A
7A - 10A 7A - 10A
M3 - 2A M6 - 2A

12 groups 13 groups
Barrages Last 16 Barrages Last 16
M1 9A - 5B 1A - M7 M1 7A - 4B 1A - M10
M2 10A - 8B M1 - 8A M2 8A - 6B M3 - M2
M3 11A - 7B 5A - M4 M3 9A - 7B 5A - M6
M4 12A - 6B M6 - 4A M4 10A - 5B M7 - 4A
M5 1B - 9B 3A - M5 M5 11A - 8B 3A - M8
M6 2B - 10B M3 - 6A M6 12A - 2B M5 - 6A
M7 3B - 11B 7A - M2 M7 13A - 10B M1 - M4
M8 4B - 12B M8 - 2A M8 1B - 13B M9 - 2A
M9 9B - 12B
M10 3B - 11B

14 groups 15 groups
Barrages Last 16 Barrages Last 16
M1 5A - 3B 1A - M12 M1 3A - 12B 1A - M14
M2 6A - 4B M5 - M4 M2 4A - 14B M7 - M6
M3 7A - 5B M1 - M8 M3 5A - 11B M3 - M10
M4 8A - 6B M9 - 4A M4 6A - 13B M11 - M2
M5 9A - 7B 3A - M10 M5 7A - 9B M1 - M12
M6 10A - 8B M7 - M2 M6 8A - 10B M9 - M4
M7 11A - 9B M3 - M6 M7 9A - 7B M5 - M8
M8 12A - 10B M11 - 2A M8 10A - 8B M13 - 2A
M9 13A - 11B M9 11A - 5B
M10 14A - 12B M10 12A - 6B
M11 1B - 13B M11 13A - 3B
M12 2B - 14B M12 14A - 4B
M13 15A - 1B
M14 2B - 15B

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 15

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

16 groups 17 groups
Barrages Last 32 Barrages Last 32
1A - 15B M1 17B - 16B 1A - M2
2B - 16A M2 15B - 14B 17A - 16A
9A - 7B 9A - 6B
10B - 8A 7B - 8A
5A - 11B 5A - 10B
6B – 12A 3B - 12A
13A - 3B 13A - 2B
14B - 4A 11B - 4A
3A - 13B 3A - 13B
4B - 14A 4B - 14A
11A - 5B 11A - 5B
12B - 6A 12B - 6A
7A - 9B 7A - 9B
8B - 10A 8B - 10A
15A - 1B 15A - 1B
16B - 2A M1 - 2A

18 groups 19 groups
Barrages Last 32 Barrages Last 32
M1 11B - 15B 1A - M4 M1 8B - 12B 1A - M5
M2 12B - 16B 17A - 16A M2 11B - 15B 17A - 16A
M3 13B - 17B 9A - 6B M3 10B - 19B 9A - 6B
M4 14B - 18B 7B - 8A M4 9B - 17B 7B - 8A
5A - 10B M5 14B - 18B 5A - M2
3B - 12A M6 13B - 16B 3B - 12A
13A - 2B 13A - 2B
M1 - 4A M3 - 4A
3A - M2 3A - M4
1B - 14A 19A - 14A
11A - 4B 11A - 1B
9B - 6A 5B - 6A
7A - 8B 7A - 4B
5B - 10A M1 - 10A
15A - 18A 15A - 18A
M3 - 2A M6 - 2A

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 16

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

20 groups 21 groups
Barrages Last 32 Barrages Last 32
M1 6B - 14B 1A - M8 M1 4B - 12B 1A - M10
M2 5B - 13B 17A - 16A M2 3B - 10B 17A - 16A
M3 8B - 16B 9A - 3B M3 2B - 14B 9A - M2
M4 7B - 15B M1 - 8A M4 5B - 17B M3 - 8A
M5 10B - 18B 5A - M4 M5 8B - 16B 5A - M6
M6 9B - 17B 2B - 12A M6 7B - 15B 21A - 12A
M7 12B - 20B 13A - 20A M7 6B - 18B 13A - 20A
M8 11B - 19B M5 - 4A M8 9B - 20B M7 - 4A
3A - M6 M9 13B - 21B 3A - M8
19A - 14A M10 11B - 19B 19A - 14A
11A - 1B 11A - 1B
M3 - 6A M5 - 6A
7A - M2 7A - M4
4B - 10A M1 - 10A
15A - 18A 15A - 18A
M7 - 2A M9 - 2A

22 groups 23 groups
Barrages Last 32 Barrages Last 32
M1 21A - 11B 1A - M12 M1 19A - 1B 1A - M14
M2 22A - 12B 17A - 16A M8 21B - 8B 17A - 16A
M3 1B - 13B 9A - M4 M2 20A - 2B 9A - M6
M4 2B - 14B M5 - 8A M9 20B - 9B M7 - 8A
M5 3B - 15B 5A - M8 M3 21A - 3B 5A - M10
M6 4B - 10B M1 - 12A M10 19B - 10B M3 - 12A
M7 5B - 17B 13A- 20A M4 22A - 4B 13A - M2
M8 6B - 18B M9 - 4A M11 18B - 11B M11 - 4A
M9 7B - 19B 3A - M10 M5 23A - 5B 3A - M12
M10 8B - 20B 19A - 14A M12 17B - 12B M1 - 14A
M11 9B - 21B 11A - M2 M6 23B - 6B 11A - M4
M12 16B - 22B M7 - 6A M13 16B - 13B M9 - 6A
7A - M6 M7 22B - 7B 7A - M8
M3 - 10A M14 15B - 14B M5 - 10A
15A - 18A 15A - 18A
M11 - 2A M13 - 2A

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 17

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

24 groups 25 groups
Barrages Last 32 Barrages Last 32
M1 17A - 10B 1A - M16 M1 17A - 8B 1A - M18
M2 18A - 9B M1 - 16A M2 16A - 6B M3 - M2
M3 19A - 12B 9A - M8 M3 15A - 10B 9A - M10
M4 20A - 11B M9 - 8A M4 18A - 13B M11 - 8A
M5 21A - 14B 5A - M12 M5 19A - 12B 5A - M14
M6 22A - 13B M5 - 12A M6 20A - 14B M7 - 12A
M7 23A - 16B 13A - M4 M7 21A - 11B 13A - M6
M8 24A - 15B M13 - 4A M8 22A - 15B M15 - 4A
M9 2B - 18B 3A - M14 M9 23A - 16B 3A - M16
M10 1B - 17B M3 - 14A M10 24A - 17B M5 - 14A
M11 4B - 20B 11A - M6 M11 25A - 18B 11A - M8
M12 3B - 19B M11 - 6A M12 1B - 21B M13 - 6A
M13 6B - 22B 7A - M10 M13 5B - 20B 7A - M12
M14 5B - 21B M7 - 10A M14 3B - 19B M9 - 10A
M15 8B - 24B 15A - M2 M15 2B - 22B M1 - M4
M16 7B - 23B M15 - 2A M16 4B - 24B M17 - 2A
M17 9B - 25B
M18 7B - 23B

26 groups 27 groups
Barrages Last 32 Barrages Last 32
M1 13A - 7B 1A - M20 M1 11A - 5B 1A - M22
M2 14A - 8B M5 - M4 M2 15A - 6B M7 - M6
M3 15A - 9B 9A - M12 M3 13A - 10B 9A - M14
M4 16A - 10B M13 - 8A M4 14A - 9B M15 - 8A
M5 17A - 11B 5A - M16 M5 12A - 8B 5A - M18
M6 18A - 12B M9 - 12A M6 18A - 11B M11 - M2
M7 19A - 13B M1 - M8 M7 17A - 12B M3 - M10
M8 20A - 14B M17 - 4A M8 18A - 13B M19 - 4A
M9 21A - 15B 3A - M18 M19 2B - 26B 3A - M20
M10 22A - 16B M7 - M2 M9 19A - 15B M9 - M4
M11 23A - 17B 11A - M10 M20 4B - 25B M1 - M12
M12 24A - 18B M15 - 6A M10 20A - 14B M17 - 6A
M13 25A - 19B 7A - M14 M21 1B - 24B 7A - M16
M14 26A - 20B M11 - 10A M11 21A - 16B M13 - 10A
M15 1B - 21B M3 - M6 M22 7B - 27B M5 - M8
M16 2B - 22B M19 - 2A M12 22A - 17B M21 - 2A
M17 3B - 23B M13 23A - 16B
M18 4B - 24B M14 24A - 19B
M19 5B - 25B M15 25A - 23B
M20 6B - 26B M16 26A - 21B
M17 27A - 20B
M18 3B - 22B

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 18

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

28 groups 29 groups
Barrages Last 32 Barrages Last 32
M1 9A - 6B 1A - M24 M1 7A - 5B 1A - M26
M2 10A - 5B M9 - M8 M2 8A - 3B M11 - M10
M3 11A - 7B M1 - M16 M3 9A - 6B M3 - M18
M4 12A - 8B M17 - 8A M4 10A - 25B M19 - M2
M5 13A - 9B 5A – M19 M5 11A - 8B 5A - M22
M6 14A - 10B M14 - M3 M6 12A - 11B M15 - M6
M7 15A - 11B M6 - M11 M7 13A - 14B M7 - M14
M8 16A - 12B M22 - 4A M8 14A - 19B M23 - 4A
M9 17A - 13B 3A - M21 M9 15A - 12B 3A - M24
M10 18A - 14B M12 - M5 M10 16A - 15B M13 - M8
M11 19A - 15B M4 - M13 M11 17A - 10B M5 - M16
M12 20A - 16B M20 - 6A M12 18A - 16B M21 - 6A
M13 21A - 17B 7A - M18 M13 19A - 13B M1 - M20
M14 22A - 18B M15 - M2 M14 20A - 19B M17 - M4
M15 23A - 19B M7 - M10 M15 21A - 18B M9 - M12
M16 24A - 20B M23 - 2A M16 22A - 17B M25 - 2A
M17 25A - 21B M17 23A - 20B
M18 26A - 22B M18 24A - 23B
M19 27A - 23B M19 25A - 22B
M20 28A - 24B M20 26A - 24B
M21 1B - 25B M21 27A - 21B
M22 2B - 26B M22 28A - 26B
M23 4B - 27B M23 29A - 7B
M24 3B - 28B M24 1B - 28B
M25 4B - 29B
M26 2B - 27B

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 19

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

30 groups 31 groups
Barrages Last 32 Barrages Last 32
M1 5A - 3B 1A - M28 M1 3A - 1B 1A - M30
M2 6A - 4B M13 - M12 M2 4A - 3B M15 - M14
M3 7A - 5B M5 - M20 M3 5A - 6B M7 - M22
M4 8A - 6B M21 - M4 M4 6A - 5B M23 - M6
M5 9A - 7B M1 - M24 M5 7A - 4B M3 - M26
M6 10A - 8B M17 - M8 M6 8A - 7B M19 - M10
M7 11A - 9B M9 - M16 M7 9A - 10B M11 - M18
M8 12A - 10B M25 - 4A M8 10A - 9B M27 - M2
M9 13A - 11B 3A - M26 M9 11A - 8B M1 - M28
M10 14A - 12B M15 - M10 M10 12A - 11B M17 - M12
M11 15A - 13B M7 - M18 M11 13A - 14B M9 - M20
M12 16A - 14B M23 - M2 M12 14A - 13B M25 - M4
M13 17A - 15B M3 - M22 M13 15A - 12B M5 - M24
M14 18A - 16B M19 - M6 M14 16A - 15B M21 - M8
M15 19A - 17B M11 - M14 M15 17A - 18B M13 - M16
M16 20A - 18B M27 - 2A M16 18A - 17B M29 - 2A
M17 21A - 19B M17 19A - 16B
M18 22A - 20B M18 20A - 19B
M19 23A - 21B M19 21A - 22B
M20 24A - 22B M20 22A - 21B
M21 25A - 23B M21 23A - 20B
M22 26A - 24B M22 24A - 23B
M23 27A - 25B M23 25A - 26B
M24 28A - 26B M24 26A - 25B
M25 29A - 27B M25 27A - 24B
M26 30A - 28B M26 28A - 27B
M27 1B - 29B M27 29A - 30B
M28 2B - 30B M28 30A - 29B
M29 31A - 28B
M30 2B - 31B

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 20

 Federation International Sports Table Football
Tournament Organisers Handbook

32 groups
Last 64 – Part 1 Last 64 – Part 2
1A - 31B 3A - 29B
2B - 32A 4B - 30A
17A - 15B 19A - 13B
18B - 16A 20B - 14A
9A - 23B 11A - 21B
10B - 24A 12B - 22A
25A - 7B 27A - 5B
26B - 8A 28B - 6A
5A - 27B 7A - 25B
6B - 28A 8B - 26A
21A - 11B 23A - 9B
22B - 12A 24B - 10A
13A - 19B 15A - 17B
14B - 20A 16B - 18A
29A - 3B 31A - 1B
30B - 4A 32B - 2A

FISTF Tournament Organisers Handbook – Guidelines for the organisation of tournaments 21