Object of the game

The game, when played, resembles a five-a-side football match but with the players' hands used to propel the ball rather than their feet.

The game is designed to the played in a hall with walls limiting the pitch. The intention is that the ball should remain in contact with the ground or at least below knee height. The theory being that a ball hit with a fist is less damaging to the hall than one that is kicked.

The game is started with the ball on the ground between a player from each side who stand, back-to-back, with their hands on their knees. The ball should be passed between players with the object of putting it in the opponent's goal. After a goal is scored, play is restarted with the ball in the centre but only the non-scoring side may put the ball back into play.

At the end of the match, the winner is the team that has scored most goals.

If the referee deems that an infringement of the rules has occurred, he may award a direct free hit which may be taken immediately. If it is not clear who is to blame either the ball should be given to the defending goalkeeper (if near the goalmouth) or the game should be restarted by bouncing the ball once between two opposing players. In serious cases players may be sent off temporarily or permanently.

The ball going off court should either be given to the defending goalkeeper or (if in midfield) should give a bounce ball restart. A ball flying high should result in a free hit to the opposition of the player who was last in contact with the ball.

The object of the game is for all participants and spectators to have fun and the referee should remember this when interpreting the rules by trying to ensure a fast moving, clean game.

General rules

1. The referee's decision is final.
   

2. Each team will be of five members with one substitute allowed.
   
3. Team members, once substituted, should not return to the field of play.
   
4. A game is usually of two 10 minute halves.
   
5. Goals to be seven feet wide by one foot six inches high. Boxed-in sides are preferable.
   
6. Pitches are normally limited by hall size but 40 foot by 20 foot would be about average.
   
7. A goal area should be marked out. This should be six feet in front of a goal and three feet each side of the goal.
   
8. A penalty spot should be marked out 10 feet in front of the centre of the goal.
   
9. A player may be sent off by the referee for a time appropriate to the offence, e.g. 1 minute. The player will wait in the allotted "sin bin" area until told to rejoin the game.

Rules on play

1. A goal may only be scored by an opponent hitting the ball with a clenched fist. (Own goals count however they are hit.)
   

2. A field player must not use two hands to control the ball except to bring the ball under control when it is off the ground.
   
3. A field player must be on his feet when playing the ball.
   
4. A goal cannot be scored directly from the centre start.
   
5. Players must attempt to play the ball not an opposing player.
   
6. Deliberate use of the feet or legs by a field player constitutes a foul.
   
7. At the time of a free kick, or when the ball is in the goalkeeper's  possession, opposing players should be at least six feet away.
   
8. Goalkeepers should mainly kneel in front of the goal, deliberately lying in front of the goal constitutes a foul.
   
9. A goalkeeper should roll the ball out to field players.
   
10. When the ball hits a wall above the goal it is deemed out of play and is given to the goalkeeper to roll out.
    
11. Gloves may be worn for hand protection and it is recommended the players should remove rings, watches, etc.
    
12. The goalkeeper becomes a field player out of his area.
    
13. No one from either side, other than the goalkeeper, should enter the goal area.
    
14. Players must not move backwards whilst in possession of the ball.
    
15. Players must not use their body to deliberately hold off an opponent.

Extra tournament rules

When scores are equal at full-time, extra time of two minutes each way is played with the goalkeepers becoming field players. i.e. the game is played without goalkeepers.

When scores are level at the end of extra time, a penalty shoot-out is used to determine the winner. A round of five penalties are taken - one player from each side should take a penalty hit until each of the players on the field at the end of extra time, have had a go. If the scores are still level the sequence is repeated until the scores are different after a pair of players have had the opportunity to score (i.e. "sudden death").