Hungary – Gombfoci
Equipment
1 smooth, flat surface with markings per a regulation football field (1.84 m long by 1.20 m wide, with the field being 1.67 m by 1.04 m. Goals are typically 12.5 cm wide by 5 cm tall per the interior dimensions),
20 field pieces, or buttons, in the form of small circular disks,
2 goaltender pieces in the form of a rectangular block,
1 game ball (a sphere of woven felt with a diameter of 10 mm weighing between 0.1 and 0.3 grams).
At the opening kickoff, all 11 pieces are relegated to their respective sides. Field players are moved during the game by using a circular disk to exert a downward force on the field pieces, propelling them forward (pieces may never be pushed with the disk). Field pieces are propelled forward to strike the game ball. The ball is either sent forward and then hit again with the same field piece the next play (i.e. “dribbling”), sent forward towards another field piece on the same team (i.e. “passing”), or towards the opposing goal (i.e. “shooting”). Players alternate manipulating their pieces based on the possession rules defined in each rule system.
Shots on goal must be declared by the attacking team prior to being taken to allow the defending team to adjust its goalkeeper. If the ball enters the goal without a shot having been declared, the goal is annulled.
If a field piece strikes an opposing piece prior to hitting the ball, that is declared a foul. If the ball hits an opposing piece then stays within the field of play, possession is relinquished to the opposing team. If the ball leaves the field of play, possession is taken by the team that did not hit touch the ball last before going out of bounds.
Button may be manually manipulated at intervals determined by the governing rule system, usually only during stoppages in play.
For corner kicks, free kicks, and penalty shots, the ball is placed in the appropriate location and a button is placed behind it at the attacking player’s discretion. Throw-ins and goal kicks are simulated by placing the ball at the appropriate location, then either flicking the ball with disk or goalkeeper, or again by lining up a button behind the ball (depending on the rules of the particular rule system).
Fouls may also be declared for gameplay offenses such as affecting pieces or the ball at inappropriate times, touching the opposing player’s pieces, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
Specific rules are defined for each rule system, with the primary difference being the number of touches each team may have per possession.
The various rule systems differ predominantly regarding the number of touches each team may have. They will also cover specific guidelines equipment and game conduct . Within Brazil and Hungary, there are three most popular rule systems:.
Number of touches: 12 per team per possession, no more than 3 with any field piece
Principal characteristics: Higher scoring than conventional football. This style of play favors skilled touches and shooting rather than offensive strategy. Defensive strategy plays a more significant role in the positioning and marking of offensive pieces.
A variation used mostly in informal games places no limit to the number of consecutive touches by a team in possession of the ball, or by any of its pieces. While favoring ball control, this mode allows skilled players to stall games and play by the clock. This is the most widely used rule system in Hungary and highly favored at international tournaments.
Number of touches: 3 per team per possession, shots on goal only following a pass
Principal characteristics: Scoring typical of conventional football. Strategy primarily revolves around limiting opposing team shots on goal.
Game duration: two 25-minutes halves
Number of touches: 1 per team per possession; 2 at the onset of play (start, half, throw-in and goal-kick)
Principal characteristics: Very difficult to play with very low scoring. Strategy primarily revolves around sending the ball into opposing half of play and maintaining the ball in that position.
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