Formations - 1 goalie vs. 3 goalies

[David Taylor]

Im looking to purchase a foosball table, and I have noticed that some
foosball tables have a 3-goalie-bar, while others have a 1-goalie-bar.

Is there an official ruling on the formations on a foosball table? Or is it
like football(soccer), where any formation is allowed (yet of course only
one goalkeeper is allowed.)?

[Foos rky]

>Is there an official ruling on the formations on a foosball table? Or is it
>like football(soccer), where any formation is allowed (yet of course only
>one goalkeeper is allowed.)?

I have never heard of any official rulings for table goalie designs, the reason
some have three rod goalies is just a design of the manufacture to insure that
the ball can be reached in most of the playing area. tables with corner ramps
and one goalie dont seem to fit the soccer scheme either. when playing on
tables with three goalies, you would still use the middle man for defense.

couch

[Anthony Ortega]

If you're looking to play in tournaments and get somewhat serious you have
to purchase a Tornado table. These are the ones used in tournaments and they
do have 3 goalies. If you're just looking to play a few games, get whatever
you like.

[Hugh Wintin]

There is no "OFFICIAL" ruling on this. It appears to be a simple cost
cutting move. Most manufacturers have plenty of men to put on the rods
and they can save money by not stocking ramps or paying craftsmen to
make playfields with built in ramps. If you want a "retro" table and
don't mind the extra maintenance involved, go ahead and get a 'one man
goalie'. If you want a competition quality table I recommend you look
at the TORNADO or DYNAMO lines. You can see these tables and more at
our web site: www.foosballstore.com.

Hugh Wintin,
Thompson Sporting Goods,
American Foosball Association

[David Taylor]

Thanks for the info everyone (Hugh, Anthony, Foos). I am now much better
informed to purchase a foosball table.

David

"Hugh Wintin" <hugh...@tds.net> wrote in message
news:39B512F0...@tds.net...