Basic rules of play (from the Bonzini USA website):

1. Coin flip determines which team receives first serve. Subsequent serves are alternated after each score
2. Dead ball - A ball that cannot be reached is dead and must be re-served by the original server. A ball hit off the table is dead
3. Score - A ball entering the goal and returning to the playfield is counted as a goal. A goal can be scored from any position on the table.
4. Spinning of the rods is not allowed.
5. Have fun!!! Foosball is fun at all skill levels.

 

 

 

Bonzini USA rules book (pdf format)