Section 5: Rules of Play
Match Length
- 50 minutes (single continuous period — no halftime)
- No substitutions: players who exit (injury, ejection) are not replaced
- Reduced-team play continues if one side has fewer players
Object of the Game
- Score a "caccia" (goal) by getting the ball over the opposing team's full-width goal at the end of the piazza
- Goals can be scored by carrying, throwing, or kicking the ball over the goal line — any method
- Throwing the ball over the goal-line but missing → counted as half-caccia (mezzo caccia) to opponent (severe penalty)
Permitted Physical Contact
- Wrestling (one-on-one only): a player may grapple an opponent who is currently in possession or actively involved with the ball
- Punching (one-on-one only, modern rule restriction): no group attacks; modern rules limit head-shots
- Body checks + tackles fully legal
Prohibited Techniques (Modern Era)
- No kicks to the head
- No striking from behind
- No ganging up (multiple players attacking one opponent)
- No striking a player who is on the ground