Pool Rule Standardisation

The Proposal

Trial International Rules for one season ( possibly for one division) in order to make an informed decision about the rule selection.

Background 

Standardised rules which are known and easily applied by all is critical for the success of any game.  No more so than in pool which has for decades been plagued by competing sets of rules.  This situation was finally resolved in 2022 where the EPA (English Pool Association) and the  WEPF (World Eight Ball Pool Federation)  adopted a ruleset known as "International Rules".  From 1st January 2023 all competitions under the EPA have been played with "International Rules"   The Mabprachan Pool League should do the same for the following reasons:

Business Case

  • Standardardised rules will attract new customers to the bars.  New customers means new players, more teams and more sponsorship.
  • Committee members can spend less time refereeing, interpreting rules.  Debates regarding the rules will be a thing of the past.

Players Case

  • Rules are simpler to understand
  • Encourages faster more aggressive play
  • Can play with other leagues - Bangkok, Jontiem

 International Rules in 30 seconds

  1. TABLE OPEN AFTER THE BREAK
    Colors are decided by the first legal pot after the break 
    (Minor change, simpler to understand)
  2. MUST ALWAYS HIT A CUSHION
    A legal shot requires a ball to hit a cushion or be pocketed after first hitting the object ball. The only exception is when one has been snookered.
    (Minor change, easier to manage)
  3. NO FLUKES. 
    Players need to nominate only when it is not clear what is intended target pocket.  If a ball goes into the wrong pocket, it is not a foul, just a loss of turn.
    (Sounds like a major change but in practice it is not a big deal)
  4. SLOPS ARE ALLOWED.  
    Combination shots resulting in the opponent's ball being pocketed are allowed.  
    (Allows for clearing of packet, encourages attacking play)
  5. NO SPECIAL POWER on FOULS
    When you have ball in hand, must still hit your ball first.  
    (Does away with an archaic rules.  Simple to understand)


THAT'S IT



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