League Playing Rules Effective 15 January 2022

LEAGUE PLAYING RULES

Effective 7 Feb 2024

The Game.
The game shall be known as 8-Ball Pool and shall be played in the true spirit of the
game and in a sportsman like manner
Requirements of the Game.
1. The game is played on a 6-pocket table with 15 balls plus a cue ball. Object balls
  are comprised of a black ball *the 8 ball) and two differently coloured groups of
  seven balls: balls numbered 1-7 are in various solid colours (usually referred to as
  “spots”) and balls numbered 9-15 which are white with a stripe of various colours
  (usually referred to as “stripes”).
2. The match commences at 7:00 PM. The balls used in the match play must be
  made available to the opposing team at 6:30 PM - 30 minutes prior to the match
  start time.
3. There will be no matches when the bars are closed for public holidays or in the
  event the government mandates bar closures during a specified period. Matches
  not played due to official government required bar closures will be made up at a
  subsequent date agreed upon by the committee and the effected teams, or in
  extended cases by a meeting of the league team captains.
Object of the Game.
The player (or team) pocketing all of one group of object balls (the spots or the stripes)
in any order, and then legally pocketing the 8-ball wins the game.
Format of the Match.
1. A match is between two teams: one “Home Team,” a team that represents the
  establishment where the match is being played; and one “Away Team,” a team
  from another establishment visiting the location where the match is being played.
  Each team will have a designated Team Captain. The Team Captain may or may
  not be a player on the team.
2. The match consists of 15 games divided into four rounds: three rounds of four
  single games and one round of three single games. One point will be awarded for
  each game won for a total possible score of 15 points. The Team Captain will
  designate which player shoots in each round prior to the round starting. The Home
  Team will write the names of their players on the scoreboard first, and then the
  Away Team will write the names of their players prior to each round.
3. Each team (Home and Away) requires a minimum of four players. The same
  players cannot play against each other during the initial three rounds of four
  games, but the same players can play each other during the fourth round of three
  games. [Note: If a team has less than four players, games that would be played
  by the missing player(s) are forfeited and marked as a win for the other team.
4. The Team Captains of both the Home and Away Teams must take a photo of the
  scoreboard at the conclusion on the match and send the results along with a photo
  to Steve Rew (Committee Member) within 24 hours of the completion of the match.
Referee.
1. The team that has the break will provide the referee to act as the sole judge for each of the 15 games in the match. The referee can change from game to game, and a referee may judge more than one game during the match.
2. The referee is the sole judge of what is legal or illegal play and is required to take
  full notice of the proceedings of the game they are refereeing in order that they can
  give an accurate ruling on any given situation. Referees must have a complete
  understanding of the rules provided herein and ensure these rules are adhered to.
  A referee, if requested, shall be the only person allowed to give advice on the
  rules of the game.
Commencement of the Game correct procedure for racking the balls on all tables
2. The order of play is the Home Team breaks the first game of the match and
  thereafter alternating the break between the Home and Away Tea
  
  - The term “break” refers to the first shot of a game or the first shot of a game being re-started.
3. The opening player shoots at (breaks) the triangle of object balls (referred to as
  the rack) by striking them with the cue ball from any position behind the balk line
  at the head of the table. An object ball must be pocketed OR at least TWO object
  balls hit any cushion. Failure to do so is a Foul Break. The opening player’s
  opponent has the option of playing one shot “ball in hand” with an open table with
  the previous break shot remaining on the table or having the balls re-racked with
  the option of breaking or allowing the initial opening player to re-break a new rack.
  
  - An “open table” refers to neither player yet has an assigned group of balls
  (spots or stripes) and may shoot at any ball (other than the 8-ball). Once a
  player pockets a spot or stripe ball, they then have that group of balls and the
  table is no longer open.
4. If the 8-ball is pocketed from the break shot, the balls will be re-racked and the
  same player will re-start the game. No penalty will be incurred. This applies even
  if other balls, including the cue ball, are pocketed, or leaving the playing surface
  (off the table).
5. If on the opening break shot one or more object balls is pocketed, the table remains
  open in which case the next object ball (spot or stripe) that is hit becomes that
  players group of balls unless a foul has been committed in which case the table
  remains open.
6. If no object ball is pocketed from a legal break then the players continue playing
  alternately at either group of balls until such time a legal shot is made and an object
  ball is pocketed; which then denotes that player’s group of balls.
7. If a foul is committed and one or more object balls are pocketed before playing
  groups have been decided then those balls are ignored in determining a player’s
  group of object balls. The incoming player then has one shot “ball in hand” on an
  open table with all balls being neutral. The first legally pocketed ball then
  determines the player’s group of object balls.
8. If a ball or balls is legally pocketed, this entitles the player to one additional shot
  and this continues until the player either:
9. 1. One of their own set of allocated balls
  2. Commits a foul at any time.
10. Combination shots are allowed providing the player hits one of their own group of
  balls first with the exception of the “ball in hand rule” on a foul shot when all balls
  can be legally struck.
Game Play.
1. Player in Control. A player is said to be in control of the table from the time their
  body, clothing, or cue stick comes in contact with the table prior to their actual shot
  and continues throughout the visit until the opponent does likewise to begin their
  visit. Any ball(s) which falls into pockets during this period including the 8-ball are
  said to have been pocketed by that player and are liable to any penalties or benefits
  normally awarded to them as the result.
2. 1. The term “shot” means striking the cue ball with the cue stick once.
3. The term “visit” refers to a player taking a turn at the table which may comprise
  one or more shots.
  
  b. Completion of Game. The game is completed when a player has pocketed their
  group of assigned balls and the 8-ball is pocketed in a legal manner. Exceptions
  are when the 8-ball has been pocketed on the break.
  The 8-ball must be pocketed in a pocket NOMINATED to the referee by the
  player; if the 8-ball goes in another pocket this will result in the player
  losing the game. If the player misses their nominated pocket, the player
  can choose and nominate another pocket on their next visit. If the player
  does not nominate a pocket to the referee and pockets the 8-ball the
  player will lose the game.
4. Loss of Game.
5. 1. If a player pockets the 8-ball before all balls in their assigned group have been
    legally pocketed with the exception of pocketing the 8-ball on the break.
  2. A player pockets the cue ball with the 8-ball when the 8-ball is their object ball.
  3. A player pocketing the 8-ball and any other ball on the same shot will lose the
    game.
    Exception of this rule is following a foul shot and the player is on the 8-
    ball and the opponent’s ball(s) are still on the table; then this player may legally
    pocket the 8-ball as well as any of the opponent’s balls by any combination and
    in any order.
6. Stalemate.
7. 1. Should any situation arise whereby a legal shot is impossible to play then the
    game shall be re-started by the player who started that frame whether this
    situation occurred by accident or by design
  2. If in the opinion of the referee neither player is allowing the game to progress
    or a stalemate situation has arisen, then the game shall be re-started by the
    player who started the frame. [The referee shall not allow numerous visits with
    neither player making any attempt to pocket a ball which decides the player’s
    group unless it is felt that progress is being made.]
Fouls.
1. The cue ball is pocketed at any time.
2. Hitting an opponent’s balls with the cue ball prior to contact of the player’s own
  object ball. (Except when the player has a “ball in hand” from their opponent’s
  previous foul shot.
3. Failure to hit any ball of the player’s allocated group of balls with the cue ball.
4. Jump shot. Defined as when the cue ball jumps over any part of any ball before
  making contact with any other ball.
5. Hitting the 8-ball with the cue ball on first impact before their group of balls are
  legally pocketed.
6. Pocketing any opponent’s ball.
7. Any ball leaves the table. Should a ball leave the table it is replaced on or as near
  to the 8-ball spot in a direct line down the centre of the table towards the baulk
  area. If the 8-ball leaves the table when that is the only ball left to the player that
  player loses the game.
8. If a player’s body, clothing, jewelry, or hair should touch any ball.
9. A player not having at least part of one foot on the floor.
10. The player’s cue stick touches any ball other than the cue ball.
11. Striking the cue ball with any part of the cue stick other than the tip.
12. Striking the cue ball with the cue stick more than once.
13. Playing out of turn,
14. Playing before all balls have come to a rest (are no longer moving).
15. Playing before any (ball(s) that require re-spotting have been re-spotted.
16. Foul break. Defined as failing to pocket an object ball or drive at least two object
  balls to hit any cushion.
17. Taking a phone call while competing in a game whether in control of the table or
  not. For a player’s second offense of using a phone during their game, whether in
  control of the table or not, will result in the player losing the game. [Players should
  turn off their mobile phones or hand them to someone else before a game
  commences.]
  Deliberate Fouls. If the referee thinks that a player is about to commit a deliberate
  foul the referee may ask the player what their intended shot is. If the referee
  considers that the shot could cause a deliberate foul then the referee may warn
  that player that if the shot does result in a foul he will call a deliberate foul and the
  offending player will lose the game.
Penalty following any Foul.
1. The incoming player has the option of playing the cue ball where it comes to rest
  from the foul committed or may play the cue ball “ball in hand” meaning they may
  place the cue ball anywhere on the pool table. It is advisable to have the referee
  in such foul cases, to confirm the foul and pick up the cue ball and hand it to the
  opposing player for placement in order to avoid the possibility of the oncoming
  player also committing a foul.
2. Following any foul the offending player’s turn is over and their opponent may,
  without nomination, play the cue ball into any ball without penalty including any of
  the opponent’s ball(s) or the 8-ball. If any object ball is pocketed directly or by a
  combination of balls, the player is deemed to have pocketed a ball legally and
  continues on with his turn; however the player must not pocket the 8-ball which
  would mean the player lost the game, unless the player has already pocked their
  assigned balls and is on the 8-ball which result in a win. When the player fails to
  pocket a ball it becomes their opponent’s turn.
Additional Rules.
1. Snooker Shots. A Snooker Shot is defined as a player opting not to attempt to
  pocket their assigned ball (or on an open table any ball other than the 8-ball), but
  instead attempting a shot in which the cue ball is left in a position intended to give
  their opponent a difficult shot likely resulting in a missed shot or foul. For the snooker shot to be legal a ball has to hit a cushion either before or after the cue ball hit’s the player’s ball. If a ball does not hit a table cushion in conjunction with a snooker shot, or the cue ball first connects with the player’s opponent’s assigned ball(s), that snooker shot resulted in a foul.
2. Touching Ball.
3. 1. When the cue ball is touching an opponent’s ball or the 8-ball the player must
    play away from the touching ball and contact a ball from their own group. The
    object ball which the cue ball is touching must not move during the shot or if it
    does, it is a foul.
  2. When the cue ball is touching a ball of the player’s own group the player is
    legally entitled to play away from the touching ball and is deemed to have
    played that ball. In this manner if the cue ball strikes or fails to strike any other
    ball it is deemed a legal shot (no foul). In this case the referee must identify
    and verify the touching ball.
  3. Playing away from a touching ball is shooting the cue ball at such an angle or
    direction that the touching ball is not disturbed. If the touching ball moves
    because of initial contact with the cue ball or cue stick it is a foul shot.
  4. Ball in Hand. A player can place the cue ball anywhere on the table and play in
    any direction and strike any ball on the table. If the player pockets a ball it is
    deemed legal and continues their visit to the table. If the player is on the 8-ball
    and pockets the 8-ball alone or with an opponent’s ball the player wins the game.
  5. Coaching. “Coaching” is another person suggesting, advising, or instructing a
    player during game to play (or not play) a particular shot or play a particular
    strategy. Coaching is considered unsportsmanlike behaviour. If the referee
    decides that coaching has occurred (by any word or action by spectators that could not be considered as normal support or encouragement) the referee shall issue a “first and final” warning. If coaching reoccurs the player will be penalized via a foul.
  6. Delay of Game. A player who in the opinion of the referee is taking too long to
    play a shot shall be given a first warning. If a second or subsequent warning needs to be given the player will be penalized as a a foul and the incoming player shall be awarded ball in hand. If in the referee’s opinion, the player requires extra time due to their age or physicality limitations, then allowances should be made.
  7. Players Moving to other League Teams. Should a player want to move to another team within the league for the same night of play, the player may do so only once. Afterwards the player must not return to their initial team or move to a third team within the season of play. If it is discovered the player has switched teams more than one during a season, that player will no longer be allowed to play in the league for at a minimum the remainder of the season. Any games won by the player playing for a 3rd team in a season will be forfeited. This rules also applies to establishments with more than one team.

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