FORMAT
There will be 15 games, consisting of 3 sets of 4 singles and 1 doubles game
per match.
This is essentially a six player format but Teams are allowed to play with a
minimum of 4 players due to lack of player availability.
FORMAT FOR 4 PLAYERS MINIMUM NO FORFEITS
1. Play15
games, 3 groups of 4 singles and 1 doubles game.
Based on a minimum of 4 players but not limited to 4, any number of players
may take part. Teams can have as many players as they want.
2. Revision:
Less than 4 players on any game day will result in rescheduling the games.
Notification should be made by Wednesday prior to the games, if possible.
Both captains
shall agree on a reschedule date and venue (preferably schedule venue). If
captains are
unable to agree on reschedule date, a “NO” contest shall be declared and no
points awarded.
However, either team captain may request the League President and/or Team
Captain’s
Committee to review the situation and provide an alternative.
3. The
player format is determined by the team with the least number of players.
The team with additional player(s) may play the same number of players as
their opponents or any combination of additional players he chooses within
format rules.
4. 6
player format as current – maximum games per player:
Each player plays 2 singles 1 double
5. 5
player format – maximum games per player:
2 players’ plays 2 singles 1 double
1 player plays 2 singles 2 double
2
players play 3 singles 1 double
6. 4
player format – maximum games per player:
4 players’ plays 3 singles 1 double
2 of those players play an additional doubles
A player can play a maximum of 5 games per match.
Three singles plus two doubles = 5 games
7. Notes
A player can only play one singles game per group.
All players must play in one doubles game. The last doubles game in group 3
where there are less than 6 players may have repeat players, but not the
same pairing from previous doubles games that day.
The doubles game in the third set is to be "Scotch Doubles "style with any
team player never playing consecutive shots.
Scoring
1 point shall be awarded per set to the winning team and 2 additional points
to the team winning the most games.
Team standings are calculated as described in "New Scoring System",
in the event of a draw the team which has won the most games is the winner.
Scenario 1
Teams A&B play a match , scores are 3-2, 3-2, 0-5 games are 6-9,
points are 1+1+0 and 0+0+1+2 ie 2 - 3 resp.
Scenario 2
Teams A&B play a match, scores are3-2, 3-2, 3-2 games are 9 - 6, points are
1+1+1+2 and 0+0+0 ie 5 – 0 resp.
League
Rules and Clarifications:
Team Line
Ups Acceptance Rule:
Upon
captains’ signature of score sheet, the line up is accepted “As Is” and the
score is official. Any line-up
disagreement which can not by resolved during the play shall be noted on the
score sheet and protest submitted to league officials.
All protest shall be reviewed by league officials and/or captain
committee. If protest is
upheld, these games shall be forfeited and counted as win for the protesting
team.
Games to start 1:00PM (1300 hrs)
LISTING OF PLAYERS: NO Change from last season! 1st set; Home team captain
places his players blind including the doubles player’s, the away team
captain adds his players names blind.
2nd set; Home team captain places his players blind including doubles
players, the away team captain adds his players names (blind)
3rd set; The Team in the lead after playing groups 1&2, will place his
player’s names open including double player’s, for the opposing team to view
and match their players.
If the match is tied, after playing sets 1&2, then the Home team captain
places his players’ names blind as in groups 1&2 including the doubles
players; then the Away team captain name their players blind.
Alternate break as before and home team racks.
Team Membership:
A player is considered a team member for a specific team when they have
played in two (2) matches for a specific team.
The player must be a team member to qualify for league tournaments or
awards. If a team player wants
to change team during the season, the player shall inform the league
president. The league president
shall poll the team captains for approval.
Only one male Filipino can play in each full match for a specific team, home
and away games.
The OLP is calculated as 1 point per win in the first two singles game
played per match.
Wins for OLP award shall be only those wins occurring by the player as a
member of a team. The player
shall be considered a team member based on team membership rule.
Hence, players changing teams or playing for multiple teams prior to
becoming a team members shall not have these wins counted for OLP.
All complaints should be in writing to the President and committee for
discussion and hopefully to resolve the issues.
ETIQUETTE
Pool, even though a serious game is also supposed to be fun, it can only be
fun if certain standards of play and etiquette are followed, below is a
basic list of do's and don'ts.
It is always courteous to shake your opponents hand before and after the
match.
After you have taken your shot, move away from the table, let your opponent
take his shot with no interference, it is not nice to see your opponent
hovering in your line of site or even out of the corner of your eye.
Also, allow the non-players to view the contest by positioning
accordingly.
If you need to chalk your cue, then why not wait until it is your turn at
the table, there is nothing worse than a chalk screech just when you are
about to take your shot.
When the game is finished it is always courteous to
help empty the pockets ready for the next rack
and Home team racks.
During league play no referee shall be utilized and fouls shall be called by
game players or team captains.
Any disagreement between players should be resolved equitability by the team
captains and, if team captains are unable to agree, the game will be
declared a stalemate. To
maintain decorum during league play, non-playing team mates should not call
fouls and team captains should ensure team decorum.
RULES
This league will be following BCA (Billiard Congress
of America) Rules dated January 2008.
As we, the players, decide new local rules
unanimously, they will be added.
LOCAL RULES
1. No intentional jump or masse shots.
Pool Billiards - The Rules of Play
(Effective 1/1/08)
1. General Rules
The following General Rules apply to all the games covered by these rules
except when contradicted by specific game rules. In addition, the
Regulations of Pool Billiards cover aspects of the game not directly related
to the game rules, such as equipment specifications and organization of
events.
The games of Pool Billiards are played on a flat table covered with cloth
and bounded by rubber cushions. The player uses a stick (pool cue) to strike
a cue ball which in turn strikes object balls. The goal is to drive object
balls into six pockets located at the cushion boundary. The games vary
according to which balls are legal targets and the requirements to win a
match.
[Editorial comments on the U.S. English version: The masculine gender has
been used for simplicity of wording and is not intended to specify the
gender of the players or officials. The word “game” is used to refer to a
discipline such as nine ball rather than a rack or a match.]
1.1 Player’s Responsibility
It is the player's responsibility to be aware of all rules, regulations and
schedules applying to competition. While tournament officials will make
every reasonable effort to have such information readily available to all
players as appropriate, the ultimate responsibility rests with the player.
1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play
The lag is the first shot of the match and determines order of play. The
player who wins the lag chooses who will shoot first.
The referee will place a ball on each side of the table behind the head
string and near the head string. The players will shoot at about the same
time to make each ball contact the foot cushion with the goal of returning
the ball closer to the head cushion than the opponent.
A lag shot is bad and cannot win if the shooter’s ball:
(a) crosses the long string;
(b) contacts the foot cushion other than once;
(c) is pocketed or driven off the table; (d) touches the side cushion; or
(e) the ball rests within the corner pocket and past the nose of the head
cushion.
In addition, a lag will be bad if any non-object-ball foul occurs other than
6.9 Balls Still Moving.
The players will lag again if:
(a) a player’s ball is struck after the other ball has touched the foot
cushion;
(b) the referee cannot determine which ball has stopped closer to the head
cushion; or
(c) both lags are bad.
1.3 Player’s Use of Equipment
The equipment must meet existing WPA equipment specifications. In general,
players are not permitted to introduce novel equipment into the game. The
following uses, among others, are
considered normal. If the player is uncertain about a particular use of
equipment, he should discuss it with the tournament management prior to the
start of play. The equipment must be used only for the purpose or in the
manner that the equipment was intended. (See 6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.)
(a) Cue Stick – The player is permitted to switch between cue sticks during
the match, such as break, jump and normal cues. He may use either a built-in
extender or an add-on extender to increase the length of the stick.
(b) Chalk – The player may apply chalk to his tip to prevent miscues, and
may use his own chalk, provided its color is compatible with the cloth.
(c) Mechanical Bridges – The player may use up to two mechanical bridges to
support the cue stick during the shot. The configuration of the bridges is
up to the player. He may use his own bridge if it is similar to standard
bridges.
(d) Gloves – The player may use gloves to improve the grip and/or bridge
hand function.
(e) Powder – A player is allowed to use powder in a reasonable amount as
determined by the referee.
1.4 Spotting Balls
Balls are spotted (returned to play on the table) by placing them on the
long string (long axis of the table) as close as possible to the foot spot
and between the foot spot and the foot rail, without moving any interfering
ball. If the spotted ball cannot be placed on the foot spot, it should be
placed in contact (if possible) with the corresponding interfering ball.
However, when the cue ball is next to the spotted ball, the spotted ball
should not be placed in contact with the cue ball; a small separation must
be maintained. If all of the long string below the foot spot is blocked by
other balls, the ball is spotted above the foot spot, and as close as
possible to the foot spot.
1.5 Cue Ball in Hand
When the cue ball is in hand, the shooter may place the cue ball anywhere on
the playing surface (see 8.1 Parts of the Table) and may continue to move
the cue ball until he executes a shot. (See definition 8.2 Shot.) Players
may use any part of the cue stick to move the cue ball, including the tip,
but not with a forward stroke motion. In some games and for most break
shots, placement of the cue ball may be restricted to the area behind the
head string depending on the rules of the game, and then 6.10 Bad Cue Ball
Placement and 6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String may apply.
When the shooter has the cue ball in hand behind the head string and all the
legal object balls are behind the head string, he may request the legal
object ball nearest the head string to be spotted. If two or more balls are
equal distance from the head string, the shooter may designate which of the
equidistant balls is to be spotted. An object ball that rests exactly on the
head string is playable.
1.6 Standard Call Shot
In games in which the shooter is required to call shots, the intended ball
and pocket must be indicated for each shot if they are not obvious. Details
of the shot, such as cushions struck or other balls contacted or pocketed
are irrelevant. Only one ball may be called on each shot.
For a called shot to count, the referee must be satisfied that the intended
shot was made, so if there is any chance of confusion, e.g. with bank,
combination and similar shots, the shooter should indicate the ball and
pocket. If the referee or opponent is unsure of the shot to be played, he
may ask for a call. In
call shot games, the shooter may choose to call “safety” instead of a ball
and pocket, and then play passes to the opponent at the end of the shot.
Whether balls are being spotted after safeties depends on the rules of the
particular game.
1.7 Balls Settling
A ball may settle slightly after it appears to have stopped, possibly due to
slight imperfections in the ball or the table. Unless this causes a ball to
fall into a pocket, it is considered a normal hazard of play, and the ball
will not be moved back. If a ball falls into a pocket as the result of such
settling, it is restored as closely as possible to its original position. If
a settling ball falls into a pocket during or just prior to a shot, and this
has an effect on the shot, the referee will restore the position and the
shot will be replayed. The shooter is not penalized for shooting while a
ball is settling. See also 8.3 Ball Pocketed.
1.8 Restoring a Position
When necessary for balls to be restored or cleaned, the referee will restore
disturbed balls to their original positions to the best of his ability. The
players must accept the referee’s judgment as to placement.
1.9 Outside Interference
When outside interference occurs during a shot that has an effect on the
outcome of that shot, the referee will restore the balls to the positions
they had before the shot, and the shot will be replayed. If the interference
had no effect on the shot, the referee will restore the disturbed balls and
play will continue. If the balls cannot be restored to their original
positions, the situation is handled like a stalemate.
1.10 Prompting Calls and Protesting Rulings
If a player feels that the referee has made an error in judgment, he may ask
the referee to reconsider his call or lack of call, but the referee’s
decision on judgment calls is final. However, if the player feels that the
referee is not applying the rules correctly, he may ask for ruling by the
designated appeals authority. The referee will suspend play while this
appeal is in process. (See also part (d) of 6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.)
Fouls must be called promptly. (See 6. Fouls.)
1.11 Concession
If a player concedes, he loses the match. For example, if a player unscrews
his jointed playing cue stick while the opponent is at the table and during
the opponent’s decisive rack of a match, it will be considered a concession
of the match.
1.12 Stalemate
If the referee observes that no progress is being made towards a conclusion,
he will announce his decision, and each player will have three more turns at
the table. Then, if the referee determines that there is still no progress,
he will declare a stalemate. If both players agree, they may accept the
stalemate without taking their three additional turns. The procedure for a
stalemate is specified under the rules for each game.
3. Eight Ball
Eight ball is played with fifteen numbered object balls and the cue ball.
The shooter’s group of seven balls (one through seven or nine through
fifteen) must all be off the table before he attempts to pocket the eight
ball to win. Shots are called.
3.1 Determining First Break
The player winning the lag has the option to determine who has to execute
the first break shot. (See 1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play.) The
standard format is alternate break (See Regulation 15, Subsequent Break
Shots.)
3.2 Eight Ball Rack
The fifteen object balls are racked as tightly as possible in a triangle,
with the apex ball on the foot spot and the eight ball as the first ball
that is directly below the apex ball. One from each group of seven will be
on the two lower corners of the triangle. The other balls are placed in the
triangle without purposeful or intentional pattern.
3.3 Break Shot
The following rules apply to the break shot:
(a) The cue ball begins in hand behind the head string.
(b) No ball is called, and the cue ball is not required to hit any
particular object ball first.
(c) If the breaker pockets a ball and does not foul, he continues at the
table, and the table remains open. (See 3.4 Open Table / Choosing Groups.)
(d) If no object ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven
to one or more rails, or the shot results in an illegal break, and the
incoming player has the option of
(1) accepting the table in position, or
(2) re-racking and breaking, or
(3) re-racking and allowing the offending player to break again.
(e)
Pocketing the eight ball on a legal break shot is not a foul. If the eight
ball is pocketed, the breaker has the option of
(1)
re-spotting the eight ball and accepting the balls in position, or (2)
re-breaking.
(f) If the
breaker pockets the eight ball and scratches (see definition 8.6 Scratch),
the opponent has the option of
(1)
re-spotting the eight ball and shooting with cue ball in hand behind the
head string; or (2) re-breaking.
(g) If any
object ball is driven off the table on a break shot, it is a foul; such
balls remain out of play (except the eight ball which is re-spotted); and
the incoming player has the option of
(1)
accepting the table in position, or (2) taking cue ball in hand behind the
head string.
(h) If the
breaker fouls in any manner not listed above, the following player has the
option of
(1)
accepting the balls in position, or (2) taking cue ball in hand behind the
head string.
3.4 Open Table / Choosing Groups
Before groups are determined, the table is said to be “open,” and before
each shot, the shooter must call his intended ball. If the shooter legally
pockets his called ball, the corresponding group becomes his, and his
opponent is assigned the other group. If he fails to legally pocket his
called ball, the table remains open and play passes to the other player.
When the table is “open”, any object ball may be struck first except the
eight ball.
3.5 Continuing Play
The shooter remains at the table as long as he continues to legally pocket
called balls, or he wins the rack by pocketing the eight ball.
3.6 Shots Required to Be Called
On each shot except the break, shots must be called as explained in 1.6
Standard Call Shot. The eight ball may be called only after the shot on
which the shooter’s group has been cleared from the table. The shooter may
call “safety” in which case play passes to the opponent at the end of the
shot and any object ball pocketed on the safety remains pocketed. (See
8.17 Safety Shot.)
3.7 Spotting Balls
If the eight
ball is pocketed or driven off the table on the break, it will be spotted or
the balls will be re-racked. (See 3.3 Break Shot and 1.4 Spotting Balls.) No
other object ball is ever spotted.
3.8 Losing the Rack
The shooter
loses if he
(a) fouls
when pocketing the eight ball;
(b) pockets
the eight ball before his group is cleared;
(c) pockets
the eight ball in an uncalled pocket; or
(d) drives
the eight ball off the table. These do not apply to the break shot.
3.9 Standard Fouls
If the shooter commits a foul, play passes to his opponent. The cue ball is
in hand, and the incoming player may place it anywhere on the playing
surface. (See 1.5 Cue Ball in Hand.) The following are standard fouls at
eight ball:
6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table
6.2 Wrong Ball First; The first ball contacted by the cue ball on each shot
must belong to the shooter’s group, except when the table is open. (See 3.4
Open Table / Choosing Groups.)
6.3 No Rail after Contact
6.4 No Foot on Floor
6.5 Ball Driven off the Table (See 3.7 Spotting Balls.)
6.6 Touched Ball
6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls
6.8 Push Shot
6.9 Balls Still Moving
6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement
6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String
6.12 Cue Stick on the Table
6.13 Playing out of Turn
6.15 Slow Play
3.10 Serious Fouls
The fouls listed under 3.8 Losing the Rack are penalized by the loss of the
current rack. For 6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct, the referee will choose a
penalty appropriate given the nature of the offense.
3.11 Stalemate
If a stalemate occurs (see 1.12 Stalemate), the original breaker of the rack
will break again.
6. Fouls
The following actions are fouls at pool when included in the specific rules
of the game being played. If several fouls occur on one shot, only the most
serious one is enforced. If a foul is not called before the next shot
begins, the foul is assumed not to have happened.
6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table
If the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, the shot is a foul. See
8.3 Ball Pocketed and 8.5 Driven off the Table.
6.2 Wrong Ball First
In those games which require the first object ball struck to be a particular
ball or one of a group of balls, it is a foul for the cue ball to first
contact any other ball.
6.3 No Rail after Contact
If no ball is pocketed on a shot, the cue ball must contact an object ball,
and after that contact at least one ball (cue ball or any object ball) must
be driven to a rail, or the shot is a foul. (See 8.4 Driven to a Rail.)
6.4 No Foot on Floor
If the shooter does not have at least one foot touching the floor at the
instant the tip contacts the cue ball, the shot is a foul.
6.5 Ball Driven off the Table
It is a foul to drive an object ball off the table. Whether that ball is
spotted depends on the rules of the game. (See 8.5 Driven off the Table.)
6.6 Touched Ball
It is a foul to touch, move or change the path of any object ball except by
the normal ball-to-ball contacts during shots. It is a foul to touch, move
or change the path of the cue ball except when it is in hand or by the
normal tip-to-ball forward stroke contact of a shot. The shooter is
responsible for the equipment he controls at the table, such as chalk,
bridges, clothing, his hair, parts of his body, and the cue ball when it is
in hand, that may be involved in such fouls. If such a foul is accidental,
it is a standard foul, but if it is intentional, it is 6.16 Unsportsmanlike
Conduct.
6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls
If the cue stick contacts the cue ball more than once on a shot, the shot is
a foul. If the cue ball is close to but not touching an object ball and the
cue tip is still on the cue ball when the cue ball contacts that object
ball, the shot is a foul. If the cue ball is very close to an object ball,
and the shooter barely grazes that object ball on the shot, the shot is
assumed not to violate the
first paragraph of this rule,
even though the tip is arguably still on the cue ball when ball-ball contact
is made.
JUDGING DOUBLE HITS
When the distance between the cue ball and the object ball is less than the
width of a chalk cube, special attention from the referee is required. In
such a situation, unless the referee can positively determine a legal shot
has been performed, the following guidance may apply: if the cue ball
follows through the object ball more than 1/2 ball, it is a foul
However,
if the cue ball is touching an object ball at the start of the shot, it is
legal to shoot towards or partly into that ball (provided it is a legal
target within the rules of the game) and if the object ball is moved by such
a shot, it is considered to have been contacted by the cue ball. (Even
though it may be legal to shoot towards such a touching or “frozen” ball,
care must be taken not to violate the rules in the first paragraph if there
are additional balls close by.)
The cue
ball is assumed not to be touching any ball unless it is declared touching
by the referee or opponent. It is the shooter’s responsibility to get the
declaration before the shot. Playing away from a frozen ball does not
constitute having hit that ball unless specified in the rules of the game.
6.8 Push Shot
It is a foul to prolong tip-to-cue-ball contact beyond that seen in normal
shots. With
cue ball and object ball frozen or
shooting from any other angle other
than at least 45 degrees to the right or 45 degrees to the left of the
centre of the straight line of the frozen ball is a foul.
6.9 Balls Still Moving
It is a foul to begin a shot while any ball in play is moving or spinning.
6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement
When the cue ball is in hand and restricted to the area behind the head
string, it is a foul to play the cue ball from on or below the head string.
If the shooter is uncertain whether the cue ball has been placed behind the
head string, he may ask the referee for a determination.
6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String
When the cue ball is in hand behind the head string, and the first ball the
cue ball contacts is also behind the head string, the shot is a foul unless
the cue ball crosses the head string before that contact. If such a shot is
intentional, it is unsportsmanlike conduct.
The cue ball must either cross the head string or contact a ball in front of
or on the head string or the shot is a foul, and the cue ball is in hand for
the following player according to the rules of the specific game.
6.12 Cue Stick on the Table
If the shooter uses his cue stick in order to align a shot by placing it on
the table without having a hand on the stick, it is a foul.
6.13 Playing out of Turn
It is a standard foul to unintentionally play out of turn. Normally, the
balls will be played from the position left by the mistaken play. If a
player intentionally plays out of turn, it should be treated like 6.16
Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
6.15 Slow Play
If the referee feels that a player is playing too slowly, he may advise that
player to speed up his play. If the player does not speed up, the referee
may impose a shot clock on that match that applies to both players. If the
shooter exceeds the time limit specified for the tournament, a standard foul
will be called and the incoming player is rewarded according to the rules
applicable to the game being played. (Rule 6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct may
also apply.)
6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct
The normal penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct is the same as for a serious
foul, but the referee may impose a penalty depending on his judgment of the
conduct. Among other penalties possible are a warning; a standard-foul
penalty, which will count as part of a three-foul sequence if applicable; a
serious-foul penalty; loss of a rack, set or match; ejection from the
competition possibly with forfeiture of all prizes, trophies and standings
points.
Unsportsmanlike conduct is any intentional behavior that brings disrepute to
the sport or which disrupts or changes the game to the extent that it cannot
be played fairly. It includes
(a) distracting the opponent;
(b) changing the position of the balls in play other than by a shot;
(c) playing a shot by intentionally miscuing;
(d) continuing to play after a foul has been called or play has been
suspended;
(e) practicing during a match;
(f) marking the table;
(g) delay of the game; and
(h) using equipment inappropriately.
8. Definitions Used in the Rules
The following definitions apply throughout these rules.
8.1 Parts of the Table
The
following definitions of parts of the table refer to the accompanying
diagram. Some details of exact size and placement are in the WPA Equipment
Specifications. See the WPA website at www.wpa-pool.com for current
information.
The table
is comprised of rails, cushions, a playing surface and pockets. The foot end
of the table is where the object balls usually begin, while the head end is
where the cue ball usually begins.
Behind the
head string is the area between the head rail and the head string, not
including the head string.
The
cushions, tops of the rails, pockets and pocket liners are parts of the
rails.
There are
four “strings” on the playing surface as shown in the diagram:
the long
string down the center of the table;
the head
string bounding the quarter of the table closest to the head rail;
the foot
string bounding the quarter of the table closest to the foot rail; and
the center
string between the two side pockets.
These
lines are only marked as mentioned below.
The rails
may have inlays referred to as diamonds or sights which mark 1/4th of the
width and 1/8th of the length of the table measured from nose to nose on the
cushions.
On the
playing surface, which is the flat, cloth-covered part of the table, the
following will be marked if they are used in the game being played:
the foot
spot, where the foot string and the long string meet;
the head
spot, where the head string and the long string meet;
the center
spot, where the center string and the long string meet;
the head
string;
the long
string between the foot spot and the foot rail; and
the
triangle, either in outline or by alignment marks depending on the game.
8.2 Shot
A shot begins when the tip contacts the cue ball due to a forward stroke
motion of the cue stick. A shot ends when all balls in play have stopped
moving and spinning. A shot is said to be legal if the shooter did not foul
during the shot.
8.3 Ball Pocketed
A ball is pocketed if it comes to rest in a pocket below the playing surface
or enters the ball return system. A ball near the brink of a pocket partly
supported by another ball is considered pocketed if removal of the
supporting ball would cause the ball to fall into the pocket.
If a ball stops near the edge of a pocket, and remains apparently motionless
for five seconds, it is not considered pocketed if it later falls into the
pocket by itself. See 1.7 Balls Settling for other details. During that five
second period, the referee should ensure that no other shot is taken. An
object ball that rebounds from a pocket back onto the playing surface is not
a pocketed ball. If the cue ball contacts an already pocketed ball, the cue
ball will be considered pocketed whether it rebounds from the pocket or not.
The referee will remove pocketed object balls from full or nearly full
pockets, but it is the shooter’s responsibility to see that this duty is
performed.
8.4 Driven to a Rail
A ball is said to be driven to a rail if it is not touching that rail and
then touches that rail. A ball touching a rail at the start of a shot (said
to be “frozen” to the rail) is not considered driven to that rail unless it
leaves the rail and returns. A ball that is pocketed or driven off the
table is also considered
to have been driven to a rail. A ball is assumed not to be frozen to any
rail unless it is declared frozen by the referee, the shooter, or the
opponent. See also Regulation 26, Calling Frozen Balls.
8.5 Driven off the Table
A ball is considered driven off the table if it comes to rest other than on
the playing surface but is not pocketed. A ball is also considered driven
off the table if it would have been driven off the table except for striking
an object such as a light fixture, piece of chalk or a player which causes
it to return to the table.
A ball that contacts the top of the rail is not considered to have been
driven off the table if it returns to the playing surface or enters a
pocket.
8.6 Scratch
A shot on which the cue ball is pocketed is called a scratch.
8.7 Cue Ball
The cue ball is the ball that is struck by the shooter at the beginning of a
shot. It is traditionally white, but may be marked by a logo or spots. In
pocket billiard games, a single cue ball is used by both players.
8.8 Object Balls
The object balls are struck by the cue ball with the usual intent of driving
them into pockets. They are typically numbered from one to the number of
balls used in the game. Colors and markings of the object balls are covered
under the WPA Equipment Specifications.
8.9 Set
In some matches, the match is divided into parts called sets, with a certain
number of sets won required to win the match. In turn, a certain number of
points or racks won is required to win each set.
8.10 Rack
The rack is the framing device, typically triangular, used to arrange the
object balls for the break shot at the start of the game. It also refers to
the group of balls so arranged. To rack the object balls is to group them
with the rack. A rack is also a portion of a match played with a single rack
of object balls. Some games, such as nine ball, are scored at one point per
rack.
8.11 Break
A break shot is the opening shot of a match or rack, depending on the game.
It happens when the object balls have been racked and the cue ball is played
from behind the head string usually with the intent of breaking the rack
apart.
8.12 Inning
An inning is a player’s turn at the table. It begins when it is legal for
him to take a shot, and ends at the end of a shot when it is no longer legal
for him to take a shot. In some games a player may choose not to come to the
table in certain situations when play would normally pass to him, and then
the player remaining at the table continues the inning (e.g. a push-out at
nine ball). The player whose turn it is to play is called the “shooter.”
8.13 Position of Balls
The position of a ball is determined by the projection of its center
vertically downward onto the playing surface. A ball is said to be placed on
a line or spot when its center is placed directly over that line or spot.
8.14 Re-spotting Balls
In some games, object balls are required to be placed on the playing surface
other than when forming a new rack. They are said to be re-spotted when they
are so placed. See 1.4 Spotting Balls.
8.15 Restoring a Position
If the balls are disturbed, the rules of the game may require them to be
replaced where they were. The referee will replace the balls to their
original position as accurately as possible.
8.16 Jump Shot
A jump shot is one in which the cue ball is made to go over an intervening
obstacle such as an object ball or part of the cushion. Whether such a shot
is legal depends on how it is accomplished and the intention of the shooter.
Usually a legal jump shot is played by elevating the cue stick and driving
the cue ball down into the playing surface from which it rebounds.
8.17 Safety Shot
A shot is said to be a safety shot if the game in play is a call shot game
and the shooter declared the shot to the referee or his opponent to be a
“safety” before the shot. Play passes to the other player at the end of a
safety shot.
8.18 Miscue
A miscue occurs when the cue tip slides off the cue ball possibly due to a
contact that is too eccentric or to insufficient chalk on the tip. It is
usually accompanied by a sharp sound and evidenced by a discoloration of the
tip. Although some miscues involve contact of the side of the cue stick with
the cue ball, unless such contact is clearly visible, it is assumed not to
have occurred. A scoop shot, in which the cue tip contacts the playing
surface and the cue ball at the same time and this causes the cue ball to
rise off the cloth, is treated like a miscue. Note that intentional miscues
are covered by 6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct (c).
