Rules
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b. The Visiting Team has the game table for practice from 7:00-7:30pm real time.
c. League play begins at 7:30pm real time, no later than 7:45pm real time. Both Captains may agree to push this back to allow for players, but there is no obligation to do this after 7:45p. At 7:45p the team that has all players present is under no obligation to extend the time. The League does encourage giving leeway.
d. The Home Team will pay for the game table during League Play.
e. If a bar has multiple tables, the Home Team will select on which table the matches will be played. If there are two teams playing out of the same bar, the higher seeded team will choose their game table first. If there is any dispute as to the ranking, contact the President. If the Home Team doesn’t have any players at the bar by 7:00pm, the Visiting Team can choose the table on which to play.
f. All games will be played on the same table and will be of the same standard “bar” sized table.
g. All tables should be in good playing condition at the start of league. If the Home team table is inoperable or in such bad shape that the players cannot play, the Visiting Team will have the option of playing the match at their home bar or reschedule the match. If possible, play the match that night. If no agreement can be made, the Home Team forfeits the match.
h. If any team forfeits without prior notice to the opposing team, they shall be given a warning. Two forfeits that were not notified that occur in a season are considered justifiable cause to drop that team from the rest of the season. All money collected from that team, including the sponsorship fee, will be forfeited. Consideration for special circumstances may be only made by the President.
i. If a team forfeits, but gives notice to the team that is present, the team that received the forfeit shall win 15 wins and the forfeiting team will receive 0. If a team forfeits without giving any notice, the team that is present will receive 20 wins and the forfeiting team will receive 0. Forfeit wins will only be awarded if the team present pays their weekly due of $30.00. The forfeited wins can be given to any of the players determined by the Captain.
j. If a team decides to drop out of League after paying the bar sponsorship fee, they forfeit all money paid.
k. Pocket markers, placing an object(s) on the rail to aid in aiming and instructional aides are not allowed.
l. Bar Sponsorship fees must be paid in full to the President before the first week of play. Any team whose bar sponsorship fee is paid late, will forfeit the weeks of play prior to the payment, unless arraignments are made with the President.
b. A player can transfer to another team at any time during the season. As long as the player played 4 or less games for the second team, they may return to the original team, otherwise, the player is considered to have joined the second team and may not transfer again to any team during the season. The only exception to this is if a team folds during the season. In this case, players from the folded team may join other teams and keep their personal wins or may transfer to a different bar as a complete team. Again, they may keep their team wins and personal wins. If a team folds or moves, the President must be informed and approve transfers/new bar.
c. As long as both teams have at least three players present by 7:45pm, the matches will begin. This rule applies to Play Offs as well as regular season play. Play Off matches may be rescheduled to compensate for low player attendance IF the opposing team agrees (they are not obligated to do so) and the rescheduled match must be made up during the scheduled week and must be approved by the President. Allowances can be made, but are highly discouraged in the Finals of Play Offs and are at the discretion on the President.
d. Teams with at least 3 players present, but less than 5 at 7:45pm constitutes a legal line up and must put the present players in numerical order to play the first several games until their other players arrive. Example: if at 7:45pm, a team has 3 players present and the games begin, those 3 players MUST be positioned in games 1, 2 and 3. If a team has 4 players present, you may NOT position them 1, 2, 4 and 5 while waiting for arriving players – they MUST be positioned in the first 4 games. Open spots may NOT be held open or “skipped” to wait for a player who is expected to arrive if there is another player available to play. If, after all present players have played once and no other player has arrived, the opposing Captain can choose to “skip” the player or take the forfeit. It a courtesy to skip the player and not take the forfeit until that player is up next, but the opposing Captain is under no obligation to do so. However, granting the courtesy is encouraged.
e. A player may be subbed in at any time providing the player had not yet played. The team putting in the sub will inform the opposing team of the substitution before the match is played. Players who have been subbed out cannot return to play in any position except during Playoffs in games 21-25 (12.b). f. Division B teams are limited to a maximum of 3 “A” level players per team. The “A” or “B” level of a player is determined by play history, team association and personal stat history. If the player is new to the League, reputation will also be a determination. Although this is slightly subjective, the President will have the final say in placing or determining the level of the player in question. g. Any player who is documented as ranked regionally or nationally or participating in “pro”-type competition is only allowed to play in Division B as long as the team does not exceed the limit of 3 “A” players.
b. 5 positions will play 4 games each.
c. The Home Team will flip a coin to determine the break; the Visiting Team will call heads or tails while it is in the air. The coin must lay flat anywhere on the table felt and must actually flip in the air; otherwise, it must be re-flipped. The winner of the coin flip will determine who will break.
d. You are what you make on the break. If no balls are pocketed, the table is “open” until one player establishes a ball set. Calling a safety and making a ball does not establish a ball set on an open table.
e. On an “open table”, any ball set may be used in any combination to pocket the called ball except the 8 ball.
f. At or around game 10, each player is allowed to order a complimentary drink. The drink ordered must be a drink that the player has already purchased or a comparable priced drink. The home bar’s bartender may use their discretion to provide as many or as few drinks to players per the bar policy. Their word is final. The President will always side with the bartender.
g. Either team may request a break at half time. Please limit this break for the time it takes to order and serve drinks.
h. Unless otherwise agreed, both players must be at the game table within a reasonable time after the previous game has concluded. Allowing “reasonable time” refers to a player that is in the restroom, getting a drink or has notified their opponent that they need to attend to an important matter and provides a delay time that is acceptable. This is a subjective rule to prevent unreasonable delays (such as hanging out, talking, stalling, etc). Allowances are to be made for the President to address League matters and decisions at the start and during matches. If there is a start time concern, discuss the matter with the Captain to resolve.
i. If a player inadvertently begins a game that should have been played by another player, the game is voided and the appropriate player(s) will take the table to play their game.
j. Play starts when the rack is broken and concludes when one player has legally pocketed the 8-ball or causes an automatic loss of game.
k. A legal rack is:
• All balls in the rack must be touching.
• Staggered ball pattern with balls of different sets at the rear corners (a stripe at one corner, a solid at the other) and the 8-ball in the center of the rack.
• The head ball of the rack is lined up at the foot string where the horizontal second dot and the vertical middle dot intersect at the foot string and the rear balls are parallel to the rear rail or as close to this point as the condition of the table allows.
l. A legal break is:
• At least four balls, including the cue ball, are driven into a rail or at least one ball is pocketed.
m. If the rack is not legally broken, the racker decides whether to have a re-rack or play the table as it is. The racker will take the break if a re-rack is chosen.
n. If a miscue occurs and the cue ball made contact with the rack, the racker can call for a re-rack and has the option to break or have the original breaker break again or shoot the balls as they are. If the miscue did not make contact with the rack, the breaker may retrieve the cue ball and break again. (3.j)
o. No direct jump shots. When shooting, the player’s hand must be below the shoulder (7.c). At least one foot must be touching the ground when the cue stick contacts the cue ball. Exception is given to players where a physical handicap or the need of the use of an assistance device (such as a wheelchair) which does not allow for a foot to touch the floor.
p. If a player shoots at the wrong ball set, the opponent must call a foul after the wrong ball set is hit and before the next shot is made. Failure to do so will result in the “wrong” ball sets being reassigned to that player and the game will continue normally with no foul.
q. If, after a reasonable amount of attempts, any attempt to pocket or move an object ball will result in loss of game for a player and the game cannot move forward, the players may call a stalemate. *
Both players must agree to the stalemate. Team Captains may openly suggest a stalemate without a coaching foul. Both Captains, in agreement, can override the players if the players refuse to acquiesce to stalemate after stalemate is suggested and rejected at least twice. The game will be replayed with the original breaker breaking the rack.
r. Players need to be aware of the time it takes to read the table and plan their shot. Excessive “walking around”, “aiming” and “setting up a shot” to the point where shots regularly, during all matches, take an unusually long time (several minutes per shot) will not be tolerated.
A “difficult shot”, as defined as a high level shot with very few, one or no “good” shooting options, which would require contemplation, is allowed a maximum of 2 minutes per difficult shot.
A “normal shot”, as defined as a shot with several options of a very makeable level, is limited to 1 minute per normal shot.
This does not mean that the player has up to 2 minutes per shot; this defines the type of shot and the time limitations of the shot.
If a player is not playing at the appropriate pace based on the type of shot, the opponent is to respectfully ask the player to not delay and increase the pace of play. This is the courtesy warning. If the player does not adjust their playing pace, the opponent is to address the issue with the player’s team captain during the match. This is a formal warning.
If after this, the player is still not complying, the League President is to be texted with the issue. This will result in disciplinary action. Disciplinary action could result in forfeiture of the current match, not being able to play any subsequent matches for the night or seasonal suspension if there are multiple reports of violations against the player.
This is an on-going, cumulative rule and does not “reset” each match, each week or for the season. However, a courtesy warning to the player needs to always be given before moving to the next level.
The team is not penalized, only the player in violation. The League does not suggest that player play “fast”, but to play at a pace to prevent unnecessary delays due to “stalling”.
If the player not shooting does not hear or understand the called shot, they should request “call please” before the player strikes the cue ball. If no shot is called, but a legal stroke is played, the opponent may call a foul. It is good sportsmanship to issue a warning before calling a foul, and reminding the player to make sure their call is heard, but it is not required. The League encourages giving a warning before calling a foul.
b. A player’s shot concludes after all motion stops. If the 8 ball falls into a pocket after all motion stops, but before the next shot (or any situation that could end the game prematurely), call the President for a ruling.
b. Pocketing the 8 ball before sinking all of their ball set.
c. Pocketing the 8 ball in a pocket other than the one that was called.
d. It is permissible to “catch the cue ball” as it drops into the pocket, but it must be completely off the table felt and in the pocket as it is done. (The League strongly recommends the ball goes in the pocket without touching it; it only takes a few seconds to return)
e. Any player or member of either team deliberately changes, disturbs or moves the position of any ball on the table other than a legal stroke.
• If the cue ball scratches on the break, then it is ball in hand behind the head string. The cue ball will be placed behind the headstring in such a way that no part of the cue ball is touching or is over the headstring.
• If the 8 ball is hit off the table, it is loss of game.
b. Not making a legal shot or legal safety (3.l and 3.m).
c. Only the players currently in the game may call a foul. A foul must be called after the foul occurs and before the next shot to be valid. Failure to call a foul before the next shot will result in the game proceeding as usual with no consequences.
d. If an object ball is hit off the table, the ball that was shot off the table is to be pocketed and is a foul.
e. If a foul occurs, advise your opponent that it is ball in hand and wait for them to acknowledge it before touching the cue ball. If the cue ball is picked up in error, the previous shooter will have ball in hand.
f. If a ball is touched, but the ball does not move (as in the case of hair or clothing, etc brushing against it), it is not a foul. However, if a ball is touched by anything other than a legal stroke or positioning the cue ball in a ball in hand foul and the ball position changes, it is a foul.
g. Striking the cue ball twice in the same stroke.
h. Direct jump shots or massé shots not complying with the “under the arm” rule (7.c).
i. Striking the cue ball into a ball in the opponent’s ball set before making contact with their own ball set.
• Striking the cue ball first with a single stroke of the cue stick then making contact with a ball from the player’s ball set. After contact, any ball and/or cue ball, must be driven into a rail or pocketed.
b. If a ball is frozen on the rail, striking or tapping the ball with the cue ball is the same as being driven into a rail and is a legal shot.
c. The cue stick must be held in a way where the hand remains “below the shoulder”. Holding the cue in “massé position” is not permissible.
d. A legal safety is:
• The same as a legal shot, but after the shot is made, the player does not continue playing even if a ball is pocketed. Calling “safety” instead of a pocket is used mostly for position and strategy.
• Providing information to players during a game which gives them an advantage.
This includes: providing information on a shot, shot selection, strategic advice, opponent observations, providing rules or rules advice when not asked, informing the player they missed the opportunity to call a foul or otherwise assisting a player when they are still able to use the information.
Players can be advised of any errors they missed AFTER the game.
b. It is permissible to chat with the players in the game in casual banter, but all communication with the players involved in a match must be conducted in English to prevent the perception of possible coaching.
Players are welcome to converse in their native language any time and to anyone; just not with a player involved in a current match.
c. Coaching violations are not limited to only players. Teams who have guests who violate coaching rules will be held responsible for their guest’s actions.
d. No coaching of any kind is permitted. Normal conversation is permitted, providing it does not include coaching. The first offence is a warning; the second offence is loss of game.
e. People not involved in the match may talk about and discuss the current match providing it is far away from the involved player’s earshot (outside, at the bar, etc.). f. Anyone from either team may call a coaching foul. This is the only foul another player other than those involved in the game may call.
b. If there is ever a question, concern or want to report poor conduct, please call the League President immediately.
c. Poor behavior and poor sportsmanship WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!! Violators will be suspended for several weeks or the entire season.
d. Conduct yourselves and advise your team guests to conduct themselves in a courteous manner.
e. Treat your opponents, guests, bar patrons, equipment, bar employees and teammates with respect.
f. If a bar patron, not associated with or playing in the pool league is interfering, distracting or breaking any of the coaching rules, it is the home Captain’s responsibility to correct the individual and prevent further issues. The home team Captain is encouraged to work with the bartender to prevent or remove individuals from the bar or the vicinity of the pool table.
g. The following behaviors will not be tolerated and may result in severe disciplinary actions to be taken at the first offence – including being suspended or removed permanently from the League:
• Name calling
• Offensive, aggressive and/or adult language directed at someone in an aggressive/mean/insulting manner.
• Rude/mean/sarcastic comments directed at a player or opposing team members
• Intentional noises, actions, discussions or movements intended to distract players
• Verbal and/or physical threats
• Accusing someone of these offences falsely will result in the accuser receiving the punishment.
h. If the shooting player feels that their opponent is in their line of sight, moving excessively (unintentionally or intentionally), making sounds or otherwise distracting the shooter, the shooter has every right to respectfully ask the opponent to move and/ or cease the distracting action. The opponent must comply. If a player is consistently acting in such a way that they are regularly being politely asked to not be distracting, the League President is to be texted to resolve the situation and apply disciplinary action if needed.
b. If a player is shooting a shot that has a possibility of being a foul, the opponent and/or the shooter may ask their respective spotters to focus on the shot and be in a normally intrusive position (in the line of sight/shot, near the pocket called, etc.) in order to properly see the shot.
The shooter should make sure the spotters are in their position(s) before they shoot. Spotters should remain as motionless as possible to avoid distracting the shooter. The shooting player may adjust the spotter slightly if their position is truly interfering with their shot. After witnessing the shot, spotters cannot comment or make any statement about the shot unless they are specifically asked.
c. If a player has a question about a rule or action during their shot, they may stop the game and consult with their opponent. If further clarification is needed, the player may consult with their Team Captain. This consultation should include both team Captains and players so all parties hear the same information. The Captain cannot advise them (or it would be a coaching foul), but they can explain and clarify the rule/action that is in question by the player.
e. Individuals who are not spotters, Captains or League Officials need to stay out of any discussion intended to resolve an issue.
f. If there is a dispute between players during the match, the it will be resolved in the following order:
• Players
• Spotters
• Captains
• If the conflict still cannot be resolved, contact the President by text. The decision made by the President is final.
g. If a spotter was not available or did not see the shot in question, the decision will go to the team that has a verified spotter.
h. To contact the President during play: • Text only. Do not initially call! I may not hear my phone ring in a noisy bar. I will call or text back within a few minutes.
b. The Home Team Captain is responsible for making sure the envelope gets in on time.
c. Score sheets and weekly dues are due no later than closing time the Wednesday following play and are turned in to Sidelines.
d. The envelope will equal $60.00. Captains are responsible for determining how any forfeited games are covered.
e. Both team’s score sheets should match exactly with all information, team scores, individual scores, date, week number, players names, etc. filled out identically and completely. By signing the score sheet and envelope, you are confirming that your sheet is correct.
DO NOT SIMPLY COPY SCORES FROM YOUR OPPONENTS SHEET – It could result in penalties for your team.
f. All score sheets must have first and last names of all players. Make sure you verify the spelling of your player names and keep them consistent. If you have a player named “Dave”, his name should be “Dave” every time he plays, not David, Davies or Davy.
g. If a player is substituted, the initials of all players in that spot needs to have their initials in the box where they played:
• The Home Team will place the sub’s initials in the upper right corner of the box
• The Away Team will place the sub’s initials in the lower left corner of the box
h. In the event that both teams fail to fill out a column on the score sheet, both teams will take penalties in that slot.
i. If a match envelope is not turned in by the deadline, the following penalties will apply:
• 1st offence – warning
• 2nd offence – 1 team win will be removed
• 3rd offence – 3 team wins will be removed
• 4rd offence – 5 team wins will be removed each week until the envelope is turned in and the Captain will be replaced
g. Any home team that does not turn in all of their envelopes by the deadline of the last week of regular play without contacting the President will automatically forfeit 0-15 and the opponents will be awarded 15-0 for each envelope not turned in.
The home team that didn’t turn in the envelope will have the weekly dues of $60 subtracted from their end of season team money to cover their opponent and their money that was not turned in.
h. If you need additional sheets contact the President.
The 4th Play Off team will be chosen by random-number-generator. A video of the results will be posted to alleviate any impression of favoritism.
Even though I took this League from several dubious people who repeatedly festered mistrust and dishonesty, I have established myself as honest and impartial for the last 6 years, I will always demonstrate transparency to continue the trust you have in me.
a. All play off matches will be a race to 13 with the games 21-25 being available for any additional matches as needed.
The Play Off Finals between the last two teams will play until one team has won 2 matches. A tie-breaker match may be needed for a third week. Play Off Sheets will be provided.
b. A previously subbed out player may return to play during games 21-25, providing they return to their original slot.
For example: Slot 2 played “Fred” in game 1 and 12 then was subbed out. “Fred” may return to play in the additional matches only if he plays in slot 2.
c. Players not playing in the play offs are encouraged to watch the other team matches and support their fellow players.
d. If there are 8 or less teams in the Division, the top 4 teams ranked at the end of regular play will participate.
For top 4 teams:
Week 1
• Match 1 – 4th Place @ 1st Place
• Match 2 – 3rd Place @ 2nd Place
Week 2 – Finals Week 1
• Match 3 – The winner of Match 1 will play the winner of Match 2 at the higher seeded team’s bar
Week 3 – Finals Week 2
• Match 4 – The teams in Match 3 will play at the lower seeded team’s bar
Week 4 – Finals Week 3 (If needed)
• Match 5 – if both Finals teams have one win each, a tie breaker will be played at the higher seeded team’s bar to determine the winner.
For top 6 teams: Week 1 • Match 1 – 6th place will play @ 3rd place • Match 2 – 5th place will play @ 4th place • 1st and 2nd place will have a bye Week 2 • Match 3 – The lowest seeded team that wins @ 1st Place • Match 4 – The highest seeded team that wins @2nd Place Week 3 – Finals Week 1 • Match 5 – The winner of Match 3 and match 4 will play at the higher seeded team’s bar Week 4 – Finals Week 2 • Match 4 – The teams in Match 5 will play at the lower seeded team’s bar Week 5 – Finals Week 3 (If needed) • Match 6 – if both Finals teams have one win each, a tie breaker will be played at the higher seeded team’s bar to determine the winner.
b. Shooters, regardless of gender, must play a minimum of 80% of the season’s possible games to qualify.
If there is a tie, a head-to-head match 2 out of 3, win by one match will be held at 6:30p at the banquet host bar on banquet night. c. There will be three males ($50, $30, $20) and one female top shooter ($60) for each Division.
b. The top 4 seeded teams will have 1 player to enter; the lower seeded teams will have 2 players to enter.
c. Any “open spots” will be filled first by lower seeded teams and progress to the higher seeded teams to fill the 16 player tournament.
d. Participants must have played at minimum of 60% of possible matches to play.
b. Food will be provided at 7:00pm.
c. The Tournament sign ups start at 7:00pm and close at 7:30pm. You must be present to sign up.
NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ALLOWED.
NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!
The Tournament will start at 7:45pm, no later than 8:00pm.
d. Team winnings will be given out after the first full round of the Tournament.
b. Money awards are subject to change each season depending on the number of teams, expenses and collection. The League intendeds to pay around $2.00 per win to the teams. All collected money will be documented on the weekly spreadsheet under the “Money Distribution” tab.
There will be no play on any Monday that falls on a federal or national holiday.
There will be no play the week of Christmas and the week of New Years Day.
b. This is subject to change.