Mixed Metro Pool League
RULES
Generally speaking, the Mixed Metro Pool League uses the World Standardized Rules as their basis for league play, with a few additions and alterations as outlined below. Not all rules have been transcribed, only those with significance to the league. It is ultimately the player's responsibility to know the rules of the game. Click the link below to see the World Standardized Rules in their entirety. Any discrepancies or clarifications with rules should be taken up with the Rules Committee of the League. Any decision rendered by the Rules Committee will be deemed final.
World
Standardized Rules
includes Complete Rules of Play for Pocket Billiards & Regulations
AMENDMENTS TO RULES FOR LEAGUE PLAY
TABLES, BALLS, EQUIPMENT
Equipment and playing conditions will be deemed acceptable or not by the
league, and will not have to meet any specific BCA requirements.
LAG FOR BREAK
The lag will only apply to tournament play. On regular league nights, including
the playoffs, players will be designated two breaks for the four games they
will play. The home team will decide if they or their opponents will break the
first round, and breaks will alternate for each subsequent round.
FOUL ON THE GAME'S OPENING BREAK
In league play, the opponent will not get the option to break, it will be a
re-break by the offending player. There will be no loss of game for further
violations, only re-breaks. In tournament play, however, the opponent will have
the option to break.
JUMP SHOTS
It is illegal for any player to play a jump shot during league play. Swerve
shots are legal, however, masse shots may only be played providing the house
rules allow it. If masse shots are not allowed, it must be posted conspicuously
in the playing area of the club.
ASSISTANCE NOT ALLOWED
While a game is in progress, players are not allowed to ask for assistance in
planning or executing shots. If a player asks for and receives assistance, it
is a foul and the incoming player will receive cue ball in hand.
WORLD POOL-BILLIARD ASSOCIATION (WPA)
WORLD STANDARDIZED - GENERAL RULES OF PLAY
(Effective 1/1/08)
1. General Rules
1.1
Player’s Responsibility
1.2
Lagging to Determine Order of Play
1.3
Player’s Use of Equipment
1.4
Spotting Balls
1.5
Cue Ball in Hand
1.6
Standard Call Shot
1.7
Balls Settling
1.8
Restoring a Position
1.9
Outside Interference
1.10
Prompting Calls and Protesting Rulings
1.11
Concession
1.12
Stalemate
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.
2. Nine Ball - Excluded
3. Eight Ball
3.1
Determining First Break
3.2
Eight Ball Rack
3.3
Break Shot
3.4 Open
Table / Choosing Groups
3.5
Continuing Play
3.6
Shots Required to Be Called
3.7
Spotting Balls
3.8
Losing the Rack
3.9
Standard Fouls
3.10
Serious Fouls
3.11
Stalemate
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.
Eight Ball Rack
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. (See 3.3 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.
4. 14.1 Continuous - excluded
5. Black-Ball - excluded
6. Fouls
6.1 Cue
Ball Scratch or off the Table
6.2
Wrong Ball First
6.3 No
Rail after Contact
6.4 No
Foot on Floor
6.5 Ball
Driven off the Table
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
6.14
Three Consecutive Fouls
6.15
Slow Play
6.16
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
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.
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.
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.
6.14 Three
Consecutive Fouls
If a player fouls three times without making an intervening legal shot, it is a
serious foul. In games scored by the rack, such as nine ball, the fouls must be
in a single rack. Some games such as eight ball do not include this rule.
The referee must warn a shooter who is on two fouls when he comes to the table
that he is on two fouls. Otherwise a possible third foul will be considered to
be only the second.
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.
7. Rules for Wheelchair Competition - excluded
8. Definitions Used in the Rules
8.1 Parts of
the Table
8.2 Shot
8.3 Ball
Pocketed
8.4 Driven
to a Rail
8.5 Driven
off the Table
8.6
Scratch
8.7 Cue
Ball
8.8 Object
Balls
8.9 Set
8.10
Rack
8.11
Break
8.12
Inning
8.13
Position of Balls
8.14
Re-spotting Balls
8.15
Restoring a Position
8.16
Jump Shot
8.17
Safety Shot
8.18
Miscue
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 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 27, 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).
9. Ten Ball – excluded
Regulations
(Effective 1/1/08) 1.
Administrative Discretion 2.
Exceptions to the Rules 3. Dress Code 3.1 Men 3.2
Women 4. Racking /
Tapping of Balls 5. Playing
with an “Area” Referee 6.
Penalizing Unsportsmanlike Conduct 7. Protest
Ruling 8.
Instructions for Referees 9. Referee’s
Responsiveness 10. 8-Ball
Addendum 11.
Restoring a Position 12.
Acceptance of Equipment 13.
Clearing Pockets 14. Time
Out (1) inform the referee of his intention
and, The opponent must remain seated as during
normal play; should he involve himself in an action other than standard
match-playing activities it will be considered exercising his time out and no
further time out will be allowed. At 14.1, the time out begins between racks;
and the player at the table may continue his inning should the opponent
decide to take his time out. If the non-shooter takes a time out, he must
make sure there is a referee to supervise the table during his absence;
otherwise he has no right to protest against any misplay by the player at the
table. If a player is suffering from a medical condition, the tournament director may choose to adjust the number of time outs. 15.
Subsequent Break Shots 16. Rack at
Nine Ball 17. Open
Break Requirements 18.
Deflecting Cue Ball on Opening Break 19. Shot
Clock 20. Cue
ball fouls only 21. Late
Start 22. Outside
Interference 23.
Coaching 24. Act of
God 25.
Remaining in Player’s Chair 26. Split Hits 27. Calling
Frozen Balls |