S E L P L
SOUTH EAST LONDON POOL LEAGUE
Est. 1970
Rules of Play
SOUTH EAST LONDON POOL LEAGUE - RULES OF PLAY
1. CONDITIONS FOR PLAY
1.1 The League recognises that it has no authority over the size of playing tables but will seek to ensure good playing conditions.
1.2 Home Teams are required to ensure that the following are available for each match:
• A set of these Rules.
• The table is clearly marked with a black spot.
• A Rest and a Spider are visually at hand.
1.3 Opposing Captains must check that these are available at the venue before the match begins. If any of the three items are not in evidence Opposing Captains can refuse to play and should notify the Secretary.
1.4 If Captains consider that a table and/or conditions are unsuitable for play to begin the match should not be started and the Secretary informed.
1.5 If the majority of players at the venue for an individual tournament round decide that the conditions for play are not suitable then the Secretary must be notified immediately and other arrangements made (i.e. change venues or postpone round matches). Otherwise the matches must be played and players refusing to play will suffer the losses as per Rule 4.14 below. If a majority of players choose to change venues and select a particular new venue, players refusing to play will forfeit their matches.
1.6 Should a table be deemed to be unsuitable for 3 consecutive home matches that table will not be used for the remainder of the season. Any outstanding team matches will be played at a venue to be decided by the Officers and Captains.
1.7 Opposing Captains can use their discretion as to whether or not they wish to play on a table having a speed cloth. If they choose not to play they should notify the Home Captain and the Secretary. Once the first frame has begun the whole of the match must be completed.
1.8 Provision of refreshments and table monies are the responsibility of the appropriate Landlord/Captain.
1.9 Mobile phones of players and referees must be switched off or set to silent mode during their frame, and any use of a mobile phone while involved in a frame will be deemed a foul if the referee considers it has delayed or disrupted play. Players will have the right to ask for the referee to be replaced if he uses his mobile phone during a frame.
2. RULES OF THE GAME
2.1 The game shall be known as 8 Ball Pool and referred to in these playing rules as “the Game”. It is intended that players and teams should play 8 Ball Pool in the true spirit of the game and in a sportsmanlike manner. It should be clearly understood that the Referee is the sole judge of what is fair and unfair play. The Referee will take whatever action is necessary to see that these rules are observed. It is the Referee’s responsibility to ensure that players are aware of and abide by the set rules.
2.2 Each team match comprises nine frames (six Singles and three Pairs). League positions will be determined by one point per frame won. In addition, the winning team will be awarded one bonus point provided their opponents have played the match. If a team does not play the match the opponents may claim the match and be awarded 7 points only (comprising of 6 frame points and a one point win bonus). The team not playing will be penalised by the loss of 5 points from their existing league total. See also Rule 3.2.
2.3 Requirements of the Game – A frame is played with a group of seven red balls, a group of seven yellow balls, a black ball and a cue ball. On different coloured table cloths, suitably identified coloured groups are required. Red and yellow balls are to be used for green and blue baize tables. If the table has red baize, blue and yellow balls are required. If the table has yellow baize, red and blue balls are required. Players should not play any frames where the colour of the baize is the same as one group of balls. Alternatively, the coloured groups may be represented by numerical groups 1-7 and 9-15. The two groups of coloured/numbered balls and the black ball are known as object balls.
2.4 Object of the Game – The player or pair potting their coloured group first and then legally potting the 8 ball (black) wins the frame.
2.5 The balls are racked with the black ball on the black spot thus,
1.1 The League recognises that it has no authority over the size of playing tables but will seek to ensure good playing conditions.
1.2 Home Teams are required to ensure that the following are available for each match:
• A set of these Rules.
• The table is clearly marked with a black spot.
• A Rest and a Spider are visually at hand.
1.3 Opposing Captains must check that these are available at the venue before the match begins. If any of the three items are not in evidence Opposing Captains can refuse to play and should notify the Secretary.
1.4 If Captains consider that a table and/or conditions are unsuitable for play to begin the match should not be started and the Secretary informed.
1.5 If the majority of players at the venue for an individual tournament round decide that the conditions for play are not suitable then the Secretary must be notified immediately and other arrangements made (i.e. change venues or postpone round matches). Otherwise the matches must be played and players refusing to play will suffer the losses as per Rule 4.14 below. If a majority of players choose to change venues and select a particular new venue, players refusing to play will forfeit their matches.
1.6 Should a table be deemed to be unsuitable for 3 consecutive home matches that table will not be used for the remainder of the season. Any outstanding team matches will be played at a venue to be decided by the Officers and Captains.
1.7 Opposing Captains can use their discretion as to whether or not they wish to play on a table having a speed cloth. If they choose not to play they should notify the Home Captain and the Secretary. Once the first frame has begun the whole of the match must be completed.
1.8 Provision of refreshments and table monies are the responsibility of the appropriate Landlord/Captain.
1.9 Mobile phones of players and referees must be switched off or set to silent mode during their frame, and any use of a mobile phone while involved in a frame will be deemed a foul if the referee considers it has delayed or disrupted play. Players will have the right to ask for the referee to be replaced if he uses his mobile phone during a frame.
2.1 The game shall be known as 8 Ball Pool and referred to in these playing rules as “the Game”. It is intended that players and teams should play 8 Ball Pool in the true spirit of the game and in a sportsmanlike manner. It should be clearly understood that the Referee is the sole judge of what is fair and unfair play. The Referee will take whatever action is necessary to see that these rules are observed. It is the Referee’s responsibility to ensure that players are aware of and abide by the set rules.
2.2 Each team match comprises nine frames (six Singles and three Pairs). League positions will be determined by one point per frame won. In addition, the winning team will be awarded one bonus point provided their opponents have played the match. If a team does not play the match the opponents may claim the match and be awarded 7 points only (comprising of 6 frame points and a one point win bonus). The team not playing will be penalised by the loss of 5 points from their existing league total. See also Rule 3.2.
2.3 Requirements of the Game – A frame is played with a group of seven red balls, a group of seven yellow balls, a black ball and a cue ball. On different coloured table cloths, suitably identified coloured groups are required. Red and yellow balls are to be used for green and blue baize tables. If the table has red baize, blue and yellow balls are required. If the table has yellow baize, red and blue balls are required. Players should not play any frames where the colour of the baize is the same as one group of balls. Alternatively, the coloured groups may be represented by numerical groups 1-7 and 9-15. The two groups of coloured/numbered balls and the black ball are known as object balls.
2.4 Object of the Game – The player or pair potting their coloured group first and then legally potting the 8 ball (black) wins the frame.
2.5 The balls are racked with the black ball on the black spot thus,
(stripes replace yellows when using striped and spotted balls).
3. TOURNAMENT TIMES AND FIXTURES
3.1 Start of matches;
• All matches to start at 8.00pm.
• In the event of the non-arrival of the opposing team there will be the following forfeits;
- One frame at 8.10pm;
- Second frame at 8.20pm; and
- The match at 8.30pm.
• At least FOUR players from each team must be present for the match to begin.
• In team matches, at the end of the Singles frames or during the Pairs frames and at the discretion of the home staff member in charge, if it becomes clear that there is no possibility of completing the match by a reasonable time, the remaining frame(s) are to be played by the same players entered on the Result Sheet at the same venue on another evening to be agreed between the Captains and the Secretary informed accordingly. This is to ensure that both players and referees are able to leave venues at a sensible time and problems are not caused for staff.
3.2 Teams that are unable to fulfil fixtures and do not give the required 48 hours’ notice (see Rule 3.10 below) may be subject to additional penalties, which may include financial penalties, at the discretion of the Officers and Captains if complaints are received from the home venue.
3.3 Teams failing to arrive at venues without notifying the opposing team in advance (see Rule 3.10 below) will be subject to penalties as agreed at the Annual General Meeting (i.e. the match awarded with 7 points to the team that turns up and a penalty of -5 points to the team that fails to do so). See Rule 7 below concerning Appeals against penalties imposed. The Officers and Captains are always willing to try to help any teams that may be struggling to fulfil fixtures.
3.4 Each frame shall have a Referee appointed alternately by each Team Captain beginning with the Home team.
3.5 Fixtures other than team events:
• The League’s administration team will ensure that copies of the organiser, venue and match schedules for Singles and Pairs competitions are provided to each venue so that they have the information in case the organiser is unable to attend.
• All matches to start at 8.00pm and played according to the order stated on the Schedule provided.
• Players not arriving by 8.10pm shall forfeit one frame and, by 8.20pm, two frames (i.e. the match in the best of three frames).
• In Pairs competitions, it is sufficient for one player to arrive on time to register the pair, but both must be present when the Organiser is ready to begin their match or the 10 and 20 minute time penalties above will apply.
• If over-running, Organisers/Referees will decide if the scheduled matches can be completed by 11.00pm on the Monday night. Any frames/matches not played will be postponed to a night agreed between the Organiser/Referee and the players concerned providing the match is completed before the next tournament round starts (which might result in a change of venue) and the League Secretary informed accordingly. This is to ensure that both Players and Referees are able to leave the venues at a sensible time and problems are not caused for staff at the venues.
3.6 In individual tournaments, if players request a change to the order of play stated on the relevant Schedule the appropriate Organiser can make any change at his/her discretion subject to agreement of the opponent(s) and to ensure the smooth conduct of the evening. There must also be a satisfactory reason for the request.
3.7 Teams will only be allowed a maximum of one postponement per team competition per Season irrespective of the reasons. In the cases of the Singles and the Pairs competitions, there will be no postponements because of the format of the mini-competitions, but players may be replaced by another member of their team until the start of their first match in the competition providing the League Secretary and/or venue Organiser is informed beforehand. Postponements in the Knock Out Cup will only be permitted before the Quarter-Final stage.
3.8 Responsibilities of the relevant Captains in rearranging fixtures:
• To rearrange fixtures when necessary. In the event of one Captain/Team not being able or willing to rearrange a fixture the match must be played on the original date.
• Both Captains must notify the Secretary (or Chairman) to confirm whether they agree to rearrange the fixture or not.
• Captains should not arrange other tournaments on League nights without securing in advance the agreement of their opposing Captain to rearrange the fixture.
• The Captain of the Team wishing to change the date of the fixture will forfeit the match if the opposing Captain’s agreement has not been obtained.
• All postponed fixtures must be played within one month of the original scheduled date (on any day to be arranged between the Captains) with all postponed matches played no later than one month after the last scheduled date of League fixtures.
• If it is not possible to complete the match within one calendar month, a joint case should be made by the two Captains to the Officers and Captains to seek an extension.
• Matches not meeting these deadlines, or where no joint case is made to the Committee, would be declared void or the team that postponed the fixture would be penalised – this would be determined by the Officers and Captains under the relevant paragraph of the League’s Constitution after receiving representations from the Captains of the Teams involved.
3.9 Rearranged dates of fixtures by Captains must be notified to the Secretary and must not clash with any other League event without approval from the Officers.
3.10 Captains needing to postpone team fixtures MUST:
• Give their opponents at least 48 hours advance notice of postponement or they will forfeit that match.
• Both Captains must notify the Secretary to confirm that they have agreed to rearrange the fixture or, if less than 48 hours’ notice is given, to claim the points.
• All postponements are subject to Officers’ approval and the agreement of the opposing Captain, and teams will only be able to postpone one match per season other than in exceptional circumstances.
• If Officers or the opposing Captain do not agree to a postponement then the match must be played or forfeited as in Rule 3.8.
3.11 The Officers and Captains (or Secretary as delegated) is empowered to direct that a particular match must be played at a time and venue as they decide necessary.
4. GENERAL RULES
4.1 Start of Play and Use of Reserves:
• Before the match can start, each Captain must enter all the names of their six intended Singles players and a maximum of one reserve, any FOUR of whom MUST be present to sign the sheet before play begins. Each Captain should, having completed the list of six players and reserve, get his/her team members to sign the sheet before exchanging the Result Sheet with his/her opposite number before both Singles and Pairs frames commence.
• A reserve can only be named if they are present to sign the sheet before the start of the match.
• In the event that a late player has not arrived in time to play his/her frame, in the scheduled order, then on the first time this occurs the reserve should play instead, and the player replaced cannot play any further part in the Singles.
• Any subsequent latecomers may not be replaced but forfeit their frames.
• At the end of the six Singles frames, each Captain must enter the names of their six Pairs players and a maximum of one reserve on the Result Sheet.
• The reserve MUST be present to sign before the Pairs begin and should replace the first scheduled player not available to play his/her Pairs frame.
• Opposing Captains may claim frames if these rules are not strictly adhered to.
• Players must sign the Result Sheet before they play either their Singles or Pairs frame or both, whichever applies.
4.2 Order of play – the Home player will have the choice of whether to break off or not in the odd numbered frames and the Away player will have that choice in the even numbered frames (to put this more simply, the player whose team has the referee in each frame should break or choose to put his/her opponent in to break).
4.3 The opening player plays at the triangle of object balls using the cue ball from any position on or behind the baulk line.
4.4 The opening player has the break and must drive at least two object balls to hit any cushion or pot one of the coloured balls. Failure to do so is a foul and the oncoming player is awarded two shots, a free table (see 4.7 below) and the option to have the white picked up by the referee and to play from anywhere on or behind the baulk line. If the breaking player pots any ball or balls from the break then the player must nominate which group they wish to take and continue their visit. They do not need to pot again to remain on that nominated colour. Failure to nominate before playing their next shot is a foul. If the black ball is potted see Rule 4.9. If the white ball is potted from the break see Rule 4.12 then Rule 4.9. There is no further requirement for a player to nominate after potting a ball other than in the circumstance described in the final sentence of Rule 4.5 below.
4.5 If no ball is potted from a legal break, then the oncoming player has one visit and an open table. Players continue alternately until such a time as a ball or balls are potted. On the first occasion an object ball is legally potted, that ball denotes the player’s group. There is no further requirement for a player to nominate after potting a ball unless at least one ball of each colour is potted on that first occasion.
4.6 On the first occasion object balls are legally potted, if more than one are of different groups, the player shall nominate red or yellow and continue to play. They do not need to pot again to remain on that colour. Failure to nominate before playing their next shot is a foul.
4.7 After a foul break the oncoming player has a free table. Any ball potted from the free table shot counts for the purposes of the player retaining two shots, but does not denote the player’s group. Following the free table shot the next legally potted ball denotes the player’s group, and if one of each group is potted the player must nominate red or yellow (see 4.4 above). If no balls are potted, the table remains open until such time as a player pots legally from a non-free table shot.
4.8 If, before any balls are legally potted, a foul stroke is committed when one or more object balls are potted, then these are discounted for the purpose of denoting a player’s colour. The following free table shot is subject to the conditions of rule 4.7.
4.9 If a player pots the 8 ball (black) from the break, the frame shall be restarted by the same player. No penalty will be incurred. The balls are to be re-racked. This applies even if other balls (including the cue ball) are potted as well.
4.10 If a ball or balls are legally potted, this entitles the player to one additional shot and the break continues until the player either: (1) fails to pot one of his or her group of allocated balls, or (2) commits a foul at any time.
4.11 Combination shots are allowed provided that the player hits one of his or her own group of balls first but does not pot an opponent’s ball other than from a free table.
4.12 The following will be deemed fouls:
• In Off (cue ball potted) at any time.
• Hitting an opponent’s ball before his or her own ball or balls, except after a free table has been awarded.
• Failing to hit any ball, except when a player is playing away from his or her own touching ball.
• Jump Shot – defined as when the cue ball jumps over any part of any ball before making contact with any object ball.
• Moving the cue ball with the tip of the cue in the baulk area at the break off or following a foul.
• If a player hits the 8 ball (black) with the cue ball on the first impact before all his or her own balls have been potted, except after a free table has been awarded.
• Potting an opponent’s ball, except after a free table has been awarded.
• Ball off the table: (1) if an object ball other than the black (see 4.14 below), the ball is to be spotted on the black spot, or as near as possible to the black spot without touching any other ball, in a direct line between the black spot and the centre of the baulk line and (2) if the cue ball, the ball is to be played from any position on or behind the baulk line. A ball shall be deemed to be “off the table” if it comes to rest other than on the bed of the table.
• If a player’s clothing or body should touch any ball.
• Player not having at least one foot on the floor.
• Playing with any ball other than the cue ball.
• Playing out of turn.
• Playing before all balls have come to rest.
• Playing before ball or balls have been re-spotted.
• Interfering with the movement of the ball with either body, clothing, cue or chalk.
• Striking the cue ball with the cue more than once.
• Failing to nominate when required before playing the next shot.
• The player picking up the cue ball after a foul to play from behind the baulk line (this must be done by the Referee).
• If a player is told what shot to play or receives “coaching” when playing a shot.
• Talking to their partner after having addressed the table during any visit in Pairs frames.
• Use of mobile phones.
• Any time violation when the shot clock is being applied.
• The non-playing player in the oncoming pair addressing the table at any time.
4.13 Following any foul the oncoming player is awarded two shots (which carry), a free table, and the option to have the white picked up and may play the cue ball from anywhere on or behind the baulk line and the free table rule applies. In these circumstances only, the Referee must move the cue ball from its original resting place – if the oncoming player picks up the cue ball a foul will be called. In Pairs frames, the Referee must place the cue ball at the baulk end of the table. The oncoming player can hit a ball from either group, or the black ball, without penalty. The following conditions are attached to such penalties:
• The referee MUST, following a foul shot, tell the oncoming player their options as follows: "Foul, two shots, free table, you have the option to have the cue ball picked up and having ball in hand behind the baulk line."
• Any object ball potted from a free ball shot (except the black), whether singly or in combination, will count as one of the player’s own group (in accordance with Rule 4.7 where applicable) and their visit will continue.
• The oncoming player can only pot the black from a free ball if they have already potted all balls of their own group, but not in combination with an opponent’s ball except that, if the oncoming player is snookered on the 8 ball (black), he/she may play a ball onto the 8 ball (black) and pot the 8 ball (black) only.
• The oncoming player’s two-shot visit continues until they have failed to pot twice or committed a foul at any time.
4.14 The following circumstances will result in loss of frame:
• If a player pots the 8 ball (black) and any other ball on the same stroke, except from the break, he or she will lose the frame.
• A player going in off the 8 ball (black) when the 8 ball (black) is legally potted, loses the frame.
• If the 8 ball (black) leaves the table.
• Refusing to play (see Rule 1.5).
5. OTHER PLAYING RULES
5.1 Push strokes are allowed but a player may play away from a touching ball of his or her own group and be deemed to have played that ball. Should the cue ball be touching an opponent’s ball or 8 ball (black), a player shall play away without penalty providing the cue ball strikes one of his or her own group.
5.2 When a player has a free table and has the cue ball picked up he or she plays from any position on or behind the baulk line and in any direction.
5.3 At the end of each break the off-going player is responsible for the table (and liable to any penalties or benefits accorded to the player in the rules of this game) until the oncoming player has addressed the table.
5.4 Addressing the table means having touched the table whether personally or with the cue, chalk or other item (see also Rule 5.10).
5.5 No chalk or other object may be left on the table at the end of a player’s visit. It is the Referee’s responsibility to remove said object from the table.
5.6 The oncoming player is said to be snookered when the cue ball has no clear path to touch both sides of any of his or her object balls.
5.7 The frame is completed when the 8 ball (black) is potted in any pocket and all the remaining balls have come to rest, except when this occurs from the break.
5.8 The Referee may, if required, advise on the playing rules of the League only. He cannot advise on any other Rules (i.e. Appeals Procedure, etc.) except by reading such Rules and ensuring that all players strictly adhere to them.
5.9 Shot clock:
• In matches where Captains choose to apply the shot clock, players will have 30 seconds to play each shot (and up to 1 minute for the first shot of a new visit to the table, including Pairs matches in which the oncoming player will be allowed 1 minute to consult with his/her partner and play the first shot).
• The time begins immediately the balls in the previous shot have come to rest or the cue ball has been placed on or behind the baulk line, whichever is applicable.
• Referees are to advise players when their time has expired.
• If the oncoming player does not play his/her shot immediately a foul shot will be called.
• Because this rule is not intended to detract from the enjoyment of the game, the Referee can use his/her discretion in the enforcement of this rule. It should be implemented to ensure matches are completed at a reasonable time, and not inconvenience hosting Landlords.
• If the rule is to be enforced, it must be brought in between frames and both Captains informed, and apply to all frames for the rest of the match.
5.10 The following rules apply to Pairs frames or matches;
• The oncoming player can consult with his or her partner but the non-playing player is not allowed to address the table (see rule 5.4), which will be deemed a foul. Additionally, neither player of the oncoming pair should lean any part of their body over the table, or use the cue or any other item to do so, which will also be deemed a foul.
• Once the oncoming player has addressed the table there must be no further contact (including sign language, coughing, etc.) between the players until the end of the break. Any further contact will result in a foul shot being called.
5.11 The following circumstances will result in a stalemate and or a re-rack;
• Should any situation arise whereby a legal shot cannot be played the frame should be re-racked and restarted (with the same player breaking) whether this situation is arrived at by accident or design. A legal shot can only be considered impossible if the cue ball is physically unable to pass all the snookering balls, not because of factors such as difficulty, angle or spin.
• If the Referee considers that neither player is allowing the frame to progress and a stalemate situation has arisen, then the Referee should advise both players they have three shots per side to pot a ball and progress the frame. As soon as a ball has been potted, the stalemate is considered to be over and the three shot rule no longer applies. If no ball has been potted after each player has had their three visits, sudden death rules will apply.
• Sudden death means that the player with the least balls remaining on the table (not including the black) will be deemed the winner. If both players have the same number of balls remaining on the table then a re-rack will be called.
5.12 Players taken ill: Should a player fall ill before beginning their frame, the reserve should play in their place, and the player taken ill can take no further part in that night's fixture. If a player is taken ill during a frame, and cannot continue to play within the standard time, they forfeit the frame.
6. MATCH RESULTS
6.1 Both Team Captains (or their nominated representative) MUST:
• Each Captain must sign the Result Sheet after the match to confirm the result is correct unless they object to the result (see Rules 7.1-7.3 below).
• Send the result to the League email address within 48 hours of the completed fixture, so that the League Tables can be compiled and circulated in good time (Points penalties will be incurred by persistent offenders (see Rule 6.4).
• Retain properly completed and signed Result Sheets and hand them to the Secretary or other nominated Officers on specified collection days throughout the calendar, of which Team Captains will be given notice in advance – properly completed means with all boxes filled in and all signatures completed where necessary. Incomplete Result Sheets which cause administrative problems may lead to points being docked by the Committee, particularly for persistent offenders.
• Maintain their own copies of the Result Sheets they send in so that these can be checked if necessary.
6.2 The Secretary will not accept any verbal results.
6.3 In the event of an Appeal, the Captain of the team appealing must send the Result Sheet (unsigned but with the appropriate Appeals form) to the Secretary as soon as possible. In addition, both Captains must notify the Secretary that an appeal is pending both when they report their result and on their Result Sheet.
6.4 From the start of each League season;
• On the third occasion that a team fails to supply a result in accordance with the requirements of Rule 6.1, they will be docked one point.
• From then on, a further penalty point will be docked every time a result is not supplied, until the end of the League season.
• See Rule 7 below concerning Appeals against penalties imposed.
6.5 Any team found guilty of falsifying or changing the order of players after the match has started will forfeit the match 9-0 for the first offence and be expelled from the League for the second offence.
7.1 Appeals should be made known to the opposing Captain/player and the Referee during the frame being played. If the Appeal concerns a situation within a frame a photo should be taken of the position and/or the position drawn on the Appeal form showing the positions of all balls before the frame continues.
7.2 All other frames in the match must be played. Players refusing to play remaining frames shall forfeit their respective frames.
7.3 Captains should not sign the Result Sheet but should indicate “Appeal Pending” on it before they leave the match venue. The Captain of the team appealing must send the Result Sheet to the Secretary within 7 days (see Rule 6.3 above).
7.4 If the Appeal concerns insufficient notice of cancellation (see Rules 3.2 and 3.10 above), Captains should write to the Secretary in accordance with Rules 3.8 and 7.5.
7.5 Captains wishing to appeal must complete the appropriate form and send it to the Secretary within 7 days of the match being played.
7.6 In the case of individual tournaments the player(s) concerned may appeal and will need to abide by the procedure laid down in Rules 7.1-7.3 above.
7.7 The Secretary will set up an Appeals Panel which will not include any persons with interests towards either side.
7.8 The Secretary will notify each Captain/Player(s) of the hearing date which MUST be within a maximum period of SIX weeks from the date of receipt by the Secretary of the written Appeal where feasible.
7.9 All Appeals will be heard by a Panel set up for the purpose. Captains and/or Players will be invited to attend when considered appropriate. The Secretary will administer the Appeals Panel and will provide the Panel with all evidence of information, comments and e-mails received and answer questions thereon but will not otherwise participate in the proceedings other than to provide additional relevant information or to answer questions from members of the Appeal Panel or other parties to the hearing.
7.10 The Secretary will circulate the appropriate decisions of the Appeals Panel as necessary.
7.11 There is no appeal against any decisions of the Appeals Panel. The Appeals Panel will only consider each case once. The decision of the Committee / Appeals Panel is final on all matters.
8. RULES FOR SPEED POOL
8.1 The maximum time allowed per frame is three minutes.
8.2 Players will pay for their own frames.
8.3 The time starts when the cue strikes the cue ball on the second shot (i.e. the break shot is not included). The time stops once all 15 balls have been potted (or, if it has left the table, the final ball put into the pocket).
8.4 Balls may be potted in any order. The player only has to wait for the cue ball to come to a rest before playing his next shot, not object balls.
8.5 The Referee shall have a spare cue ball to place on or behind the baulk line immediately if the cue ball is potted.
8.6 If an object ball leaves the bed of the table it shall be put down the nearest pocket.
8.7 The penalty for any foul (as set out in Rule 4.12 above) is 5 seconds per foul, to be added to the end time.
8.8 The penalty for each ball remaining on the table (excluding the cue ball) after three minutes has expired is 5 seconds per ball to be added to the end time. Any balls which are still in motion and drop into a pocket after the three minute time limit will count as being potted within the maximum allotted time, or if the cue ball should be potted, as a foul.
8.9 The Winner is the player who clears the table in the fastest time. In the event of a tie players will contest a play-off.
8.10 If time allows players will be given the opportunity to have a second or third attempt.
8.11 The Appeals Procedure does not apply to the Speed Pool Tournament.
NB; The coloured balls in this diagram can be transposed.
3. TOURNAMENT TIMES AND FIXTURES
3.1 Start of matches;
• All matches to start at 8.00pm.
• In the event of the non-arrival of the opposing team there will be the following forfeits;
- One frame at 8.10pm;
- Second frame at 8.20pm; and
- The match at 8.30pm.
• At least FOUR players from each team must be present for the match to begin.
• In team matches, at the end of the Singles frames or during the Pairs frames and at the discretion of the home staff member in charge, if it becomes clear that there is no possibility of completing the match by a reasonable time, the remaining frame(s) are to be played by the same players entered on the Result Sheet at the same venue on another evening to be agreed between the Captains and the Secretary informed accordingly. This is to ensure that both players and referees are able to leave venues at a sensible time and problems are not caused for staff.
3.2 Teams that are unable to fulfil fixtures and do not give the required 48 hours’ notice (see Rule 3.10 below) may be subject to additional penalties, which may include financial penalties, at the discretion of the Officers and Captains if complaints are received from the home venue.
3.3 Teams failing to arrive at venues without notifying the opposing team in advance (see Rule 3.10 below) will be subject to penalties as agreed at the Annual General Meeting (i.e. the match awarded with 7 points to the team that turns up and a penalty of -5 points to the team that fails to do so). See Rule 7 below concerning Appeals against penalties imposed. The Officers and Captains are always willing to try to help any teams that may be struggling to fulfil fixtures.
3.4 Each frame shall have a Referee appointed alternately by each Team Captain beginning with the Home team.
3.5 Fixtures other than team events:
• The League’s administration team will ensure that copies of the organiser, venue and match schedules for Singles and Pairs competitions are provided to each venue so that they have the information in case the organiser is unable to attend.
• All matches to start at 8.00pm and played according to the order stated on the Schedule provided.
• Players not arriving by 8.10pm shall forfeit one frame and, by 8.20pm, two frames (i.e. the match in the best of three frames).
• In Pairs competitions, it is sufficient for one player to arrive on time to register the pair, but both must be present when the Organiser is ready to begin their match or the 10 and 20 minute time penalties above will apply.
• If over-running, Organisers/Referees will decide if the scheduled matches can be completed by 11.00pm on the Monday night. Any frames/matches not played will be postponed to a night agreed between the Organiser/Referee and the players concerned providing the match is completed before the next tournament round starts (which might result in a change of venue) and the League Secretary informed accordingly. This is to ensure that both Players and Referees are able to leave the venues at a sensible time and problems are not caused for staff at the venues.
3.6 In individual tournaments, if players request a change to the order of play stated on the relevant Schedule the appropriate Organiser can make any change at his/her discretion subject to agreement of the opponent(s) and to ensure the smooth conduct of the evening. There must also be a satisfactory reason for the request.
3.7 Teams will only be allowed a maximum of one postponement per team competition per Season irrespective of the reasons. In the cases of the Singles and the Pairs competitions, there will be no postponements because of the format of the mini-competitions, but players may be replaced by another member of their team until the start of their first match in the competition providing the League Secretary and/or venue Organiser is informed beforehand. Postponements in the Knock Out Cup will only be permitted before the Quarter-Final stage.
3.8 Responsibilities of the relevant Captains in rearranging fixtures:
• To rearrange fixtures when necessary. In the event of one Captain/Team not being able or willing to rearrange a fixture the match must be played on the original date.
• Both Captains must notify the Secretary (or Chairman) to confirm whether they agree to rearrange the fixture or not.
• Captains should not arrange other tournaments on League nights without securing in advance the agreement of their opposing Captain to rearrange the fixture.
• The Captain of the Team wishing to change the date of the fixture will forfeit the match if the opposing Captain’s agreement has not been obtained.
• All postponed fixtures must be played within one month of the original scheduled date (on any day to be arranged between the Captains) with all postponed matches played no later than one month after the last scheduled date of League fixtures.
• If it is not possible to complete the match within one calendar month, a joint case should be made by the two Captains to the Officers and Captains to seek an extension.
• Matches not meeting these deadlines, or where no joint case is made to the Committee, would be declared void or the team that postponed the fixture would be penalised – this would be determined by the Officers and Captains under the relevant paragraph of the League’s Constitution after receiving representations from the Captains of the Teams involved.
3.9 Rearranged dates of fixtures by Captains must be notified to the Secretary and must not clash with any other League event without approval from the Officers.
3.10 Captains needing to postpone team fixtures MUST:
• Give their opponents at least 48 hours advance notice of postponement or they will forfeit that match.
• Both Captains must notify the Secretary to confirm that they have agreed to rearrange the fixture or, if less than 48 hours’ notice is given, to claim the points.
• All postponements are subject to Officers’ approval and the agreement of the opposing Captain, and teams will only be able to postpone one match per season other than in exceptional circumstances.
• If Officers or the opposing Captain do not agree to a postponement then the match must be played or forfeited as in Rule 3.8.
3.11 The Officers and Captains (or Secretary as delegated) is empowered to direct that a particular match must be played at a time and venue as they decide necessary.
4. GENERAL RULES
4.1 Start of Play and Use of Reserves:
• Before the match can start, each Captain must enter all the names of their six intended Singles players and a maximum of one reserve, any FOUR of whom MUST be present to sign the sheet before play begins. Each Captain should, having completed the list of six players and reserve, get his/her team members to sign the sheet before exchanging the Result Sheet with his/her opposite number before both Singles and Pairs frames commence.
• A reserve can only be named if they are present to sign the sheet before the start of the match.
• In the event that a late player has not arrived in time to play his/her frame, in the scheduled order, then on the first time this occurs the reserve should play instead, and the player replaced cannot play any further part in the Singles.
• Any subsequent latecomers may not be replaced but forfeit their frames.
• At the end of the six Singles frames, each Captain must enter the names of their six Pairs players and a maximum of one reserve on the Result Sheet.
• The reserve MUST be present to sign before the Pairs begin and should replace the first scheduled player not available to play his/her Pairs frame.
• Opposing Captains may claim frames if these rules are not strictly adhered to.
• Players must sign the Result Sheet before they play either their Singles or Pairs frame or both, whichever applies.
4.2 Order of play – the Home player will have the choice of whether to break off or not in the odd numbered frames and the Away player will have that choice in the even numbered frames (to put this more simply, the player whose team has the referee in each frame should break or choose to put his/her opponent in to break).
4.3 The opening player plays at the triangle of object balls using the cue ball from any position on or behind the baulk line.
4.4 The opening player has the break and must drive at least two object balls to hit any cushion or pot one of the coloured balls. Failure to do so is a foul and the oncoming player is awarded two shots, a free table (see 4.7 below) and the option to have the white picked up by the referee and to play from anywhere on or behind the baulk line. If the breaking player pots any ball or balls from the break then the player must nominate which group they wish to take and continue their visit. They do not need to pot again to remain on that nominated colour. Failure to nominate before playing their next shot is a foul. If the black ball is potted see Rule 4.9. If the white ball is potted from the break see Rule 4.12 then Rule 4.9. There is no further requirement for a player to nominate after potting a ball other than in the circumstance described in the final sentence of Rule 4.5 below.
4.5 If no ball is potted from a legal break, then the oncoming player has one visit and an open table. Players continue alternately until such a time as a ball or balls are potted. On the first occasion an object ball is legally potted, that ball denotes the player’s group. There is no further requirement for a player to nominate after potting a ball unless at least one ball of each colour is potted on that first occasion.
4.6 On the first occasion object balls are legally potted, if more than one are of different groups, the player shall nominate red or yellow and continue to play. They do not need to pot again to remain on that colour. Failure to nominate before playing their next shot is a foul.
4.7 After a foul break the oncoming player has a free table. Any ball potted from the free table shot counts for the purposes of the player retaining two shots, but does not denote the player’s group. Following the free table shot the next legally potted ball denotes the player’s group, and if one of each group is potted the player must nominate red or yellow (see 4.4 above). If no balls are potted, the table remains open until such time as a player pots legally from a non-free table shot.
4.8 If, before any balls are legally potted, a foul stroke is committed when one or more object balls are potted, then these are discounted for the purpose of denoting a player’s colour. The following free table shot is subject to the conditions of rule 4.7.
4.9 If a player pots the 8 ball (black) from the break, the frame shall be restarted by the same player. No penalty will be incurred. The balls are to be re-racked. This applies even if other balls (including the cue ball) are potted as well.
4.10 If a ball or balls are legally potted, this entitles the player to one additional shot and the break continues until the player either: (1) fails to pot one of his or her group of allocated balls, or (2) commits a foul at any time.
4.11 Combination shots are allowed provided that the player hits one of his or her own group of balls first but does not pot an opponent’s ball other than from a free table.
4.12 The following will be deemed fouls:
• In Off (cue ball potted) at any time.
• Hitting an opponent’s ball before his or her own ball or balls, except after a free table has been awarded.
• Failing to hit any ball, except when a player is playing away from his or her own touching ball.
• Jump Shot – defined as when the cue ball jumps over any part of any ball before making contact with any object ball.
• Moving the cue ball with the tip of the cue in the baulk area at the break off or following a foul.
• If a player hits the 8 ball (black) with the cue ball on the first impact before all his or her own balls have been potted, except after a free table has been awarded.
• Potting an opponent’s ball, except after a free table has been awarded.
• Ball off the table: (1) if an object ball other than the black (see 4.14 below), the ball is to be spotted on the black spot, or as near as possible to the black spot without touching any other ball, in a direct line between the black spot and the centre of the baulk line and (2) if the cue ball, the ball is to be played from any position on or behind the baulk line. A ball shall be deemed to be “off the table” if it comes to rest other than on the bed of the table.
• If a player’s clothing or body should touch any ball.
• Player not having at least one foot on the floor.
• Playing with any ball other than the cue ball.
• Playing out of turn.
• Playing before all balls have come to rest.
• Playing before ball or balls have been re-spotted.
• Interfering with the movement of the ball with either body, clothing, cue or chalk.
• Striking the cue ball with the cue more than once.
• Failing to nominate when required before playing the next shot.
• The player picking up the cue ball after a foul to play from behind the baulk line (this must be done by the Referee).
• If a player is told what shot to play or receives “coaching” when playing a shot.
• Talking to their partner after having addressed the table during any visit in Pairs frames.
• Use of mobile phones.
• Any time violation when the shot clock is being applied.
• The non-playing player in the oncoming pair addressing the table at any time.
4.13 Following any foul the oncoming player is awarded two shots (which carry), a free table, and the option to have the white picked up and may play the cue ball from anywhere on or behind the baulk line and the free table rule applies. In these circumstances only, the Referee must move the cue ball from its original resting place – if the oncoming player picks up the cue ball a foul will be called. In Pairs frames, the Referee must place the cue ball at the baulk end of the table. The oncoming player can hit a ball from either group, or the black ball, without penalty. The following conditions are attached to such penalties:
• The referee MUST, following a foul shot, tell the oncoming player their options as follows: "Foul, two shots, free table, you have the option to have the cue ball picked up and having ball in hand behind the baulk line."
• Any object ball potted from a free ball shot (except the black), whether singly or in combination, will count as one of the player’s own group (in accordance with Rule 4.7 where applicable) and their visit will continue.
• The oncoming player can only pot the black from a free ball if they have already potted all balls of their own group, but not in combination with an opponent’s ball except that, if the oncoming player is snookered on the 8 ball (black), he/she may play a ball onto the 8 ball (black) and pot the 8 ball (black) only.
• The oncoming player’s two-shot visit continues until they have failed to pot twice or committed a foul at any time.
4.14 The following circumstances will result in loss of frame:
• If a player pots the 8 ball (black) and any other ball on the same stroke, except from the break, he or she will lose the frame.
• A player going in off the 8 ball (black) when the 8 ball (black) is legally potted, loses the frame.
• If the 8 ball (black) leaves the table.
• Refusing to play (see Rule 1.5).
5.1 Push strokes are allowed but a player may play away from a touching ball of his or her own group and be deemed to have played that ball. Should the cue ball be touching an opponent’s ball or 8 ball (black), a player shall play away without penalty providing the cue ball strikes one of his or her own group.
5.2 When a player has a free table and has the cue ball picked up he or she plays from any position on or behind the baulk line and in any direction.
5.3 At the end of each break the off-going player is responsible for the table (and liable to any penalties or benefits accorded to the player in the rules of this game) until the oncoming player has addressed the table.
5.4 Addressing the table means having touched the table whether personally or with the cue, chalk or other item (see also Rule 5.10).
5.5 No chalk or other object may be left on the table at the end of a player’s visit. It is the Referee’s responsibility to remove said object from the table.
5.6 The oncoming player is said to be snookered when the cue ball has no clear path to touch both sides of any of his or her object balls.
5.7 The frame is completed when the 8 ball (black) is potted in any pocket and all the remaining balls have come to rest, except when this occurs from the break.
5.8 The Referee may, if required, advise on the playing rules of the League only. He cannot advise on any other Rules (i.e. Appeals Procedure, etc.) except by reading such Rules and ensuring that all players strictly adhere to them.
5.9 Shot clock:
• In matches where Captains choose to apply the shot clock, players will have 30 seconds to play each shot (and up to 1 minute for the first shot of a new visit to the table, including Pairs matches in which the oncoming player will be allowed 1 minute to consult with his/her partner and play the first shot).
• The time begins immediately the balls in the previous shot have come to rest or the cue ball has been placed on or behind the baulk line, whichever is applicable.
• Referees are to advise players when their time has expired.
• If the oncoming player does not play his/her shot immediately a foul shot will be called.
• Because this rule is not intended to detract from the enjoyment of the game, the Referee can use his/her discretion in the enforcement of this rule. It should be implemented to ensure matches are completed at a reasonable time, and not inconvenience hosting Landlords.
• If the rule is to be enforced, it must be brought in between frames and both Captains informed, and apply to all frames for the rest of the match.
5.10 The following rules apply to Pairs frames or matches;
• The oncoming player can consult with his or her partner but the non-playing player is not allowed to address the table (see rule 5.4), which will be deemed a foul. Additionally, neither player of the oncoming pair should lean any part of their body over the table, or use the cue or any other item to do so, which will also be deemed a foul.
• Once the oncoming player has addressed the table there must be no further contact (including sign language, coughing, etc.) between the players until the end of the break. Any further contact will result in a foul shot being called.
5.11 The following circumstances will result in a stalemate and or a re-rack;
• Should any situation arise whereby a legal shot cannot be played the frame should be re-racked and restarted (with the same player breaking) whether this situation is arrived at by accident or design. A legal shot can only be considered impossible if the cue ball is physically unable to pass all the snookering balls, not because of factors such as difficulty, angle or spin.
• If the Referee considers that neither player is allowing the frame to progress and a stalemate situation has arisen, then the Referee should advise both players they have three shots per side to pot a ball and progress the frame. As soon as a ball has been potted, the stalemate is considered to be over and the three shot rule no longer applies. If no ball has been potted after each player has had their three visits, sudden death rules will apply.
• Sudden death means that the player with the least balls remaining on the table (not including the black) will be deemed the winner. If both players have the same number of balls remaining on the table then a re-rack will be called.
5.12 Players taken ill: Should a player fall ill before beginning their frame, the reserve should play in their place, and the player taken ill can take no further part in that night's fixture. If a player is taken ill during a frame, and cannot continue to play within the standard time, they forfeit the frame.
6. MATCH RESULTS
6.1 Both Team Captains (or their nominated representative) MUST:
• Each Captain must sign the Result Sheet after the match to confirm the result is correct unless they object to the result (see Rules 7.1-7.3 below).
• Send the result to the League email address within 48 hours of the completed fixture, so that the League Tables can be compiled and circulated in good time (Points penalties will be incurred by persistent offenders (see Rule 6.4).
• Retain properly completed and signed Result Sheets and hand them to the Secretary or other nominated Officers on specified collection days throughout the calendar, of which Team Captains will be given notice in advance – properly completed means with all boxes filled in and all signatures completed where necessary. Incomplete Result Sheets which cause administrative problems may lead to points being docked by the Committee, particularly for persistent offenders.
• Maintain their own copies of the Result Sheets they send in so that these can be checked if necessary.
6.2 The Secretary will not accept any verbal results.
6.3 In the event of an Appeal, the Captain of the team appealing must send the Result Sheet (unsigned but with the appropriate Appeals form) to the Secretary as soon as possible. In addition, both Captains must notify the Secretary that an appeal is pending both when they report their result and on their Result Sheet.
6.4 From the start of each League season;
• On the third occasion that a team fails to supply a result in accordance with the requirements of Rule 6.1, they will be docked one point.
• From then on, a further penalty point will be docked every time a result is not supplied, until the end of the League season.
• See Rule 7 below concerning Appeals against penalties imposed.
6.5 Any team found guilty of falsifying or changing the order of players after the match has started will forfeit the match 9-0 for the first offence and be expelled from the League for the second offence.
7. APPEALS PROCEDURE
7.2 All other frames in the match must be played. Players refusing to play remaining frames shall forfeit their respective frames.
7.3 Captains should not sign the Result Sheet but should indicate “Appeal Pending” on it before they leave the match venue. The Captain of the team appealing must send the Result Sheet to the Secretary within 7 days (see Rule 6.3 above).
7.4 If the Appeal concerns insufficient notice of cancellation (see Rules 3.2 and 3.10 above), Captains should write to the Secretary in accordance with Rules 3.8 and 7.5.
7.5 Captains wishing to appeal must complete the appropriate form and send it to the Secretary within 7 days of the match being played.
7.6 In the case of individual tournaments the player(s) concerned may appeal and will need to abide by the procedure laid down in Rules 7.1-7.3 above.
7.7 The Secretary will set up an Appeals Panel which will not include any persons with interests towards either side.
7.8 The Secretary will notify each Captain/Player(s) of the hearing date which MUST be within a maximum period of SIX weeks from the date of receipt by the Secretary of the written Appeal where feasible.
7.9 All Appeals will be heard by a Panel set up for the purpose. Captains and/or Players will be invited to attend when considered appropriate. The Secretary will administer the Appeals Panel and will provide the Panel with all evidence of information, comments and e-mails received and answer questions thereon but will not otherwise participate in the proceedings other than to provide additional relevant information or to answer questions from members of the Appeal Panel or other parties to the hearing.
7.10 The Secretary will circulate the appropriate decisions of the Appeals Panel as necessary.
7.11 There is no appeal against any decisions of the Appeals Panel. The Appeals Panel will only consider each case once. The decision of the Committee / Appeals Panel is final on all matters.
8. RULES FOR SPEED POOL
8.1 The maximum time allowed per frame is three minutes.
8.2 Players will pay for their own frames.
8.3 The time starts when the cue strikes the cue ball on the second shot (i.e. the break shot is not included). The time stops once all 15 balls have been potted (or, if it has left the table, the final ball put into the pocket).
8.4 Balls may be potted in any order. The player only has to wait for the cue ball to come to a rest before playing his next shot, not object balls.
8.5 The Referee shall have a spare cue ball to place on or behind the baulk line immediately if the cue ball is potted.
8.6 If an object ball leaves the bed of the table it shall be put down the nearest pocket.
8.7 The penalty for any foul (as set out in Rule 4.12 above) is 5 seconds per foul, to be added to the end time.
8.8 The penalty for each ball remaining on the table (excluding the cue ball) after three minutes has expired is 5 seconds per ball to be added to the end time. Any balls which are still in motion and drop into a pocket after the three minute time limit will count as being potted within the maximum allotted time, or if the cue ball should be potted, as a foul.
8.9 The Winner is the player who clears the table in the fastest time. In the event of a tie players will contest a play-off.
8.10 If time allows players will be given the opportunity to have a second or third attempt.
8.11 The Appeals Procedure does not apply to the Speed Pool Tournament.
NB; This can be transposed to a set up of reds and yellows reversed.
Last changed by the AGM on 29.1.2024, these Rules were adopted by the Annual General Meeting held on 7/1/2019 and are subject to review on an annual basis at the AGM.
