THESE RULES APPLY TO THE 2024/25 SEASON

The Game is known as Eight-Ball Pool. It is expected that players will always play the game in the true spirit and in a sporting manner. Please can all teams bear in mind that this is a friendly league and we wish to keep it this way. We do not have an official referee for the games we rely on the individual players or captains to call a foul.

A flat rate of £50 per team with unlimited players. Teams may sign players on throughout the season. You cannot play for more than one team during the season. The League is capped to a maximum of 14 teams.

League games should be started by 8.45pm. At all knockouts individuals must be there for 9pm otherwise you will be scrubbed.

We play six singles games and three doubles games in the League and Team Knockout.

Games do not need to be played in the order that the sheet is written out. However, if you know someone is going to be late don’t put them on first.

Games may be re-arranged in agreement with both captains but must be played before the due date. Games may be cancelled due to severe weather; in this case the venue that the game is to be played at needs to be notified as early as possible. Please re-arrange these games as soon as you can. You must also notify the Flagg Moor Pool WhatsApp group of any re-arranged fixtures.

If you don’t have a full team on the night of play you must turn up with the available players you do have. The opposing captain can elect one player from your team to play one singles game and the same or another player to play in one doubles game. This must be clearly marked down on the sheet as ‘Sub’ and it must be filled in after all available players have played in Singles and Doubles positions. Any of these games that are won will count towards the team’s points but not individual players wins. You can only use the ‘Sub’ rule once in singles and once in doubles per night. This option is only available five times in one season by any team. If you are still short of players then the remaining games are automatically given to the opposing team.

Coaching / advice from other people is not permitted during singles games unless it is to ask about the rules. In Doubles you may speak to your partner at any time during the frame.

It is the responsibility of the winning team captain to make sure that the result sheets are photographed and WhatsApp to the Flagg Moor Pool group as soon as possible after the games.

If in the eventuality that at the end of the season the top two teams are equal on points, the league is to be decided by a playoff on a neutral table. If teams are tied in any other position then it will go on the points from the games that were played between the two teams.

Team Knockouts Semi-Finals and Final must be arranged between the Captains on an agreed Neutral Table.

If a player is lucky enough to pot all seven balls and the black in one visit to the table (Singles and all knockout games) it must be written on the result sheet and signed by both captains. (This does not include using two shots). As not all knockouts have sheets then please could the player make sure that Flagg Moor Pool WhatsApp group is notified. Leaving your opponents seven balls on the table is not necessarily an 8-ball clearance.

Equipment

The Game of Eight-Ball Pool is played with:- 

1. A "Cue Ball" - being a white ball.
2. Fifteen "Object Balls" - consisting of:-
1. "Colours" - being a group of seven red balls, (or balls numbered 1 to 7) and a group of seven yellow balls (or balls numbered 9 to 15).
2. The "Eight-Ball" - being a black ball marked with a number "8".
3. A six pocket rectangular Pool Table with general characteristics as follows:-
1. The cloth will be marked with a "Spot" at the position where a straight line drawn diagonally from the centre of a side pocket to the centre of a corner pocket would intersect with a straight line drawn diagonally from the centre of the opposite side pocket to the centre of the other corner pocket.
2. The cloth will be marked with a "Baulk Line", being a straight line, drawn from cushion to cushion, parallel to, and one fifth of the length of the table from, the face of the cushion that lies the greatest distance from the Spot.

Definitions

1. Shot: A "Shot" begins when all balls stop moving from the previous Shot. A player "Plays a Shot" by striking the Cue Ball with the tip of the cue. A "Shot" ends when all balls stop moving from the current Shot. 
2. Play: To "Play" an Object Ball is to play a shot that results in the Cue Ball's first contact with another ball to be with that Object Ball. To "Play" the Cue Ball is to strike it with the tip of the cue.
3. Ball On: At any time during a frame, a ball "On" is any Object Ball that the player may play without incurring a penalty.
4. Pot: A ball is "Potted" when it leaves the bed of the table, enters a pocket and remains in that pocket.
5. Visit: A "Visit" comprises one shot or a series of shots. Each visit lasts until the player fails to pot a ball "On". (Or until a foul is committed or the frame ends)
6. Turn: A players "Turn" at the table comprises one visit or, after most fouls committed by the opponent, two visits.
7. Frame: A Frame is one game of Eight-Ball Pool between two players or two pairs of players. A Frame is played from the opening break and usually through until the Eight-Ball is potted. (Note: there are other ways that a frame may end - see "Loss of Frame")
1. A player may concede a frame at any time.
8. Match: A Match is a predetermined number of frames of Eight-Ball Pool between two players, two pairs of players or two teams of players.
9. Player in Control: A player (and the player's partner in doubles) is deemed to be "In Control" of the frame from the time that the balls stop moving from the final shot of an opponent's turn until the balls stop moving from the final shot of the player's turn. There can be no instance, once a frame has commenced, that someone is not in control.

Object of the Game

1. The object of the game is to win by being the first player to Pot a group of Colours in any order and in any pockets and then Pot the Eight-Ball in any pocket.
2. When "On" a group of Colours, potting more than one ball of that Colour in the same shot is allowed. But a separate shot must be played to pot the Eight-Ball and win the game.  

Playing from Baulk

1. Baulk is the rectangular area of the table that is bordered by the Baulk Line and the three cushions at that end of the table. 
2. When playing from Baulk:-
1. The centre point of the Cue Ball must be in Baulk when a shot is played. (If the centre point of the Cue Ball is directly on the Baulk Line it is not deemed to be in Baulk.)
2. The Cue Ball can be moved into position by hand or with the shaft of the cue.
3. The Cue Ball may be played in any direction.

The Set Up

This is how you should set up the balls before the break:-

The Break

1. The Object Balls are racked with the Eight-Ball on the Spot. 
2. The home team breaks in all league games. In the Team Knockout Captains toss a coin for the break then take alternate breaks. (As this knockout is a race to five frames not all games need to be played but it is sporting to fulfil the fixture).
3. The first shot of a frame is called the "Break". To "Break", the Cue Ball is played at the triangle of Object Balls from Baulk. The frame is deemed to have commenced the instant that the Cue Ball is played
4. 
      a. The Break will be deemed a "Fair Break" if:- 
         i. At least one Colour is potted. AND/OR 
         ii. Two Object Balls (at least) are driven to a cushion. 
      b. If the Break is not a Fair Break:- 
         i. The balls are re-racked. 
         ii. The same player re-starts the game and is under the same obligation to achieve a Fair Break. 
      c.
         i. If the Cue Ball is potted on a Fair Break it is a Non-Standard Foul that is penalised by the turn passing to the opponent. 
         ii. If the break is not a Fair Break and the Cue Ball is potted, the penalty for failure to perform a Fair Break applies. (See (b) above). 
   5. If the Eight-Ball is potted on any break, the balls are re-racked and the same player will break again. 

Legal Shot

1. On all shots, the player must, Cause the Cue Ball's initial contact with a ball to be with a ball "On.
2. Failure to play a Legal Shot is a Standard Foul. 
3. If your ball and an opponent’s ball are close together and its not been possible to distinguish which ball moved first this is not a foul. 

Deciding Colours

1. General 
   1. When Colours have not been decided the table is deemed to be "Open". When the table is open a player may play at either group of Colours.
   2. Colours can never be decided on a foul shot.
   3. Once Colours are decided, the player remains "On" that coloured group for the duration of the frame. The opponent remains "On" the opposite coloured group.
   4. Playing a shot after neglecting to nominate a choice of Colours is a Standard Foul. Any balls potted on such a shot are left in the pocket and ignored for the purpose of deciding Colours.
2. On the Break 
      a. If no Colours are potted on the break the table is "Open". 
      b. If one or more Colours are potted on the break the player then has a right and obligation to verbally advise their opponent of a choice of Colour before proceeding. Failure to do so is a Standard Foul. If a player is fouled under this rule the opponent faces an "Open" table. 
      c.    
         i. If the player nominates a Colour that was potted on the break, the player is on that colour no matter what happens next. 
         ii. If the player nominates a Colour that was not potted on the break, to be on that Colour, the player must pot a ball of that Colour on the next shot to be “On” that colour. 
3. After the Break 
      a. If a player pots one or more balls of the same Colour, the player is then "On" that Colour. 
      b. If a player pots one or more balls of different Colours, the player then has a right and obligation to verbally advise their opponent of a choice of Colour before proceeding. Once a colour is nominated in these circumstances, the player is on that colour no matter what happens next. Failure to nominate is a Standard Foul. If a player is fouled under this rule, the opponent faces an "Open" table. 
      c. If the Player is on an Open Table when a Standard Foul has been issued your first shot is a free table, you may hit any ball including the black. You then need to nominate:-
         i. If the player nominates a Colour that was potted on their first visit, the player is on that colour no matter what happens next. 
         ii. If the player nominates a Colour that was not potted on their first visit, the player must pot a ball of that Colour on the next shot to be “On” that colour. 

Fouls

There are three types of foul. Standard Fouls, Non-Standard Fouls and Loss of Frame Fouls. A player can only be penalised for one foul at a time. If two or more fouls are committed during a shot, the foul that carries the most severe penalty will apply.

Standard Fouls

Standard fouls are to be called by the players or by their Captains as soon as they occur and the fouled player is in control. Then two visits to the opponent are awarded.

1. Potting the Cue Ball - "In Off" {except on a Fair Break - see The Break (4)(c)(i)}. The incoming player plays from Baulk
2. Playing from outside Baulk when obliged to play from Baulk. {see Playing from Baulk (2)(a)}
3. Potting an opponent's ball.
4. Failing to cause the Cue Ball's initial contact with a ball, to be with a ball "On".
5. Accidentally striking the Cue Ball with any part of the cue other than the tip.
6. Accidentally striking an Object Ball with any part of the cue.
7. Playing a shot before all balls have come to rest from the previous shot.
8. Playing a shot after neglecting to nominate a choice of Colour when the obligation and right to do so existed. {see Deciding Colours (1)(d)} 
9. Failing to perform a "Legal Shot". {see Legal Shot}
10. Playing a shot while not having at least one foot touching the floor.
11. Players body or clothing touching any ball.
12. Playing a shot out of turn (accidentally or deliberately). 

When you awarded with two shots this is known as a free table. You may use your first shot to hit any ball on the table, pot an opponent’s ball or your own. If an opponent’s ball is potted you still have two shots but you can only hit or pot your own balls on your next visit. You may use the black ball to pot your opponent’s or your own ball on your first visit. You can also use an opponent’s ball to pot the black if you are awarded two shots while on the black.

Two shots carry means that you can pot a ball with your first shot and still have two shots left.

Non-Standard Fouls

Non-Standard fouls are to be called by the players or by their Captains as soon as they occur and the fouled player is in control. Then only one visit is awarded to the opponent.

1. Potting the Cue Ball on a Fair Break. {see The Break (4)(c)(i)} 

Loss of Frame Fouls

1. Committing a foul in the same shot that the Eight Ball is potted. (Except on the Break) 
2. Potting the Eight Ball when a ball or balls of the player's own Colour are still on the table. (Except on the Break)
3. Potting the Eight Ball and the last ball or balls of the player's own Colour in the same shot.
4. You must not attempt to play a deliberate foul in this league. Not attempting to hit your own ball will result in you losing the game.

Push Shots and Double Hits

1. Definitions: Most shots commonly known as "Push Shots" in the game of "Snooker" are allowed in the game of Eight - Ball Pool. Generally, any shot played with speed will not be deemed to be a Push Shot regardless of the fact that the cue tip may have come into contact with the Cue Ball more than once. 
2. Exceptions that are Standard Fouls:-
1. When, during the playing of a shot, the tip of the cue strikes the Cue Ball twice and the players or  their Captains is able to actually see each contact.

Touching Balls

1. When Colours have been decided:- 
1. Playing away from a touching Object Ball of the player's own Colour:- The instant a player plays away from a touching Object Ball of the player's own Colour, the player is deemed to have played that ball.
2. Playing away from a touching Object Ball of the opponent's Colour:- The player must play away from the touching ball and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
3. Playing away from two or more touching Object Balls:-
1. If any of the touching Object Balls are of the player's Colour, the player will be deemed to have played away if the player plays away from any one of the touching balls of the player's Colour. That is, the player may play into any of the other touching balls.
2. If none of the touching Object Balls are of the player’s coloured group, the player must play away from all the touching balls and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
2. When Colours have yet to be decided:-
1. Playing away from a touching Coloured Ball:- The instant a player plays away from a touching Coloured Ball the player is deemed to have played that ball.
2. Playing away from a touching Eight Ball:- The player must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
3. Playing away from two or more touching Object Balls:- If the player plays away from any of the touching Coloured Balls the player is deemed to have played that ball. That is, the player may play into any of the other touching Object Balls.

Balls Off the Table

1. It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface (other than being potted) and remains off the playing surface or doesn't return by its own means. 
2. Definitions / Examples 
      a. "Playing Surface":- The Playing Surface of the table is the flat part of the table between the cushions 
      b. "By its own means":- 
         i. It is not a foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, runs along the top of a cushion, drops back on to the playing surface and comes to rest there or falls into a pocket. 
         ii. It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, comes into contact with a person or object that is not a part of the table and then returns to the playing surface. 
      c. "Off the Table":- It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface and comes to rest on anything other than the playing surface. (e.g. On the floor or on the top of a cushion) 
3. If a ball leaves the playing surface and remains off the playing surface:-
1. If it is the Cue Ball it is to be played from Baulk.
2. If it is an Object Ball it is to be placed down a pocket.
3. If it is the Eight Ball then the Player loses the frame.

Balls Falling Without Being Hit

1. Any ball that falls into a pocket at any time, without being struck, shall be replaced by the Players or their Captain to its original position, no penalty. The player in control continues with the visit. 
2. Should any ball fall into the pocket after a shot is played and before balls come to rest, providing the fallen ball played no part in the shot, once all other balls have stopped moving, it shall be replaced as described above.
1. If a legal pot was made play continues with the same visit.
2. If no pot was made play continues with the next visit.
3. If a foul was made then the next player will continue with the appropriate penalty. 

Interference

1.  If any balls are moved during a frame:-
1. By a person other than the players taking part in the frame or,
2. As a direct result of one of the players being bumped or,
3. Due to any other event deemed outside the players' control such as:-
1. "An Act of God" such as an earthquake etc
2. Tip falling off a cue or end falling off a spider etc

The Players or their Captain will replace the balls as near as possible to the positions they were in before the incident occurred, no penalty shall be imposed on either of the players and the frame shall continue. If this is deemed too difficult to do a re-rack can be offered with the original player restarting the Frame.

Impossible Shot

A situation may arise during a frame where it is impossible for a player to play a shot without fouling. In such a case, the frame will be replayed with the same player breaking. 

Stalemate

If both the player and their opponent have three negative turns in succession either player can request a re-rack. Both players must be in agreement with this decision. In such a case, the frame will be replayed with the same player breaking. 

Doubles - Scotch Doubles

Played as per the normal game and rules above, yet the pair of players take alternate SHOTS each time a ball is played or potted – even at break or when 2 shots are granted. 

For Example:-
If Jeremy and his doubles partner Boris play for the same team and Jeremy pots a ball, your team’s visit continues but Boris takes the next shot. Jeremy and Boris continue to rotate shots until one player misses. At this point, the other team’s visit begins.

Players MUST alternate with their partner.  If not played in turn this will be a Standard Foul.