The 'OLD'
Rules
Old EPA Playing Rules
1. THE GAME
The game shall be known as 8 Ball Pool and
referred to in these 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 ensure that these rules are observed.
2. REQUIREMENTS OF THE GAME
The game is played on a rectangular 6-pocket
table with 15 balls plus a cue ball. Balls comprise of two
numbered groups, 1-7 which are solid coloured balls, 9-15 are
striped coloured balls, the 8 ball is a solid colour black.
Alternatively, the numerical groups 1-7 and 9-15 may be
represented by two different sets of 7 coloured balls. Usually
red replaces stripes (9-15), yellow replace solid (1-7). Balls
in the two groups are known as object balls.
3.
OBJECT OF THE GAME
The player or team
pocketing all their group of object balls in any order, and
then legally pocketing the 8 ball, wins the game.
4. COMMENCEMENT OF THE GAME (OR RE-START)
The balls are racked as illustrated on the
rule sheet with the 8 ball (black) on the 8 ball spot, which
is at the intersection of the centre and corner
pockets.
Order of play is determined by the flip of
a coin. The winner of the flip has the option of breaking, or
requesting their opponent to do so.
The opening
player plays at the triangle of object balls by striking the
cue ball from any position on, or behind, the baulk line. An
object ball must be pocketed, or at least TWO object balls hit
any cushion. Failure to do so is a foul break and will result
in the balls be re-racked as per rule sheet. The opposing
player then starts the game with two visits.
If the
8 ball (black) is pocketed from the break shot, the balls will
be re-racked and the game will be restarted by the same
player. No penalty will be incurred. This applies even if
other balls, including the cue ball, are pocketed, or leave
the playing surface ("off the table").
On the first
occasion a player legally pockets an object ball, including
following a foul, then that ball denotes their group, unless
one or more of both groups are pocketed, the player MUST then
nominate a group before play continues.
If no
object ball is pocketed from a legal break, then the players
continue alternatively playing at either group until such a
time as a legal pot is made, which decides the player's
group.
If a foul is committed, (other than as in
rule 4(D)), and one or more object balls are pocketed before
playing groups are decided, then those balls are ignored in
determining the groups to be played. The oncoming player may
play at any ball on the table, including the 8 ball (black)
for the first shot, the first legal pot to determine the group
as in rule 4(E).
If a ball, or balls, are legally
pocketed, this entitles the player to one additionaly shot and
this continues until the player either:
Fails to
pocket one of their own set of allocated balls,
or;
Commits a foul at any
time.
Combination shots are allowed, providing the
player hits one of their own group first, or any ball with the
first shot following any foul (see rule 6(C)).
5. FOULS
In off (cue ball
pocketed).
Hitting an oppenents ball(s) with the
cue ball on first impact of the cue ball, except with the
first shot following any foul.
Failing to hit any
ball with the cue ball, except where rule 8(C)
applies.
Jump shot - defined as when the cue ball
jumps over any part of any ball before making contact with any
ball.
Hitting the 8 ball (black) with the cue ball
on first impact of the cue ball before all their own group are
pocketed, except with the first shot following any
foul.
Potting any opponent's ball, except with the
first shot following any foul.
Ball off the
table.
Any object ball or the 8 ball (black), shall
be returned to the 8 ball spot (see rule 4(A)), or as near as
possible to that spot without touching any other ball, in
direct line between that spot and the centre of the string
line.
If the cue ball, then the cue ball played
from in hand (see rule 8(B) general).
A ball shall
be deemed "off the table" if it comes to rest anywhere other
than on the bed of the table.
If a player's body or
clothing should touch any ball. Except the cue ball after the
referee calls a "foul", when the player is entitled to the cue
ball in hand (see rule 6(B)).
Player not having at
least part of one foot on the floor.
Playing or
touching with the cue any ball other than the cue
ball.
Striking the cue ball with any part of the
cue other than the tip.
Playing out of
turn.
Playing before all balls have come to
rest.
Playing before any ball(s) require
re-spotting.
Striking the cue ball with the cue
more than once.
Push shot - defined as where the
cue tip remains in contact with the cue ball for more than the
momentary time commensurate with a normal stroked shot, or the
cue tip remains in contact with the cue ball once it has
commenced it's forward motion.
Failing to nominate
when balls of both groups are pocketed with the first legal
pot.
Foul break, failing to pot an object ball or
drive
A player who clearly fails to make any attempt
to play a ball of their own group will lose the game.
6. PENALTY FOLLOWING ANY FOUL
Following any foul the offending player loses
their next visit to the table, giving their opponent two
consecutive visits to the table
If the cue ball has
come to rest on the playing surface, then the player having
two visits may proceed to play from where the cue ball lies,
or the cue ball may be played from any position on or behind
the baulk line. Moving the cue ball in this manner does not
count as a shot, or visit. (Players are to ask the
referee to hand them the cue ball).
On the first shot only of the first visit, the
oncoming player may, without nomination, play the cue ball on
to any ball without penalty, including any opponent's ball(s),
or 8 ball (black). If any object ball(s) is pocketed directly,
or by combination, the player is deemed to have pocketed a
legal ball(s), and continues with the first visit. However,
the player must not pot the 8 ball (black), which would mean
loss of game. Except if the player is on the 8 ball (black),
then the game would be won. When the player fails to pot a
ball on the first or subsequent shot of the first visit, play
then continues with the second visit. The second visit is
deemed to have started when the cue ball is struck on the
first shot of the second visit.
7. LOSS OF GAME
If
a player pockets the 8 ball (black) before all the balls in
their own group, except on the break (see rule 4(D)), the
player loses the game.
A player going in off the 8
ball (black) when the 8 ball (black) is pocketed, loses the
game.
A player pocketing the 8 ball (black) and any
other ball on the same shot will lose the game. Except
following a foul when only the 8 ball (black) and ball(s) of
the opponents group are on the table, then with the first shoy
of the first visit, the player may legally pocket the 8 ball
(black) as well as ball(s) of the opponent's group by any
combination and in any order.
Please Note: These playing rules are no longer
in use. They are here for the benefit of our members still
using them to govern their local League. For the current EPA
Playing Rules, please refer to the World Eightball Pool
Federation Rules
8. GENERAL
Touching ball.
Touching opponent's
ball or 8 ball (black), the player MUST play a ball of their
own group. Except on the first shot of the first visit
following any foul, this entitles the player to any
ball.
Touching any ball the player is legally
entitled to play. The player may choose
either;
Play away from the touching ball, and be
deemed to have played that ball. Should the cue ball fail to
make contact with any ball, or strike the opponents ball, or 8
ball (black), then the shot is fair, no foul.
Play
to move the touching ball, but great care should be taken not
to play a push shot, (foul 5(P)), or contact the cue ball
twice, (foul 5(O)). (Moving the object ball is not
automatically a foul).
Cue ball in
hand
When a player has the cue ball in hand, the ball
is played from any position on, or behind, the string line,
and in any direction.
Player in control
A
player is said to be in control of the table from the time
their body, cue, or clothing touches the table prior to their
shot, throughout the visit, and up until the opponent does
likewise prior to their visit. Any ball(s) which fall into
pockets during this period, (including the 8 ball
(black)).
Completion of game.
The game is
completed when the 8 ball (black) is pocketed legally in any
pocket, and all the remaining balls have come to rest, except
on the break (see rule 4(D) ).
9. STALEMATE
Should any situation arise whereby a legal
shot is IMPOSSIBLE to play, then the game shall be restarted
by the player who started that frame, whether this situation
has been arrived at by accident or design.
If in the
opinion of the referee neither player is allowing the game to
progress, or a stalemate situation has arisen, then the game
shall be restarted by the player who started that frame. The
referee shall not allow numerous visits with neither player
making any attempt to make the opening pot which decides the
playing groups (unless it is felt that progress is being
made). If the player who started that frame did so by virtue
of their opponent making a foul break, that player will break
on any restart, not the opponent who made the foul break.
GUIDANCE
The term "SHOT" means striking the cue ball
once.
The term "VISIT" refers to the one turn at
the table comprising of one or a series of
shots.
The term "BREAK" refers to the first shot of
a game, or the first shot of a game being
restarted.
Coaching is deemed unsportsmanlike
behaviour. (see rule 1).
A referee may, only if
requested, advise on the rules of the
game.
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The 'WORLD'
Rules
The
Spirit of the Game
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. The referee will
take whatever action is necessary to ensure that the spirit
and rules of the game are observed.
B. Equipment
The
game of Eight-Ball Pool is played with:-
A "Cue Ball" -
being a white ball.
Fifteen "Object balls" -
consisting of:-
"Colours" - being a group of seven
red balls (or balls numbered 1-7) and a group of seven yellow
balls (or balls numbered 9-15).
The "Eight-Ball" - being a black ball marked with a
number "8".
A six pocket rectangular Pool Table
with general characteristics as follows:
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 from the centre of the opposite side pocket to the
centre of the other corner pocket.
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.
C. Definitions
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.
Play: To "Play"
and 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.
Ball On: At any time during a frame, a
ball "On" is any Object Ball that the player may play without
incurring a penalty.
Pot: A ball is "Potted" when
it leaves the bed of the table, enters a pocket and remains in
that pocket.
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).
Turn: A players "Turn" at the table
comprises one visit or, after most fouls committed by the
opponent, two visits.
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").
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.
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.
D. Object of the Game
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 pocket and
then Pot the Eight-Ball in any pocket.
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.
E. Playing
from Baulk
"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.
When playing from
Baulk:-
The centre point of the Cue Ball must be in
Baulk when a shot is played. (If the centre of the Cue Ball is
directly on the Baulk Line it is not deemed to be in
Baulk.)
The Cue Ball can be moved into position by
hand or with the shaft of the cue, but when touched by the tip
of the cue, a shot is deemed to have been
played.
The Cue Ball may be
played in any direction.
If a player wishes to play
from Baulk after a "Foul Snooker", "Foul Jaw Snooker", or
"Time Foul" the player must verbally advise the referee of
this choice and the referee will then recover the Cue Ball and
hand it to the player or place it on top of, and in the centre
of, the cushion at the Baulk end of the table for the player
to retrieve by hand. If the player touches or recovers the Cue
Ball it is a Standard Foul. {see(K) Standard Fouls
(21)}.
After an "In Off","Foul Snooker","Foul Jaw
Snooker", or "Time Foul" the player must endeavour to position
the Cue Ball so as not to create a Foul Snooker. If the player
claims a Foul Snooker from Baulk, the referee may choose to
move the Cue Ball around to determine if there is any position
in Baulk where the player would not be Foul Snookered. Whether
such a position is found or not, the referee will announce the
result and hand the Cue Ball back to the player or place it on
top of, and in the centre of, the cushion at the Baulk end of
the table for the player to retrieve by hand.
F. The
Break
The object balls are racked with the Eight-Ball on
the Spot.
In the absence of any competition /
tournament rules to the contrary, a coin will be tossed to
determine which player will break. If a series of frames is to
be played (A Match), the break of each subsequent frame will
alternate.
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.
The
Break will be deemed a "Fair Break" if:-
At least
one Colour is potted.
and/or
Four Object Balls (at
least) are driven to a cushion.
If the Break is not
a Fair Break it is a Non-Standard Foul
and:-
The opponent is awarded
two visits.
The balls are re-racked.
The
opponent re-starts the game and is under the same obligation
to achieve a Fair Break.
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.
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).
If the Eight-Ball is potted on any break,
the balls are re-racked and the same player will break again.
When the Eight-Ball is potted on the break, all other aspects
of the shot are ignored. (Except if a Serious Foul or breech
of the "Spirit of the Game"
occurs).
G. Legal Shot
On all shots, the player must:-
Cause the Cue
Ball's initial contact with a ball to be with a ball "On",
AND THEN
Pot a ball "On" OR Cause the Cue Ball or
any Object Ball to contact a cushion.
Failure to
play a Legal Shot is a Standard Foul.
Exceptions:
On the Break, the conditions of a Legal Shot do
not apply. (see (F) The Break)
When playing out of a Total Snooker a player is only
obliged to meet the conditions of (1)(a) above. (see (Q) Total
Snookers).
Interpretations:
If the Cue
Ball's initial contact is with an Object Ball that is touching
a cushion, simply forcing that Object Ball into the same
cushion does not constitute a Legal Shot.
If the
Cue Ball and the Object Ball are touching the same cushion,
simply forcing the Cue Ball and / or that Object Ball into the
same cushion does not constitute a Legal Shot.
H.
Deciding Colours
General
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.
Colours can never be decided on a foul
shot.
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.
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.
On
the Break
If no Colours are potted on the break
the table is "Open".
If one or more Colours are
potted on the break the player then has a right and obligation
to verbally advise the referee 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.
if the player nominates a
Colour that was potted on the break, the player is on that
Colour no matter what happens next.
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.
After the Break
If a player
pots one or more balls of the same Colour, the player is then
"On" that Colour.
If a player pots one or more
balls of different Colours, the player then has a right and
obligation to verbally advise the referee 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.
I. Time Allowed
A player has a
maximum of sixty seconds to play each shot.
The
Referee will start timing when all balls have come to rest
from the previous shot.
If the
first thirty seconds elapses before a shot is played, the
referee will call "Thirty Seconds" as a warning to the player.
This call must be made the instant the thirty seconds has
expired. A Referee should not postpone the call because it
appears that the player is about to play a shot.
If
a shot is not played within sixty seconds it is a Non-Standard
Foul. The oncoming player is awarded two visits
from:-
Where the Cue Ball lies, OR, if the player
wishes
From Baulk
The referee may
decide to grant "Time Out". being a period when timing
ceases:-
At the request of a player. (For example,
something is obstructing the player or the player needs to
leave the playing area.) AND/OR
Because the referee
deems that it is warranted. (For example, the referee may call
time out when making a close foul snooker decision or when
searching for a piece of equipment requested by a player.)
J. Fouls
There are four types of foul. Standard
Fouls, Non-Standard Fouls, Serious 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 except in the
case of a Time Foul, where the incoming player has the right
to "Ball in hand", penalty for Time Foul still applies, even
though a Serious Foul has been called and applied.
K.
Standard Fouls
Standard fouls are to be called by the
referee as soon as they occur and the fouled player is in
control, until all balls from that shot come to rest. The
referee then awards two visits to the opponent.
Potting the Cue Ball - "In Off" {except on a Fair
Break - see (F) The Break (4)(c)(1)}. The incoming player
plays from Baulk {see (E) Playing from Baulk
(d)(1)}.
Playing from outside Baulk when obliged to
play from Baulk. {see (E) Playing from Baulk (2)(a)}
Potting an opponent's ball. (except when it is the
properly nominated ball following a Foul Snooker or Foul Jaw
Snooker)
Failing to cause the Cue Ball's initial
contact with a ball, to be with a ball "On".
Accidentally striking the Cue Ball with any part
of the cue other than the tip.
Accidentally
striking an Object Ball with any part of the cue.
Playing a shot before all balls have come to rest
from the previous shot.
Playing a shot before any
balls that require spotting, have been spotted.
Touching the table while having a cigarette
(lit or unlit) in hand or mouth.
Causing a
cigarette (lit or unlit) to touch the table or enter the space
directly above the table.
Touching the table while
having a beverage container in hand.
Causing a
beverage container or beverage to touch the table or enter the
space directly above the table.
Touching the table
when not in control of the frame. {see(C) Definitions (9) -
Player in Control.} Exception - When a player's turn is
finished, that player has a maximum of 10 seconds to move away
from the table. (see 11 below)
Not moving away from
the table within 10 seconds of the time that all balls stopped
moving from the final shot of a turn at the table.
Coaching:- During a frame, a player is required to
play without receiving any advice from other persons relating
to the playing of the frame. Should a team member or bona-fide
supporter of a player offer advice, the referee will issue a
"First and Final Warning" to that person that a repetition
will result in the player being penalised via a Standard Foul.
Because it may not always be possible for the Referee to
hear if a statement made to a player is advice, the referee
may issue the First and Final Warning on the grounds that any
statement made to a player, other than general barracking, is
deemed to be coaching.
In a tournament setting, a First
and Final warning may be given once only, before the
commencement of the day's play as a block warning to all
players and spectators
Leaving the playing area
without permission. If a player needs to leave the playing
area during a frame or match, "Time Out" must firstly be
granted by the referee. {see (I) Time Allowed (5)}
Playing a shot after neglecting to nominate a
choice of Colour when the obligation and right to do so
existed. {see (H) Deciding Colours (1)(e)}
Playing
a push shot or Double Hit of a type defined in (O) Push Shots
and Double Hits.
Failing to perform a "Legal
Shot". {see (G) Legal Shot}
After being awarded a
Foul Snooker or Foul Jaw Snooker:- Playing an opponents ball
or the Eight Ball without first nominating that ball.
Playing a shot while not having at least one foot
touching the floor.
Failing to "Play Away" from a
touching ball. {see (T) Touching Balls (1)(a)}.
A
ball remaining off the table. {see (U) Balls Off the Table}
Players body or clothing touching any ball
L. Non-Standard Foul
Non-Standard Fouls are to be
called by the referee as soon as they occur and the fouled
player is in control, until all balls from that shot come to
rest. The referee will then impose the relevant penalty.
Non-Standard Fouls are so called because the penalty and / or
options of the incoming player may vary.
Failure to
perform a Fair Break. {see (F) The Break (4)(a)&(b)}
Failure to play a shot within 60 seconds of the
time that the balls came to rest from the previous shot. {see
(I) Time Allowed (4)}.
Potting the Cue Ball on a
Fair Break. {see (F) The Break (4)(c)(1)}
M. Serious
Standard Fouls
Serious Fouls are to be called by the
referee as soon as they occur and the fouled player is in
control, until all balls from that shot come to rest. The
referee will replace the balls as near as possible to the
positions they were in before the Serious Foul was committed
and award two visits to the opponent.
Playing a
shot out of turn (accidentally or deliberately).
A player who plays a shot at any time during a
frame when the right to do so does not exist has played out of
turn. (For example, A player who plays a shot immediately
after playing a foul or immediately after the referee has
called a foul on that player, has played out of
turn.)
Exception - A shot played out of turn
accidentally, that disrupts the balls to such an extent that
the Referee deems it impossible to replace them, the Referee
will give the opponent the choice of either playing the ball
from where they lie or replaying the frame. If the frame is
replayed the same player is to break again.
Deliberately striking a ball other than the Cue
Ball with the tip of the cue.
Deliberately causing
any ball or balls to be moved in a manner other than that
which may result from playing a normal shot.
Deliberately striking the Cue Ball with other than
the tip of the cue.
Causing the Cue Ball to jump
over any ball. (If the Cue Ball leaves the bed of the table
and misses an Object Ball that would have been struck had the
Cue Ball not left the table on an otherwise identical shot,
the Cue Ball is deemed to have jumped over that Object Ball.)
Deliberately interfering, by word or action, so as
to disrupt an opponents play.
N. Loss of Frame Fouls
Committing a foul in the same shot that the Eight Ball is
potted. (Except on the Break).
Potting the Eight
Ball when a ball or balls of the player's own Colour are still
on the table. (except on the Break)
Potting the
Eight Ball and the last ball or balls of the player's own
Colour in the same shot
Committing two Serious
Fouls in the one frame.
Committing a Serious Foul
that disrupts the balls to such an extent that the referee
deems it impossible to replace them as close as possible to
their original positions.
Any deliberate attempt
to prevent the opponent from potting the Eight Ball, when the
opponent is on the Eight Ball, by way of a Serious Foul or
other unsporting manoeuvre.
If a player breeches
the "Spirit of the Game" to such an extent that the frame (or
match) should be awarded to the opponent.
O. Push
Shots and Double Hits
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.
Exceptions that are Standard
Fouls:-
When, during the playing of a shot, the
tip of the cue strikes the Cue Ball twice and the referee is
able to actually see each contact.
When, during
the playing of a shot, a player plays the cue so slowly
through the Cue Ball that the cue tip remains in contact with
the Cue Ball so as to be visibly pushing it along.
When the Cue Ball is played into a touching Object
Ball. {see (T) Touching Balls}
P. Snookers
Definition: A player is Snookered when it is impossible to
play the finest cut possible on both sides of any of that
player's own Colour by way of a "straight-line" shot.
Snookering an opponent is not a foul.
A player
cannot be Snookered by a ball of the player's own Colour. That
is, if one of the player's own coloured group is an
obstructing ball, it will be ignored for the purposes of
determining a Snooker.
A player cannot be
Snookered on an Object Ball if the Cue Ball is touching that
Object Ball.
A player cannot be Snookered by the
straight sections of the cushions. If a straight section of a
cushion is preventing the finest possible cut on the side of
an Object Ball, that section of cushion will be deemed not to
exist for the purposes of determining a Snooker on that Object
Ball.
Exception - In a Total Snooker the straight sections
of cushion DO come into consideration. If a player has to
strike a cushion prior to impact with a "Ball On", then a
"Total Snooker" does exist
If an Object Ball is
partly obscured by a curved section (Jaw), this in itself does
not constitute a Snooker.
Q. Total Snookers
Definition: A player is in a Total Snooker when it is
impossible to play any part of any of the player's own Colour
by way of a "straight line" shot. Leaving an opponent in a
Total Snooker is not a foul.
If a player believes
that a Total Snooker exists, the player may ask the referee
for a ruling.
If the referee rules that a Total
Snooker exists, the player's obligations under the "Legal
Shot" rule are relaxed as follows:- The player need only cause
the Cue Ball's initial contact to be with a ball "On". The
requirement to pot a ball and / or cause a ball to strike a
cushion is waived.
R. Foul Snookers
Definition:
When an opponent plays a foul shot and this results in the
incoming player being snookered, the incoming player is deemed
to be Foul Snookered.
If a player believes that a
Foul Snooker exists, the player may ask the referee for a
ruling.
If the referee rules that a foul snooker
exists, the player initially has the following options:-
Play the Cue Ball from where it lies. {see (4)(a)
below} OR
Ask the referee to remove the Cue Ball so
as to allow the player to play from Baulk. {see (4)(b) below }
If the player chooses to play the Cue Ball
from where it lies, the player may, if the player wishes,
nominate the Eight Ball (but see (5) below) or any one of the
opponent's Colour. The player can nominate a particular ball
by verbal description of it or its position or by pointing at
it. The Referee may ask for further information if any doubt
exists as to which ball has been nominated.
Once
nominated, a ball is deemed to "become one" of the player's
Colour for the first shot of the first visit. The player may
then play any of the player's own Colour or the nominated
ball. If any of the player's Colour and/or the nominated ball
are potted, the player continues with the first
visit.
If the player chooses to play the Cue Ball
from Baulk, a Foul Snooker may no longer exist. In this case
the procedure under the heading (E) Playing from Baulk (2)(d)
&(2)(e) should be followed. If the referee decides that a
Foul Snooker does still exist, the player may nominate a ball
and follow the procedure in (4)(a) above.
If the
Eight Ball is nominated it may be played, but potting it will
mean loss of frame.
If a player is "On" the Eight
Ball and Foul Snookered:- The player may play a nominated ball
or the Eight Ball and pot either or both of these balls,
directly or indirectly, in any pocket or pockets.
Assuming
the player does not commit a foul:-
If neither the
Eight Ball or the nominated ball is potted, the player's first
visit is complete.
If the nominated ball is potted and the
Eight Ball is not, the player continues with the first visit.
If the nominated ball and the Eight Ball are potted, the
player wins the frame.
If the Eight Ball is potted and the
nominated ball is not, the player wins the frame.
If a Foul Snooker exists and the Cue Ball is
touching an opponent's ball or balls, the player may, but is
not obliged to, nominate one of those touching balls.
S. Foul Jaw Snookers
If an opponent fouls and the
Cue Ball come to rest on or near a Jaw (curved part of a
cushion), and that jaw is preventing the player from playing
the finest cut possible on both sides of any of that player's
own colour by way of a "straight line shot, the player is
deemed to be Foul Snookered and all the rules pertaining to
Foul Snookers will apply.
T. Touching Balls
General
If the Cue Ball is touching an Object Ball, the
player is obliged to "Play Away" from that Object Ball at an
angle of more than 90 degrees. (That is, play the shot without
causing the Cue Ball to make any initial further contact with
that Object Ball)
If, when playing away from a
touching ball, the touching ball rocks or moves without being
contacted further, but simply because the Cue Ball is no
longer there, no penalty will apply.
When Colours
have been decided:-
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.
Therefore, the player needs to then only pot a ball or cause
any ball to strike a cushion to fulfill all the requirements
of a Legal Shot.
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.
Playing away from the
touching Eight Ball when "On" the Eight Ball.
The player
must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then need only
cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfill the requirements
of a Legal Shot.
Playing away from the touching Eight Ball
when not "On" the Eight Ball.
The player must play away
from the touching Eighth Ball and the meet all the
requirements of a Legal Shot.
Playing away from
two or more touching Object Balls:-
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. The player needs then to only pot a ball or cause any
ball to strike a cushion to fulfill the requirements of a
Legal Shot.
If none of the touching Object Balls are of
the players coloured group, the player must play away from all
the touching balls and then meet all the requirements of a
Legal Shot.
When Colours have yet to be
decided:-
Playing away from a touching Coloured
Ball
The instant a player plays away from a touching Object
Ball the player is deemed to have played that ball. Therefore,
the player needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to
strike a cushion to fulfill all the requirements of a Legal
Shot.
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.
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. The player needs to then only pot a ball or
cause any ball to strike a cushion to meet all the
requirements of a Legal Shot.
U. Balls off the Table
It is 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.
Definitions /
Examples
"Playing Surface":- The playing surface
of the table is the flat part of the table between the
cushions.
"By its own means":-
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.
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.
"Off the
Table":- It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing
surface and comes to rest on other than the playing surface.
(e.g. On the floor or on the top of a
cushion)
"Spotted":- A ball is spotted when its
centre point is placed on the spot or, if this is not
possible, as near as possible to the spot in a direct line
between the spot and the centre point of the cushion that lies
the greatest distance from the Baulk Line. If this is not
possible, as near as is possible to the spot, in a direct line
between the spot and the centre point of the baulk
line.
If any of the following balls require spotting,
they are spotted in the following order:-
Eight Ball then
Red Balls in any order (or balls numbered 1 to 7 in
numerical order) then
Yellow Balls in any order (or balls
numbered 9 to 15 in numerical order)
Spotted balls should
be placed as close to each other and any intervening balls as
possible, without touching.
If a ball leaves the
playing surface and remains off the playing surface, it shall
be returned to the table:-
If it is a Cue Ball it
is to be played from Baulk.
If it is an Object
Ball (or Balls) it is to be Spotted.
V. Balls Falling
Without Being Hit
Any ball that falls into a pocket at any
time, without being struck, shall be replaced by the Referee
to its original position, no penalty, player in control
continues with the visit.
If any other balls are moved in
these circumstances they shall also be replaced as near as
possible to their original positions and the player in control
continues with that visit.
W. Interference
If any
balls are moved during a frame:-
By a person other
than the players taking part in the frame or,
As a
direct result of one of the players being bumped or,
Due to any other event deemed outside the players'
control such as:-
"An Act of God" such as an earthquake
etc
Tip falling off a cue or end falling off a spider etc,
The referee 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.
The referee will
prevent any unauthorised marking of the table. If a player
causes a block of billiard chalk or other foreign matter to be
on any part of the table it is not a foul. However, the
referee will ensure that the item is removed.
If a
player repeatedly causes a block of billiard chalk or other
foreign matter to be on any part of the table the referee may
deem that the player has breached the Spirit of the Game and
award the frame to the opponent.
Exception to (a)
above:- A cigarette or beverage container. {see (K) Standard
Fouls (9)}
X. 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 situation the player
has no other option but to commit a foul.
Y. Stalemate
The referee shall declare a Stalemate if both the player
and the opponent have three turns in succession where the Cue
Ball fails to make contact with an Object Ball. In such a
case, the frame will be replayed with the same player
breaking.
Z. Referee's Guideline and Duties
The
Referee's Duties and Guidelines listed below supplement those
directions contained in various other sections of these rules.
The Referee's decision is final except where
players have been advised that it is possible to appeal to a
Head Referee or other higher authority.
Information to be disclosed / not disclosed by a
referee:-
A player is responsible for knowing the
rules of the game. It is not the referee's duty to explain or
quote the rules to a player.
A referee, if asked by a
player, may divulge certain information pertaining to the
frame in question under the guidelines of the "Past, Present
and Future Rule". A referee may divulge information relating
to any past event or present situation in the frame. For
example:- "Who's turn is it?" - Present. "Was that a foul?" -
Past. Which Colour am I On?" - Present. However, "If I play
this shot will it be a foul?" is a question regarding the
Future and the referee should advise the player that the
referee cannot answer this type of question.
The
referee shall toss a coin to determine the break and announce
the result.
If an Object Ball (or balls) is potted
on the break the referee will advise both players of this fact
by announcing "Ball (or balls) potted". When a player has a
right and an obligation to nominate a choice of Colour, and
does so, the referee will announce "Player 'A' On Red (or
Yellow) Balls". When that player's turn is complete the
referee w ill advise the incoming player of the situation by
announcing "Player 'B' on Yellow (or Red ) Balls".
The Referee will call fouls as soon as they
occur.
The call for a Standard Foul is "Foul, Two Visits".
The call for a Non-Standard Foul is "Foul, (and announce
the relevant penalty)."
The call for a Serious Foul is
"Serious Foul, Two Visits".
The call for a loss of Frame
Foul is "Loss of Frame".
After a player has
been awarded two visits the referee will make no call until
the player fails to pot a ball "On". (Except for 30 second
time warnings and for any fouls that may occur) The referee
will then call "Second Visit" to advise the player that the
first visit is complete and the second visit is about to
begin.
The referee will call
any instance when the Cue Ball is touching a ball "On".
In the absence of any competition / tournament
rules to the contrary, two referees will referee each frame.
One referee will make the standard calls such as "Second
Visit" and a "Player a on Red (or Yellow) Balls" while the
other referee will keep the time. Both referee's will be
involved in the refereeing of the frame and either can call
fouls. If one referee calls a foul, the other referee can not
overrule the call. That is, the two referees have equal
authority.
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