Rules Spring 2010

Written by Administrator Monday, 25 January 2010 11:36

Rules of Play for L.A. Pool League

Table of Contents

1. OBJECT OF THE GAME
2. TABLES, BALLS, EQUIPMENT
3. CALL SHOT
4. RACKING THE BALLS
5. BREAKER
6. LEGAL BREAK SHOT
7. SCRATCH ON A LEGAL BREAK
8. CUE BALL IN HAND BEHIND THE HEAD STRING
9. DEFLECTING THE CUE BALL ON THE GAMES OPENING BREAK
10. OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE ON THE BREAK
11. 8-BALL POCKETED ON THE BREAK
12. OPEN TABLE
13. CHOICE OF GROUP
14. LEGAL SHOT
15. STRIKING CUE BALL
16. “SAFETY” SHOT
17. SCORING
18. TABLE RUN DEFINED
19. BALLS MOVING SPONTANEOUSLY
20. NON-PLAYER INTERFERENCE
21. VALIDITY RULE
22. MOVING A BALL
23. LEGAL SHOT
24. FOUL BY PLACEMENT
25. JUMP SHOT
26. DEVICES
27. ILLEGAL MARKING
28. BALL IN MOTION FOUL
29. FOOT ON FLOOR
30. FOULS BY DOUBLE HITS
31. PUSH SHOT FOULS
32. PLAYER RESPONSIBILITY FOULS
33. OBJECT BALL FROZEN TO CUSHION OR CUE BALL
34. OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE
35. SHOOTING WITH BALLS IN MOTION
36. COMPLETION OF STROKE
37. POSITION OF BALLS
38. HEAD STRING DEFINED
39. FOUL PENALTY
40. PLAYING THE 8-BALL
41. LOSS OF GAME
42. STALEMATED GAME
43. TUESDAY NIGHT LAPL ORGANIZATIONAL RULES / GUIDELINES
44. DISPUTE PROCESS
45. SHOT CLOCK RULE.
46. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
47. COACHING DURING PLAYOFF MATCHES
48. COACHING REGULAR SEASON

Playing Rules
1. OBJECT OF THE GAME
Eight Ball is a “call shot” game played with a cue ball and fifteen object balls, numbered
1 through 15. One player must pocket balls of the group numbered 1 through 7 (solid
colors), while the other player must pocket balls of the group numbered 9 through
15 (stripes). THE PLAYER POCKETING HIS GROUP FIRST AND THEN LEGALLY
POCKETING THE 8-BALL WINS THE GAME.

2. TABLES, BALLS, EQUIPMENT
All games described in these rules are designed for tables, balls and equipment
meeting the standards prescribed herein. Tables must be approved by the Captains
and should be 7’ x 3.5’ in size (unless the Member’s meeting waives this requirement).
The home Captain should see that chalk, rack, bridge, house cues, cue ball, and object
balls are available on the night of play. The same cue ball used in the practice period
for team play will be used in the following match unless there is mutual consent by the
team Captains accepting a change.

3. CALL SHOT
In “call shot,” obvious balls and pockets do not have to be indicated. It is the opponent’s
right to ask which ball and pocket if he is unsure of the shot. Bank shots and
combination shots are not considered obvious, and care should be taken in calling
both the object ball and the intended pocket. When calling the shot, it is NEVER
necessary to indicate details such as the number of cushions, banks, kisses, caroms,
etc. Any balls pocketed on a foul remain pocketed, regardless
of whether they belong
to the shooter or the opponent. The opening break is not a “called shot.” Any player
performing a break shot in 8-Ball may continue to shoot his next shot so long as he has
legally pocketed any object ball on the break.

4. RACKING THE BALLS
The balls are racked in a triangle at the foot of the table with the 8-ball in the center of
the triangle, the first ball of the rack on the foot spot, a stripe ball in one corner of the
rack and a solid ball in the other corner. All the balls must be lined up behind the apex
ball and pressed together so that they all have contact with each other.
Rules Related to the Break

5. BREAKER
The breaker is determined by the “H” or “V” on the score sheet.
6. LEGAL BREAK SHOT (Defined)
To execute a legal break, the breaker (with the cue ball behind the head string) must
either (1) pocket a ball, or (2) drive at least four numbered balls to the rails. If he fails to
make a legal break, it is a foul, and the incoming player has the option of (1) accepting
the table as-is and shooting, or (2) having the balls re-racked and having the option of
shooting the opening break himself or allowing the offending player to re-break

7. SCRATCH ON A LEGAL BREAK
If a player scratches on a legal break shot, (1) all balls pocketed remain pocketed
(exception, the 8-ball: see rule 11), (2) it is a foul, (3) the table is open. PLEASE
NOTE: Incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the head string and may not shoot
an object ball that is behind the head string, unless he first shoots the cue ball past the
head string and causes the cue ball to come back behind the head string and hit the
object ball.

8. CUE BALL IN HAND BEHIND THE HEAD STRING
The shooting player may shoot at any object ball as long as the base of the object ball
is on or below the head string. He may not shoot at any ball, the base of which is above
the head string, unless he first shoots the cue ball below the head string and then by
hitting a rail causes the cue ball to come back above the head string and hit the object
ball. The base of the ball (the point of the ball touching the table) determines whether
it is above or below the head string. If the incoming player inadvertently places the cue
ball on or below the head string, the referee
or the opposing player must inform the
shooting player of improper positioning of the cue ball before the shot is made. If the
opposing player does not so inform the shooting player before
the shot is made, the shot
is considered legal. If the shooting player is informed of improper
positioning, he must
then reposition the cue ball. If a player positions the cue ball completely and obviously
outside the kitchen and shoots the cue ball, it is a foul, if called by the opponent or
referee. When the cue ball is in hand behind the head string, it remains in hand (not in
play) until the player drives the cue ball past the head string by striking it with his cue tip.
The cue ball may be ADJUSTED by the player’s hand, cue, etc., so long as it remains in
hand. Once the cue ball is in play as per the above, it may not be impeded in any way by
the player; to do so is to commit a foul.

9. DEFLECTING THE CUE BALL ON THE GAMES OPENING BREAK
On the break shot, stopping or deflecting the cue ball after it has crossed the head string
and prior to hitting the racked balls is considered a foul and loss of turn. The opponent
has the option
of receiving cue ball in hand behind the head string or passing the cue
ball in hand behind the head string back to the offending player.

10. OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE ON THE BREAK
If a player jumps an object ball off the table on the break shot, it is a foul and the
incoming player has the option of (1) accepting the table as-is and shooting, or (2) taking
cue ball in hand behind the head string and shooting.

11. 8-BALL POCKETED ON THE BREAK
If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, the breaker may ask for a re-rack or have the
8-ball spotted
and continue shooting. If the breaker scratches while pocketing the 8-ball
on the break, the incoming player has the option of a re-rack or having the 8-ball spotted
and begin shooting with ball in hand behind the head string.
End of Rules Related to the Break

12. OPEN TABLE (Defined)
The table is “open” when the choice of groups (stripes or solids) has not yet been
determined. When the table is open, it is legal to hit a solid first to make a stripe or viceversa.
Note: The table is always open immediately after the break shot. Hitting the
eight ball first on an open table is a foul. On an open table, all illegally pocketed
balls remain pocketed.

13. CHOICE OF GROUP
The choice of stripes or solids is not determined on the break even if balls are made
from one or both groups. THE TABLE IS ALWAYS OPEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE
BREAK SHOT. The choice of group is determined only when a player legally pockets a
called object ball after the break shot.

14. LEGAL SHOT (Defined)
On all shots (except on the break and when the table is open), the shooter must hit one
of his group of balls first and (1) pocket a numbered ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any
numbered ball to contact a rail. PLEASE NOTE: It is permissible for the shooter to bank
the cue ball off a rail before contacting his object ball; however, after contact with his
object ball, an object ball must be pocketed, OR the cue ball or any numbered ball must
contact a rail. Failure to meet these requirements is a foul.

15. STRIKING CUE BALL
A legal shot requires that the cue ball be struck only with the cue tip. If the cue ball is
moved or touched in any way other than in the execution of a legal shot, it is a foul
(except when player has cue ball in hand).

16. “SAFETY” SHOT
For tactical reasons a player may choose to pocket an obvious object ball and also
discontinue his turn at the table by declaring “safety” in advance. A safety shot is
defined as a legal shot. If the shooting player intends to play safe by pocketing an
obvious object ball, then prior to the shot, he must declare a “safety” to his opponent. If
this is NOT done, and the shooter’s object ball is pocketed, the shooter will be required
to shoot again. Any ball pocketed on a safety shot remains pocketed. (The LAPL
considers “no call” or “no pocket” the same as a “safety” shot.)

17. SCORING
A player is entitled to continue shooting until he fails to legally pocket a ball of his group.
After a player has legally pocketed all balls of his group, he shoots to pocket the 8-ball.

18. TABLE RUN DEFINED
The two ways to score a table run are as follows:
1) The player legally pockets any remaining balls of his group and the eight ball in their
first turn.
2) The player legally pockets seven of their object balls and the eight ball in one inning,
whether
or not it’s their first turn at the table.

19. BALLS MOVING SPONTANEOUSLY
If a ball shifts, settles, turns or otherwise moves “by itself,” the ball shall remain in the
position it assumed and play continues. A hanging ball that falls into a pocket “by itself”
after being motionless
for 5 seconds or longer shall be replaced as closely as possible
to its position prior to falling, and play shall continue.

20. NON-PLAYER INTERFERENCE
If the balls are moved (or a player bumped such that play is directly affected) by a nonplayer
during the match, the balls shall be replaced as near as possible to their original
positions immediately
prior to the incident, and play shall resume with no penalty on the
player affected. If the match is officiated, the referee shall replace the balls. This rule
shall also apply to “act of God” interference, such as earthquake, hurricane, light fixture
falling, power failure, etc. If the balls cannot be restored to their original positions,
replay the game with the original player breaking.
Rules Related to Fouls

21. VALIDITY RULE
It is always prudent to get agreement on the calling of any foul from your opponent
before picking
up the cue ball. Certain fouls, such as scratches or object balls jumped
off the table, are beyond dispute and need not be called.

22. DISTURBED BALLS
It is not a foul to accidentally touch or disturb a SINGLE object ball, with any part of
your body, clothing or equipment, unless the accidental movement has an effect on the
outcome of the shot (that is, if any ball in motion contacts the moved ball or crosses
over the spot originally occupied by the moved ball). Opponent has the option of
leaving the disturbed ball in position or returning it to its original location. If the ball is
to be restored, the opponent may restore it, or you may restore it with your opponent’s
permission. If you touch or restore the disturbed ball without your opponent’s
permission, it is a foul.
• If the disturbed ball falls into a pocket with no effect on the outcome of the shot,
your opponent has the restoration option (unless said ball is the 8-ball, in which
case it must be restored).
• It is a foul if you touch or disturb more than one object ball.
• It is a foul if the disturbed ball has an effect on the outcome of the shot.
• If a foul occurs under the provisions of this rule, opponent has no restoration
option. All balls, including any pocketed balls, shall remain where they lie (if the
8-ball is pocketed, it is loss of game).”

23. LEGAL SHOT
Failure to make a legal shot as defined in Rules 14 and 15 is a foul.

24. FOUL BY PLACEMENT
When player has cue ball in hand, it is a foul to touch any object ball with the cue ball
or the hand holding the cue ball while placing the cue ball on the table. (Note: it is NOT
a foul to touch an object ball with the cue ball or hand when initially picking up the cue
ball when player has ball in hand.) (ADDED 8/19/08)

25. JUMP SHOT
Causing the cue ball to leave the table with the obvious intent to clear interfering ball(s)
is a “jump shot” and a foul.

26. DEVICES
Players are not allowed to use a ball, the triangle or any other width-measuring device
to see if the cue ball or an object ball would travel through a gap, etc. Only the cue
stick may be used as an aid to judge gaps, etc., so long as the cue is held by the hand.
To do so otherwise is a foul and un-sportsmanlike conduct.

27. ILLEGAL MARKING
If a player intentionally marks the table in any way to assist in executing the shot,
whether by wetting the cloth, by placing a cube of chalk on the rail, or by any other
means, he has fouled. If the player removes the mark prior to the shot, no penalty is
imposed.

28. BALL IN MOTION FOUL
Replaced by “RULE 22. DISTURBED BALLS” on 8/19/08)

29. FOOT ON FLOOR
It is a foul if a player shoots when at least one foot is not in contact with the floor. Foot
attire must be normal in regard to size, shape and manner in which it is worn.

30. FOULS BY DOUBLE HITS
If the cue ball is touching the required object ball prior to the shot, the player may shoot
towards
it, providing that any normal stroke is employed. If the cue stick strikes the cue
ball more than once on a shot, or if the cue stick is in contact with the cue ball when or
after the cue ball contacts an object ball, the shot is considered a foul. If a third ball is
close by, care should be taken not to foul that ball under the first part of this rule.

31. PUSH SHOT FOULS
It is a foul if the cue ball is pushed by the cue tip, with contact being maintained for
more than the momentary time commensurate with a stroked shot. (Such shots are
usually referred to as push shots).

32. PLAYER RESPONSIBILITY FOULS
The player is responsible for chalk, bridges, files and any other items or equipment he
brings to, uses at, or causes to approximate the table. If he drops a piece of chalk, or
knocks off a mechanical bridge head, as examples, he is guilty of a foul should such an
object make contact
with any ball in play (or the cue ball only if no referee is presiding
over the match).

33. OBJECT BALL FROZEN TO CUSHION OR CUE BALL
This rule applies to any shot where the cue ball’s first contact with a ball is with one that
is frozen to a cushion or to the cue ball itself. After the cue ball makes contact with the
frozen object ball, the shot must result in either (1) a ball being pocketed, or (2) the cue
ball contacting
a cushion, or (3) the frozen ball being caused to contact a cushion (not
merely rebounding from the cushion it was frozen to), or (4) another object ball being
caused to contact a cushion to which it was not already in contact with. Failure to satisfy
one of those four requirements is a foul. An object ball is not considered frozen to a rail
unless it is examined and announced as such by either the referee or one of the players
prior to that object ball being involved in a shot.

34. OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE
If any object ball is jumped off the table, it is a foul and loss of turn, unless it is the 8-ball,
which is a loss of game. Any jumped object balls remain pocketed.

35. SHOOTING WITH BALLS IN MOTION
It is a foul if a player shoots while the cue ball or any object ball is in motion (a spinning
ball is in motion).

36. COMPLETION OF STROKE
A stroke is not complete (and therefore is not counted) until all balls on the table have
become motionless after the stroke (a spinning ball is in motion).

37. POSITION OF BALLS
The position of a ball is judged by where its base (or center) rests.

38. HEAD STRING DEFINED
The area behind the head string does not include the head string. Thus an object ball
that is dead center on the head string is playable when specific game rules require that a
player must shoot at a ball past the head string. Likewise, the cue ball when being put in
play behind the head string (cue ball in hand behind the head string) may not be placed
directly on the head string; it must be behind it.

39. FOUL PENALTY
Opposing player gets cue ball in hand. This means that the player can place the cue ball
anywhere on the table (does not have to be behind the head string except immediately
after the opening break). This rule prevents a player from making intentional fouls that
would put his opponent at a disadvantage. With “cue ball in hand,” the player may use
his hand or any part of his cue (including the tip) to position the cue ball. When placing
the cue ball in position, any forward stroke motion contacting the cue ball will be a foul, if
not a legal shot.

40. PLAYING THE 8-BALL
When shooting at the 8-ball, a scratch or foul is not loss of game if the 8-ball is not
pocketed or jumped from the table. Incoming player has cue ball in hand.
(End of Rules Related to Fouls)

41. LOSS OF GAME
A player loses the game if he commits any of the following infractions:
1) Fouls when pocketing the 8-ball (Exception: Rule 11 “Eight Ball pocketed on the
break).
2) Pockets the 8-ball on the same stroke as the last of his group of balls.
3) Jumps the 8-ball off the table at any time.
4) Pockets the 8-ball in a pocket other than the one designated.
5) Pockets the 8-ball when it is not the legal object ball.
Note: All infractions must be called before another shot is taken, or else it will be deemed
that no infraction occurred.

42. STALEMATED GAME
If, after 3 consecutive turns at the table by each player (6 turns total), the referee judges
(or if no referee, both players agree) that attempting to pocket or move an object ball
will result in loss of game, the balls will be re-racked with the original breaker of the
stalemated game breaking again. The stalemate rule may only be used when there are
only two object balls and the 8-ball remaining on the table.

43. TUESDAY NIGHT LAPL ORGANIZATIONAL RULES / GUIDELINES
1) Costs: Each player pays for his/her rack.
2) Starting time: No later than 8:00 P.M., unless otherwise agreed upon by both
Captains.
3) Practice time: Table should be made available to visiting team no later than 7:30
P.M.
4) Substitutions: A registered player may be substituted for any other registered player
before the start of any game. The replaced team player, who has played a game,
may re-enter only upon consent of opposing captain. A registered player having
played, may not replace any other player.
5) Home Captain Duties:
a) Complete the home portion of the score sheet first, keep score during play, and
notify players of game.
b) Deliver the results to the statistician, either by fax, e-mail, on line, or in person, by
10 a.m. the day following the match.
c) Penalty for failure to follow 43.5.b) above will be loss of one win from the home
team, charged to the captain.

44. DISPUTE PROCESS
Captains must resolve all disputes involving judgment calls. There will be no such thing
as a judgment call protest. A judgment call is anything that occurs during the game that
can only be determined by someone who actually saw the event. (For example ball 6
was hit before ball 9). All judgment calls will be resolved by the team Captains using one
of the following:
1) A reasonable discussion by the Captains resulting in a decision on the call and the
continuation of the game.
2) If neither captain is willing to change his/her mind, a flip of the coin may decide the
call and the continuation of the game.
3) If neither a or b is used, the game may be terminated before another shot is taken by
either player and that particular game replayed immediately.
4) If a captain refuses options a, b, and c, his/her player loses the game, the game
is noted by circling the box on the score sheet and noting in the margin: refusal
to replay game by (player’s name). The result of the continued game should be
reported in the normal manner.
5) Attempt to resolve disputes involving application of playing rules.
6) Penalty for failure to follow above will be loss of one win from both teams, charged to
both Captains.

45. SHOT CLOCK RULE
During regular season play should any individual game in team play exceed fifteen
minutes in length, the following provisions apply to the players of that particular game
only:
1) Each shot must be executed within a one minute time period. Failure to do so will be
considered a foul and the usual penalties applied.
2) Time will be kept by the opposing Captain or a mutually agreed upon designee.
3) Time begins when all balls on the table have come to a complete stop.
4) The timekeeper must give a 15 second warning with the announcement of “15
seconds” to the shooter. “Time” must be verbally called by the timekeeper at the end
of one minute. If the player has not shot, a foul is enforced. The timekeepers call is
final.
5) During the one minute shot clock the player is free to call only one time out if
available and consult with his/her teammates, and the shot clock stops ticking. Only
one thirty (30) second time out with one extension if available per player during the
shot clock. The shot clock will restart upon either the end of the timeout or player
notifying the time keeper they are ready and finished with their time out.

46. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
No player shall be allowed to engage in any activity that is un-sportsmanlike in nature;
embarrassing, disruptive or detrimental to other players, referees,
sponsors, spectators,
or the sport in general. Such behavior may result in loss of game, suspension or loss of
LAPL League membership, as decided by the Board of Governors. Un-sportsmanlike
conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1) Illegally moving a ball: Intentionally causing a ball to move by any illegal means, i.e.,
pushing on bed cloth, bumping or slapping the table, etc.
2) Interference: Deliberate interference with a player in the process of shooting on the
part of an opposing player or team member. If a spectator or player accidentally
interferes with a player in the process of shooting, the player (or referee, if applicable)
may either return the ball(s) to their original positions, or replay the game.
3) Harassment: Verbal or physical harassment of participants, including players,
referees, sponsors, and spectators during LAPL sanctioned activities.

47. COACHING DURING PLAYOFF MATCHES
Coaching during early round playoff matches is limited to one - 1 minute time-out per
game which may be called by either the player or any team member. This applies during
a players turn at the table and additional coaching is a foul. Players may discuss the
game with their team at any time during their opponents turn at the table. Late round
playoff matches (those in which both teams already are in the top four) will still conform
to WCC time-out rules.

48: COACHING - REGULAR SEASON
New (first season) players to the LAPL have unlimited “time-outs available to them during
regular season play. All other players will be limited to four, thirty (30) second “time
outs” per game during regular season play. The “time out” can be called by anyone on
the team and any number of teammates
may advise. The opposing Captain or designee
keeps the time. After 20 seconds a 10 second warning will be announced. A player may
elect to use two of their time outs at one announced time out period, by indicating extension.
Extension must be called before the thirty (30) second time out has expired. If it
is called another 10 second warning will be announced. At the conclusion of the thirty
(30) second time out period, “TIME” shall be called. If coaching continues after “Time” is
called, it is a foul. (This will be a one-season trial for Spring 2010)