Cheadle and District Pool League

CHEADLE AND DISTRICT POOL LEAGUE

RULES OF PLAY

1. OBJECT OF THE GAME

The player who legally pockets all their group of object balls, and then the black 8 ball, wins the game.

2. TERMS USED DURING A GAME

(a) Open table-:To be called before each shot if no object balls have been legally pocketed.

(b) Free table-:To be called when the oncoming player has two visits, applies to the first shot of first visit only.

(c) Foul / foul shot-: To be called following any foul.

(d) Visits-: Following a foul the oncoming player will be told, ‘first visit’; if the player fails to pocket an object ball ‘second visit’ will be called. A further failure to pot will be followed by ‘end of visits’ or ‘visits over’ call.

3. STARTING / RE-STARTING GAME

Order of play, unless otherwise stated, will be determined by the toss of a coin. The winner can choose to break-off or ask the opponent to do so. The opening player, from behind the baulk line, strikes the cue ball at a triangle of object balls. At least 2 object balls must hit a cushion – or an object ball be pocketed: otherwise a foul break will be called and the object balls will be re-racked, the opposing player takes the re-start under the same conditions, and has two visits. The cue ball going in-off will result in a foul, the balls are not re-racked, the opponent continues with 1 visit . If the black 8 ball is pocketed from the break it is not a foul; the object balls are re-racked and the same player re-starts the game.

4. OPEN TABLE / CHOICE OF OBJECT BALLS

From the break-off only, if an object ball is pocketed the player may elect to remain with that group or to nominate the other group of object balls and must make sure that the referee is aware of the choice. If one, or more, of each group of object balls are pocketed from the break-off or an open table situation, the player must select a group to play and clearly inform the referee. A foul will be called on default in either case, it will be as if no object balls have been pocketed and the situation reverts to an ‘open table’ situation. The referee will inform the oncoming player, for the first visit only after object balls have been pocketed, what group of object balls he must play.

5. CONTROL OF THE GAME

From the time all the balls come to a standstill the oncoming player is in control of the table and is responsible for all happenings, whether for or against. From this point doubles partners, in play, may not discuss nor direct, any aspect of the game. The incoming player has 1 minute to commence play; at about 30 seconds the referee will issue a time alert and will call a foul after 1 minute has elapsed if no shot has been played.

A player continues play until a miss or a foul is recorded; the opponent then takes over under the same rules.

6. PLAYING A SHOT

(a) Players must play at their own object ball(s) [except following a foul see 11(a)] having hit their own ball must (b)legally pocket a ball or(c) ensure that the cue ball or any other ball hits a cushion.(d)If the cue ball, or any other ball is already touching a cushion this will not count as a legal shot contact; they must make separate contact with that or any other cushion.(e) the cue ball must only be struck with the tip of the cue.

7. SNOOKER

A snooker may be set at any time, but the terms in rule 6(a) 6(c) 6(d) must be adhered to otherwise a foul will be committed. When playing out of a snooker players only have to hit their own object ball and only section 6(a) applies – section 6(b) and 6(c) do not apply. The referee, or in the case of merit matches the opponent(s), must be asked to confirm a snooker, otherwise rule 6 in full is actioned.

A player legally playing out of a snooker and causing the opponent to be snookered will not be penalised.

8. TOUCHING BALL

If the cue ball is touching another ball a player must shoot away using an angle enough not to move that ball. Should the object ball move because it was resting against the cue ball, and the shot was definitely away, no foul is committed. If the cue ball is touching the players own object ball, by playing away it is considered a legal shot, although section 6 applies, no other ball need be hit, If the cue ball is touching an opponents ball then the shot must be played away and then contact made with own object ball, again section 6 applies.

9. PUSH SHOT

A shot will only be considered a ‘push shot’, and therefore a foul, if the cue ball is blatantly hit more than once during the action of the shot. The cue played so slowly through the cue ball that it is blatantly pushing it along. A touching ball situation could result in a push shot (section 8).

10. STALEMATE / RE-RACKS

(a)If the referee considers that a game is not progressing the players will be told that they have a ‘set time’ or an equal number of shots. If there is no further progress the referee will order a re-rack, and the same player breaks-off.

(b) If a player is snookered and the gap to play through is less than the diameter of the cue ball the balls will be re-racked; should the gap be large enough to allow the cue ball through but the angle seems to be impossible to get,this will not be a re-rack.

11. FOULS / PENALTIES / AWARDS

(a) Following a foul the oncoming player has two consecutive visits; on the first shot only of the first visit the player may play at, and pocket, any ball on the table, but if the black 8 ball is prematurely pocketed the game will be lost. When the player fails to pocket the second visit will begin, and continue until a pot is missed or a foul committed.

(b) Following a foul the oncoming player may choose to play the cue ball from where it lies, or to have ‘ball in hand’ to play from any position, and in any direction, from behind the baulk line.

(d) Cue ball, object ball or black 8 ball coming to rest other than on the playing area of the table is a foul; the object ball or black 8 ball must be replaced on the table, on the black spot or as near as possible on the baulk line side.

(e) Playing into a touching ball is a foul (see section 8).

(f) From the break-off two balls do not hit a cushion, or aball is not pocketed is a foul (see section 3).

(g) A ball not hitting a cushion or not being pocketed during anyvisit is a foul (sections 3 & 7 apply).

(h) Not hitting own object ball ,except for (a) above, is a foul.

(i) Jump shot, defined as cue ball passing over any other ball, is a foul.

(j) Playing cue ball with other than cue tip is a foul, as is contacting any other ball with any part of the cue.

(k) Not having at least one foot in contact with the floor when playing a shot is a foul, except for disabled player in a wheelchair or unable to contact the floor.

(l) Taking more than the time limit of 1 minute on any shot is a foul.

(m) Playing a shot before all the balls have come to a standstill.

(n) Cue ball going ‘in-off’ after any shot will be a foul (section 3)

(o) Coaching will be called a foul (section 12).

(p) Breaching any playing rule, or any rule that may be added from time to time, or breaching a precedent.

12. COACHING

Players, or supporters, talking directly or indirectly to a player in control of the game, about that game will be considered as coaching. Doubles partners talking when one of them is in control of the game will be considered as coaching. In all these cases a foul will be awarded.

13. 8 BALL

An eight ball award will be given if done from the break-off or the opponents first visit. The player breaking-off legally pockets an object ball and continues with a clearance of those object balls and then legally pockets the black 8 ball will be considered to have an 8 ball award. Following a foul the incoming player must do the 8 ball clearance in one visit. 8 ball is determined by potting 7 of own object ball and the black 8 ball.

14. LOSS OF GAME

A game will be lost if -: (a) The black 8 ball is pocketed before legally pocketing all own object balls (except from break-off) (b) Pocketing black 8 ball and cue ball goes in-off or comes to rest other than on the playing area of the table. (c) Black 8 ball is pocketed and any ball is fouled before all have come to a standstill. (d) Pocketing black 8 ball and then pocketing opponents object ball (except during the first shot of the first visit following a foul, when the black 8 ball and any other balls may be pocketed in the same shot and in any order)

(e) A player not making a genuine attempt at a legal shot, except following a foul. (f)Pocketing the black 8 ball and then infringing any of the rules before the ball come to a standstill. (g) A player infringes the spirit of the game, or bring this league or the game into disrepute.

15. REFEREE

In all matches a home team player will referee game 1 and alternate with a member from the visiting team. In matches on neutral tables the toss of a coin will determine the order of refereeing. The management committee may, in certain cases, appoint an independent referee.

For the duration of any game the referee is deemed to be a league official and as such is charged to be fair and impartial. The referee is in sole charge of a game but may, if he requires, call in the captains from both teams to discuss any situation. The referee must be clear in the calling of instructions or fouls.

At no time must a player comment to, or query a referees decision; approaches must be made by the captain.

GENERAL RULES

1. THE LEAGUE

This league will be known as the ‘CHEADLE AND DISTRICT POOL LEAGUE’; and all competitions, transactions and events must be in accordance with rules and conditions in force at the time. Membership of this league implies acceptance of all rules and conditions.

2. BEHAVIOUR

This league will not accept, or tolerate, any behaviour that may bring the league or game into disrepute. Any action will not be accepted that may lead to danger, intimidation, foul or abusive language or diminution of duty of care. Action will be taken by the committee that may include reporting to the authorities, imposing a fine, suspending membership or expulsion from the league: or any combination.

3. CLOSED LEAGUE

On any designated match or merits nights this league is deemed to be a closed league. Players may not take part in competitions in any other league on the same nights. A player in breach of this rule can be fined and/or expelled from the league and the player’s team may be deducted points, or a cup match awarded to the opponents.

4. POINTS SYSTEM

All league games, unless otherwise stated, will be -: Home Win 2 Points and Away Win 3 Points.

5. RESULT NOTIFICATION

The result of league matches and 1 leg cup matches must be notified to the secretary, by the winning team, and by midnight on the Friday following the match. The results for home and away cup matches must be notified to the secretary after the completion of both legs and by midnight on the Friday following the second leg match; again by the overall winning team. Merits results must be notified to the secretary by the team captains. Result cards must be handed in at each monthly meeting; the signed card implies agreement of the score shown thereon. In the event of score notification not being done and/or cards not being handed in a scale of action will take place; with a warning, fines and possible deduction of points.

6. LEAGUE AND CUP MATCH FORMAT

League and cup matches, unless otherwise stated, will comprise of 3 doubles games and 6 singles games. A random draw will be made to establish doubles opponents and a separate draw for the singles games: a player may be given permission to play out of turn, but only at the discretion of the opposing captain. Two-leg cup matches to be played on a home and away basis; the first team drawn out will play at home first and should there be a draw over the two legs there will be a tie-break , played by a nominated player from each team and on the table where the second leg is played. If there is a clash with 2 teams from the same venue then the first drawn out will reverse their fixture, but retain the advantage of the tie-break. If there are any 1 leg cup matches they will be played on the table of the first drawn, except where a neutral table is nominated.

7. MERITS FORMAT

All merits will be played on a designated neutral table within the league, unless both players are from the same venue, in which case the home table may be designated. All merits will be the best of 3 frames except for any final, which will be the best of 5 frames. Singles merits players must be registered with a team and must have played a minimum of 2 league games to be eligible for inclusion. Doubles merits pairings must be signed with the same team. Mixed doubles pairings may be from different teams, or indeed one of the pair registered can play with a player not signed within the 15 for any team. Doubles pairings and mixed doubles pairings may only change their partners if neither of the pair have played in the competitions during the current season. If for any reason games cannot not be played on the designated table, the secretary must be informed and the game(s) played on another table within the league.

8. PLAYER & TEAM REGISTRATION

All players and teams must be registered with the league before the start of each season. A maximum of 15 players may be signed by a team at any one time; but should a team wish to sign further players, one of the currently signed players must have their registration cancelled. From that time the cancelled player may not sign or play again during the current season. Players not signed, or suspended by this league, must not be allowed to play and any team in breach of this rule may be liable to a fine, deduction of points and forfeiture of any match in question. New teams must apply at the AGM, acceptance is conditional on the venue and table being in good order and a refundable bond being paid. Teams must be within a 5 mile radius of Cheadle, unless the members decide that the difference is acceptable, and must accept all rules and decisions

9. TRAVELLING 15

Up to 12 of the 15 allowed signings may play in any league or cup match with 6 players playing in the doubles and a different 6 playing in the singles. A player may only play a maximum of once in the doubles and once in the singles.

10. AGE LIMITS

Teams may play a maximum of 2 players under 18 years old at Designated Away Venues only, with the provision that the players be over 16 years of age, and that there is no other person travelling with the team that is under 18 years of age. This is only possible at the discretion of the person in charge at that venue.

11. TRANSFERS

Players will only be allowed to transfer from one team to another, during a season, if a player has not played in a league or cup match during the current season. Any proposed transfer must be notified to, and cleared by the secretary. Any allowed transfer is conditional on all obligations to the current team being met in full. The committee has the authorisation to transfer teams, or individuals in extreme circumstances.

12. START TIMES

League and cup matches. unless otherwise stated will start at 8.30pm. 4 players from each team must be present by 8.20pm; any player arriving after 8.30pm. may only play at the discretion of the opposing captain.

Merits games start times will be set by the secretary.

13. PRACTISE TIMES / EQUIPMENT

The home team must allow the visiting team use of the table from 8.00pm to 8.15pm. or any 15 minute spell close to these times. Teams arriving late do not have the right to practise time. Rests must be provided at each venue.

14. CANCELLATIONS

Cancellation of matches may only be done in exceptional circumstances, and with following proviso; notice must be given to the league secretary, to the opposing team and to the home venue. Re-arrangements must be made at the time of cancellation and in any case must be on a date prior to the original fixture date. Teams in default are liable to a fine, deduction of up to 3 points and the awarding of cup matches to the opponents and suspension. Merit cancellations must be notified to the opponent as soon as possible, to avoid travelling, and an alternative date be set, or the game given to the opponent. Re-arranged merits must be played on the designated table and on a date prior to the original. Not turning up, without prior notice, may result in a fine and exclusion from the current season and the following seasons merits.