Subic Bay Pool League Association

TUESDAY/FRIDAY EXPAT POOL LEAGUE BY-LAWS & BCA RULES Drafted August 28, 2007 Revised Tuesday 27th June 2017 at Midnight Rambler

Section A League Organization A.1 The organization shall be known as the Subic Bay Expat Pool League A.2 The purpose of the League is to provide a scheme of recreation League Play that provides an alternative format from established local leagues. A.3 Administration of the League shall be conducted by duly elected and appointed officers in accordance with these by-laws.

A.3.1 Elected officers shall be a President, Vice President, Min three Arbitration Board members. . These four along with the League Secretary and Treasurer shall make up the Executive Board. No team may have more than one member on the Executive Board (this rule may be waived when there are fewer than ten teams in the league and insufficient members are willing to serve as League Officers.). A.3.2 The Association Secretary shall be a 500 peso per season (for each of the Tuesday & Friday leagues) salaried officer appointed by the President and approved by a majority of the elected officers.

A.3.3 The League Treasures shall be appointed by the President and approved by majority of elected officers. A.4 Election of officers of the League shall be held during a meeting held after the conclusion of one season and before the start of the next. . ( in both the Tuesday & Friday leagues ) Officers shall serve a term of one scheduled season. A.5 Duties of Officers A.5.1 The President shall be the chief administrative officer and shall preside over the annual meeting. When eligible (see A.8) the President shall also convene and preside over The Executive Board to resolve protests or rule interpretations. The President shall also make appointments to vacated offices. A.5.2 The Secretary shall maintain all records of the League and compile and make available weekly reports on league standings for the league. The Secretary shall also assist the President in any administrative requirements otherwise not specified. The Secretary shall also serve on the Executive Board when eligible. A.5.3 The Treasurer shall maintain accounts and have custody of all monetary resources of the League. The Treasurer shall serve on the Executive but shall be a non-voting member in matters of arbitration or protests. A.5.4 The Advisory Council members shall participate to resolve protests and rule interpretations. They may also be individually asked for an opinion on a situation not requiring the convening of an Executive Board. There shall be three elected Advisory Council members. A.6 Voting A.6.1 A simple majority vote shall prevail for the election of officers. A 2/3 majority of eligible voters present shall be required for By-Law and Rule changes. A.6.2 Each team is entitled to one Delegate vote.. A.6.3 A Delegate may be the sponsor or the sponsors designated representative. A Delegate may represent more than one team and thus have more than one vote. A.6.4 Only official team Delegates may vote in the election of officers. A.6.5 Incumbent League officers, if not otherwise a team Delegate, shall each have a single vote in matters other than election of officers. A.6.6 Other attendees at the annual meeting may participate in open discussions, but may not vote. A.7 Assets of the League and management of such assets shall be entrusted to the League Treasurer. Assets of the League are the property of the League and accountability shall be immediately transferred to the incoming Treasurer upon completion of a term of office. A.8 Officers may not rule in arbitration matters that directly involve the team they play for. In the event the President is ineligible the League Secretary shall preside. No team may have more than one member on the Executive Board. In the event the Association Secretary is also ineligible to preside – the three remaining Advisory Council members shall select at least one temporary member from the league rosters to convene an arbitration panel. A.9 By-laws and Rules A.9.1 By-laws and rule changes voted in at the League meeting shall become effective for the up-coming season. A.9.2 Rule clarifications and additions provided on the weekly standing sheets are considered official interpretations and will be added to the official league rules as appropriate at the next revision of the rules. Team Captains are responsible for knowing these rule clarifications and modifications, and for communicating them to their players. A.9.3 All team Captains are responsible for knowing the rules thoroughly and making sure all of their players know the rules. Every team Captain will be provided a copy of the rules and ignorance of a rule is no excuse for an infraction. An up to date copy of these Administrative By-laws and rules of play must be made available by the home team during match play. A.9.4 The rules of administration and the game as specified herein must be adhered to. Infractions are not allowed simply because two team Captains agree to break the rules. The overall standings are affected and other teams are affected too. A.9.5 The League President and the Executive Board may collectively make exceptions to rules where they feel extenuating circumstances exist that make application of the rule beyond the intent of the written rule. The League President and the Executive Board will resolve anything not covered by these by-laws and rules. A.10 Special Provision: Sponsoring venues are usually in the business of selling beverages and/or food. Unless the sponsoring venue has an express policy to the contrary, all beverages and food consumed on the premises shall be limited to those provided by the venue. An exception to this is small amounts of vender offered specialty items such as peanuts or other such snack items.

Section B General Rules B.1 Team Eligibility B.1.1 Any local establishment (Private residence pool tables are not allowed to participate) having a minimum of one pool table may enter a team – as long as they field a team within the player eligibility requirements and adhere to the following conditions:

B.1.1.a Local drink prices during a league match shall not exceed “70 peso” or other routine scheduled promotional drink prices. B.1.1.b If a player from an opposing team has incurred the wrath of the hosting venue and has been deemed “persona non grata” by that establishment - for the duration of that match the establishment shall accept his presence. At the conclusion of the final game, the establishment management shall allow him fifteen minutes minimum to consume his beverages and conclude the affairs of the match. After fifteen minutes, at their discretion, the management may ask him to leave. B.1.2 Team makeup must be of at least three players and no more than four players for a match. Over the course of a season, any number of players may be on the roster, but no more than four may be used in any given match. Players must be male expats (Foreign person born in another country other than the Philippines) No women or Pilipino men are allowed. Requests for exceptions to this strict rule in special cases must be petitioned to the Executive Board B.1.3 Hosting venues must provide a regulation table and balls in reasonable playing condition. They are also to ensure there is a bridge, powder, and cue tip chalk available for use.

B.1.4 If for any reason the home team venue cannot host the match then an alternative table needs to be found 1st choice will be away teams venue (if that is not also available) then the 2nd choice will be only a bar that is in the current pool league season This is for all money generated from the match is kept in the participating bars in the pool league joined that season.

B.2 Player Eligibility B.2.1 Players must be at least 18 years old and be foreign national male expats. B.2.2 A player can move teams only once in a season Providing that he has completed a 2 weeks of not playing in the league, and on the 3rd week, he can start playing for a different team. If a player has moved teams and has completed the 2 weeks of not playing then the captain of his new team needs to send in his name informing the league of the move. This can be done when the captain sends the results into the secretary on the day of play.

B.2.3 Eligibility of a team player within the rules of the league shall be ascertained and agreed to by the team captains prior to the start of each match. Once an agreement is made on the eligibility of a player, he may legally play his allotted games in that match. Both team captains must agree on the eligibility of a player. If there is a dispute and it cannot be resolved, the player may not play. If the player alleged to be ineligible by either team captain feels this was not a fair determination, he may petition the league to verify or establish his eligibility. A player who cannot unquestionably establish his eligibility is subject each week to the opposing team captains’ approval until he has petitioned the league to establish once and for all his eligibility. B.2.4 Each establishment is responsible for a P1500 League entry fee. Entry fee has to be paid to the treasurer seven days before the new season starts (last Tuesday before start of the season) to allow for the schedule to be made. Failure to pay on time will result in a P500.00 fine. Whether this is provided by a sponsor or team members is each team’s discretion. This League entry fee will go towards record keeping expenses, any awards, and a league party. Each team will allotted four free admissions to the party. Additional food admissions will be allowed at a cost P200 each. Invited females and Filipinos may attend the party

B.2.5 Teams who have dropped from the league during a season or have been dropped from the league due to excessive forfeitures during a season shall be expelled for the season following their offense. And players from the bar cannot play for another team in the league UNLESS THE BAR HAS CLOSED DOWN. Or Unless rule B2.2

B.2.6 Fines and expulsions continue to apply to first – a sponsor who relocates and maintains the same or similar name: and second – a new owner of an existing establishment, maintaining the same name. An establishment with a new owner and a new name is considered a new team. A sponsor who relocates with a new name is considered a new team.

B.2.7 Teams who have forfeited once may not forfeit again for the rest of that season or they will be expelled and are ineligible for the lottery to host the season ending MVP tournament / party. Also those bar team players are not eligible to play or have any food or drinks at the MVP tournament / party at the end of that season. B.2.8 When teams have registered for the season a single division will be made with less than 12 teams if this number has exceeded then 2 divisions will come into effect. At the next season line up and 2 divisions still apply then the 2 teams that are bottom of the 1 st division will be dropped into the 2nd division. The 2 top teams of the 2nd division will be moved up into the 1st division. All effort will be made to keep both divisions equal; any new teams that may join the league will start off in the 2nd division. Thus in turn maybe more teams may need to be moved up into the 1st division to keep both divisions equal, due to the new teams entering in the 2nd division. B.3 Time/Date of Play B.3.1 All matches will begin at 6:30PM Tuesday/Fridays in accordance with the issued schedule. The match table will be made available to the visiting team from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM on match day for practice. The home team may have priority use of the table earlier than 6:00pm

B.3.1.a A match may start earlier or later if agreed upon by both team captains. In such instances, the match table shall be made available to the visiting team 30 minutes prior to the start of the match. B.3.1.b A late arriving visiting team will have their practice time shortened and the match will begin on time.

B.3.3 If a team requests the rescheduling of a match for their own convenience, it must be done with no less than 24 hours notice and the rescheduled date shall be within one week at the convenience of the team that did not request the rescheduling. A shorter time frame for requesting a postponement is solely at the discretion of the team captain who is ready to play as scheduled. Requests for postponement after 6:30PM on the scheduled match date will only be allowed for reasons beyond anyone's control. This includes extreme weather conditions, power failures, or an unavoidable incident approved by the League Officers. B.3.4 A team must have a minimum of two players to begin a match. If a team is unable to start play due to the lack of the minimum number of players to start, they shall be allowed a fifteen-minute grace period. If they are unable to start play after the grace period, they shall forfeit the match. A longer waiting period is strictly at the pleasure of the team ready to begin play.

B.3.4.a With the minimum number of players, a team may play the match and forfeit games only as necessary.

B.3.4.b Insertion of late arriving third player to complete a line-up is permissible at any time and the team assessed forfeitures only for those games where a third player was not available.

B.4 Match Format B.4.1 A match shall consist of three sets and a Scotch doubles beer round. In the Scotch doubles play if the breaker sinks any balls on the break, his partner takes the next turn. Partners take turns shooting until one of them does not make a ball. Play than passes to the other team, which chooses the same procedure. Their will be a total of thirteen games. In the first set, a round robin format will have each player play a different player on the opposing team during the first three sets. The fourth game in each of the first three sets will be a doubles game and plaid as a Scotch double match. Each set doubles game will pick two players from each team, with each player playing one doubles game with each of his teammates (i.e - set 1: A and B player - set 2: B and C - set 3: A and C) No player will play more than two doubles games in a match and no two players may play more than one doubles game together in a match The last game shall be a beer round with players playing through a team rotation,. All games (including the beer round) will count in the standings. Loss of the beer round results in the losing team buying a round of drinks for the winning team. This rule also stipulates that the venue is not responsible for the cost of the beer round - the idea being rather that each player on a losing team buys a player on the winning team a local drink of their choice. If a team plays with three players throughout the match, they must also play with three players during the beer round – or forfeit that game. If they have played the match with only two players and suffering the consequential forfeits, they may play the beer round with two players.

B.4.2 A single substitution (fourth team member) may be made in a match, The substituted player may subsequently re-entered in the line-up to play in the last set. And the beer round (only max 3 players in the beer round) He is not permanently substituted for during the rest of that match. Illegal players will be assessed a loss for any illegal games. If the illegal game was a loss, the illegal player shall be assessed a loss from a prior or subsequent legal win. If an illegal player has no wins to forfeit, there will be no penalty. If an illegal player forms a minimum line-up to qualify the team for play, the match shall be forfeited by his team. B.4.3 The team captain may create his line-up order in any fashion, including specifically any strategy he decides in establishing the order of play. One or all sets at a time, all players must be noted before the start of play of that set, doubles must be noted according to the A B C players listed from that set. B.5 Scoring B.5.1 One point shall be awarded for each game won. Seven points or more wins the match. B.5.2 All thirteen games must be played or forfeited. Total number of games won will be a factor in breaking ties for regular season standings and seeding for the playoffs (if any). B.5.3 A single score sheet shall be signed by both team captains to verify match results and lineups. The first and last names of players present must be annotated in space provided for team roster. B.5.4 BOTH team captains or his representative is responsible for texting the score to Paul at 09196471234 immediately after the match. Home team sponsor will maintain score sheets for future reference. No score texted in by midnight of day of match will be 0-0 score to both teams B.5.5 Teams establishing the habit of not texting the score in; turning their score sheets in on time; or turning in inaccurate, incomplete, or illegible score sheets may be faced with forfeitures after warning by the League Officers B.6 Standings

B.6.1 League and standings will be first determined by the highest of matches won.

B.6.2 If two or more teams are tied in number of matches won, the higher percentage of games won shall be the tie breaker. B.6.3 If a tie between two or more teams exists at the end of the regular season and total games won fails to break the tie, the League Officers shall determine a fair and appropriate method of breaking ties.

B.7 Forfeits B.7.1 Forfeited matches shall result in a score of 13 - 0 in favor of the non-forfeiting team and 0 - 13 for the Forfeiting team. B.7.2 Establishments invest some expense to sponsor teams with a purpose of providing an activity for their regular patrons, advertisement and public relations, and for the business generated during home matches. Forfeitures deny an establishment the benefits of sponsorship. To compensate an establishment for the loss of benefits, fines shall be assessed for forfeitures. Forfeiting visiting teams shall be fined P300 and forfeiting home teams shall be fined P300. Failure to pay fines will result in expulsion from the league and exclusion from the league for the following season, and exclusion for any subsequent seasons until fines have been satisfied. Fines shall go to the offended establishment. The League Officers may rule on extenuating factors to exempt a team from a fine, however, the match must be rescheduled and made up to fulfill the terms of exemption. Payment of forfeiture fines is the responsibility of the fined team captain.

B.7.3 Withdrawal of a team from the league will generally not result in forfeitures. If a team withdraws in the first few weeks of the regular season an attempt will be made to adjust the schedule as if that team never existed. After that, if it is impractical to adjust the schedule, results of matches involving a withdrawn team shall be purged and considered no contest. Standings will be adjusted to purge wins and losses as if no match took place. If a team fails to field a team in the last few weeks, the League Officers shall decide if the games are forfeited or the season results involving that team are purged.

B.7.4 Two forfeits in a season will result in the forfeiting team being dropped from the league for the current season and the entrance fee of P1500 will not be refunded in any way. Teams have to complete the season to be eligible to play in the MVP tournament / and join the party.

B.8 Arbitration

B.8.1 During a game, if a player calls a foul against his opponents play, he shall call it to the attention of his opponent and play shall stop until the question is resolved. If the foul is not called prior to the next shot, play shall continue with no recourse to calling a foul at a later time. No player shall touch the cue ball or any other ball on the table until after the issue is resolved. Premature contact with balls on the table prior to resolution shall result in loss of game by the offending player.

B.8.2 Inadvertent casual contact with balls on the table will be considered a foul and cue ball in hand applies anywhere on the table. Replacement of a ball shall be at the discretion on the non-offending player. If a player continues to shoot in haste after initial brief contact, it is a foul and results in ball-in-hand to his opponent. No balls shall be replaced and no balls may be removed from a pocket to be respotted.

B.8.3 During the course of a match, every effort should be made to resolve disputes. Play will stop while team captains and players involved in the game in question resolve the problem. Team captains must oversee the game/games being played. Nobody else may be involved unless specifically asked questions by a team captain. Team captains should consider every avenue to maintain fairness and a fun environment, even to the extent of restarting the game.

B.8.4 If a dispute cannot be resolved during a match, it may be submitted to the League Officers for resolution. All protests submitted to the League Officers must be submitted in writing within 48 hours of the match. Protest must cite specific rule number(s) that is the basis of the protest. Every effort will by made by the League Officers to complete their investigation and render a decision within an additional 48 hours - but no later than the next scheduled matches.

B.8.5 Only team Captains may submit a protest to the League Officers.

B.8.6 Persons directly involved as a principal or a witness in a matter under arbitration who are also League Officers, may not participate in the process as a League Officer.

B.8.7 As a player you can call your captain if you believe your opponent is deliberately or consistently playing at an abnormally slow pace. Both captains can warn this player, after the warning if the pace of play remains abnormally slow they will implement a shot clock if they judge that a player is delaying a match unnecessarily or in an unsportsmanlike manner. This means at 35 seconds the captains call “ten seconds” so the player knows he has ten seconds left to play the shot. Failure to play this shot within this 45 seconds time frame is a foul. The shot clock does not apply to the first shot after the break. One extension per game per player is allowed but has to be verbally announced to the captains as “extension” who on his turn verbally announces “extension” This shot clock is not implemented unless there is a complaint against a slow player during the game.

B.9 Judging

B.9.1 Players in a game are to be aware of their opponents play to the extent that they initiate any issue of non- compliance with the rules. They are the first step in resolving a question of compliance.

B.9.2 Team Captains or their designee shall judge all regular season and playoff matches. This includes recognizing and initiating calls of infractions of rules during a game without being requested by the player involved. When there is a question of compliance or a dispute, only the team captains (or designee) and players involved in that game may participate in the discussion. All other players, spectators, patrons or employees are prohibited from participation in the dispute.

B.10 Post Season Play

B.10.1 In conjunction with a season ending party, there shall be two tournaments at the same time and venue, one single and one double. Party and MVP site will be awarded by blind draw for all the teams except for the last venue. Sites that are awarded the party/tournaments will not be eligible for the following season draw. Sites that have not been played the previous season are not eligible for the draw. Precise format for the tournaments and party shall be determined by the Executive Board. Participants in MVP tournaments must have participated in a minimum of three regular matches in the relative season. (Friday league only if a regular player is unable to play due to illness or any other unforeseen circumstances then another with only two regular matches will be allowed to play in his place.)

B.10.2 A sponsor with two teams has two chances, except that both teams are ineligible if either team hosted a party/tournament in the immediate prior season. The draw for hosting the MVP / party will be on a rotation so all bars get a chance to host the event

B.10.3 Rules and procedures for tournaments shall be the same as during the regular season. A neutral referee will be appointed by the League Officers and he can join the food and drink chips. The referee can call all fouls. B.10.4 Wall trophy’s will be made in wood in different sizes for first, second and third teams of the league. There will be one for first winner of the MVP and two for each first winner of the doubles. B.11 Sportsmanship and Decorum

B.11.1 When not shooting, opposing players must stand away from the table and out of the line of sight of the shooter. If the non-shooting player distracts his opponent or interferes with his play, he has fouled. If a player shoots out of turn, or moves any ball except during his turn, it is considered to be interference, and is a foul.

B.11.2 Fighting will not be tolerated. All participants will be ejected from the premises and shall be barred from play for the remainder of the season. Similarly, threatening or abusive behavior will not be tolerated. Participants shall be ejected from the premises and after review by the Executive Board may be barred from play for the remainder of the season. Play may resume at the discretion of the team captains and owner/manager of the establishment. Repeating offenders may face harsher penalties at the discretion of the League Officers. B.11.3 Coaching is permitted within the following guidelines:

B.11.3.a Coaching is allowed but must be brief so as not to disrupt the flow of the game. Coaching is also Limited to strategy of play and shall not include instructions on how to strike the cue ball. Once a player approaches the table to begin a turn, he may not leave the table for additional conferential coaching. Comments are allowed between shots but must be encouraging in nature, not disrupt the flow of the game and the player remains at the table.

B.11.3.b Physical contact with the table or balls by anyone other than the players involved in the game is not allowed at anytime during the game. Such contact is a foul. This does not include assistance in re spotting illegally pocketed balls, retrieving balls that have left the table or moving pocketed balls from a pocket that is full. B.11.3.c Coaching must be of an encouraging nature and shall not continue if the player does not desire it. B.11.4 The League Officers will determine match results not completed due to any disturbance.

Section C Rules of the Game. One of the objectives of this league is to play by standardized rules to avoid interpretation and disputes on the applied rules of the game. This league will utilize, Section 2 of the 2009 BCA Standard Rules of Eight-Ball. They shall be the rules of the game. 2.1 OBJECT OF THE GAME

Eight-Ball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and 15 object balls, numbered 1 through 15. One player must pocket balls of the group numbered 1 through 7 (solid colors), while the other player has 9 through 15 (stripes). The player pocketing either group first and then legally pocketing the 8-ball wins the game.

2.2 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 so long as any object ball is legally pocketed on the break.

2.3 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..

2.4 ORDER OF BREAK

The opening break shot shall be determined by the flip of a coin or token acceptable to both players. The home team player will flip the coin and the visiting player will call heads or tails. The player winning the flip shall have the choice of performing the opening break shot or assigning it to the opponent.

2.5 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 rail. When the breaker fails to make a legal break, it is a foul, and the incoming player has the option of (1) accepting the table in position and shooting, or (2) having the balls re-racked and having the option of shooting the opening break or allowing the offending player to re-break.

2.6 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 2.8), (2) it is a foul, (3) the table is open. Please Note: The incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.

2.7 OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF 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 in position and shooting, or (2) taking cue ball in hand behind the head string and shooting.

2.8 8-BALL POCKETED ON THE BREAK

1. If you pocket the 8-ball and do not foul, you may:

a. have the 8-ball spotted and accept the table in position or; b. re-rack the balls and break again.

2. If you pocket the 8-ball and scratch your inning ends. Your opponent may:

a. have the 8-ball spotted and take cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. 1 b. re-rack the balls and break; 2 c. require you to re-rack the balls and break again.

3. If you pocket the 8-ball and foul but do not scratch, or if you jump the 8-ball off the table, your inning ends.

Your opponent may:

a. have the 8-ball spotted and take cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. 1 2 b. have the 8-ball spotted and accept the table in position; 3 c. re-rack the balls and break; 4 d. require you to re-rack the balls and break again.

4. If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break and not noticed until after another shot has been taken the game will be replayed with the player who broke the game breaking again.

2.9 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 vice-versa. Note: The table is always open immediately after the break shot. When the table is open, it is legal to hit any solid or stripe first in the process of pocketing the called stripe or solid. However, when the table is open and the 8-ball is the first ball contacted, it is a foul and no stripe or solid may be scored in favor of the shooter. The shooter loses his turn; the incoming player is awarded cue ball in hand; any balls pocketed remain pocketed; and the incoming player addresses the balls with the table still open. On an open table, all illegally pocketed balls remain pocketed.

2.10 CHOICE OF GROUP

The choice of stripes or solids is not determined on the break even if balls are made from only one or both groups, because 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. If the groups have been determined and a player mistakenly shoots at and pockets a ball of his opponents group, the opponent must call a foul on him before he takes his next shot. If he fails to do so, the player automatically takes over the group of balls (solids or stripes) at which he has been shooting during this inning.

2.11 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 the object ball; however, after contact with the 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.

2.11 A FROZEN BALL A ball that is touching another ball or a cushion is a frozen ball. If loose strands or fibers of cloth extend from a cushion and contact a ball, that does not constitute that ball being frozen to the cushion. If the ball touch the cushion contact requirement is declared “frozen to a cushion” at the beginning of the shot, then that ball must leave the cushion it is frozen to and then: a. any object ball must be pocketed, or; b. the cue ball must contact a cushion, or; c. the frozen ball must contact a cushion attached to a separate rail, or; d. another object ball must contact a cushion. Any ball, including the cue ball, which is frozen to a cushion at the start of a shot and then is forced into a cushion attached to the same rail is not considered to have contacted that cushion unless it leaves the cushion, contacts another ball, and then contacts the cushion again. If the cue ball is touching your ball contact requirement is declared “frozen to another ball” at the beginning of the shot. If you shoot to this frozen ball then the cue ball must strike and move the ball at a minimum angle off 45 degree and then any ball has to contact a cushion or be potted.

2.12 “SAFETY” SHOT

For tactical reasons, a player may choose to pocket an obvious object ball and also discontinue a turn at the table by declaring “safety” in advance. A safety must be a legal shot (see 4.11) and is defined as a legal turn. If the shooting player intends to play safe by pocketing an obvious object ball, then prior to the shot, the shooter must declare a “safety” to the opponent. It is the shooter’s responsibility to make the opponent aware of the intended safety shot. If this is not done, and one of the shooter’s object balls is pocketed, the shooter will be required to shoot again. Any ball pocketed on a safety shot remains pocketed.

2.13 SCORING

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

2.14 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 on opening break). This rule prevents a player from making intentional fouls which would put an opponent at a disadvantage. With “cue ball in hand,” the player may use a hand or any part of a 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.

2.15 COMBINATION SHOTS Combination shots are allowed; however, the 8-ball can’t be used as a first ball in the combination unless it is the shooter’s only remaining legal object ball on the table. Otherwise, should such contact occur on the 8-ball, it is a foul.

2.16 ILLEGALLY POCKETED BALLS

An object ball is considered to be illegally pocketed when (1) that object ball is pocketed on the same shot a foul is committed, or (2) the called ball did not go in the designated pocket, or (3) a safety is called prior to the shot. Illegally pocketed balls remain pocketed and are scored in favor of the shooter controlling that specific group of balls, solids or stripes.

2.17 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 are not re-spotted.

2.18 JUMP AND MASSÉ SHOT FOUL

While “cue ball fouls only” is the rule of play when a match is not presided over by a referee, a player should be aware that it will be considered a cue ball foul if during an attempt to jump, curve or massé the cue ball over or around an impeding numbered ball that is not a legal object ball, the impeding ball moves (regardless of whether it was moved by a hand, cue stick follow-through or bridge). Exception: Masse shots push shots, and jump shots are not legal shots in the Expat Pool League. Illegal shots are a foul. Masse is a shot where the cue butt is elevated to such an angle that emphasis is on a downward motion on the cue stroke to create extreme spin on the cue ball to cause a curve in the path of the cue ball. Careful consideration should be given to the difference between a “masse” shot and the technique of “bending” a ball around another ball. Bending the ball is a similar skill where the stress is more on forward motion than downward motion of the cue stroke. The prohibition of masse and jump shots is in consideration of the skill and technique required to execute such shots without causing damage to the table cloth. If damage is caused in the course of attempting these illegal shots, the player assumes full liability for repair costs.

2.19 PLAYING THE 8-BALL

When the 8-ball is the legal object 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. Note: A combination shot can never be used to legally pocket the 8-ball, except when the 8-ball is the first ball contacted in the shot sequence.

4.20 LOSS OF GAME

A player loses the game by committing any of the following infractions: 1. Fouls when pocketing the 8-ball 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 other than on the break. 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 other than on the break . Note: All infractions must be called before another shot is taken, or else it will be deemed that no infraction occurred.

STALEMATED GAME (This rule is not applicable unless it is a refereed game)

If, after 3 consecutive turns at the table by each player (6 turns total), the referee judges 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 be applied regard-less of the number of balls on the table. Please Note: Three consecutive fouls by one player in 8-ball is not a loss of game.