SPARTA AREA WEDNESDAY CO-ED POOL
RULE GUIDE
2024-2025
Team
/ Player / Sub’s
Scoring
(Points, Ties & Awards)
1.
Score
sheets are to be filled out completely on both teams’ sheets. Both teams are to
turn in sheets. Make sure all scores, scratches and ERO’s match on both.
2.
Envelopes
are to have the names of the teams playing and the date of the match. The
visiting team captain or acting captain will be responsible for taking the
sealed envelope to the designated drop off location by 5 p.m. that Friday. Drop
off is Shifty’s Shack or Amber Inn. If for some reason money cannot be turned
in on time, someone should contact either the Secretary (Terry Kinserdahl (608-633-9743)
or President (Kari Monnahan 608-769-7495 ). If the envelope with money is lost,
the team captain will be responsible for paying it.
4.
The
team scoring the most total points will be the match winner. If tied in points,
1 player from each team will be chosen to play a match. This will be a
tiebreaker only match with the winner receiving 1 team point. Both teams will
keep their original points.
5.
Points
are scored one (1) point for every object ball & three (3) points for the 8
ball. Both players count all balls.
6.
Individual
averages are determined by dividing the total points by the total games played.
7.
Players
must shoot 85 percent (85%) of the league season to qualify for top shooter.
Money
/ Awards
4. There is a
traveling plaque for 1st place. The 1st place team will
have it displayed in their sponsor establishment until the end of the following
season. If plaque is lost or damaged it will be the responsibility of the
establishment to replace or repair. A plaque will be awarded to top shooter on
each team.
Weather
Cancelations
League
officers will only do weather cancellation in extreme weather. Teams can decide
to play or not in bad weather. Those deciding not to play will have 2 weeks to do a
makeup game. In the event that the league officers determine that the weather
is bad enough, league will be cancelled that week and will be pushed back 1
week for the remainder of the league calendar. New schedules will not be
redone; it will be up to each team to move the dates on their existing
schedules.
Contact/Social
Media/Website
1. PHONE/TEXT:
President – Kari Monnahan 608-769-7495
Secretary – Terry Kinserdahl 608-633-9743.
2. FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/SpartaAreaCo-EdPoolLeague - All pool things are posted here. (updates, link to standings etc.)
3. WEBSITE:
http://www.stenbackcues.com-Sparta pool section for a weekly standings, player guide and schedule
OFFICIAL RULES OF
PLAY
A.
Balls and
Racking
1.
The
game is played with one (1) cue ball and fifteen (15) numbered object balls.
2.
Players
rack own rack. 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.
3.
The
object of the game is to make one group of numbered object balls, either
stripes or solids, and then legally pocket the 8 ball, which then wins the
game.
B.
Break Shot
1.
Start
of play-Teams will break according to score sheet with each player racking for
the opponent.
2.
If
the breaker hits the racked balls with the cue ball driving four (4) or more
numbered balls to a cushion or pocketing one or more object balls, the game is
considered started. If the player fails to make a legal break it is not a foul;
however, the opponent has the option of:
a) Accepting the
table in position and shooting, or
b) Have the balls
re-racked and shooting the break himself or have the original breaker re-break.
3.
Stopping
or deflecting the cue ball (with hand or cue stick) prior to hitting the racked
balls is considered a foul and loss of turn, The opponent will receive the cue
ball in hand behind the head string. This is enforced at the discretion of the
opponent.
4.
When
positioning the cue ball for the break shot, the base of the ball must be
behind the head string (kitchen).
5.
If
a player scratches on a legal break shot:
a) All balls
pocketed remain pocketed (Exception: the 8 ball)
b) It is a foul
c)
The
table is open
d) The incoming
player has cue ball in hand behind the head string and may not shoot an object
ball whose base is not outside the head string, unless he first shoots the cue
ball past the head string and cause the cue ball to come back behind the head
string and hit the object 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.
e) The opposing
player must inform the breaking player of improper positioning of the cue ball
before the shot is made. If the opposing player does not so inform the breaking
player before the shot is made the break is considered legal. If the shooting
player is informed of improper positioning, he must then reposition the cue
ball.
6.
Making
the 8 ball on the break
a) The breaker may
ask for a re-rack or have the 8 ball spotted and continue shooting
b) Should the
breaker pocket the 8 ball and scratch the incoming player has the option of
spotting the 8 ball and shooting from behind the head string or re-racking and
assuming the break.
c)
A
game cannot be won or lost with an 8-ball break regardless of what is pocketed
on the same shot.
7.
If
a player legally breaks the rack and does not make any balls his opponent then
shoots having an open table.
8.
If
a player jumps an object ball off the table on the break it is a foul and the
incoming player has the option of:
a) Accepting the table in position and shooting or
b) Taking the cue
ball in hand behind the head string and shooting. Any jumped balls are spotted
in numerical order.
C.
Open Table
1.
The
table is always open immediately after the break shot.
The
table is open when the choice of group (solids or stripes) has not yet been
determined. When the table is open, it is legal to hit a solid first ot make a
stripe or vice versa. When the table is open, it is legal to hit any stripe or
solid or the 8 ball first in the process of pocketing the called stripe or
solid. On an open table all pocketed balls remain pocketed. The choice of
stripes or solids is not determined on the break, even if the balls made are
only one group or both. The choice of group is determined only when a player
legally pockets a called object ball afer the break shot.
D.
Game
1.
All
shots must be called. It is the opponents’ right to ask which ball and pocket
if he is unsure of the shot. Banks and combinations are not considered obvious
and both the object ball and the pocket must be called or it is a loss of turn.
When calling the shot it is never necessary to 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 opponent. Eight
ball shots must be called.
2.
The
opening break is not a called pocket. 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.
3.
A
legal shot is defined as: 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
a) Pocket a
numbered ball or
b) Cause the cue
ball or any numbered ball to contact a rail.
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.
4.
Each
player continues to shoot so long as he legally pockets any of his object balls
(Exception: calling a safety). Should a player fail to pocket his designated
group ball he shall lose his turn.
5.
If
a player fails to hit the 8 ball while shooting at it, it is a foul and the
game continues. When the 8 ball is the legal object ball, a scratch or foul is
not a loss of game if the 8 ball is not pocketed or jumped off the table.
Incoming player has cue ball in hand.
6.
In
the event the cue ball or object ball stops on the edge of the pocket then
falls into the pocket because of vibrations, fans or stamping of feet, it shall
be replaced on the edge of the pocket as near as possible to its position
before interference with players splitting cost. If a ball sitting on edge of
pocket and falls in after shooter walks away, the shooter may continue if it
has been less than 5 seconds. More than 5 secvond and the opponent takes over.
7.
When
a player has pocketed all of the balls in his group he then shoots at the 8
ball. He must call the pocket he intends to put the 8 ball in.
E.
Safety Shots
1.
For
tactical reasons a player may choose to pocket an obvious object ball and
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 a 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 one of the shooters object
balls is pocketed, the shooter will be required to shoot again. Any ball
pocketed on a safe shot remains pocketed. A player may only call 3 safes per
game.
F.
Combination
Shots
1.
Combination
shots are allowed. However, the 8 ball cannot be used as a first ball in the
combination except when table is open.
G.
8 Ball Run Out
(ERO)
1.
The
only time a player may achieve an ERO is in his first approach, with 15 balls
on the table. If the breaker runs out and wins the game from the break, it is
an ERO. If the breaker does not make any balls, his opponent will have a shot
at an ERO. He must pocket his 7 object balls and the 8 ball without a miss.
2.
ERO’s
should be recorded on the score sheet in the area provided.
H.
Playing games
out of order
1.
Sometimes
under extenuating circumstances, players may ask to play all games
consecutively. Although permissible, this can only be done after the 1st
round is completed. It will be up to both team captains to make the decision.
I.
Slow Play Rule
1.
Exaggerated slow play will be penalized. After a warning, any longer than ONE MINUTE between
shots will be a foul. The
third infraction will result in loss of game.
J.
Potential
Fouling Situations
1.
When
it appears that there is a possibility that a foul might be committed any time
before the shot is taken, it is the opponents’ responsibility to call for a
person to watch the shot. Because referees are not used in league play, every
attempt should be made to get a neutral party to make the call. It is the
person’s responsibility to call either foul or good hit. However, if the
respective person is not instructed specifically of what he/she is to call
before the shot is taken and the person calls a bad hit and foul, the bad hit
call stands.
2.
Both
players must exercise good judgment and sportsmanship concerning potential
fouling situations. Pool is intended to be a game of honor. Unless the shot is
extremely close, referees or neutral parties should not be called.
3.
If
the opponent calls for a judge, the shooter must stop shooting until a judge
arrives. If the player continues to keep shooting before the judge arrives the
opponent may call a foul on the player.
4.
A
player should also stop shooting when a foul is called.
K.
Fouling - All
fouls must be called and acknowledged before next shot is taken. (Exception:
scratching)
1.
Only
the players involved may call a foul. In the event a foul is called, the
opposing player receives cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. This means
that the player may place the cue ball anywhere on the table (the cue ball does
not to be behind the head string except on the opening break or immediately
after a foul on the break). A player must stop shooting when a foul is called.
If there is a disagreement on a foul between the two players and the captain
did not see the play or it couldn’t be determined by the rules, the game will
be re-racked and started over with the two players paying for the game. This
should only be in an extreme case and no one on either team seen the shot.
2.
Shooting
the cue ball into a pocket or off the table.
3.
When
placing the cue ball in position, any forward stroke motion contacting the cue
ball will be foul if not a legal shot. It is not recommended to use the cue to
help with placement of the cue ball however, if you choose to do this you may
only use the ferrule or stick because once the tip has made contact with the
cue ball it is considered a legal attempt at a shot.
4.
When
using a bridge, if the tip of your cue is in contact with the cue ball and at
the same time either the bridge or cue stick makes contact with any object
ball, it is a foul.
5.
Shooting
without at least one foot on the floor. (Exception: Wheelchairs)
6.
Picking
up or shooting the cue ball while any balls are in motion is a foul.
7.
With
cue ball in hand, touching any object ball with the cue ball is a foul or
touching any object ball with your hand while touching the cue ball is a foul.
8.
When
the slow play rule is enforced taking longer than one (1) minute between shots
is a foul.
9.
Jumping
object ball off the table is a foul.
10. After a scratch
on a legal break, if a player positions the cue ball completely and obviously
outside of the kitchen and shoots it is a foul. The opponent must call foul or
the game shall continue.
11. If your opponent
commits a foul and you do not receive acknowledgement of such foul prior to
touching the cue ball you have committed a foul. (Exception: scratching)
12. If a player
intentionally marks the table in any way (including placement of chalk or
leaving cue stick laid on table) to assist in executing a shot it is a foul.
13. After a shooter
has distinguished either stripes or solids and the incoming shooter
inadvertently legally pockets one of the opposing shooters object balls it is a
foul and the incoming shooter has ball in hand. If the opposing shooter does
not acknowledge the foul before the next shot is taken or anytime thereafter,
the game will result in a re-rack with the person who committed the foul
responsible for paying for the re-rack. If neither shooter acknowledges the
original foul and the game is completed, the result of the game will stand.
14. 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 masse 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 a
bridge.
15. An object ball
is considered to be illegally pocketed and remains pocketed when:
a) That object ball
is pocketed on the same shot a foul is committed.
b) The called ball
did not go in the designated pocket
c) A safe is called
prior to the shot
16. Accidently
moving or touching any ball is not a
foul unless:
a) The moved ball
is the cue ball
b) A moved ball
makes contact with the cue ball
c) A moved ball
that is jumped off the table or pocketed or causes any ball to be jumped off
the table or pocketed (Exception to #3: If the 8 ball is jumped off the table
or pocketed it is a loss of game if called by the opponent before the next shot
is taken). Only the opponent may replace the ball moved as closely as possible
or leave it where it rests. If the shooter replaces the moved ball it will be
considered a foul.
17. Object ball
frozen to cushion or cue ball. This applies to any shot where the cue balls
first contact with a ball is with one that is frozen to a cushion or cue ball
itself. After the cue ball makes contact with the frozen ball the shot must
result in either:
a) A ball being
pocketed
b) The cue ball
contacting the cushion
c) The frozen ball
being caused to contact a cushion attached to a separate rail.
d) Another object
ball being caused to contact a cushion with which it was not already in contact
with.
Failure to
satisfy one of those four requirements is a foul.
A ball which is
touching a cushion at the start of the shot and then is forced into a cushion
attached to the same rail is not considered to have been driven to that cushion
unless it leaves the cushion, contacts another ball, and then contacts the
cushion again. An object ball is not considered frozen to a cushion unless it
is examined and announced as such by either a referee or one of the players
prior to the object ball being involved in a shot.
18. Coaching
a) Coaching is a
foul. Any member of a team called for coaching will result in a foul on the
team member shooting.
b) Coaching by
spectators is a foul and may be called if it is verifiable and obvious.
Verifiable means coaching that would be confirmed by a neutral party.
c) At no time
should a player walk around the table while their opponent is shooting unless
they are asked to watch a close hit. Telling a player what to do at your table
or at the bar is still coaching even if you are not at the pool table.
d) Because coaching
has the potential to become the source of a dispute, all members of both teams
must make every effort not to even give the hint of coaching or any kind of
behavior that could give the slightest impression of coaching.
L.
Loss of game –
any of the following situations will result in loss of game.
1.
Pocketing
the 8 ball when it is not the legal object ball except on an opening break.
2.
Pocketing
the 8 ball on the same stroke as the last of his group of balls.
3.
Jumping
or knocking the 8 ball off the table at any time.
4.
Pocketing
the 8 ball in a pocket other than the one designated.
5.
Fouling
while pocketing the 8 ball in the designated pocket.
6.
Third
infraction of the slow play rule (if enforced).
M.
Forfeits
1.
Individual
forfeits:
if a player is not there prior to the beginning of the second (2nd )
round, he shall forfeit the first round only. If a player is not there prior to
the beginning of the third (3rd) round, he will forfeit all four (4)
games for the night.
2.
Team forfeits: Teams must have
2 players by 7:00 p.m. or the team forfeits for the night. Team showing up to
play receives their average from the four (4) weeks prior, or four (4) weeks
after if early in season.
3.
After split
forfeits:
Team showing up to play will receive their average from the first half of teams
in their division.
N.
Postponements
& make up matches
1.
Opposing
captains, by mutual agreement, may postpone a match. Postponements are highly
discouraged and should be made only because of extenuating circumstances. In
the event of a postponement both captains must notify the league secretary or
president of the postponement and when the match will be played.
2.
It
is recommended that request for postponement is made 24 hours before the
scheduled match was to be played. Teams should have sub players who can take
over in the case of illness, etc. Not being able to fill a team is not grounds
for postponement. Opposing teams do not have to grant a postponement. It is a
privilege and not mandatory, however, it is good sportsmanship to try and
accommodate. Common sense, fair play and sportsmanship should always be
considered when deciding whether to consider a postponement.
3.
Postponed
matches must be played within 2 scheduled league nights of the originally
scheduled match, and should be shot in the originally scheduled location.
4.
Captains
must make every effort to clearly agree on time and date of the make-up match.
If a dispute arises over the rescheduling of the match, the league president
will set up the match. If the disputed match involves the league president the
league secretary will set up the match.
5.
In
the event of bad weather it is the captains’ responsibility to notify the
opposing team captain if your team is unable to attend the regular scheduled
match.
O.
Stalemated Game
1.
In 3 consecutive turns
at the table by each player
(6 turns total), they purposely
foul or scratch and both players
agree that attempting to pocket or move an object ball will result in immediate
loss of game, then the game will be considered a stalemate.
The balls will then be
re-racked and the breaker of the stalemated game will break again.
PLEASE NOTE: Three consecutive fouls by one player
is not a loss of game