SPARTA AREA WEDNESDAY CO-ED POOL

RULE GUIDE

2024-2025

 

Team / Player / Sub’s

  1. Play will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening
  2. Sponsor fee is $40.00 per team and is subject to change with a vote at annual fall meeting. Checks payable to Sparta Area WPL Each player pays $6.00 per week plus .25 per scratch (50 cents per player/week split between to local charities at season end)
  3. Teams shall consist of at least 1 player of the opposite sex. Players must be 21, no exceptions. In an emergency situation, a team may play with 4 player of same sex with president approval.
  4. Player information cards must be filled out and turned in with the score sheet on the 1st night of play and each time a new person shoots.
  5. If a team is unable to play on a scheduled league night the team has 2 weeks to reschedule with the opposing team or they forfeit. (Unless an extension has been approved by league secretary) The secretary must be informed of makeup date.
  6. In the case of a table malfunction, if repair cannot be made within an hour, the remaining games are to be moved to a location agreed upon by the both team captains.  If either team declines to move that team forfeits the night.
  7. 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. Definitions of fouls are under Game Rules.
  8. If a team has a player that is banned from an opposing team location the team must have a sub available to take that players place. It is recommended that the banned player and sponsor try to reconcile the differences to allow the banned player to at least play the match and leave immediately afterwards. The final decision however is up to the bar owner.
  9. Subs are responsible for their player fees. If a team must play with less than four players, the team is still responsible for paying full four member fee. Any forfeit (individual / team) must still pay their money to the league.
  10. If a sub starts play, they must finish the evening play. If a player (regular or sub) must leave during a match due to an emergency, the team can call a player from their roster to finish that players games. That player also has the option to reschedule her un-played games. Player has up to 2 weeks to reschedule. Secretary must be notified when this situation occurs. 

 

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. 

  1. The point system will be used to determine the winner of the game. Number of match wins will decide any ties for team or individual awards.

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

  1. Individual point payout – each player will receive 5 cents per point won.
  2. Team payout will be balance of total money remaining after all payouts are paid. The required minimum to keep the bank account open will be left in bank.
  3. League Secretary will be paid $225 for the season.

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