black ball

The Game shall be known as blackball.
Play blackball in a sportsmanlike manner.
The referee is the sole judge of what is fair and unfair play and shall
take whatever action is necessary to ensure the rules are observed.

 

equipment

The game is played on a six pocket rectangular table with six cushions.

Equipment permitted.

(a) A white ball called the "cue ball".
(b) Two groups of object balls consisting of seven red (or blue) and
seven yellow balls. Alternatively use balls numbered 1 to 7 and 9 to15.
(c) A black ball (8ball).
(d) Spider rest, goose-neck rest, cross rest.
(e) Prescribed cues.

No other equipment is permitted unless ratified by the WPA.

table layout

The playing surface is the flat part of the table bordered by cushions.
The surface should be marked with a black spot at the intersection of
two imaginary diagonal lines joining centre and corner pockets.

The cloth is marked with a baulk line. A straight line drawn from
cushion to cushion 1/5th of the length of the table parallel to the face of
the cushion which lies at the greatest distance from the black spot.

Baulk is the rectangular area bordered by the baulk line and three
cushions.

 

object of the game

The player or team pocketing their group of object balls first in
any order and then legally potting the black ball wins the game.

 

4: start re-start

The opening break shot is determined by lag. The player winning
the lag decides who breaks. Opening breaks alternate in subsequent
frames. The exception is a re-rack for slow or negative play (rule 8g)

LAGGING PROCEDURE
Balls should be of equal size and weight.
Ideally use two cue balls, but when unavailable two object balls.
With ‘ball in hand’ behind the baulk line, one player to the left and one
to the right of the table, balls are struck simultaneously towards the top
cushion to return as close as possible to the baulk cushion. The player
whose ball comes to rest closest to the edge of the baulk cushion wins.

It is automatic loss of lag if a ball ....
(a) Crosses into the opponent's half of the table
(b) Fails to contact the top cushion.
(c) Drops into a pocket.
(d) Jumps from the table.
(e) Touches a side cushion.
(f) Comes to rest on the playing surface within the area of a pocket
past the nose of the baulk cushion.

Players will lag again if both players fall victim to automatic loss of lag
rules or the referee is unable to determine which ball is closer.

4a : the rack

Arrange as shown with the black ball on the black spot.

4b : the break

The first shot of a frame is the break. To ‘break’, the
cue ball is played from baulk at the triangle of object balls.

Frames commence when a player’s cue tip contacts the cue ball.
(a) The break is legal if a ball is potted, OR at least two object balls
fully pass an imaginary line joining the middle of the centre pockets.
(b) If it is an illegal break the opponent is awarded a free shot plus one
visit. The cue ball can be played from where it lies OR from baulk OR
there is a re-rack.

4c : playing from baulk

(a) The cue ball must be in baulk when a shot is played. If the centre
of the cue ball is on the baulk line this is deemed in baulk.
(b) The cue ball must be moved only by hand. Not with the shaft of the
cue. The player may continue to adjust the position of the cue ball by
hand until a shot is played. If the cue ball is touched with the tip of the
cue a shot is deemed to have been played and it is a foul if it does not
meet the requirements of a legal shot. Rule 5d.
(c) The cue ball may be played in any direction.
After a foul, if the player decides to play from baulk, position the cue
ball without touching any other ball.
It is a foul, if during placement, the cue ball touches another ball.

4d : black ball potted on the break, or on a re-rack

The balls are re-racked and the same player breaks again.
No penalty is incurred. This still applies if any other balls are pocketed,
or leave the playing surface.

4e : deciding groups on an open table

Groups are NOT decided and the table remains open …
(a) On a break shot.
(b) On a foul shot.
(c) If taking a ‘free’ shot after a foul.
(d) In a ‘combination’ shot in which balls from both groups are potted.

After the break the table is open and players may play balls from
either group. The black ball cannot be used as an ‘on’ ball to pot an
object ball, unless a foul has been committed and it is a free shot.

Given these exceptions, if a player pots a ball or balls from a
single group the player is ‘on’ that group for the duration of the
frame. The opposing player is designated the opposite group.

4f : deciding groups after a foul shot

If a foul is committed on an open table and one or more object balls are
pocketed, then those balls are ignored in determining groups.
The oncoming player then faces an open table and has a free shot
playable from where the cue ball came to rest OR from baulk.
A player may play any ball on a free shot and the table remains open.

4g : continuing play

In the course of play, if balls are potted and a legal shot is played
then players are entitled to an additional shot.
This continues until a player either ….
(a) Fails to pocket one or more of the allotted balls OR
(b) Commits a foul.

4h : cue ball in hand

With ‘cue ball in hand’, play from anywhere
within baulk in any direction.

Legal placement is described in rule 4c

4i : touching balls

Play away from any touching balls.

If the touching ball is an ‘on’ ball. The player is deemed to have played
that ball. To play a legal shot, the player need only pot a ball from his/her
own group OR cause any ball, including the cue ball, to strike a cushion.

If the touching ball is not ‘on’. The player must play away and meet all of
the normal requirements of a legal shot. See rule 5d.

On playing away from two or more touching balls. All requirements of
a legal shot must be met. If not possible the game is a stalemate. See 4r

Should a touching ball move while ‘playing away’ then this is a foul.

4j : combination shots

Two or more object balls can be potted without penalty in a single
‘skill shot’. The potted balls may drop into pockets in any order.

In combination shots you may ….
(a) Contact a ball from your group first and pot balls from both groups.
(b) Play to pot your remaining group ball(s) and the black to win a frame
provided initial contact is with a ball of your group and all balls are potted.
(c) Play the black ball (when the black ball is a ball ‘on’) onto an
opponent’s object ball and pot both balls to win the frame.

In combination shots after a foul, use a free shot to make initial contact with
any ball. For example you may play an opponent’s ball onto the black ball to
pocket the black and win the frame, provided you are ‘on’ the black. In this
instance it is not necessary to pot the opponent’s ball (see rule 6b)

4k : balls off the table

It is a foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, does not return by its own
means and remains off the playing surface (other than when potted).

Balls are returned to the table as follows ...
(a) If a cue ball, it is played from baulk.
(b) Object balls are re-spotted.

If a ball returns to the table ‘by its own means’ then ....
(a) It is not a foul if a ball leaves the playing surface runs along a cushion
and drops back onto the surface before coming to rest or falling into a
pocket, provided other requirements of a legal shot are fulfilled.
(b) It is a foul if a ball leaves the playing surface and contacts a person, or
an object that is not part of the table (such as a block of chalk) and then
returns to the surface.

4m : re-spotting and returning balls to the table

If a cue ball, it is returned to the table and played from baulk.
An object ball is re-spotted with its centre point on the black spot or as
near as possible to that spot in a direct line between the spot and the centre
point of the cushion which lies furthest from the baulk line.

Object balls are re-spotted in the following order ....
(a) Black ball.
(b) Red (or blue or solid 1-7) balls.
(c) Yellow (or striped 9-15) balls.
Return balls as close as possible to other balls but without touching.

4n : interference and marking a table

There is NO penalty if balls are moved in these circumstances ....
(a) By persons other than the players taking part in the frame OR
(b) As a result of players being bumped OR
(c) Events deemed not within a player’s control.

The referee will return balls as closely as possible to their original positions.
A player may not use chalk or other object as a marker.
It is not a foul to place chalk on the table while in control but it should be
removed before an opponent addresses the table.
Intentional marking, such as positioning chalk to aid a shot, is a foul.

4p : ball falling into a pocket without being hit

(a) If a ball falls into a pocket without being hit by another ball, having
been motionless for five seconds or longer, and being no part of any stroke
in progress, it is replaced and play continues.
(b) If a ball falls into a pocket ‘by itself’ during a shot, so that it would
have been hit by another ball were it still there, then it is replaced and all
balls that moved during the shot are returned to their former positions prior
to the next shot.
The player may then play the same shot OR chooses a different shot.
(c) If a ball balances momentarily on the edge of a pocket and then falls it
counts as in the pocket and will not be replaced.

4q : object ball frozen to, that is, touching a cushion

When the cue ball makes first contact with an ‘on’ object ball which is
‘frozen’ to a cushion it is a foul if the shot does not result in ....
(a) A ball being potted OR
(b) The cue ball contacting a cushion OR
(c) The frozen ball contacting a cushion attached to a ‘separate’ rail OR
(d) Any other object ball contacting a cushion with which it was not already
in contact before the shot was played.
A ball touching a cushion at the start of a shot which is forced into the same
cushion is not considered to have struck that cushion unless it leaves the
cushion, strikes another ball, and then contacts the cushion again.

An object ball is not considered frozen to a cushion unless this is
announced by a referee or player prior to a shot being played.

4r : stalemate

If a situation arises where no legal shot is playable,
see rule 5d, whether by accident or design, the frame is re-started.
If a re-rack is caused by accident, the original ‘breaking’ player breaks
again. If due to slow or negative play, or by design, players lag to see
who breaks. Re-racks may involve reduced numbers of balls. See Rule 8g

4s : completion of a frame or game

A frame is over when
the black is potted on a legal shot (rule 5d) and all balls come
to rest OR in a ‘loss of frame’ situation (rule 7)
The referee waits for the balls to stop moving and announces frame,
game or match awarded to a player or team.
If the referee has not made this announcement and the balls are still
moving, then a player will be penalized by loss of frame if a further
shot is played OR the player interferes with the remaining balls.

 

fouls fouls fouls

5a Potting the cue ball ‘in-off’ This includes the break shot.
Following an ‘in-off’ shot the player or referee may recover the cue
ball from the basket (see rule 7e, preventing a ball going in-off)

5b Playing outside baulk when obliged to play within baulk.

5c Potting an opponent’s ball without potting a ball from your own
group (or the black if the ‘on’ ball) except when the table is open.

5d Failing to perform a legal shot.
LEGAL SHOT DEFINED :
To play a legal shot the player must cause the cue ball’s initial
contact to be with an ‘on’ ball and THEN must either ….
(a) Pot any ‘on’ ball or balls (see rule 6b) OR
(b) Cause the cue ball or any object ball to contact a cushion
(see exception, rule 5g, snookers)

5e JUMP SHOTS The cue ball jumps over another ball.
If the cue ball leaves the bed of the table and does not strike
an object ball that would have been struck had the cue ball
not left the table on an otherwise identical shot then the
cue ball is deemed to have jumped over that ball.
This is a foul.

5f PUSH STROKES Defined as the tip
of the cue remaining in contact with
the cue ball after it has commenced
forward motion.

5g Failure to escape
SNOOKERS by striking
an ‘on’ ball.
A player is considered snookered
when it is deemed impossible to hit any
part of a ball ‘on’ by way of a straight line shot.

In escaping from a snooker the player need only cause
the cue ball to contact an ‘on’ ball.
It is NOT necessary to pot a ball OR to cause any ball to contact a
cushion AFTER escaping a snooker.

Players should seek confirmation of the snooker from an
opponent, referee or official before playing a shot.

5h Striking the cue ball with any part of the cue than the tip.

5i Playing before balls have come to rest from previous shot.

5j Playing before balls that require re-spotting are re-spotted.

5k Playing out of turn.

5m DOUBLE HITS The cue tip contacts the cue ball more than
once in the same shot. If the tip of the cue strikes the cue ball twice
and the referee clearly sees or hears each contact, then it is a foul.

5n Playing a shot while not having at least one foot on the floor.
The exception is physical disability or other special needs.

5p Touching a ball. A player’s body, clothing, jewellery or
accessory, or part of a cue, with the exception of the tip in a
legal shot, touches a ball.
A tip falling off a cue, or chalk dropped, is a player’s responsibility.
Should these contact any ball on the table it is a foul. A player is
responsible for equipment brought to the table but not that supplied
at the tournament. If the end falls off a rest that has been provided
for a tournament and it contacts a ball this is not a foul. This is
‘supplied’ equipment. Only if it is a player’s own equipment is it a foul.

 

loss of frame fouls

7a Committing a foul in a shot in which the black is potted.

7b Potting the black . . . when any balls of the player’s own
group remain on the table after the shot has been played.

7c DELIBERATE FOUL
A player who clearly and intentionally plays a ball not ‘on’
has committed a deliberate foul resulting in loss of frame.
A player who clearly and intentionally fails to attempt to
play a ball from his/her own group, or play an ‘on’ ball after
a foul, will lose the frame. Failing to make a bona fide attempt
to play a legal shot is a deliberate foul and will result in loss of frame.

7d Deliberately touching or picking up a ball on the surface
of the table without permission results in loss of frame.
Except when positioning the cue ball in baulk (rule 4c) only the
referee can deliberately touch a ball on the bed of the table. If a
referee is unavailable, ask an opponent to pick up the cue ball.

7e Catching or preventing a ball going ‘in-off’.
If the cue ball is going ‘in-off’ and the player catches that ball,
preventing it from dropping into the pocket and entering the table
mechanism, then it is loss of frame.

7f Deliberately by word or action disrupting opponent’s play.

 

guidelines

 

8a TIMED SHOTS AND FOULS Players have 60 seconds to play
a shot, including the break shot or a shot with ‘ball in hand’.
The referee starts timing when all balls come to rest from the
previous shot (but see below, recovering an ‘in-off’ cue ball).
If a player has not played within 60 seconds it is a foul.
If 30 seconds elapse before a player has played a shot, the referee
announces “thirty seconds”.
The call must be made the instant that time has elapsed and not
postponed because a player is about to play a shot.
The referee may recover the cue ball from the basket if a
player is slow in doing so.
The referee will hand the ball to the player in control. As soon as
the cue ball is handed over, or the player recovers the ball, the
referee starts timing. The player has 60 seconds to play a shot.
A ‘Time Out’ is called for the following reasons ….
(a) Player requests a rest or bridge.
(b) Something or someone is obstructing the player.
(c) There is a ‘touching ball’ decision.

8b UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT The ‘Spirit of the Game’ is
be breached and a frame or match is awarded to an opponent.
Unsportsmanlike conduct may be regarded as ….
(a) Foul language.
(b) Throwing a cue around or unscrewing it as if to concede.
(c) Arguing with an opponent, spectator or referee.
(d) Continuously disagreeing with a referee’s rulings.
(e) Interfering while an opponent is playing a shot.
(f) Not moving away from the table or out of an opponent’s way
after a visit.

8c COACHING Play without advice from others.
If, in the opinion of the referee, the result has been compromised in
some way, it may be decided to award the frame to the opponent.

8d LEAVING THE PLAYING AREA
If a player has to leave the playing area during a match, the
player must have the referee’s permission.
This should happen only under exceptional circumstances. With no
referee, players should take bathroom breaks between frames.

8e A referee may on request advise on the rules of the game.
The referee will explain the rule to the best of his ability. The
referee must not provide any subjective opinion that would affect
play, such as whether a legal shot can be played.
Referees cannot be held responsible for giving incorrect
information. It is the player’s duty to be aware of the rules.

8f The referee ensures excessive time is not taken on a shot.
This will be in accordance with local competition rules and guidance
and is necessary when an event doesn’t apply the ‘time rule’
described in rule 8a.

8g RE-RACKS with nine balls following slow or negative play.
Rack fifteen balls as normal. Remove the ball at the apex and the
back five. Players must lag to determine who breaks.

8h In DOUBLES when a player approaches the table, conversation
with others including a partner is unsporting and dealt with under
competition rules.

8i PLAYING WITHOUT A REFEREE Disputes between players
should be referred to tournament officials. Play stops to allow
an official to be called, as protests must be made prior to any
further shot being taken. Otherwise protests cannot be considered.
If players fail to take this action no foul is considered to have
occurred. Players must honour an opponent's request to halt play
and summon an official.
Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of a frame or match.

referee's guideline & duties

GUIDANCE TO REFEREES
The English Pool Association, in association with the English Pool Referees Association, issues the following guidance.

It is intended to be both guidance to the rules of the World Eight Ball Pool Federation and the English Pool Association, and guidance to refereeing the game of Eight Ball Pool.

This guidance should be read in conjunction with the W.E.P.F. Rules and the E.P.R.A. Calling Procedure.

In this guidance extracts from the rules of the World Eight Ball Pool Federation are in italics.

Should any guidance contained herein conflict with the instructions of a Senior Referee, the instructions of the Senior Referee shall take precedence.

1. Equipment (rule B)
Players may not use equipment or accessory items for purposes, or in a manner, other than for which the items were intended.

A rest should be provided as part of in house equipment. Most venues will also supply other forms of mechanical bridge (for example spider, swan neck) however, if these are not available no allowances should be made.

2. Definitions (rule C)
The word 'Striking' means making contact between the cue tip and a ball.

3. Playing from baulk (rule E)
Although it is the duty of the Referee to recover the cue ball following an “in off”, a player will not be penalised for performing this duty. If the player recovers the cue ball, or the player is preventing the Referee from recovering the cue ball, timing will commence from the point the cue ball reaches the trough. At this point call “Time running”.

When a player commits a foul with the cue ball in hand:

· If the foul is made before the cue ball is placed on the table, the opponent has two visits, ball in hand.

· If the foul has been made after the ball has been placed on the table then the opponent must play from where the cue ball lies (whether in or out of baulk), unless foul snookered.

It is not a foul for a player to use the cue to reposition the cue ball in baulk, when the cue ball is in hand. However if the tip of the cue touches the cue ball during such a manoeuvre a standard foul will be called, for failing to perform a legal shot. However, if this happens prior to the break a foul break will be called, thereby allowing the opponent to reposition the cue ball.

4. The Break (rule F)
4.1 Lag for break
If competition or tournament rules require a lag for break then the following procedure should be used:
Each player should use balls of equal size and weight. With the balls in baulk, one player to the left and one to the right of the table, the balls are struck simultaneously to the foot cushion and back to the baulk end of the table. The player whose ball is the closest to the innermost edge of the baulk cushion wins the lag. The lagged ball must contact the foot cushion at least once. Other cushion contacts are immaterial, except as prohibited below.
It is an automatic loss of the lag if:
(1) the ball crosses into the opponent's half of the table,
(2) the ball fails to contact the foot cushion,
(3) the ball drops into a pocket,
(4) the ball jumps the table,
(5) the ball touches the long cushion,
(6) the ball rests within the corner pocket and past the nose of the head cushion, or
(7) the ball contacts the foot cushion more than once.
If both players violate automatic-loss lag rules, or if the referee is unable to determine which ball is closer, the lag is a tie and is replayed.

If one player strikes the ball, the other player has to strike his ball before the opponent’s ball reaches the foot cushion in order to have a simultaneous lag. If this is not the case and the referee feels that the player who played second wanted to get an advantage out of that, then the lag has to be replayed.

4.2 Restarted Frame
A restarted frame (caused by a stalemate or accidental shot out of turn) will be replayed with the player who made the legal break in that frame breaking again. The player will break with one visit, even if the player originally started with two visits.

The exception to this is when a frame is re-racked because of a Void Break.

4.3 Void Break
A void break does not result in a restart as defined above. When the 8-Ball is potted from the break shot all aspects of the break are ignored (except if a serious foul or breech of the ‘Spirit of the Game’ occurred) and the break will be taken again with no penalty.
As soon as the black ball falls the referee will call “Void break” and both the object balls and the cue ball may be gathered for the re-rack. There is no need to wait for all balls to stop moving.

If the player broke with two visits, again the player will break with two visits.

5. Legal Shot (rule G)
If a player plays a shot that causes a ball to enter a pocket and jump out, without making contact with a cushion, then no penalty for failing to hit a cushion will apply. For the purposes of the Legal Shot rule (determining if a ball has hit a cushion), the back of the pocket will count as a cushion.

If a player plays into a ball touching a cushion, and that ball comes away from the cushion and returns to the same cushion, without touching another object ball, then the shot is a foul. However, if that ball comes away from the cushion, hits another object ball, and returns to the original cushion, then the shot is legal.

Simultaneous initial contact between a ‘ball on’, and a ‘ball not on’, is NOT a foul.

If a player plays into a ball touching a cushion, and the cue ball simultaneously contacts the ‘ball on’ and the cushion, a legal shot has NOT been completed.

6. Total Snooker (rule Q)
The definition of a snooker does not apply to a total snooker.

If a shot is not preceded by a foul, and a player asks the Referee for a snooker, the Referee should interpret this as if the player were asking for a total snooker. The call, if awarded, should be “Total Snooker”, to make it clear that a total snooker has been awarded.

7. Deciding Colours (rule H)
During an Open Table the 8-Ball cannot be used as a ball ‘on’, unless nominated after a foul snooker.

A Referee should not request nomination from a player as this could be interpreted as coaching.

Players are normally advised of playing groups once and then afterwards only if asked directly by the player in control.

8. Time Allowed (rule I)
Players have 30 seconds, to play their shot, from the 30 seconds indication.
8.1 “Time Out”
If a player plays a shot while “Time Out” has been called (for example when a Referee is away from the table getting a rest) it is a Serious Foul penalised under M1 Deliberately playing a shot out of Turn.
8.2 Granting a “Time Out”
“Time out” may be called at the Referees discretion. For example:
· Player requesting a rest (which is not immediately available)

· Something obstructing the player

· Player needs to leave the playing area very urgently

· Referee making a close snooker, total snooker or touching ball decision

· Player lost a contact lens

· Player fastening shoe laces

8.3 Refusing a “Time Out”
The following are examples of when “Time out” should not be called:
· Any telephone call

· Player needs to visit WC (player can go before or after a frame with the permission of the Referee)

· Fetching a drink from an area away from the table

· Looking for a cigarette or lighter away from the table

· Searching for chalk

9. Fouls
If a player that plays a shot immediately after a time foul has been called then the rules pertaining to a serious foul will apply, with the addition that the oncoming player may also have ball in hand.

10. Standard Fouls
10.1 Coaching (Rule K12)
For any event administered by the EPA, the following ‘First and Final Warning’ will be given at the commencement of a days play as a block warning to all players and spectators:
“ Good morning / afternoon / evening Ladies and Gentleman, my name is … and I am the Senior Referee for this event. In accordance with the rules this is the first and final warning for coaching. Any word or action deemed as coaching by a referee will be penalised by a Standard foul, two visits. This includes using a mobile phone whilst in the arena.”
Coaching of any sort (even coaching that prevented a loss of frame foul being committed) can only be penalised via a standard foul, and then only if the warning has been issued.

In doubles, talking between partners is allowed from the point balls stop moving at the end of a partner’s turn (throughout the opponent’s turn), and until the cue ball is struck at the beginning of the other partners turn. However, only the player whose turn it is, is allowed to touch the table (rule K10).

10.2 Cigarettes or Beverages (Rule K9)
For the purposes of this rule the word ‘Cigarette’ should be considered generic, encompassing Cigars, Cheroots and Pipes.
A cigarette contained in a packet, which protrudes from a (breast) pocket, does not constitute a foul.

A cigarette placed behind the ear will constitute a foul if entering the space above the table.

10.3 Touching the Table (Rule K10)
If a player touches the table in appreciation or frustration of a good shot and it is obvious the players opponent is about to lose control of the table, i.e. the balls are almost at rest and nothing will be pocketed, a foul should not be called. However, the referee should remind players to stay away from the table until all balls have come to rest.
11. Examples of Serious Fouls (Rule M)
1. Playing a shot out of turn

For example,
Accidental: A player that plays a shot immediately after a foul has been called.

Deliberate: A player that plays a shot during a time out (see 8.1 “Time Out”), or the incorrect doubles partner playing a shot.

A player taking a second visit when not entitled should normally be penalised under rule K10, as soon as the table is touched.

2. Deliberately striking a ball other than the cue ball with the tip of the cue.

For example
Playing an object ball with the cue, instead of the cue ball.
Moving a ball by hand.
Throwing the cue on the table.

3. Deliberately causing any ball or balls to be moved in a manner other than which may result from the playing of a normal shot.

For example banging the side cushion to propel a ball further then it would have otherwise travelled and stopping the normal travel of an object ball by hand or other means (stopping the normal travel of the cue ball should be penalised via a standard foul under rule K.21).
If the opponent is on the 8-Ball then a loss of frame foul shall be called under N6.

4. Deliberately striking the cue ball with other than the tip of the cue.

For example using the butt of the cue to play the cue ball.

5. Causing the cue ball to jump over any ball.

The cue ball leaving the bed of the table and making first contact with the reverse side of an object ball, that it would have struck had it not left the table on an otherwise identical shot, is not a jump shot.

If the cue ball leaves the bed of the table, jumps over an object ball, hits the cushion, and returns to make first contact with that object ball, then a jump shot has been played.

6. Deliberately interfering by word or action, so as to disrupt an opponents play.

Examples include rattling of change, verbal barracking and noisily chalking cue, so as to cause disruption.

12. Loss of Frame Fouls (rule N)
Points that will be classified as “Breaching the Spirit of the Game” are:
· Foul language

· Player throwing cue around

· Arguing with an opponent, spectator or Referee

· Continuously disagreeing with the Referees decision and/or ruling

· Repeatedly marking the table (rule W2)

· Player (or players partner in doubles) breaking down, or putting away, cue

13. Snooker’s (rule P)
It is important to remember that a snooker is completely different to a total snooker, in both definition and application. The definition of a snooker is only applicable following a foul.
When assessing a snooker the distance between object ball and cue ball is important. When the cue ball and object ball are a table length apart, the points of finest cut are almost the extreme sides of the object ball. As the distance between the balls decrease, the points of finest cut become closer together. When the two balls are touching the two points of finest contact are the same point. Hence a player cannot be snookered on a touching ball.

14. Foul Snooker (rule R)
If a player has been awarded a Foul Snooker, and the player picks up the ball, it is a standard foul (see K21; the Referee must retrieve the cue ball). The opponent comes to the table with cue ball in hand.
14.1 Assessing a Snooker in baulk (rule E)
All positions for the cue ball in baulk must be examined. This includes being able to place the cue ball in the jaws of a pocket (but not touching a ball ‘on’), or being able to place the cue ball in the middle of a cluster of balls. A Referee should not attempt to place the cue ball into such positions; the fact that it could be done is enough to deny a snooker.
14.2 Nomination of free ball (rule R)
Consider the following: A player is on yellows, and has been awarded a foul snooker. The player nominates a ball by pointing at a group of red and yellow balls. While the Referee is trying to figure out which ball was nominated the player gets down and plays a shot at that group of balls that results in the cue ball hitting a red ball on the first impact.
In this situation the player should have waited for the Referee to confirm the nomination, by pointing to the nominated ball. The player has committed a standard foul.

15. Touching balls (rule T)
When the cue ball is touching two or more object balls, and at least one is a ‘ball on’, so long as the player plays away from at least one ‘ball on’, the player may play into any of the other touching balls without penalty.
This also applies to an open table, where both sets of coloured object balls are on. For example, if the cue ball is touching a red and the 8-Ball, the player may play away from the red and into the 8-Ball.

16. Balls falling without being hit (rule V)
The instant that the Referee has determined that a shot is over, time will be started. Any subsequent ball falling, no matter how close to time starting, will be treated as falling without being hit, and it shall be replaced where it was prior to falling.

If a ball falls in without being hit timing shall be restarted when the ball(s) have been replaced.

17. Interference (rule W)
17.1 Replacing balls (rule W1)
The decision where to replace balls lies only with the Referee. In some circumstances the Referee may choose to ask advice regarding the position of balls, but the final decision must lie with the Referee.
No matter how widely balls are scattered the Referee will still replace them, to the satisfaction of the referee. There is no provision for a re-rack because of outside interference.

17.2 Chalk on the table (rule W2)
The Referee should always ensure that chalk is removed.
It is only if the Referee believes that chalk, or other foreign matter, is being used to mark the table that the Referee shall issue a verbal warning. Three warnings in the same frame will result in loss of frame.

18. Basic Duties of the Referee
18.1 Objective
The Referee should ensure the game is played according to the rules, and to announce shots in accordance with the calling procedure, for the benefit of both the players and the spectators.
The Referee will take whatever action is necessary to ensure that the rules are observed. The referee may, as appropriate, issue warnings, call on a Senior Referee, abandon the game, or in extreme circumstances award frame or game away.

18.2 Positioning of the Referee
The Referee will be in such a position that a clear view of the table and player is available, without obstruction or distraction to the player, also bearing spectators in mind.
Most occasions will allow a referee to change position after every shot. This opportunity should be taken, and will have three benefits:

· the best view possible

· will not obstruct the view of the same spectators

· continual movement will increase the alertness of a Referee

18.3 Duties and positioning of the timekeeper
In most cases a separate timekeeper will be static, and be in such a position that a clear view of the table is available. It maybe necessary to move, particularly if 60 seconds is approaching and the view is obstructed by the player in control or by the other Referee.
In most situations timing will commence from when the timekeeper sees all the balls stop moving. However, following an ‘In off’ time starts when the other Referee calls “Time Running”

Most stopwatches require three clicks, the first to stop, the second to reset and the third to start. Timing can be more accurate if the first two clicks are performed while the balls are still moving. As soon as the balls stop moving only the last click need be performed.

18.4 Preparing a table
· • Brush the cushions in the direction of the nap. (This is normally from the baulk end for the side cushions and clockwise for the end cushions. However, some tables may differ. The direction of the nap can be determined by lightly brushing fingers on the cloth in both directions.)
· Remove bad dust spots by gently flicking the brush in the opposite direction to the nap

· Brush table in the direction of the nap

· Iron the table in the direction of the nap

If no iron is available, turn the brush upside down and forcefully push brush up the table. Then brush again.

19. Further Duties of the Referee (rule Z)
1. In the event of a player refusing to accept a decision, then the Referee will abandon the game, reporting the facts to the governing body concerned (e.g. Tournament Director, Competition Organiser).

3. The player who wins the toss will have the choice of first break.

If a player has been awarded frames at the start of a match (e.g. for late arrival) the choice of break commences from the first frame to be played; it is not back dated to the first frame on the score sheet.

In a doubles match the break will also alternate between partners. Once the order of play has been determined during the first turn of each pair, that order shall remain for the duration of the match.

6. Where the cue ball is touching any object ball and in playing away, this object ball moves by virtue of settling into a hollow or similar fault of the table, then it is not a foul. If a table is in poor condition, whenever any ball(s) are touching the cue ball, it should avoid any disagreements if it is called touching by the Referee.

20. Guidance for walkabout refereeing
• Mobility: move from table to table, watching out for tight situations.
• Know which tables are in the allocated zone and cover all the allocated tables.
• If a walkabout Referee witnesses an incorrect decision by a table Referee, the call should be overruled.
• A walkabout Referee should know the result sheet system in use, and be able to explain to competitors as required.

• Ensure the time between frames is kept to a minimum to keep the competition flowing. This is particularly important during team matches (where re-racking of balls between frames, and getting the next players to table are points that may need consideration).
• Keep Senior Referee (or Organiser) informed at all times of unusual events that may develop. For example, a match in your allocated region may be progressing slowly and an adjacent table is spare.
• Be aware of the required player dress code (if in doubt alert the Senior Referee, who will take any action necessary, normally reporting it to the Tournament Director).
• If the Senior Referee is asked for, find the Senior Referee, advise the Senior Referee of the situation and your decision away from table, before returning to table.

21. Correcting mistakes
Do not be afraid of admitting mistakes and correcting them:
For example, a player A has two visits, and the Referee forgets to call “Second Visit” at the end of the first visit. Player A moves away from the table and player B touches the table. Player B cannot be penalised. If a Referee makes no call at the end of a visit it is reasonable for a player to assume it is also the end of the turn. The Referee has made a mistake by forgetting to call “second visit” and player A should return to the table, on “Second Visit”.

22. Suggested equipment
· Ball marker (two coins could be used if a ball marker is not available)
· Paper and pen

· Coin (with heads and tails)

· Spare cue ball for assessing tight total snooker’s and snooker’s. (It is a good idea to remove the spare cue ball before announcing the decision, thereby preventing unnecessary questioning of the decision.)

· Spare stopwatch.

23. Interpreting a players call
Some calls a player makes are not strictly correct, but it should be obvious to a Referee when taking the situation into account what the player means. This is particularly important when a language barrier exists.

24. Miscellaneous
1. A Referee should not submit to unnecessary requests for balls to be cleaned. Never attempt to lift a ball for cleaning if it is in a crucial position.
2. A Referee should never drink alcohol until stood down at the end of the day. Cigarettes should not be smoked while the Referee is on the floor.

3. Time keeping is important when returning for breaks. A Referee will normally be asked to report to the Senior Referee when relieved, or when returning from a break, or both. A 15-minute break period does not mean 15 minutes away from the table. There will always be a certain changeover time, thus reducing 15 minutes to possibly 13 minutes. Remember, if you are late back from a break, it is your colleagues that suffer.

4. A Referee should always know what time they are required for the ‘start of day’ briefing.

5. Some Tournament Directors will have additional rules that complement the World Eight Ball Playing rules (examples being slow play, determination of break, dress code). If such rules exist the Senior Referee will advise.

25. Final Note
This guidance should not be considered exhaustive. A Referee should not be afraid to ask a Senior Referee, no matter how trivial the question. Asking a question will install confidence in both the Referee and the Senior Referee.

26. Glossary
This guidance has been compiled using the following material:

World 8 Ball Pool Rules
World Rules Calling Procedure

Senior Referees Duties / Assistant Senior Assessment

South African Pool Association “Interpretation of the World Eight-Ball Pool Rules”

EPA directive on Coaching

Discussions held at EPRA meetings

26.2 Suggested Reading

World 8 Ball Pool Rules
World Rules Calling Procedure

26.3 Suggestions for Improvements
(Issue 2, January 2004)
Any suggestions for improvements in this publication should be addressed to the Chairman of the EPA Rules Revision Subcommittee.

© This Referees Guidance is copyright of the English Pool Association/E.P.R.A.
For information about this Referees Guidance please e-mail EPA Rules Revision Subcommittee