E.P.A.
Rules prior to 1st Jan 1998 (they are here only as reference
and for local leagues who are still using them to govern
frames of pool under their direct control).
If you need definitions and terminology for these rules
please see the two documents below
E.P.R.A. Calling Procedures
E.P.R.A. Referees Guidance
World Eight Ball Pool Federation Rules
A. The Spirit of the Game
The game is known as Eight-Ball Pool. It is expected
that players will always play the game in the true spirit
and in a sporting manner. The referee will take whatever
action is necessary to ensure that the spirit and rules
of the game are observed.
B. Equipment
The game of Eight-Ball Pool is played with:-
1. A "Cue Ball" - being a white ball.
2. Fifteen "Object balls" - consisting of:-
1. "Colours" - being a group of seven red
balls (or balls numbered 1-7) and a group of seven yellow
balls (or balls numbered 9-15).
2. The "Eight-Ball" - being a black ball
marked with a number "8".
3. A six pocket rectangular Pool Table with general
characteristics as follows:
1. The cloth will be marked with a "Spot"
at the position where a straight line drawn diagonally
from the centre of a side pocket to the centre of a
corner pocket would intersect with a straight line drawn
from the centre of the opposite side pocket to the centre
of the other corner pocket.
2. The cloth will be marked with a "Baulk Line"
being a straight line drawn from cushion to cushion,
parallel to, and one fifth of the length of the table
from, the face of the cushion that lies the greatest
distance from the spot.
C. Definitions
1. Shot: A "Shot" begins when all balls
stop moving from the previous shot. A player "Plays
a Shot" by striking the Cue Ball with the tip of
the cue. A "Shot" ends when all balls stop
moving from the current shot.
2. Play: To "Play" and Object Ball is to
play a shot that results in the Cue Ball's first contact
with another ball to be with that Object Ball. To "Play"
the cue ball is to strike it with the tip of the cue.
3. Ball On: At any time during a frame, a ball "On"
is any Object Ball that the player may play without
incurring a penalty.
4. Pot: A ball is "Potted" when it leaves
the bed of the table, enters a pocket and remains in
that pocket.
5. Visit: A "Visit" comprises one shot or
a series of shots. Each visit lasts until the player
fails to pot a ball "On". (Or until a foul
is committed or the frame ends).
6. Turn: A players "Turn" at the table comprises
one visit or, after most fouls committed by the opponent,
two visits.
7. Frame: A "Frame" is one game of Eight-Ball
Pool between two players or two pairs of players. A
frame is played from the opening break and usually through
until the Eight-Ball is potted. (Note: there are other
ways that a frame may end - see "Loss of Frame").
8. Match: A "Match" is a predetermined number
of frames of Eight-Ball Pool between two players, two
pairs of players or two teams of players.
9. Player in Control: A player (and the player's partner
in doubles) is deemed to be "In Control" of
the frame from the time that the balls stop moving from
the final shot of an opponent's turn until the balls
stop moving from the final shot of the player's turn.
There can be no instance, once a frame has commenced,
that someone is not in control.
D. Object of the Game
1. The object of the game is to win by being the first
player to Pot a group of colours in any order and in
any pocket and the Pot the Eight-Ball in any pocket.
2. When "On" a group of colours, potting
more than one ball of that Colour in the same shot is
allowed. But a separate shot must be played to pot the
Eight-Ball and win the game.
E. Playing from Baulk
1. "Baulk" is the rectangular area of the
table that is bordered by the Baulk Line and the three
cushions at that end of the table.
2. When playing from Baulk:-
1. The centre point of the Cue Ball must be in Baulk
when a shot is played. If the centre of the Cue Ball
is directly on the Baulk Line it is not deemed to be
in Baulk.
2. The Cue Ball can be moved into position by hand
or with the shaft of the cue, but when touched by the
tip of the cue, a shot is deemed to have been played.
3. The Cue Ball may be played in any direction.
4.
1. After an "In Off" the referee will recover
the Cue Ball and hand it to the incoming player or place
it on top of, and in the centre of, the cushion at the
Baulk end of the table for the player to retrieve by
hand.
2. If a player wishes to play from Baulk after a "Foul
Snooker", "Foul Jaw Snooker", or "Time
Foul" the player must verbally advise the referee
of this choice and the referee will then recover the
Cue Ball and hand it to the player or place it on top
of, and in the centre of, the cushion at the Baulk end
of the table for the player to retrieve by hand. If
the player touches or recovers the Cue Ball it is a
Standard Foul. {see(K) Standard Fouls (21)}.
5. After an "In Off","Foul Snooker","Foul
Jaw Snooker", or "Time Foul" the player
must endeavour to position the Cue Ball so as not to
create a Foul Snooker. If the player claims a Foul Snooker
from Baulk, the referee may choose to move the Cue Ball
around to determine if there is any position in Baulk
where the player would not be Foul Snookered. Whether
such a position is found or not, the referee will announce
the result and hand the Cue Ball back to the player
or place it on top of, and in the centre of, the cushion
at the Baulk end of the table for the player to retrieve
by hand.
F. The Break
1. The object balls are racked with the Eight-Ball
on the Spot.
2. In the absence of any competition / tournament
rules to the contrary, a coin will be tossed to determine
which player will break. If a series of frames is to
be played (A Match), the break of each subsequent frame
will alternate.
3. The first shot of a frame is called the "Break".
To "Break". the Cue Ball is played at the
triangle of Object Balls from Baulk. The frame is deemed
to have commenced the instant that the Cue Ball is played.
4.
1. The Break will be deemed a "Fair Break"
if:-
1. At least one Colour is potted.
and/or
2. Four Object Balls (at least) are driven to a cushion.
2. If the Break is not a Fair Break it is a Non-Standard
Foul and:-
1. The opponent is awarded two visits.
2. The balls are re-racked.
3. The opponent re-starts the game and is under the
same obligation to achieve a Fair Break.
3.
1. If the Cue Ball is potted on a Fair Break it is a
Non-Standard Foul that is penalised by the turn passing
to the opponent.
2. If the break is not a Fair Break and the Cue Ball
is potted, the penalty for failure to perform a Fair
Break applies. (see (b) above).
5. If the Eight-Ball is potted on any break, the balls
are re-racked and the same player will break again.
When the Eight-Ball is potted on the break, all other
aspects of the shot are ignored. (Except if a Serious
Foul or breech of the "Spirit of the Game"
occurs).
G. Legal Shot
1. On all shots, the player must:-
1. Cause the Cue Ball's initial contact with a ball
to be with a ball "On", AND THEN
2. Pot a ball "On" OR Cause the Cue Ball or
any Object Ball to contact a cushion.
2. Failure to play a Legal Shot is a Standard Foul.
3. Exceptions:
1. On the Break, the conditions of a Legal Shot do
not apply. (see (F) The Break)
2. When playing out of a Total Snooker a player is
only obliged to meet the conditions of (1)(a) above.
(see (Q) Total Snookers).
4. Interpretations:
1. If the Cue Ball's initial contact is with an Object
Ball that is touching a cushion, simply forcing that
Object Ball into the same cushion does not constitute
a Legal Shot.
2. If the Cue Ball and the Object Ball are touching
the same cushion, simply forcing the Cue Ball and /
or that Object Ball into the same cushion does not constitute
a Legal Shot.
H. Deciding Colours
1. General
1. When Colours have not been decided the table is
deemed to be "Open". When the table is open
a player may play at either group of Colours.
2. Colours can never be decided on a foul shot.
3. Once Colours are decided, the player remains "On"
that coloured group for the duration of the frame. The
opponent remains "On" the opposite coloured
group.
4. Playing a shot after neglecting to nominate a choice
of Colours is a Standard Foul. Any balls potted on such
a shot are left in the pocket and ignored for the purpose
of deciding Colours.
2. On the Break
1. If no Colours are potted on the break the table
is "Open".
2. If one or more Colours are potted on the break
the player then has a right and obligation to verbally
advise the referee of a choice of Colour before proceeding.
Failure to do so is a Standard Foul. If a player is
fouled under this rule the opponent faces an "Open"
table.
3.
1. if the player nominates a Colour that was potted
on the break, the player is on that Colour no matter
what happens next.
2. if the player nominates a Colour that was not potted
on the break, to be on that Colour, the player must
pot a ball of that Colour on the next shot.
3. After the Break
1. If a player pots one or more balls of the same
Colour, the player is then "On" that Colour.
2. If a player pots one or more balls of different
Colours, the player then has a right and obligation
to verbally advise the referee of a choice of Colour
before proceeding. Failure to do so is a Standard Foul.
If a player is fouled under this rule, the opponent
faces an "Open" table.
I. Time Allowed
1. A player has a maximum of sixty seconds to play
each shot.
2. The Referee will start timing when all balls have
come to rest from the previous shot.
3. If the first thirty seconds elapses before a shot
is played, the referee will call "Thirty Seconds
Remaining" as a warning to the player. This call
must be made the instant the thirty seconds has expired.
A Referee should not postpone the call because it appears
that the player is about to play a shot.
4. If a shot is not played within sixty seconds it
is a Non-Standard Foul. The oncoming player is awarded
two visits from:-
1. Where the Cue Ball lies, OR, if the player wishes
2. From Baulk
5. The referee may decide to grant "Time Out".
being a period when timing ceases:-
1. At the request of a player. (For example, something
is obstructing the player or the player needs to leave
the playing area.) AND/OR
2. Because the referee deems that it is warranted.
(For example, the referee may call time out when making
a close foul snooker decision or when searching for
a piece of equipment requested by a player.)
J. Fouls
There are four types of foul. Standard Fouls, Non-Standard
Fouls, Serious Fouls and Loss of Frame Fouls. A player
can only be penalised for one at a time. If two or more
fouls are committed during a shot, the foul that carries
the most severe penalty will apply.
K. Standard Fouls
Standard fouls are to be called by the referee as soon
as they occur and the fouled player immediately loses
control of the table. The referee then wards two visits
to the opponent.
1. Potting the Cue Ball - "In Off" {except
on a Fair Break - see (F) The Break (4)(c)(1)}. The
oncoming player plays from Baulk {see (E) Playing from
Baulk (d)(1)}.
2. Playing from outside Baulk when obliged to play
from Baulk. {see (E) Playing from Baulk (2)(a)}
3. Potting an opponent's ball. (except when it is
the properly nominated ball following a Foul Snooker
or Foul Jaw Snooker)
4. Failing to cause the Cue Ball's initial contact
with a ball, to be with a ball "On".
5. Accidentally striking the Cue Ball with any part
of the cue other than the tip.
6. Accidentally striking an Object Ball with any part
of the cue.
7. Playing a shot before all balls have come to rest
from the previous shot.
8. Playing a shot before any balls that require spotting,
have been spotted.
9.
1. Touching the table while having a cigarette (lit
or unlit) in hand or mouth.
2. Causing a cigarette (lit or unlit) to touch the
table or enter the space directly above the table.
3. Touching the table while having a beverage container
in hand.
4. Causing a beverage container or beverage to touch
the table or enter the space directly above the table.
10. Touching the table when not in control of the
frame. {see(C) Definitions (9) - Player in Control.}
Exception - When a player's turn is finished, that player
has a maximum of 10 seconds to move away from the table.
(see 11 below)
11. Not moving away from the table within 10 seconds
of the time that all balls stopped moving from the final
shot of a turn at the table.
12. Coaching:- During a frame, a player is required
to play without receiving any advice from other persons
relating to the playing of the frame. Should a team
member or bona-fide supporter of a player offer advice,
the referee will issue a "First and Final Warning"
to that person that a repetition will result in the
player being penalised via a Standard Foul. Because
it may not always be possible for the Referee to hear
if a statement made to a player is advice, the referee
may issue the First and Final Warning on the grounds
that a ny statement made to a player, other than general
barracking, is deemed to be coaching. In a tournament
setting, a First and Final warning may be given once
only, before the commencement of the day's play as a
block warning to all players and spectators
13. Leaving the playing area without permission. If
a player needs to leave the playing area during a frame
or match, "Time Out" must firstly be granted
by the referee. {see (I) Time Allowed (5)}
14. Playing a shot after neglecting to nominate a
choice of Colour when the obligation and right to do
so existed. {see (H) Deciding Colours (1)(e)}
15. Playing a push shot or Double Hit of a type defined
in (O) Push Shots and Double Hits.
16. Failing to perform a "Legal Shot". {see
(G) Legal Shot}
17. After being awarded a Foul Snooker or Foul Jaw
Snooker:- Playing an opponents ball or the Eight Ball
without first nominating that ball.
18. Playing a shot while not having at least one foot
touching the floor.
19. Failing to "Play Away" from a touching
ball. {see (T) Touching Balls (1)(a)}.
20. A ball remaining off the table. {see (U) Balls
Off the Table}
21. Players body or clothing touching any ball
L. Non-Standard Foul
Non-Standard Fouls are to be called by the referee as
soon as they occur and the fouled player immediately
loses control of the table. The referee will then impose
the relevant penalty. Non-Standard Fouls are so called
because the penalty and / or options of the incoming
player may vary.
1. Failure to perform a Fair Break. {see (F) The Break
(4)(a)&(b)}
2. Failure to play a shot within 60 seconds of the
time that the balls came to rest from the previous shot.
{see (I) Time Allowed (4)}.
3. Potting the Cue Ball on a Fair Break. {see (F)
The Break (4)(c)(1)}
4. An opponent's ball falling without being hit while
the player is in control. {see (V) Balls Falling Without
Being Hit (b)}.
M. Serious Fouls
Serious Fouls are to be called by the referee as soon
as they occur and the fouled player immediately loses
control of the table. The referee will replace the balls
as near as possible to the positions they were in before
the Serious Foul was committed and award two visits
to the opponent.
1. Playing a shot out of turn (accidentally or deliberately).
A player who plays a shot at any time during a frame
when the right to do so does not exist has played out
of turn. (For example, A player who plays a shot immediately
after playing a foul or immediately after the referee
has called a foul on that player, has played out of
turn.)
2. Deliberately striking a ball other than the Cue
Ball with the tip of the cue.
3. Deliberately causing any ball or balls to be moved
in a manner other than that which may result from playing
a normal shot.
4. Deliberately striking the Cue Ball with other than
the tip of the cue.
5. Causing the Cue Ball to jump over any ball. (If
the Cue Ball leaves the bed of the table and misses
an Object Ball that would have been struck had the Cue
Ball not left the table on an otherwise identical shot,
the Cue Ball is deemed to have jumped over that Object
Ball.)
6. Deliberately interfering, by word or action, so
as to disrupt an opponents play.
N. Loss of Frame Fouls
1. Committing a foul in the same shot that the Eight
Ball is potted. (Except on the Break).
2. Potting the Eight Ball when a ball or balls of
the player's own Colour are still on the table. (except
on the Break)
3. Potting the Eight Ball and the last ball or balls
of the player's own Colour in the same shot
4. Committing two Serious Fouls in the one frame.
5. Committing a Serious Foul that disrupts the balls
to such an extent that the referee deems it impossible
to replace them as close as possible to their original
positions. (Exception - a shot played out of turn accidentally.
In this case the Referee will give the opponent the
choice of either playing the balls from where they lie
or replaying the frame. If the frame is replayed, the
same player is to break again.)
6. Any deliberate attempt to prevent the opponent
from potting the Eight Ball, when the opponent is on
the Eight Ball, by way of a Serious Foul or other unsporting
manoeuvre.
7. If a player breeches the "Spirit of the Game"
to such an extent that the frame (or match) should be
awarded to the opponent.
O. Push Shots and Double Hits
1. Definitions: Most shots commonly known as "Push
Shots" in the game of "Snooker" are allowed
in the game of Eight-Ball Pool. Generally, any shot
played with speed will not be deemed to be a Push Shot
regardless of the fact that the cue tip may have come
into contact with the Cue Ball more than once.
2. Exceptions that are Standard Fouls:-
1. When, during the playing of a shot, the tip of
the cue strikes the Cue Ball twice and the referee is
able to actually see each contact.
2. When, during the playing of a shot, a player plays
the cue so slowly through the Cue Ball that the cue
tip remains in contact with the Cue Ball so as to be
visibly pushing it along.
3. When the Cue Ball is played into a touching Object
Ball. {see (T) Touching Balls}
P. Snookers
1. Definition: A player is Snookered when it is impossible
to play the finest cut possible on both sides of any
of that player's own Colour by way of a "straight-line"
shot. Snookering an opponent is not a foul.
2. A player cannot be Snookered by a ball of the player's
own Colour. That is, if one of the player's own coloured
group is an obstructing ball, it will be ignored for
the purposes of determining a Snooker.
3. A player cannot be Snookered on an Object Ball
if the Cue Ball is touching that Object Ball.
4. A player cannot be Snookered by the straight sections
of the cushions. If a straight section of a cushion
is preventing the finest possible cut on the side of
an Object Ball, that section of cushion will be deemed
not to exist for the purposes of determining a Snooker
on that Object Ball.
5. If an Object Ball is partly obscured by a curved
section (Jaw), this in itself does not constitute a
Snooker.
Q. Total Snookers
1. Definition: A player is in a Total Snooker when
it is impossible to play any part of any of the player's
own Colour by way of a "straight line" shot.
Leaving an opponent in a Total Snooker is not a foul.
2. If a player believes that a Total Snooker exists,
the player may ask the referee for a ruling.
3. If the referee rules that a Total Snooker exists,
the player's obligations under the "Legal Shot"
rule are relaxed as follows:- The player need only cause
the Cue Ball's initial contact to be with a ball "On".
The requirement to pot a ball and / or cause a ball
to strike a cushion is waived.
R. Foul Snookers
1. Definition: When an opponent plays a foul shot
and this results in the incoming player being snookered,
the incoming player is deemed to be Foul Snookered.
2. If a player believes that a Foul Snooker exists,
the player may ask the referee for a ruling.
3. If the referee rules that a foul snooker exists,
the player initially has the following options:-
1. Play the Cue Ball from where it lies. {see (4)(a)
below} OR
2. Ask the referee to remove the Cue Ball so as to
allow the player to play from Baulk. {see (4)(b) below
}
4.
1.
1. If the player chooses to play the Cue Ball from where
it lies, the player may, if the player wishes, nominate
the Eight Ball (but see (5) below) or any one of the
opponent's Colour. The player can nominate a particular
ball by verbal description of it or its position or
by pointing at it. The Referee may ask for further information
if any doubt exists as to which ball has been nominated.
2. Once nominated, a ball is deemed to "become
one" of the player's Colour for the first shot
of the first visit. The player may then play any of
the player's own Colour or the nominated ball. If any
of the player's Colour and/or the nominated ball are
potted, the player continues with the first visit.
2. If the player chooses to play the Cue Ball from
Baulk, a Foul Snooker may no longer exist. In this case
the procedure under the heading (E) Playing from Baulk
(2)(d)(2)&(2)(e) should be followed. If the referee
decides that a Foul Snooker does still exist, the player
may nominate a ball and follow the procedure in (4)(a)
above.
5. If the Eight Ball is nominated it may be played,
but potting it will mean loss of frame.
6. If a player is "On" the Eight Ball and
Foul Snookered:- The player may play a nominated ball
or the Eight Ball and pot either or both of these balls,
directly or indirectly, in any pocket or pockets.
Assuming the player does not commit a foul:-
1. If neither the Eight Ball or the nominated ball is
potted, the player's first visit is complete.
2. If the nominated ball is potted and the Eight Ball
is not, the player continues with the first visit.
3. If the nominated ball and the Eight Ball are potted,
the player wins the frame.
4. If the Eight Ball is potted and the nominated ball
is not, the player wins the frame.
7. If a Foul Snooker exists and the Cue Ball is touching
an opponent's ball or balls, the player may, but is
not obliged to, nominate one of those touching balls.
S. Foul Jaw Snookers
If an opponent fouls and the Cue Ball come to rest on
or near a Jaw (curved part of a cushion), and that jaw
is preventing the player from playing the finest cut
possible on both sides of any of that player's own colour
by way of a "straight line shot, the player is
deemed to be Foul Snookered and all the rules pertaining
to a Foul Jaw Snooker will apply.
T. Touching Balls
1. General
1. If the Cue Ball is touching an Object Ball, the
player is obliged to "Play Away" from that
Object Ball at an angle of not more than 90 degrees.
(That is, play the shot without causing the Cue Ball
to make any initial further contact with that Object
Ball)
2. If, when playing away from a touching ball, the
touching ball rocks or moves without being contacted
further, but simply because the Cue Ball is no longer
there, no penalty will apply.
2. When Colours have been decided:-
1. Playing away from a touching Object Ball of the
player's own Colour:-
The instant a player plays away from a touching Object
Ball of the player's own Colour, the player is deemed
to have played that ball. Therefore, the player needs
to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike
a cushion to fulfill all the requirements of a Legal
Shot.
2. Playing away from a touching Object Ball of the
opponent's Colour The player must play away from the
touching ball and then meet all the requirements of
a Legal Shot.
3.
1. Playing away from the touching Eight Ball when "On"
the Eight Ball:- The player must play away from the
touching Eight Ball and then need only cause any ball
to strike a cushion to fulfill the requirements of a
Legal Shot.
2. Playing away from the touching Eight Ball when not
"On" the Eight Ball.:- The player must play
away from the touching Eighth Ball and the meet all
the requirements of a Legal Shot.
4. Playing away from two or more touching Object Balls:-
1. If any of the touching Object Balls are of the
player's Colour, the player will be deemed to have played
away if the player plays away from any one of the touching
balls of the player's Colour. That is, the player may
play into any of the other touching balls. The player
needs then to only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike
a cushion to fulfill the requirements of a Legal Shot.
2. If none of the touching Object Balls are of the players
coloured group, the player must play away from all the
touching balls and then meet all the requirements of
a Legal Shot.
3. When Colours have yet to be decided:-
1. Playing away from a touching Coloured Ball:- The
instant a player plays away from a touching Object Ball
the player is deemed to have played that ball. Therefore,
the player needs to then only pot a ball or cause any
ball to strike a cushion to fulfill all the requirements
of a Legal Shot.
2. Playing away from a touching Eight Ball:- The player
must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then
meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
3. Playing away from two or more touching Object Balls:-
If the player plays away from any of the touching Coloured
Balls the player is deemed to have played that ball.
That is, the player may play into any of the other touching
Object Balls. The player needs to then only pot a ball
or cause any ball to strike a cushion to meet all the
requirements of a Legal Shot.
U. Balls off the Table
1. It is Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing
surface (other than being potted) and remains off the
playing surface or doesn't return by its own means.
2. Definitions / Examples
1. "Playing Surface":- The playing surface
of the table is the flat part of the table between the
cushions.
2. "By its own means":-
1. It is not a foul if a ball leaves the playing surface,
runs along the top of a cushion, drops back on to the
playing surface and comes to rest there or falls into
a pocket.
2. It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing
surface, comes into contact with a person or object
that is not a part of the table and then returns to
the playing surface.
3. "Off the Table":- It is a Standard Foul
if a ball leaves the playing surface and comes to rest
on other than the playing surface. (e.g. On the floor
or on the top of a cushion)
4. "Spotted":- A ball is spotted when its
centre point is placed on the spot or, if this is not
possible, as near as possible to the spot in a direct
line between the spot and the centre point of the cushion
that lies the greatest distance from the Baulk Line.
If any of the following balls require spotting, they
are spotted in the following order:-
1. Eight Ball
2. Red Balls in any order (or balls numbered 1 to 7
in numerical order)
3. Yellow Balls in any order (or balls numbered 9 to
15 in numerical order)
Spotted balls should be placed as close to each other
and any intervening balls as possible, without touching.
3. If a ball leaves the playing surface and remains
off the playing surface, it shall be returned to the
table:-
1. If it is a Cue Ball it is to be played from Baulk.
2. If it is an Object Ball (or Balls) it is to be
Spotted.
V. Balls Falling Without Being Hit
1. The Player in Control {see (C) Definitions (9)}
is responsible for any stationary ball that subsequently
falls into a pocket without being hit by another ball.
1. If one of the player's own Colour falls the player
is deemed to have potted that ball and the player in
control continues with that visit.
2. If one of the opponent's Colour falls into a pocket
without being hit, while a player is in control, it
is a Non-Standard Foul this will result in end of visit.
3. If the eight ball or the cue ball falls at any
time without being hit, it is replaced as near as possible
to its original position. If any other balls are moved
in these circumstances they shall also be replaced as
near as possible to their original positions and the
player in control continues with that visit.
W. Interference
1. If any balls are moved during a frame:-
1. By a person other than the players taking part
in the frame or,
2. As a direct result of one of the players being
bumped or,
3. Due to any other event deemed outside the players'
control such as:-
1. "An Act of God" such as an earthquake etc
2. Tip falling off a cue or end falling off a spider
etc,
The referee will replace the balls as near as possible
to the positions they were in before the incident occurred,
no penalty shall be imposed on either of the players
and the frame shall continue.
2.
1. The referee will prevent any unauthorised marking
of the table. If a player causes a block of billiard
chalk or other foreign matter to be on any part of the
table it is not a foul. However, the referee will ensure
that the item is removed.
2. If a player repeatedly causes a block of billiard
chalk or other foreign matter to be on any part of the
table the referee may deem that the player has breached
the Spirit of the Game and award the frame to the opponent.
3. Exception to (a) above:- A cigarette or beverage
container. {see (K) Standard Fouls (9)}
X. Impossible Shot
A situation may arise during a frame where it is impossible
for a player to play a shot without fouling. In such
a situation the player has no other option but to commit
a foul.
Y. Stalemate
The referee shall declare a Stalemate if both the player
and the opponent have three turns in succession where
the Cue Ball fails to make contact with an Object Ball.
In such a case, the frame will be replayed with the
same player breaking.
Z. Referee's Guideline and Duties
The Referee's Duties and Guidelines listed below supplement
those directions contained in various other sections
of these rules.
1. The Referee's decision is final except where players
have been advised that it is possible to appeal to a
Head Referee or other higher authority.
2. Information to be disclosed / not disclosed by
a referee:-
1. A player is responsible for knowing the rules of
the game. It is not the referee's duty to explain or
quote the rules to a player.
2. A referee, if asked by a player, may divulge certain
information pertaining to the frame in question under
the guidelines of the "Past, Present and Future
Rule". A referee may divulge information relating
to any past event or present situation in the frame.
For example:- "Who's turn is it?" - Present.
"Was that a foul?" - Past. Which Colour am
I On?" - Present. However, "If I play this
shot will it be a foul?" is a question regarding
the Future and the referee should advise the player
that the referee cannot answer this type of question.
3. The referee shall toss a coin to determine the
break and announce the result.
4. If an Object Ball (or balls) is potted on the break
the referee will advise both players of this fact by
announcing "Ball (or balls) potted". When
a player has a right and an obligation to nominate a
choice of Colour, and does so, the referee will announce
"Player 'A' On Red (or Yellow) Balls". When
that player's turn is complete the referee w ill advise
the incoming player of the situation by announcing "Player
'B' on Yellow (or Red ) Balls".
5.
1. The Referee will call fouls as soon as they occur
and the fouled player immediately loses control of the
table.
1. The call for a Standard Foul is "Foul, Two Visits".
2. The call for a Non-Standard Foul is "Foul, (and
announce the relevant penalty)."
3. The call for a Serious Foul is "Serious Foul,
Two Visits".
4. The call for a loss of Frame Foul is "Loss of
Frame".
2. After a player has been awarded two visits the referee
will make no call until the player fails to pot a ball
"On". (Except for 30 second time warnings
and for any fouls that may occur) The referee will then
call "Second Visit" to advise the player that
the first visit is complete and the second visit is
about to begin.
6. The referee will call any instance when the Cue
Ball is touching a ball "On".
7. In the absence of any competition / tournament
rules to the contrary, two referees will referee each
frame. One referee will make the standard calls such
as "Second Visit" and a "Player a on
Red (or Yellow) Balls" while the other referee
will keep the time. Both referee's will be involved
in the refereeing of the frame and either can call fouls.
If one referee calls afoul, the other referee can not
overrule the call. That is, the two referees have equal
authority.
© These rules are copyright of the World Eightball
Pool Federation (information tel: (44) 1302 532821)
Layout © Copyright: English Pool Association,
1997
Last updated: 19th July 2000
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