rules and regulations
The Rules of Play (Effective 3/15/2016)
The following General Rules apply to all the games covered by these rules except when
contradicted by specific game rules. In addition, the Regulations of Pool Billiards coveraspects of the game not directly related to the game rules, such as equipment specificationsand organization of events.The games of Pool Billiards are played on a flat table covered with cloth and bounded byrubber cushions. The player uses a stick (pool cue) to strike a cue ball which in turn strikesobject balls. The goal is to drive object balls into six pockets located at the cushion boundary.The games vary according to which balls are legal targets and the requirements to win amatch.[Editorial comments on the U.S. English version: The masculine gender has been used forsimplicity of wording and is not intended to specify the gender of the players or officials. Theword “game” is used to refer to a discipline such as nine ball rather than a rack or a match.]
1.1 Player’s Responsibility
It is the player’s responsibility to be aware of all rules, regulations and schedules applying tocompetition. While tournament officials will make every reasonable effort to have suchinformation readily available to all players as appropriate, the ultimate responsibility restswith the player.
1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play
The lag is the first shot of the match and determines order of play. The player who wins thelag chooses who will shoot first.The referee will place a ball on each side of the table behind the head string and near the headstring. The players will shoot at about the same time to make each ball contact the footcushion with the goal of returning the ball closer to the head cushion than the opponent.A lag shot is bad and cannot win if the shooter’s ball:(a) crosses the long string;(b) contacts the foot cushion other than once;(c) is pocketed or driven off the table;(d) touches the side cushion; or(e) the ball rests within the corner pocket and past the nose of the head cushion.In addition, a lag will be bad if any non-object-ball foul occurs other than 6.9 Balls StillMoving.The players will lag again if:(a) a player’s ball is struck after the other ball has touched the foot cushion;(b) the referee cannot determine which ball has stopped closer to the head cushion; or(c) both lags are bad.
1.3 Player’s Use of Equipment
The equipment must meet existing WPA equipment specifications. In general, players are notpermitted to introduce novel equipment into the game. The following uses, among others, areconsidered normal. If the player is uncertain about a particular use of equipment, he shoulddiscuss it with the tournament management prior to the start of play. The equipment must beused only for the purpose or in the manner that the equipment was intended. (See 6.17Unsportsmanlike Conduct.)
(a) Cue Stick – The player is permitted to switch between cue sticks during the match, such asbreak, jump and normal cues. He may use either a built-in extender or an add-on extender toincrease the length of the stick.(b) Chalk – The player may apply chalk to his tip to prevent miscues, and may use his ownchalk, provided its color is compatible with the cloth.(c) Mechanical Bridges – The player may use up to two mechanical bridges to support the cuestick during the shot. The configuration of the bridges is up to the player. He may use his ownbridge if it is similar to standard bridges.(d) Gloves – The player may use gloves to improve the grip and/or bridge hand function.(e) Powder – A player is allowed to use powder in a reasonable amount as determined by thereferee.
1.4 Spotting Balls
Balls are spotted (returned to play on the table) by placing them on the long string (long axisof the table) as close as possible to the foot spot and between the foot spot and the foot rail,without moving any interfering ball. If the spotted ball cannot be placed on the foot spot, itshould be placed in contact (if possible) with the corresponding interfering ball. However,when the cue ball is next to the spotted ball, the spotted ball should not be placed in contactwith the cue ball; a small separation must be maintained. If all of the long string below thefoot spot is blocked by other balls, the ball is spotted above the foot spot, and as close aspossible to the foot spot.
1.5 Cue Ball in Hand
When the cue ball is in hand, the shooter may place the cue ball anywhere on the playingsurface (see 8.1 Parts of the Table) and may continue to move the cue ball until he executes ashot. (See definition 8.2 Shot.) Players may use any part of the cue stick to move the cue ball,including the tip, but not with a forward stroke motion. In some games and for most breakshots, placement of the cue ball may be restricted to the area behind the head string dependingon the rules of the game, and then 6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement and 6.11 Bad Play fromBehind the Head String may apply.When the shooter has the cue ball in hand behind the head string and all the legal object ballsare behind the head string, he may request the legal object ball nearest the head string to bespotted. If two or more balls are equal distance from the head string, the shooter maydesignate which of the equidistant balls is to be spotted. An object ball that rests exactly onthe head string is playable.
1.6 Standard Call Shot
In games in which the shooter is required to call shots, the intended ball and pocket must beindicated for each shot if they are not obvious. Details of the shot, such as cushions struck orother balls contacted or pocketed are irrelevant. Only one ball may be called on each shot.For a called shot to count, the referee must be satisfied that the intended shot was made, so ifthere is any chance of confusion, e.g. with bank, combination and similar shots, the shootershould indicate the ball and pocket. If the referee or opponent is unsure of the shot to beplayed, he may ask for a call.In call shot games, the shooter may choose to call “safety” instead of a ball and pocket, andthen play passes to the opponent at the end of the shot. Whether balls are being spotted aftersafeties depends on the rules of the particular game.
1.7 Balls Settling
A ball may settle slightly after it appears to have stopped, possibly due to slight imperfectionsin the ball or the table. Unless this causes a ball to fall into a pocket, it is considered a normalhazard of play, and the ball will not be moved back. If a ball falls into a pocket as the result ofsuch settling, it is restored as closely as possible to its original position. If a settling ball fallsinto a pocket during or just prior to a shot, and this has an effect on the shot, the referee willrestore the position and the shot will be replayed. The shooter is not penalized for shootingwhile a ball is settling. See also 8.3 Ball Pocketed.
1.8 Restoring a Position
When necessary for balls to be restored or cleaned, the referee will restore disturbed balls totheir original positions to the best of his ability. The players must accept the referee’sjudgment as to placement.
1.9 Outside Interference
When outside interference occurs during a shot that has an effect on the outcome of that shot,the referee will restore the balls to the positions they had before the shot, and the shot will bereplayed. If the interference had no effect on the shot, the referee will restore the disturbedballs and play will continue. If the balls cannot be restored to their original positions, thesituation is handled like a stalemate.
1.10 Prompting Calls and Protesting Rulings
If a player feels that the referee has made an error in judgment, he may ask the referee toreconsider his call or lack of call, but the referee’s decision on judgment calls is final.However, if the player feels that the referee is not applying the rules correctly, he may ask forruling by the designated appeals authority. The referee will suspend play while this appeal isin process. (See also part (d) of 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.) Fouls must be calledpromptly. (See 6. Fouls.)
1.11 Concession
If a player concedes, he loses the match. For example, if a player unscrews his jointed playingcue stick while the opponent is at the table and during the opponent’s decisive rack of amatch, it will be considered a concession of the match.
1.12 Stalemate
If the referee observes that no progress is being made towards a conclusion, he will announcehis decision, and each player will have three more turns at the table. Then, if the refereedetermines that there is still no progress, he will declare a stalemate. If both players agree,they may accept the stalemate without taking their three additional turns. The procedure for astalemate is specified under the rules for each game.
Nine ball is played with nine object balls numbered one through nine and the cue ball. Theballs are played in ascending numerical order. The player legally pocketing the nine ball winsthe rack.
2.1 Determining the Break
The player who wins the lag chooses who will break the first rack. (See 1.2 Lagging toDetermine Order of Play.) The standard format is to alternate the break, but see Regulation16, Subsequent Break Shots.
2.2 Nine Ball Rack
The object balls are racked as tightly as possible in a diamond shape, with the one ball at theapex of the diamond and on the foot spot and the nine ball in the middle of the diamond. Theother balls will be placed in the diamond without purposeful or intentional pattern.Nine Ball Rack
2.3 Legal Break Shot
The following rules apply to the break shot:(a) the cue ball begins in hand behind the head string;(b) if no ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven to one or more rails, orthe shot is a foul(c) additionally, and only when Three Point Break Rule is used, if no ball is pocketed,three balls must cross the head string, or the break is considered ‘dry break’. (SeeRegulation 18, Three Point Break Rule.)
2.4 Second Shot of the Rack – Push Out
If no foul is committed on the break shot, the shooter may choose to play a “push out” as hisshot. He must make his intention known to the referee, and then rules 6.2 Wrong Ball Firstand 6.3 No Rail after Contact are suspended for the shot. If no foul is committed on a pushout, the other player chooses who will shoot next.
2.5 Continuing Play
If the shooter legally pockets any ball on a shot (except a push out, see 2.4 Second Shot of theRack – Push Out), he continues at the table for the next shot. If he legally pockets the nineball on any shot (except a push out), he wins the rack. If the shooter fails to pocket a ball orfouls, play passes to the other player, and if no foul was committed, the incoming player mustplay the cue ball from the position left by the other player.
2.6 Spotting Balls
If the nine ball is pocketed on a foul or push out, or driven off the table, it is spotted. (See 1.4Spotting Balls.) No other object ball is ever spotted.
2.7 Standard Fouls
If the shooter commits a standard foul, play passes to his opponent. The cue ball is in hand,and the incoming player may place it anywhere on the playing surface. (See 1.5 Cue Ball inHand)
The following are standard fouls at nine ball:
6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table6.2 Wrong Ball First The first object ball contacted by the cue ball on each shot must be the lowest-numbered ball remaining on the table.6.3 No Rail after Contact6.4 No Foot on Floor6.5 Ball Driven off the Table The only jumped object ball that is spotted is the nine.6.6 Touched Ball 6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls6.8 Push Shot6.9 Balls Still Moving 6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String 6.12 Cue Stick on the Table6.13 Playing out of Turn6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls6.15 Slow Play6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul
2.8 Serious Fouls
For 6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls, the penalty is loss of the current rack. For 6.17Unsportsmanlike Conduct, the referee will choose a penalty appropriate given the nature ofthe offense.
2.9 Stalemate
If a stalemate occurs the original breaker of the rack will break again. (See 1.12 Stalemate.)
Eight ball is played with fifteen numbered object balls and the cue ball. The shooter’s groupof seven balls (one through seven or nine through fifteen) must all be off the table before heattempts to pocket the eight ball to win. Shots are called.
3.1 Determining First Break
The player winning the lag has the option to determine who has to execute the first break shot.(See 1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play.) The standard format is alternate break (SeeRegulation 16, Subsequent Break Shots.)
3.2 Eight Ball Rack
The fifteen object balls are racked as tightly as possible in a triangle, with the apex ball on thefoot spot and the eight ball as the first ball that is directly below the apex ball. One from eachgroup of seven will be on the two lower corners of the triangle. The other balls are placed inthe triangle without purposeful or intentional pattern.
3.3 Break Shot
The following rules apply to the break shot:(a) The cue ball begins in hand behind the head string.(b) No ball is called, and the cue ball is not required to hit any particular object ball first.(c) If the breaker pockets a ball and does not foul, he continues at the table, and the tableremains open. (See 3.4 Open Table / Choosing Groups.)(d) If no object ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven to one or more rails,or the shot results in an illegal break, and the incoming player has the option of(1) accepting the table in position, or(2) re-racking and breaking, or(3) re-racking and allowing the offending player to break again.(e) Pocketing the eight ball on a legal break shot is not a foul. If the eight ball is pocketed, thebreaker has the option of(1) re-spotting the eight ball and accepting the balls in position, or(2) re-breaking.(f) If the breaker pockets the eight ball and scratches (see definition 8.6 Scratch), the opponenthas the option of:(1) re-spotting the eight ball and shooting with cue ball in hand behind the head string;or(2) re-breaking.(g) If any object ball is driven off the table on a break shot, it is a foul; such balls remain outof play (except the eight ball which is re-spotted); and the incoming player has the option of(1) accepting the table in position, or(2) taking cue ball in hand behind the head string.(h) If the breaker fouls in any manner not listed above, the following player has the option of(1) accepting the balls in position, or(2) taking cue ball in hand behind the head string.
3.4 Open Table / Choosing Groups
Before groups are determined, the table is said to be “open,” and before each shot, the shootermust call his intended ball. If the shooter legally pockets his called ball, the correspondinggroup becomes his, and his opponent is assigned the other group. If he fails to legally pockethis called ball, the table remains open and play passes to the other player. When the table is“open”, any object ball may be struck first except the eight ball.
3.5 Continuing Play
The shooter remains at the table as long as he continues to legally pocket called balls, or hewins the rack by pocketing the eight ball.
3.6 Shots Required to Be Called
On each shot except the break, shots must be called as explained in 1.6 Standard Call Shot.The eight ball may be called only after the shot on which the shooter’s group has been clearedfrom the table. The shooter may call “safety” in which case play passes to the opponent at theend of the shot and any object ball pocketed on the safety remains pocketed. (See 8.17 SafetyShot.)
3.7 Spotting Balls
If the eight ball is pocketed or driven off the table on the break, it will be spotted or the ballswill be re-racked. (See 3.3 Break Shot and 1.4 Spotting Balls.) No other object ball is everspotted.
3.8 Losing the Rack
The shooter loses if he(a) pockets the eight ball and fouls.;(b) pockets the eight ball before his group is cleared;(c) pockets the eight ball in an uncalled pocket; or(d) drives the eight ball off the table.These do not apply to the break shot. (See 3.3 Break Shot.)
3.9 Standard Fouls
If the shooter commits a foul, play passes to his opponent. The cue ball is in hand, and theincoming player may place it anywhere on the playing surface. (See 1.5 Cue Ball in Hand.)
The following are standard fouls at eight ball:6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table6.2 Wrong Ball First The first ball contacted by the cue ball on each shot must belong to the shooter’s group, except when the table is open. (See 3.4 Open Table / Choosing Groups).6.3 No Rail after Contact6.4 No Foot on Floor6.5 Ball Driven off the Table (See 3.7 Spotting Balls.)6.6 Touched Ball 6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls6.8 Push Shot6.9 Balls Still Moving 6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String 6.12 Cue Stick on the Table6.13 Playing out of Turn6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls6.15 Slow Play6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul
3.10 Serious Fouls
The fouls listed under 3.8 Losing the Rack are penalized by the loss of the current rack. For6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct, the referee will choose a penalty appropriate given the natureof the offense.
3.11 Stalemate
If a stalemate occurs (see 1.12 Stalemate), the original breaker of the rack will break again.
14.1 Continuous Pool, also known as straight pool, is played with fifteen numbered balls andthe cue ball. Each ball pocketed on a legal called shot counts one point and the first player toreach the required score wins the match. 14.1 is continuous in that after fourteen balls arepocketed, they are re-racked and the shooter continues.
4.1 Lagging for the Break
Players lag to determine who will shoot first. (See 1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play)
4.2 The 14.1 Rack
For an opening break shot, the fifteen balls are racked in a triangle with the apex ball on thefoot spot. When the balls are re-racked, the apex ball is omitted if only fourteen balls arebeing racked. The marked outline of the triangle will be used to determine whether anintended break ball is in the rack area. If the table is tapped at 14.1 the outline of a trianglewill still be drawn for the purpose of deciding whether a ball is in the rack area. When ball rack template is used at 14.1 the outline of a triangle will still be drawn for the purpose of deciding whether a ball is in the rack area..
4.3 Opening Break Shot
The following rules apply to the opening break shot:(a) The cue ball begins in hand behind the head string.(b) If no called ball is pocketed, the cue ball and two object balls must each be driven to a railafter the cue ball contacts the rack or the shot is a breaking foul. (See 8.4 Driven to a Rail.)This is penalized by subtracting two points from the breaker’s score. (See 4.10 BreakingFoul.) The non-breaking player may accept the balls in position or may require the breaker toplay another opening break shot, until he satisfies the requirements for an opening break orthe non-shooting player accepts the table in position. (See 4.11 Serious Fouls)
4.4 Continuing Play and Winning the Game
The shooter remains at the table as long as he continues to legally pocket called balls or winsthe game by scoring the required number of points. When fourteen balls from a rack havebeen legally pocketed, play is suspended until the balls are re-racked.
4.5 Shots Required to Be Called
Shots must be called as explained in 1.6 Standard Call Shot. The shooter may call “safety” inwhich case play passes to the opponent at the end of the shot and any object ball pocketed onthe safety is spotted.
4.6 Spotting Balls
All balls pocketed on fouls, or on safeties, or without a called ball having been pocketed, andall balls driven off the table are spotted. (See 1.4 Spotting Balls.) If the fifteenth ball of a rackneeds to be spotted and the fourteen balls have not been touched, the fifteenth ball will spoton the apex spot and the referee may use the triangle to assure a tight rack.
4.7 Scoring
The shooter scores one point for legally pocketing a called shot. Each additional ball pocketedon such a shot also counts one point. Fouls are penalized by subtracting points from theoffending player’s score. Scores may be negative due to penalties from fouls.
4.8 Special Racking Situations
When the cue ball or fifteenth object ball interferes with racking fourteen balls for a new rack,the following special rules apply. A ball is considered to interfere with the rack if it is withinor overlaps the outline of the rack. The referee will state when asked whether a ball interfereswith the rack.(a) If the fifteenth ball was pocketed on the shot that scored the fourteenth ball, all fifteenballs are re-racked.(b) If both balls interfere, all fifteen balls are re-racked and the cue ball is in hand behind thehead string.(c) If only the object ball interferes, it is placed on the head spot or the center spot if the cueball blocks the head spot.(d) If only the cue ball interferes, then it is placed as follows: if the object ball is in front of oron the head string, the cue ball is in hand behind the head string; if the object ball is behindthe head string, the cue ball is spotted on the head spot, or on the center spot if the head spot isblocked.In any case, there is no restriction on which object ball the shooter may play as the first shotof the new rack.If the cue ball or object ball is barely outside the marked rack area and it is time to rack, thereferee should mark the position of the ball to allow it to be accurately replaced if it isaccidentally moved by the referee when racking.
4.9 Standard Fouls
If the shooter commits a standard foul, a point is subtracted from his score, balls are spotted asnecessary, and play passes to his opponent. The cue ball remains in position except as notedbelow.
The following are standard fouls at 14.1:6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table The cue ball is in hand behind the head string (see 1.5 Cue Ball in Hand).6.2 Wrong Ball First6.3 No Rail after Contact6.4 No Foot on Floor6.5 Ball Driven off the Table (All object balls driven off the table are respotted.)6.6 Touched Ball 6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls6.8 Push Shot6.9 Balls Still Moving 6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String For a foul under the second paragraph of 6.11, the cue ball is in hand behind the head string for the incoming player.6.12 Cue Stick on the Table6.13 Playing out of Turn6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls6.15 Slow Play6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul
4.10 Breaking Foul
A breaking foul is penalized by the loss of two points as mentioned under 4.3 Opening BreakShot, as well as a possible re-break. If both a standard foul and a breaking foul happen on oneshot, it is considered a breaking foul.
4.11 Serious Fouls
For Rule 6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls, only standard fouls are counted, so a breaking fouldoes not count as one of the three fouls. A point is subtracted for the third foul as usual, andthen the additional fifteen-point penalty is subtracted and the offending player’s consecutivefoul count is reset to zero. All fifteen balls are re-racked and the offending player is requiredto shoot under the requirements of the opening break.For 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct, the referee will choose a penalty depending on the natureof the offense.
4.12 Stalemate
If a stalemate occurs (see 1.12 Stalemate), the players will lag again to determine who willshoot an opening break.
Black ball is played with 15 colored object balls and the cue ball. The object balls are twogroups of seven and the black ball. The player or team pocketing their group of object ballsand legally pocketing the black ball wins the game. Shots are not called.
5.1 Definitions
In addition to definitions defined in 8. Definitions Used in the Rules, the followingdefinitions apply to black ball:
Free shotAfter a foul has been committed the incoming player is awarded a free shot. On a free shotRule 6.2 Wrong Ball First is suspended and the player may take the cue ball in position or inhand in baulk.
BaulkBaulk is the rectangular area of the table that is bordered by the baulk line and the threecushions at the head of the table. The baulk line is parallel to the head rail and one fifth of thelength of the playing surface away from the head cushion. For the applicable general rules,“behind the head string” should be read as “in baulk.”
SnookeredA player is said to be snookered when the cue ball has no straight, direct path to hit at leastpart of a legal target ball. The snooker must be declared by the referee for it to be in effect.
Ball OnAn object ball is said to be “on” when it is a legal target for the shooter.
5.3 Determining First Break
The player winning the lag has the option to determine who has to execute the first break shot.(See 1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play ) The standard format is alternate break (seeRegulations).
5.4 Black Ball Rack
The balls are racked as with the black ball on the foot spot:
5.5 Break Shot
The following rules apply to the break shot.(a) The cue ball begins in hand in baulk.(b) At least one ball must be pocketed or at least two object balls must cross the center stringor the break shot is a foul.(c) If the black ball is pocketed on the break, all the balls are re-racked and the same playerbreaks again. Any violation of 6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table or 6.5 Ball Driven off theTable is ignored on a break that pockets the black ball.
5.6 Open Table / Choosing Groups
The table is said to be “open” when the players’ groups have not been decided. The table isopen after the break shot and remains open until the shooter pockets balls from only onegroup on a legal normal shot, which means not a break shot and not a free shot. The shooter isthen assigned that group of balls to pocket and the opponent is assigned the other group.
5.7 Continuing Play
The shooter remains at the table as long as he continues to legally pocket balls or the rackends. If he fails to legally pocket a ball but commits no foul, the opponent shoots from theposition left.
5.8 Cue Ball in Hand in Baulk
When the player has the cue ball in hand, he may place it by hand anywhere in baulk. Theplayer may continue to adjust the position of the cue ball by hand until he takes a shot. Thecue ball is not required to leave baulk before striking an object ball.
5.9 Touching Balls
If the cue ball is touching an object ball, the shooter must not play the cue ball in the directionof that ball. He is considered to have hit the touching ball when he shoots away from it if theball is on for the shot.
5.10 Playing from a Snooker
When the shooter is snookered, Rule 6.3 No Rail after Contact is suspended for the shot.
5.11 Spotting Balls
Object balls driven off the table are spotted on the long string. If several balls are to bespotted, they are spotted in the following order: (1) the black ball, (2) balls from the group ofthe next shooter, or balls from the red, blue or solid group if the table is open, (3) other balls.
5.12 Stalemate
In case of a stalemate due to lack of progress towards a conclusion, the breaker of the rackwill break again. A stalemate also occurs if the position does not allow any legal shot.
5.13 Standard Fouls
If the shooter commits a foul, play passes to his opponent. The incoming player has one freeshot (see Free shot) as the first shot of his inning.
The following are standard fouls at black ball:6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table6.2 Wrong Ball First (suspended for a free shot)6.3 No Rail after Contact6.4 No Foot on Floor6.5 Ball Driven off the Table6.6 Touched Ball 6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls6.8 Push Shot6.9 Balls Still Moving 6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement (when playing from baulk)6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String 6.12 Cue Stick on the Table6.13 Playing out of Turn6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls6.15 Slow Play6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul
The following additional situations are fouls at blackball:
5.13.1 – Pocketing Opponent’s Ball – It is a foul to pocket an opponent’s ball without alsopocketing a ball from your own group.5.13 2 – Table Incorrect – It is a foul to play before all balls that require spotting have beenspotted.5.13.3 – Jump Shot – Causing the cue ball to jump over any ball is a foul. (If the cue ballleaves the bed of the table and misses an object ball that would have been struck had the cueball not left the table on an otherwise identical shot, the cue ball is deemed to have jumpedover that object ball.)
5.14 Loss of Rack Fouls
The player loses the rack if he:(a) pockets the black ball on an illegal shot;(b) pockets the black ball on a shot that leaves any of his group of balls on the table;(c) intentionally violates 6.2 Wrong Ball First; or(d) does not attempt to hit a ball on.6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct will be penalized by loss of rack or other penalty dependingon the nature of the conduct.
The following actions are fouls at pool when included in the specific rules of the game beingplayed. If several fouls occur on one shot, only the most serious one is enforced. If a foul isnot called before the next shot begins, the foul is assumed not to have happened.
6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table
If the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, the shot is a foul. See 8.3 Ball Pocketed and8.5 Driven off the Table.
6.2 Wrong Ball First
In those games which require the first object ball struck to be a particular ball or one of agroup of balls, it is a foul for the cue ball to first contact any other ball.
6.3 No Rail after Contact
If no ball is pocketed on a shot, the cue ball must contact an object ball, and after that contactat least one ball (cue ball or any object ball) must be driven to a rail, or the shot is a foul. (See8.4 Driven to a Rail.)
6.4 No Foot on Floor
If the shooter does not have at least one foot touching the floor at the instant the tip contactsthe cue ball, the shot is a foul.
6.5 Ball Driven off the Table
It is a foul to drive an object ball off the table. Whether that ball is spotted depends on therules of the game. (See 8.5 Driven off the Table.)
6.6 Touched Ball
It is a foul to touch, move or change the path of any object ball except by the normal ball-toballcontacts during shots. It is a foul to touch, move or change the path of the cue ball exceptwhen it is in hand or by the normal tip-to-ball forward stroke contact of a shot. The shooter isresponsible for the equipment he controls at the table, such as chalk, bridges, clothing, hishair, parts of his body, and the cue ball when it is in hand, that may be involved in such fouls.If such a foul is accidental, it is a standard foul, but if it is intentional, it is 6.17Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls
If the cue stick contacts the cue ball more than once on a shot, the shot is a foul. If the cue ballis close to but not touching an object ball and the cue tip is still on the cue ball when the cueball contacts that object ball, the shot is a foul. If the cue ball is very close to an object ball,and the shooter barely grazes that object ball on the shot, the shot is assumed not to violate thefirst paragraph of this rule, even though the tip is arguably still on the cue ball when ball-ballcontact is made.
However, if the cue ball is touching an object ball at the start of the shot, it is legal to shoottowards or partly into that ball (provided it is a legal target within the rules of the game) and ifthe object ball is moved by such a shot, it is considered to have been contacted by the cue ball.(Even though it may be legal to shoot towards such a touching or “frozen” ball, care must betaken not to violate the rules in the first paragraph if there are additional balls close by.)
The cue ball is assumed not to be touching any ball unless it is declared touching by thereferee or opponent. It is the shooter’s responsibility to get the declaration before the shot.Playing away from a frozen ball does not constitute having hit that ball unless specified in therules of the game.
6.8 Push Shot
It is a foul to prolong tip-to-cue-ball contact beyond that seen in normal shots.
6.9 Balls Still Moving
It is a foul to begin a shot while any ball in play is moving or spinning.
6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement
When the cue ball is in hand and restricted to the area behind the head string, it is a foul toplay the cue ball from on or below the head string. If the shooter is uncertain whether the cueball has been placed behind the head string, he may ask the referee for a determination.
6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String
When the cue ball is in hand behind the head string, and the first ball the cue ball contacts isalso behind the head string, the shot is a foul unless the cue ball crosses the head string beforethat contact. If such a shot is intentional, it is unsportsmanlike conduct.The cue ball must either cross the head string or contact a ball in front of or on the head stringor the shot is a foul, and the cue ball is in hand for the following player according to the rulesof the specific game. If such shot is intentional, it is also unsportsmanlike conduct.
6.12 Cue Stick on the Table
If the shooter uses his cue stick in order to align a shot by placing it on the table withouthaving a hand on the stick, it is a foul.
6.13 Playing out of Turn
It is a standard foul to unintentionally play out of turn. Normally, the balls will be played fromthe position left by the mistaken play. If a player intentionally plays out of turn, it should betreated like 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls
If a player fouls three times without making an intervening legal shot, it is a serious foul. Ingames scored by the rack, such as nine ball, the fouls must be in a single rack. Some gamessuch as eight ball do not include this rule.The referee must warn a shooter who is on two fouls when he comes to the table that he is ontwo fouls. Otherwise a possible third foul will be considered to be only the second.
6.15 Slow Play
If the referee feels that a player is playing too slowly, he may advise that player to speed uphis play. If the player does not speed up, the referee may impose a shot clock on that matchthat applies to both players. If the shooter exceeds the time limit specified for the tournament,a standard foul will be called and the incoming player is rewarded according to the rulesapplicable to the game being played. (Rule 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct may also apply.)
6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul
It is a foul when a Ball Rack Template, removed from the playing surface, interferes with thegame i.e. if the template is lying on the rail and a ball (cue or object ball) touches the templatethat is lying on the rail.
6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct
The normal penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct is the same as for a serious foul, but thereferee may impose a penalty depending on his judgment of the conduct. Among otherpenalties possible are a warning; a standard-foul penalty, which will count as part of a threefoulsequence if applicable; a serious-foul penalty; loss of a rack, set or match; ejection fromthe competition possibly with forfeiture of all prizes, trophies and standings points.Unsportsmanlike conduct is any intentional behavior that brings disrepute to the sport orwhich disrupts or changes the game to the extent that it cannot be played fairly. It includes(a) distracting the opponent;(b) changing the position of the balls in play other than by a shot;(c) playing a shot by intentionally miscuing;(d) continuing to play after a foul has been called or play has been suspended;(e) practicing during a match;(f) marking the table;(g) delay of the game; and(h) using equipment inappropriately.
7.1 Player’s Eligibility
The criteria for a player to be eligible for Wheelchair competition is that he must bewheelchair mobility dependent for a minimum of 80% of the time. In some cases, a doctor’sletter may be required to determine eligibility.
7.2 Violations Resulting in Fouls
(a) The shooter must remain seated while playing a shot (at least one cheek on the seat or seatpad). If a seat pad is used, it must remain flat and cover the seat of the wheelchair evenly. Theseat pad cannot be bunched up on the seat straddled by the shooter with the shooter’s legs orstumps. The shooter may not sit on the wheel or armrest. The point where the shooter’sbuttocks rest on the seat or seat pad must not be higher than 27 in / 68.5 cm from the surfaceon which the wheelchair rolls in its normal operating position.(b) Players must not have their foot/feet on the floor while playing a shot. Players must notuse their legs or stumps as a leverage against any part of the table or the wheelchair whileplaying a shot.(c) Players are permitted to use any help aids such as cue extensions, special bridges, etc.Players may not be assisted when actually shooting (however, another person may hold thebridge, but must not help with the stroke of the cue). If a player requires assistance to rollaround the table, another person may help them, but must not be touching the wheelchairduring the actual shot.Violations of the above are considered to violate 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct and willtypically be penalized as follows: 1st offense, cue ball in hand for the opponent anywhere onthe table; 2nd offense, loss of the current game; 3rd offense, loss of the match. The referee maychoose a different penalty depending on the nature of the offense.
7.3 Wheelchair Requirements
No standing wheelchairs may be used in the standing position. A player’s wheelchair shouldbe clean and in good working order.
The following definitions apply throughout these rules.
8.1 Parts of the Table
The following definitions of parts of the table refer to the accompanying diagram. Somedetails of exact size and placement are in the WPA Equipment Specifications. See the WPAwebsite at www.wpa-pool.com for current information.The table is comprised of rails, cushions, a playing surface and pockets. The foot end of thetable is where the object balls usually begin, while the head end is where the cue ball usuallybegins.Behind the head string is the area between the head rail and the head string, not including thehead string.
The cushions, tops of the rails, pockets and pocket liners are parts of the rails.There are four “strings” on the playing surface as shown in the diagram:the long string down the center of the table;the head string bounding the quarter of the table closest to the head rail;the foot string bounding the quarter of the table closest to the foot rail; andthe center string between the two side pockets.These lines are only marked as mentioned below.The rails may have inlays referred to as diamonds or sights which mark 1/4th of the width and1/8th of the length of the table measured from nose to nose on the cushions.On the playing surface, which is the flat, cloth-covered part of the table, the following will bemarked if they are used in the game being played:the foot spot, where the foot string and the long string meet;the head spot, where the head string and the long string meet;the center spot, where the center string and the long string meet;the head string;the long string between the foot spot and the foot rail; andthe triangle, either in outline or by alignment marks depending on the game.
8.2 Shot
A shot begins when the tip contacts the cue ball due to a forward stroke motion of the cuestick. A shot ends when all balls in play have stopped moving and spinning. A shot is said tobe legal if the shooter did not foul during the shot. 8.3 Ball Pocketed
A ball is pocketed if it comes to rest in a pocket below the playing surface or enters the ballreturn system. A ball near the brink of a pocket partly supported by another ball is consideredpocketed if removal of the supporting ball would cause the ball to fall into the pocket.If a ball stops near the edge of a pocket, and remains apparently motionless for five seconds, itis not considered pocketed if it later falls into the pocket by itself. See 1.7 Balls Settling forother details. During that five second period, the referee should ensure that no other shot istaken. An object ball that rebounds from a pocket back onto the playing surface is not apocketed ball. If the cue ball contacts an already pocketed ball, the cue ball will beconsidered pocketed whether it rebounds from the pocket or not. The referee will removepocketed object balls from full or nearly full pockets, but it is the shooter’s responsibility tosee that this duty is performed.
8.4 Driven to a Rail
A ball is said to be driven to a rail if it is not touching that rail and then touches that rail. Aball touching a rail at the start of a shot (said to be “frozen” to the rail) is not considereddriven to that rail unless it leaves the rail and returns. A ball that is pocketed or driven off thetable is also considered to have been driven to a rail. A ball is assumed not to be frozen toany rail unless it is declared frozen by the referee, the shooter, or the opponent. See alsoRegulation 29, Calling Frozen Balls.
8.5 Driven off the Table
A ball is considered driven off the table if it comes to rest other than on the playing surfacebut is not pocketed. A ball is also considered driven off the table if it would have been drivenoff the table except for striking an object such as a light fixture, piece of chalk or a playerwhich causes it to return to the table.
A ball that contacts the top of the rail is not considered to have been driven off the table if itreturns to the playing surface or enters a pocket.
8.6 Scratch
A shot on which the cue ball is pocketed is called a scratch.
8.7 Cue Ball
The cue ball is the ball that is struck by the shooter at the beginning of a shot. It istraditionally white, but may be marked by a logo or spots. In pocket billiard games, a singlecue ball is used by both players.
8.8 Object Balls
The object balls are struck by the cue ball with the usual intent of driving them into pockets.They are typically numbered from one to the number of balls used in the game. Colors andmarkings of the object balls are covered under the WPA Equipment Specifications.
8.9 Set
In some matches, the match is divided into parts called sets, with a certain number of sets wonrequired to win the match. In turn, a certain number of points or racks won is required to wineach set.
8.10 Rack
The rack is the framing device, typically triangular, used to arrange the object balls for thebreak shot at the start of the game. It also refers to the group of balls so arranged. To rack theobject balls is to group them with the rack. A rack is also a portion of a match played with asingle rack of object balls. Some games, such as nine ball, are scored at one point per rack.
8.11 Break
A break shot is the opening shot of a match or rack, depending on the game. It happens whenthe object balls have been racked and the cue ball is played from behind the head stringusually with the intent of breaking the rack apart.
8.12 Inning
An inning is a player’s turn at the table. It begins when it is legal for him to take a shot, andends at the end of a shot when it is no longer legal for him to take a shot. In some games aplayer may choose not to come to the table in certain situations when play would normallypass to him, and then the player remaining at the table continues the inning (e.g. a push-out atnine ball). The player whose turn it is to play is called the “shooter.”
8.13 Position of Balls
The position of a ball is determined by the projection of its center vertically downward ontothe playing surface. A ball is said to be placed on a line or spot when its center is placeddirectly over that line or spot.
8.14 Re-spotting Balls
In some games, object balls are required to be placed on the playing surface other than whenforming a new rack. They are said to be re-spotted when they are so placed. See 1.4 SpottingBalls. 8.15 Restoring a Position
If the balls are disturbed, the rules of the game may require them to be replaced where theywere. The referee will replace the balls to their original position as accurately as possible.
8.16 Jump Shot
A jump shot is one in which the cue ball is made to go over an intervening obstacle such as anobject ball or part of the cushion. Whether such a shot is legal depends on how it isaccomplished and the intention of the shooter. Usually a legal jump shot is played byelevating the cue stick and driving the cue ball down into the playing surface from which itrebounds.
8.17 Safety Shot
A shot is said to be a safety shot if the game in play is a call shot game and the shooterdeclared the shot to the referee or his opponent to be a “safety” before the shot. Play passes tothe other player at the end of a safety shot.
8.18 Miscue
A miscue occurs when the cue tip slides off the cue ball possibly due to a contact that is tooeccentric or to insufficient chalk on the tip. It is usually accompanied by a sharp sound andevidenced by a discoloration of the tip. Although some miscues involve contact of the side ofthe cue stick with the cue ball, unless such contact is clearly visible, it is assumed not to haveoccurred. A scoop shot, in which the cue tip contacts the playing surface and the cue ball atthe same time and this causes the cue ball to rise off the cloth, is treated like a miscue. Notethat intentional miscues are covered by 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct (c).
Ten ball is a call shot game played with ten object balls numbered one through ten and the cueball. The balls are played in ascending numerical order and the lowest numbered ball must becontacted by the cue ball in order to establish a legal hit. If the ten ball is pocketed on a legalbreak shot, it will be re-spotted and the player continues with his inning. Only one ball may becalled on each shot, except on the break shot where no ball may be called. (See 9.5 Call Shots& Pocketing Balls).
9.1 Determining the Break
The player who wins the lag chooses who will break the first rack. (See 1.2 Lagging toDetermine Order of Play.) The standard format is to alternate the break, but See Regulation16, Subsequent Break Shots. But see Regulation 15, Subsequent Break Shots.
9.2 Ten Ball Rack
The object balls are racked as tightly as possible in a triangular shape, with the one ball at theapex of the triangle and on the foot spot and the ten ball in the middle of the triangle. Theother balls will be placed in the triangle without purposeful or intentional pattern. (SeeRegulation 4, Ball Rack Template.)
9.3 Legal Break Shot
The following rules apply to the break shot:(a) the cue ball begins in hand behind the head string; and(b) if no ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven to one or more rails, or theshot is a foul. (See Regulation 17, Open Break Requirements.)
9.4 Second Shot of the Rack – Push Out
If no foul is committed on the break shot, the shooter may choose to play a “push out” as hisshot. He must make his intention known to the referee, and then rules 6.2 Wrong Ball Firstand 6.3 No Rail after Contact are suspended for the shot. If no foul is committed on a pushout, the other player chooses who will shoot next. The ten ball pocketed during a Push Out isre-spotted, without penalty.
9.5 Call Shots & Pocketing Balls
Whenever the shooter is attempting to pocket a ball (except the break) he is required to callshots, the intended ball and pocket must be indicated for each shot if they are not obvious.Details of the shot, such as cushions struck or other balls contacted or pocketed are irrelevant.For a called shot to count, the referee must be satisfied that the intended shot was made, so ifthere is any chance of confusion, e.g. with bank, combination and similar shots, the shootershould indicate the ball and pocket. If the referee or opponent is unsure of the shot to beplayed, he may ask for a call.
9.6 Safety
The shooter, after the break at anytime may call “safety” which permits him to make contactwith the legal object ball without pocketing a ball and end his inning. However, if the shooterpockets the legal object ball the incoming player has the option to play the shot as left, orhand it back to his opponent. (See 9.7 Wrongfully Pocketed Balls which also applies during asafety.)
9.7 Wrongfully Pocketed Balls
If a player misses his intended ball and pocket, and either makes the nominated ball in thewrong pocket or pockets another ball, his inning has finished and the incoming player has theoption to take the shot as is, or hand it back to his opponent.
9.8 Continuing Play
If the shooter legally pockets a called/nominated ball on a shot (except a push out, see 9.4Second Shot of the Rack – Push Out), any additional balls pocketed remain pocketed (exceptthe ten ball; see 9.9 Spotting Balls), and he continues at the table for the next shot. If a playernominates and legally pockets the ten ball prior to the ten ball being the last remaining ball, theten ball is re-spotted and the shooter continues, while pocketing the ten ball as a final ball at the table, he wins the rack. If the shooter fails to pocket the called ball or fouls, play passes to the other player, and if no foul was committed, the incoming player must play the cue ball from the position left by the other player.
9.9 Spotting Balls
If the ten ball is pocketed on a foul or push out, or accidentally in the wrong pocket, or drivenoff the table, it is re-spotted. (See 1.4 Spotting Balls.) No other object ball is ever spotted.
9.10 Standard Fouls
If the shooter commits a standard foul, play passes to his opponent. The cue ball is in hand,and the incoming player may place it anywhere on the playing surface. (See 1.5 Cue Ball inHand)
The following are standard fouls at ten ball:6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table6.2 Wrong Ball First The first object ball contacted by the cue ball on each shot must be the lowest-numbered ball remaining on the table.6.3 No Rail after Contact6.4 No Foot on Floor6.5 Ball Driven off the Table The only jumped object ball that is spotted is the ten.6.6 Touched Ball 6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls6.8 Push Shot6.9 Balls Still Moving 6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String 6.12 Cue Stick on the Table6.13 Playing out of Turn6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls6.15 Slow Play6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul
9.11 Serious Fouls
For 6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls, the penalty is loss of the current rack. For 6.17Unsportsmanlike Conduct, the referee will choose a penalty appropriate given the nature ofthe offense.
9.12 Stalemate
If a stalemate occurs the original breaker of the rack will break again. (See 1.12 Stalemate.)
The following General Rules apply to all the games covered by these rules except when
contradicted by specific game rules. In addition, the Regulations of Pool Billiards coveraspects of the game not directly related to the game rules, such as equipment specificationsand organization of events.The games of Pool Billiards are played on a flat table covered with cloth and bounded byrubber cushions. The player uses a stick (pool cue) to strike a cue ball which in turn strikesobject balls. The goal is to drive object balls into six pockets located at the cushion boundary.The games vary according to which balls are legal targets and the requirements to win amatch.[Editorial comments on the U.S. English version: The masculine gender has been used forsimplicity of wording and is not intended to specify the gender of the players or officials. Theword “game” is used to refer to a discipline such as nine ball rather than a rack or a match.]
1.1 Player’s Responsibility
It is the player’s responsibility to be aware of all rules, regulations and schedules applying tocompetition. While tournament officials will make every reasonable effort to have suchinformation readily available to all players as appropriate, the ultimate responsibility restswith the player.
1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play
The lag is the first shot of the match and determines order of play. The player who wins thelag chooses who will shoot first.The referee will place a ball on each side of the table behind the head string and near the headstring. The players will shoot at about the same time to make each ball contact the footcushion with the goal of returning the ball closer to the head cushion than the opponent.A lag shot is bad and cannot win if the shooter’s ball:(a) crosses the long string;(b) contacts the foot cushion other than once;(c) is pocketed or driven off the table;(d) touches the side cushion; or(e) the ball rests within the corner pocket and past the nose of the head cushion.In addition, a lag will be bad if any non-object-ball foul occurs other than 6.9 Balls StillMoving.The players will lag again if:(a) a player’s ball is struck after the other ball has touched the foot cushion;(b) the referee cannot determine which ball has stopped closer to the head cushion; or(c) both lags are bad.
1.3 Player’s Use of Equipment
The equipment must meet existing WPA equipment specifications. In general, players are notpermitted to introduce novel equipment into the game. The following uses, among others, areconsidered normal. If the player is uncertain about a particular use of equipment, he shoulddiscuss it with the tournament management prior to the start of play. The equipment must beused only for the purpose or in the manner that the equipment was intended. (See 6.17Unsportsmanlike Conduct.)
(a) Cue Stick – The player is permitted to switch between cue sticks during the match, such asbreak, jump and normal cues. He may use either a built-in extender or an add-on extender toincrease the length of the stick.(b) Chalk – The player may apply chalk to his tip to prevent miscues, and may use his ownchalk, provided its color is compatible with the cloth.(c) Mechanical Bridges – The player may use up to two mechanical bridges to support the cuestick during the shot. The configuration of the bridges is up to the player. He may use his ownbridge if it is similar to standard bridges.(d) Gloves – The player may use gloves to improve the grip and/or bridge hand function.(e) Powder – A player is allowed to use powder in a reasonable amount as determined by thereferee.
1.4 Spotting Balls
Balls are spotted (returned to play on the table) by placing them on the long string (long axisof the table) as close as possible to the foot spot and between the foot spot and the foot rail,without moving any interfering ball. If the spotted ball cannot be placed on the foot spot, itshould be placed in contact (if possible) with the corresponding interfering ball. However,when the cue ball is next to the spotted ball, the spotted ball should not be placed in contactwith the cue ball; a small separation must be maintained. If all of the long string below thefoot spot is blocked by other balls, the ball is spotted above the foot spot, and as close aspossible to the foot spot.
1.5 Cue Ball in Hand
When the cue ball is in hand, the shooter may place the cue ball anywhere on the playingsurface (see 8.1 Parts of the Table) and may continue to move the cue ball until he executes ashot. (See definition 8.2 Shot.) Players may use any part of the cue stick to move the cue ball,including the tip, but not with a forward stroke motion. In some games and for most breakshots, placement of the cue ball may be restricted to the area behind the head string dependingon the rules of the game, and then 6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement and 6.11 Bad Play fromBehind the Head String may apply.When the shooter has the cue ball in hand behind the head string and all the legal object ballsare behind the head string, he may request the legal object ball nearest the head string to bespotted. If two or more balls are equal distance from the head string, the shooter maydesignate which of the equidistant balls is to be spotted. An object ball that rests exactly onthe head string is playable.
1.6 Standard Call Shot
In games in which the shooter is required to call shots, the intended ball and pocket must beindicated for each shot if they are not obvious. Details of the shot, such as cushions struck orother balls contacted or pocketed are irrelevant. Only one ball may be called on each shot.For a called shot to count, the referee must be satisfied that the intended shot was made, so ifthere is any chance of confusion, e.g. with bank, combination and similar shots, the shootershould indicate the ball and pocket. If the referee or opponent is unsure of the shot to beplayed, he may ask for a call.In call shot games, the shooter may choose to call “safety” instead of a ball and pocket, andthen play passes to the opponent at the end of the shot. Whether balls are being spotted aftersafeties depends on the rules of the particular game.
1.7 Balls Settling
A ball may settle slightly after it appears to have stopped, possibly due to slight imperfectionsin the ball or the table. Unless this causes a ball to fall into a pocket, it is considered a normalhazard of play, and the ball will not be moved back. If a ball falls into a pocket as the result ofsuch settling, it is restored as closely as possible to its original position. If a settling ball fallsinto a pocket during or just prior to a shot, and this has an effect on the shot, the referee willrestore the position and the shot will be replayed. The shooter is not penalized for shootingwhile a ball is settling. See also 8.3 Ball Pocketed.
1.8 Restoring a Position
When necessary for balls to be restored or cleaned, the referee will restore disturbed balls totheir original positions to the best of his ability. The players must accept the referee’sjudgment as to placement.
1.9 Outside Interference
When outside interference occurs during a shot that has an effect on the outcome of that shot,the referee will restore the balls to the positions they had before the shot, and the shot will bereplayed. If the interference had no effect on the shot, the referee will restore the disturbedballs and play will continue. If the balls cannot be restored to their original positions, thesituation is handled like a stalemate.
1.10 Prompting Calls and Protesting Rulings
If a player feels that the referee has made an error in judgment, he may ask the referee toreconsider his call or lack of call, but the referee’s decision on judgment calls is final.However, if the player feels that the referee is not applying the rules correctly, he may ask forruling by the designated appeals authority. The referee will suspend play while this appeal isin process. (See also part (d) of 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.) Fouls must be calledpromptly. (See 6. Fouls.)
1.11 Concession
If a player concedes, he loses the match. For example, if a player unscrews his jointed playingcue stick while the opponent is at the table and during the opponent’s decisive rack of amatch, it will be considered a concession of the match.
1.12 Stalemate
If the referee observes that no progress is being made towards a conclusion, he will announcehis decision, and each player will have three more turns at the table. Then, if the refereedetermines that there is still no progress, he will declare a stalemate. If both players agree,they may accept the stalemate without taking their three additional turns. The procedure for astalemate is specified under the rules for each game.
Nine ball is played with nine object balls numbered one through nine and the cue ball. Theballs are played in ascending numerical order. The player legally pocketing the nine ball winsthe rack.
2.1 Determining the Break
The player who wins the lag chooses who will break the first rack. (See 1.2 Lagging toDetermine Order of Play.) The standard format is to alternate the break, but see Regulation16, Subsequent Break Shots.
2.2 Nine Ball Rack
The object balls are racked as tightly as possible in a diamond shape, with the one ball at theapex of the diamond and on the foot spot and the nine ball in the middle of the diamond. Theother balls will be placed in the diamond without purposeful or intentional pattern.Nine Ball Rack
2.3 Legal Break Shot
The following rules apply to the break shot:(a) the cue ball begins in hand behind the head string;(b) if no ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven to one or more rails, orthe shot is a foul(c) additionally, and only when Three Point Break Rule is used, if no ball is pocketed,three balls must cross the head string, or the break is considered ‘dry break’. (SeeRegulation 18, Three Point Break Rule.)
2.4 Second Shot of the Rack – Push Out
If no foul is committed on the break shot, the shooter may choose to play a “push out” as hisshot. He must make his intention known to the referee, and then rules 6.2 Wrong Ball Firstand 6.3 No Rail after Contact are suspended for the shot. If no foul is committed on a pushout, the other player chooses who will shoot next.
2.5 Continuing Play
If the shooter legally pockets any ball on a shot (except a push out, see 2.4 Second Shot of theRack – Push Out), he continues at the table for the next shot. If he legally pockets the nineball on any shot (except a push out), he wins the rack. If the shooter fails to pocket a ball orfouls, play passes to the other player, and if no foul was committed, the incoming player mustplay the cue ball from the position left by the other player.
2.6 Spotting Balls
If the nine ball is pocketed on a foul or push out, or driven off the table, it is spotted. (See 1.4Spotting Balls.) No other object ball is ever spotted.
2.7 Standard Fouls
If the shooter commits a standard foul, play passes to his opponent. The cue ball is in hand,and the incoming player may place it anywhere on the playing surface. (See 1.5 Cue Ball inHand)
The following are standard fouls at nine ball:
6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table6.2 Wrong Ball First The first object ball contacted by the cue ball on each shot must be the lowest-numbered ball remaining on the table.6.3 No Rail after Contact6.4 No Foot on Floor6.5 Ball Driven off the Table The only jumped object ball that is spotted is the nine.6.6 Touched Ball 6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls6.8 Push Shot6.9 Balls Still Moving 6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String 6.12 Cue Stick on the Table6.13 Playing out of Turn6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls6.15 Slow Play6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul
2.8 Serious Fouls
For 6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls, the penalty is loss of the current rack. For 6.17Unsportsmanlike Conduct, the referee will choose a penalty appropriate given the nature ofthe offense.
2.9 Stalemate
If a stalemate occurs the original breaker of the rack will break again. (See 1.12 Stalemate.)
Eight ball is played with fifteen numbered object balls and the cue ball. The shooter’s groupof seven balls (one through seven or nine through fifteen) must all be off the table before heattempts to pocket the eight ball to win. Shots are called.
3.1 Determining First Break
The player winning the lag has the option to determine who has to execute the first break shot.(See 1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play.) The standard format is alternate break (SeeRegulation 16, Subsequent Break Shots.)
3.2 Eight Ball Rack
The fifteen object balls are racked as tightly as possible in a triangle, with the apex ball on thefoot spot and the eight ball as the first ball that is directly below the apex ball. One from eachgroup of seven will be on the two lower corners of the triangle. The other balls are placed inthe triangle without purposeful or intentional pattern.
3.3 Break Shot
The following rules apply to the break shot:(a) The cue ball begins in hand behind the head string.(b) No ball is called, and the cue ball is not required to hit any particular object ball first.(c) If the breaker pockets a ball and does not foul, he continues at the table, and the tableremains open. (See 3.4 Open Table / Choosing Groups.)(d) If no object ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven to one or more rails,or the shot results in an illegal break, and the incoming player has the option of(1) accepting the table in position, or(2) re-racking and breaking, or(3) re-racking and allowing the offending player to break again.(e) Pocketing the eight ball on a legal break shot is not a foul. If the eight ball is pocketed, thebreaker has the option of(1) re-spotting the eight ball and accepting the balls in position, or(2) re-breaking.(f) If the breaker pockets the eight ball and scratches (see definition 8.6 Scratch), the opponenthas the option of:(1) re-spotting the eight ball and shooting with cue ball in hand behind the head string;or(2) re-breaking.(g) If any object ball is driven off the table on a break shot, it is a foul; such balls remain outof play (except the eight ball which is re-spotted); and the incoming player has the option of(1) accepting the table in position, or(2) taking cue ball in hand behind the head string.(h) If the breaker fouls in any manner not listed above, the following player has the option of(1) accepting the balls in position, or(2) taking cue ball in hand behind the head string.
3.4 Open Table / Choosing Groups
Before groups are determined, the table is said to be “open,” and before each shot, the shootermust call his intended ball. If the shooter legally pockets his called ball, the correspondinggroup becomes his, and his opponent is assigned the other group. If he fails to legally pockethis called ball, the table remains open and play passes to the other player. When the table is“open”, any object ball may be struck first except the eight ball.
3.5 Continuing Play
The shooter remains at the table as long as he continues to legally pocket called balls, or hewins the rack by pocketing the eight ball.
3.6 Shots Required to Be Called
On each shot except the break, shots must be called as explained in 1.6 Standard Call Shot.The eight ball may be called only after the shot on which the shooter’s group has been clearedfrom the table. The shooter may call “safety” in which case play passes to the opponent at theend of the shot and any object ball pocketed on the safety remains pocketed. (See 8.17 SafetyShot.)
3.7 Spotting Balls
If the eight ball is pocketed or driven off the table on the break, it will be spotted or the ballswill be re-racked. (See 3.3 Break Shot and 1.4 Spotting Balls.) No other object ball is everspotted.
3.8 Losing the Rack
The shooter loses if he(a) pockets the eight ball and fouls.;(b) pockets the eight ball before his group is cleared;(c) pockets the eight ball in an uncalled pocket; or(d) drives the eight ball off the table.These do not apply to the break shot. (See 3.3 Break Shot.)
3.9 Standard Fouls
If the shooter commits a foul, play passes to his opponent. The cue ball is in hand, and theincoming player may place it anywhere on the playing surface. (See 1.5 Cue Ball in Hand.)
The following are standard fouls at eight ball:6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table6.2 Wrong Ball First The first ball contacted by the cue ball on each shot must belong to the shooter’s group, except when the table is open. (See 3.4 Open Table / Choosing Groups).6.3 No Rail after Contact6.4 No Foot on Floor6.5 Ball Driven off the Table (See 3.7 Spotting Balls.)6.6 Touched Ball 6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls6.8 Push Shot6.9 Balls Still Moving 6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String 6.12 Cue Stick on the Table6.13 Playing out of Turn6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls6.15 Slow Play6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul
3.10 Serious Fouls
The fouls listed under 3.8 Losing the Rack are penalized by the loss of the current rack. For6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct, the referee will choose a penalty appropriate given the natureof the offense.
3.11 Stalemate
If a stalemate occurs (see 1.12 Stalemate), the original breaker of the rack will break again.
14.1 Continuous Pool, also known as straight pool, is played with fifteen numbered balls andthe cue ball. Each ball pocketed on a legal called shot counts one point and the first player toreach the required score wins the match. 14.1 is continuous in that after fourteen balls arepocketed, they are re-racked and the shooter continues.
4.1 Lagging for the Break
Players lag to determine who will shoot first. (See 1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play)
4.2 The 14.1 Rack
For an opening break shot, the fifteen balls are racked in a triangle with the apex ball on thefoot spot. When the balls are re-racked, the apex ball is omitted if only fourteen balls arebeing racked. The marked outline of the triangle will be used to determine whether anintended break ball is in the rack area. If the table is tapped at 14.1 the outline of a trianglewill still be drawn for the purpose of deciding whether a ball is in the rack area. When ball rack template is used at 14.1 the outline of a triangle will still be drawn for the purpose of deciding whether a ball is in the rack area..
4.3 Opening Break Shot
The following rules apply to the opening break shot:(a) The cue ball begins in hand behind the head string.(b) If no called ball is pocketed, the cue ball and two object balls must each be driven to a railafter the cue ball contacts the rack or the shot is a breaking foul. (See 8.4 Driven to a Rail.)This is penalized by subtracting two points from the breaker’s score. (See 4.10 BreakingFoul.) The non-breaking player may accept the balls in position or may require the breaker toplay another opening break shot, until he satisfies the requirements for an opening break orthe non-shooting player accepts the table in position. (See 4.11 Serious Fouls)
4.4 Continuing Play and Winning the Game
The shooter remains at the table as long as he continues to legally pocket called balls or winsthe game by scoring the required number of points. When fourteen balls from a rack havebeen legally pocketed, play is suspended until the balls are re-racked.
4.5 Shots Required to Be Called
Shots must be called as explained in 1.6 Standard Call Shot. The shooter may call “safety” inwhich case play passes to the opponent at the end of the shot and any object ball pocketed onthe safety is spotted.
4.6 Spotting Balls
All balls pocketed on fouls, or on safeties, or without a called ball having been pocketed, andall balls driven off the table are spotted. (See 1.4 Spotting Balls.) If the fifteenth ball of a rackneeds to be spotted and the fourteen balls have not been touched, the fifteenth ball will spoton the apex spot and the referee may use the triangle to assure a tight rack.
4.7 Scoring
The shooter scores one point for legally pocketing a called shot. Each additional ball pocketedon such a shot also counts one point. Fouls are penalized by subtracting points from theoffending player’s score. Scores may be negative due to penalties from fouls.
4.8 Special Racking Situations
When the cue ball or fifteenth object ball interferes with racking fourteen balls for a new rack,the following special rules apply. A ball is considered to interfere with the rack if it is withinor overlaps the outline of the rack. The referee will state when asked whether a ball interfereswith the rack.(a) If the fifteenth ball was pocketed on the shot that scored the fourteenth ball, all fifteenballs are re-racked.(b) If both balls interfere, all fifteen balls are re-racked and the cue ball is in hand behind thehead string.(c) If only the object ball interferes, it is placed on the head spot or the center spot if the cueball blocks the head spot.(d) If only the cue ball interferes, then it is placed as follows: if the object ball is in front of oron the head string, the cue ball is in hand behind the head string; if the object ball is behindthe head string, the cue ball is spotted on the head spot, or on the center spot if the head spot isblocked.In any case, there is no restriction on which object ball the shooter may play as the first shotof the new rack.If the cue ball or object ball is barely outside the marked rack area and it is time to rack, thereferee should mark the position of the ball to allow it to be accurately replaced if it isaccidentally moved by the referee when racking.
4.9 Standard Fouls
If the shooter commits a standard foul, a point is subtracted from his score, balls are spotted asnecessary, and play passes to his opponent. The cue ball remains in position except as notedbelow.
The following are standard fouls at 14.1:6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table The cue ball is in hand behind the head string (see 1.5 Cue Ball in Hand).6.2 Wrong Ball First6.3 No Rail after Contact6.4 No Foot on Floor6.5 Ball Driven off the Table (All object balls driven off the table are respotted.)6.6 Touched Ball 6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls6.8 Push Shot6.9 Balls Still Moving 6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String For a foul under the second paragraph of 6.11, the cue ball is in hand behind the head string for the incoming player.6.12 Cue Stick on the Table6.13 Playing out of Turn6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls6.15 Slow Play6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul
4.10 Breaking Foul
A breaking foul is penalized by the loss of two points as mentioned under 4.3 Opening BreakShot, as well as a possible re-break. If both a standard foul and a breaking foul happen on oneshot, it is considered a breaking foul.
4.11 Serious Fouls
For Rule 6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls, only standard fouls are counted, so a breaking fouldoes not count as one of the three fouls. A point is subtracted for the third foul as usual, andthen the additional fifteen-point penalty is subtracted and the offending player’s consecutivefoul count is reset to zero. All fifteen balls are re-racked and the offending player is requiredto shoot under the requirements of the opening break.For 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct, the referee will choose a penalty depending on the natureof the offense.
4.12 Stalemate
If a stalemate occurs (see 1.12 Stalemate), the players will lag again to determine who willshoot an opening break.
Black ball is played with 15 colored object balls and the cue ball. The object balls are twogroups of seven and the black ball. The player or team pocketing their group of object ballsand legally pocketing the black ball wins the game. Shots are not called.
5.1 Definitions
In addition to definitions defined in 8. Definitions Used in the Rules, the followingdefinitions apply to black ball:
Free shotAfter a foul has been committed the incoming player is awarded a free shot. On a free shotRule 6.2 Wrong Ball First is suspended and the player may take the cue ball in position or inhand in baulk.
BaulkBaulk is the rectangular area of the table that is bordered by the baulk line and the threecushions at the head of the table. The baulk line is parallel to the head rail and one fifth of thelength of the playing surface away from the head cushion. For the applicable general rules,“behind the head string” should be read as “in baulk.”
SnookeredA player is said to be snookered when the cue ball has no straight, direct path to hit at leastpart of a legal target ball. The snooker must be declared by the referee for it to be in effect.
Ball OnAn object ball is said to be “on” when it is a legal target for the shooter.
5.3 Determining First Break
The player winning the lag has the option to determine who has to execute the first break shot.(See 1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play ) The standard format is alternate break (seeRegulations).
5.4 Black Ball Rack
The balls are racked as with the black ball on the foot spot:
5.5 Break Shot
The following rules apply to the break shot.(a) The cue ball begins in hand in baulk.(b) At least one ball must be pocketed or at least two object balls must cross the center stringor the break shot is a foul.(c) If the black ball is pocketed on the break, all the balls are re-racked and the same playerbreaks again. Any violation of 6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table or 6.5 Ball Driven off theTable is ignored on a break that pockets the black ball.
5.6 Open Table / Choosing Groups
The table is said to be “open” when the players’ groups have not been decided. The table isopen after the break shot and remains open until the shooter pockets balls from only onegroup on a legal normal shot, which means not a break shot and not a free shot. The shooter isthen assigned that group of balls to pocket and the opponent is assigned the other group.
5.7 Continuing Play
The shooter remains at the table as long as he continues to legally pocket balls or the rackends. If he fails to legally pocket a ball but commits no foul, the opponent shoots from theposition left.
5.8 Cue Ball in Hand in Baulk
When the player has the cue ball in hand, he may place it by hand anywhere in baulk. Theplayer may continue to adjust the position of the cue ball by hand until he takes a shot. Thecue ball is not required to leave baulk before striking an object ball.
5.9 Touching Balls
If the cue ball is touching an object ball, the shooter must not play the cue ball in the directionof that ball. He is considered to have hit the touching ball when he shoots away from it if theball is on for the shot.
5.10 Playing from a Snooker
When the shooter is snookered, Rule 6.3 No Rail after Contact is suspended for the shot.
5.11 Spotting Balls
Object balls driven off the table are spotted on the long string. If several balls are to bespotted, they are spotted in the following order: (1) the black ball, (2) balls from the group ofthe next shooter, or balls from the red, blue or solid group if the table is open, (3) other balls.
5.12 Stalemate
In case of a stalemate due to lack of progress towards a conclusion, the breaker of the rackwill break again. A stalemate also occurs if the position does not allow any legal shot.
5.13 Standard Fouls
If the shooter commits a foul, play passes to his opponent. The incoming player has one freeshot (see Free shot) as the first shot of his inning.
The following are standard fouls at black ball:6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table6.2 Wrong Ball First (suspended for a free shot)6.3 No Rail after Contact6.4 No Foot on Floor6.5 Ball Driven off the Table6.6 Touched Ball 6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls6.8 Push Shot6.9 Balls Still Moving 6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement (when playing from baulk)6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String 6.12 Cue Stick on the Table6.13 Playing out of Turn6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls6.15 Slow Play6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul
The following additional situations are fouls at blackball:
5.13.1 – Pocketing Opponent’s Ball – It is a foul to pocket an opponent’s ball without alsopocketing a ball from your own group.5.13 2 – Table Incorrect – It is a foul to play before all balls that require spotting have beenspotted.5.13.3 – Jump Shot – Causing the cue ball to jump over any ball is a foul. (If the cue ballleaves the bed of the table and misses an object ball that would have been struck had the cueball not left the table on an otherwise identical shot, the cue ball is deemed to have jumpedover that object ball.)
5.14 Loss of Rack Fouls
The player loses the rack if he:(a) pockets the black ball on an illegal shot;(b) pockets the black ball on a shot that leaves any of his group of balls on the table;(c) intentionally violates 6.2 Wrong Ball First; or(d) does not attempt to hit a ball on.6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct will be penalized by loss of rack or other penalty dependingon the nature of the conduct.
The following actions are fouls at pool when included in the specific rules of the game beingplayed. If several fouls occur on one shot, only the most serious one is enforced. If a foul isnot called before the next shot begins, the foul is assumed not to have happened.
6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table
If the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, the shot is a foul. See 8.3 Ball Pocketed and8.5 Driven off the Table.
6.2 Wrong Ball First
In those games which require the first object ball struck to be a particular ball or one of agroup of balls, it is a foul for the cue ball to first contact any other ball.
6.3 No Rail after Contact
If no ball is pocketed on a shot, the cue ball must contact an object ball, and after that contactat least one ball (cue ball or any object ball) must be driven to a rail, or the shot is a foul. (See8.4 Driven to a Rail.)
6.4 No Foot on Floor
If the shooter does not have at least one foot touching the floor at the instant the tip contactsthe cue ball, the shot is a foul.
6.5 Ball Driven off the Table
It is a foul to drive an object ball off the table. Whether that ball is spotted depends on therules of the game. (See 8.5 Driven off the Table.)
6.6 Touched Ball
It is a foul to touch, move or change the path of any object ball except by the normal ball-toballcontacts during shots. It is a foul to touch, move or change the path of the cue ball exceptwhen it is in hand or by the normal tip-to-ball forward stroke contact of a shot. The shooter isresponsible for the equipment he controls at the table, such as chalk, bridges, clothing, hishair, parts of his body, and the cue ball when it is in hand, that may be involved in such fouls.If such a foul is accidental, it is a standard foul, but if it is intentional, it is 6.17Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls
If the cue stick contacts the cue ball more than once on a shot, the shot is a foul. If the cue ballis close to but not touching an object ball and the cue tip is still on the cue ball when the cueball contacts that object ball, the shot is a foul. If the cue ball is very close to an object ball,and the shooter barely grazes that object ball on the shot, the shot is assumed not to violate thefirst paragraph of this rule, even though the tip is arguably still on the cue ball when ball-ballcontact is made.
However, if the cue ball is touching an object ball at the start of the shot, it is legal to shoottowards or partly into that ball (provided it is a legal target within the rules of the game) and ifthe object ball is moved by such a shot, it is considered to have been contacted by the cue ball.(Even though it may be legal to shoot towards such a touching or “frozen” ball, care must betaken not to violate the rules in the first paragraph if there are additional balls close by.)
The cue ball is assumed not to be touching any ball unless it is declared touching by thereferee or opponent. It is the shooter’s responsibility to get the declaration before the shot.Playing away from a frozen ball does not constitute having hit that ball unless specified in therules of the game.
6.8 Push Shot
It is a foul to prolong tip-to-cue-ball contact beyond that seen in normal shots.
6.9 Balls Still Moving
It is a foul to begin a shot while any ball in play is moving or spinning.
6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement
When the cue ball is in hand and restricted to the area behind the head string, it is a foul toplay the cue ball from on or below the head string. If the shooter is uncertain whether the cueball has been placed behind the head string, he may ask the referee for a determination.
6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String
When the cue ball is in hand behind the head string, and the first ball the cue ball contacts isalso behind the head string, the shot is a foul unless the cue ball crosses the head string beforethat contact. If such a shot is intentional, it is unsportsmanlike conduct.The cue ball must either cross the head string or contact a ball in front of or on the head stringor the shot is a foul, and the cue ball is in hand for the following player according to the rulesof the specific game. If such shot is intentional, it is also unsportsmanlike conduct.
6.12 Cue Stick on the Table
If the shooter uses his cue stick in order to align a shot by placing it on the table withouthaving a hand on the stick, it is a foul.
6.13 Playing out of Turn
It is a standard foul to unintentionally play out of turn. Normally, the balls will be played fromthe position left by the mistaken play. If a player intentionally plays out of turn, it should betreated like 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls
If a player fouls three times without making an intervening legal shot, it is a serious foul. Ingames scored by the rack, such as nine ball, the fouls must be in a single rack. Some gamessuch as eight ball do not include this rule.The referee must warn a shooter who is on two fouls when he comes to the table that he is ontwo fouls. Otherwise a possible third foul will be considered to be only the second.
6.15 Slow Play
If the referee feels that a player is playing too slowly, he may advise that player to speed uphis play. If the player does not speed up, the referee may impose a shot clock on that matchthat applies to both players. If the shooter exceeds the time limit specified for the tournament,a standard foul will be called and the incoming player is rewarded according to the rulesapplicable to the game being played. (Rule 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct may also apply.)
6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul
It is a foul when a Ball Rack Template, removed from the playing surface, interferes with thegame i.e. if the template is lying on the rail and a ball (cue or object ball) touches the templatethat is lying on the rail.
6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct
The normal penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct is the same as for a serious foul, but thereferee may impose a penalty depending on his judgment of the conduct. Among otherpenalties possible are a warning; a standard-foul penalty, which will count as part of a threefoulsequence if applicable; a serious-foul penalty; loss of a rack, set or match; ejection fromthe competition possibly with forfeiture of all prizes, trophies and standings points.Unsportsmanlike conduct is any intentional behavior that brings disrepute to the sport orwhich disrupts or changes the game to the extent that it cannot be played fairly. It includes(a) distracting the opponent;(b) changing the position of the balls in play other than by a shot;(c) playing a shot by intentionally miscuing;(d) continuing to play after a foul has been called or play has been suspended;(e) practicing during a match;(f) marking the table;(g) delay of the game; and(h) using equipment inappropriately.
7.1 Player’s Eligibility
The criteria for a player to be eligible for Wheelchair competition is that he must bewheelchair mobility dependent for a minimum of 80% of the time. In some cases, a doctor’sletter may be required to determine eligibility.
7.2 Violations Resulting in Fouls
(a) The shooter must remain seated while playing a shot (at least one cheek on the seat or seatpad). If a seat pad is used, it must remain flat and cover the seat of the wheelchair evenly. Theseat pad cannot be bunched up on the seat straddled by the shooter with the shooter’s legs orstumps. The shooter may not sit on the wheel or armrest. The point where the shooter’sbuttocks rest on the seat or seat pad must not be higher than 27 in / 68.5 cm from the surfaceon which the wheelchair rolls in its normal operating position.(b) Players must not have their foot/feet on the floor while playing a shot. Players must notuse their legs or stumps as a leverage against any part of the table or the wheelchair whileplaying a shot.(c) Players are permitted to use any help aids such as cue extensions, special bridges, etc.Players may not be assisted when actually shooting (however, another person may hold thebridge, but must not help with the stroke of the cue). If a player requires assistance to rollaround the table, another person may help them, but must not be touching the wheelchairduring the actual shot.Violations of the above are considered to violate 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct and willtypically be penalized as follows: 1st offense, cue ball in hand for the opponent anywhere onthe table; 2nd offense, loss of the current game; 3rd offense, loss of the match. The referee maychoose a different penalty depending on the nature of the offense.
7.3 Wheelchair Requirements
No standing wheelchairs may be used in the standing position. A player’s wheelchair shouldbe clean and in good working order.
The following definitions apply throughout these rules.
8.1 Parts of the Table
The following definitions of parts of the table refer to the accompanying diagram. Somedetails of exact size and placement are in the WPA Equipment Specifications. See the WPAwebsite at www.wpa-pool.com for current information.The table is comprised of rails, cushions, a playing surface and pockets. The foot end of thetable is where the object balls usually begin, while the head end is where the cue ball usuallybegins.Behind the head string is the area between the head rail and the head string, not including thehead string.
The cushions, tops of the rails, pockets and pocket liners are parts of the rails.There are four “strings” on the playing surface as shown in the diagram:the long string down the center of the table;the head string bounding the quarter of the table closest to the head rail;the foot string bounding the quarter of the table closest to the foot rail; andthe center string between the two side pockets.These lines are only marked as mentioned below.The rails may have inlays referred to as diamonds or sights which mark 1/4th of the width and1/8th of the length of the table measured from nose to nose on the cushions.On the playing surface, which is the flat, cloth-covered part of the table, the following will bemarked if they are used in the game being played:the foot spot, where the foot string and the long string meet;the head spot, where the head string and the long string meet;the center spot, where the center string and the long string meet;the head string;the long string between the foot spot and the foot rail; andthe triangle, either in outline or by alignment marks depending on the game.
8.2 Shot
A shot begins when the tip contacts the cue ball due to a forward stroke motion of the cuestick. A shot ends when all balls in play have stopped moving and spinning. A shot is said tobe legal if the shooter did not foul during the shot. 8.3 Ball Pocketed
A ball is pocketed if it comes to rest in a pocket below the playing surface or enters the ballreturn system. A ball near the brink of a pocket partly supported by another ball is consideredpocketed if removal of the supporting ball would cause the ball to fall into the pocket.If a ball stops near the edge of a pocket, and remains apparently motionless for five seconds, itis not considered pocketed if it later falls into the pocket by itself. See 1.7 Balls Settling forother details. During that five second period, the referee should ensure that no other shot istaken. An object ball that rebounds from a pocket back onto the playing surface is not apocketed ball. If the cue ball contacts an already pocketed ball, the cue ball will beconsidered pocketed whether it rebounds from the pocket or not. The referee will removepocketed object balls from full or nearly full pockets, but it is the shooter’s responsibility tosee that this duty is performed.
8.4 Driven to a Rail
A ball is said to be driven to a rail if it is not touching that rail and then touches that rail. Aball touching a rail at the start of a shot (said to be “frozen” to the rail) is not considereddriven to that rail unless it leaves the rail and returns. A ball that is pocketed or driven off thetable is also considered to have been driven to a rail. A ball is assumed not to be frozen toany rail unless it is declared frozen by the referee, the shooter, or the opponent. See alsoRegulation 29, Calling Frozen Balls.
8.5 Driven off the Table
A ball is considered driven off the table if it comes to rest other than on the playing surfacebut is not pocketed. A ball is also considered driven off the table if it would have been drivenoff the table except for striking an object such as a light fixture, piece of chalk or a playerwhich causes it to return to the table.
A ball that contacts the top of the rail is not considered to have been driven off the table if itreturns to the playing surface or enters a pocket.
8.6 Scratch
A shot on which the cue ball is pocketed is called a scratch.
8.7 Cue Ball
The cue ball is the ball that is struck by the shooter at the beginning of a shot. It istraditionally white, but may be marked by a logo or spots. In pocket billiard games, a singlecue ball is used by both players.
8.8 Object Balls
The object balls are struck by the cue ball with the usual intent of driving them into pockets.They are typically numbered from one to the number of balls used in the game. Colors andmarkings of the object balls are covered under the WPA Equipment Specifications.
8.9 Set
In some matches, the match is divided into parts called sets, with a certain number of sets wonrequired to win the match. In turn, a certain number of points or racks won is required to wineach set.
8.10 Rack
The rack is the framing device, typically triangular, used to arrange the object balls for thebreak shot at the start of the game. It also refers to the group of balls so arranged. To rack theobject balls is to group them with the rack. A rack is also a portion of a match played with asingle rack of object balls. Some games, such as nine ball, are scored at one point per rack.
8.11 Break
A break shot is the opening shot of a match or rack, depending on the game. It happens whenthe object balls have been racked and the cue ball is played from behind the head stringusually with the intent of breaking the rack apart.
8.12 Inning
An inning is a player’s turn at the table. It begins when it is legal for him to take a shot, andends at the end of a shot when it is no longer legal for him to take a shot. In some games aplayer may choose not to come to the table in certain situations when play would normallypass to him, and then the player remaining at the table continues the inning (e.g. a push-out atnine ball). The player whose turn it is to play is called the “shooter.”
8.13 Position of Balls
The position of a ball is determined by the projection of its center vertically downward ontothe playing surface. A ball is said to be placed on a line or spot when its center is placeddirectly over that line or spot.
8.14 Re-spotting Balls
In some games, object balls are required to be placed on the playing surface other than whenforming a new rack. They are said to be re-spotted when they are so placed. See 1.4 SpottingBalls. 8.15 Restoring a Position
If the balls are disturbed, the rules of the game may require them to be replaced where theywere. The referee will replace the balls to their original position as accurately as possible.
8.16 Jump Shot
A jump shot is one in which the cue ball is made to go over an intervening obstacle such as anobject ball or part of the cushion. Whether such a shot is legal depends on how it isaccomplished and the intention of the shooter. Usually a legal jump shot is played byelevating the cue stick and driving the cue ball down into the playing surface from which itrebounds.
8.17 Safety Shot
A shot is said to be a safety shot if the game in play is a call shot game and the shooterdeclared the shot to the referee or his opponent to be a “safety” before the shot. Play passes tothe other player at the end of a safety shot.
8.18 Miscue
A miscue occurs when the cue tip slides off the cue ball possibly due to a contact that is tooeccentric or to insufficient chalk on the tip. It is usually accompanied by a sharp sound andevidenced by a discoloration of the tip. Although some miscues involve contact of the side ofthe cue stick with the cue ball, unless such contact is clearly visible, it is assumed not to haveoccurred. A scoop shot, in which the cue tip contacts the playing surface and the cue ball atthe same time and this causes the cue ball to rise off the cloth, is treated like a miscue. Notethat intentional miscues are covered by 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct (c).
Ten ball is a call shot game played with ten object balls numbered one through ten and the cueball. The balls are played in ascending numerical order and the lowest numbered ball must becontacted by the cue ball in order to establish a legal hit. If the ten ball is pocketed on a legalbreak shot, it will be re-spotted and the player continues with his inning. Only one ball may becalled on each shot, except on the break shot where no ball may be called. (See 9.5 Call Shots& Pocketing Balls).
9.1 Determining the Break
The player who wins the lag chooses who will break the first rack. (See 1.2 Lagging toDetermine Order of Play.) The standard format is to alternate the break, but See Regulation16, Subsequent Break Shots. But see Regulation 15, Subsequent Break Shots.
9.2 Ten Ball Rack
The object balls are racked as tightly as possible in a triangular shape, with the one ball at theapex of the triangle and on the foot spot and the ten ball in the middle of the triangle. Theother balls will be placed in the triangle without purposeful or intentional pattern. (SeeRegulation 4, Ball Rack Template.)
9.3 Legal Break Shot
The following rules apply to the break shot:(a) the cue ball begins in hand behind the head string; and(b) if no ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven to one or more rails, or theshot is a foul. (See Regulation 17, Open Break Requirements.)
9.4 Second Shot of the Rack – Push Out
If no foul is committed on the break shot, the shooter may choose to play a “push out” as hisshot. He must make his intention known to the referee, and then rules 6.2 Wrong Ball Firstand 6.3 No Rail after Contact are suspended for the shot. If no foul is committed on a pushout, the other player chooses who will shoot next. The ten ball pocketed during a Push Out isre-spotted, without penalty.
9.5 Call Shots & Pocketing Balls
Whenever the shooter is attempting to pocket a ball (except the break) he is required to callshots, the intended ball and pocket must be indicated for each shot if they are not obvious.Details of the shot, such as cushions struck or other balls contacted or pocketed are irrelevant.For a called shot to count, the referee must be satisfied that the intended shot was made, so ifthere is any chance of confusion, e.g. with bank, combination and similar shots, the shootershould indicate the ball and pocket. If the referee or opponent is unsure of the shot to beplayed, he may ask for a call.
9.6 Safety
The shooter, after the break at anytime may call “safety” which permits him to make contactwith the legal object ball without pocketing a ball and end his inning. However, if the shooterpockets the legal object ball the incoming player has the option to play the shot as left, orhand it back to his opponent. (See 9.7 Wrongfully Pocketed Balls which also applies during asafety.)
9.7 Wrongfully Pocketed Balls
If a player misses his intended ball and pocket, and either makes the nominated ball in thewrong pocket or pockets another ball, his inning has finished and the incoming player has theoption to take the shot as is, or hand it back to his opponent.
9.8 Continuing Play
If the shooter legally pockets a called/nominated ball on a shot (except a push out, see 9.4Second Shot of the Rack – Push Out), any additional balls pocketed remain pocketed (exceptthe ten ball; see 9.9 Spotting Balls), and he continues at the table for the next shot. If a playernominates and legally pockets the ten ball prior to the ten ball being the last remaining ball, theten ball is re-spotted and the shooter continues, while pocketing the ten ball as a final ball at the table, he wins the rack. If the shooter fails to pocket the called ball or fouls, play passes to the other player, and if no foul was committed, the incoming player must play the cue ball from the position left by the other player.
9.9 Spotting Balls
If the ten ball is pocketed on a foul or push out, or accidentally in the wrong pocket, or drivenoff the table, it is re-spotted. (See 1.4 Spotting Balls.) No other object ball is ever spotted.
9.10 Standard Fouls
If the shooter commits a standard foul, play passes to his opponent. The cue ball is in hand,and the incoming player may place it anywhere on the playing surface. (See 1.5 Cue Ball inHand)
The following are standard fouls at ten ball:6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table6.2 Wrong Ball First The first object ball contacted by the cue ball on each shot must be the lowest-numbered ball remaining on the table.6.3 No Rail after Contact6.4 No Foot on Floor6.5 Ball Driven off the Table The only jumped object ball that is spotted is the ten.6.6 Touched Ball 6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls6.8 Push Shot6.9 Balls Still Moving 6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String 6.12 Cue Stick on the Table6.13 Playing out of Turn6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls6.15 Slow Play6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul
9.11 Serious Fouls
For 6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls, the penalty is loss of the current rack. For 6.17Unsportsmanlike Conduct, the referee will choose a penalty appropriate given the nature ofthe offense.
9.12 Stalemate
If a stalemate occurs the original breaker of the rack will break again. (See 1.12 Stalemate.)
carom billiards rules
WORLD RULES OF CAROM BILLIARD
Free game (also named Straight Rail)Each player must reach a certain number of points without any specific requirement to make a point. The first to reach the score wins.
If the first to play wins then balls are set again in place and its opponent benefits from a last inning.
CasinEach player has to perform specific points:
Cushion first,3 cushions,3Casin: the cue ball hits the red which after hits the third ball after 1 cushion,1 cushion,2 cushions,Red: Red ball must be hit first,Direct: No cushions allowed,Free: player can score anyway he wants.First player to reach 10 points in each figure wins.1-CushionCue ball must rebound at least on one cushion before it hits the last ball.
3-CushionsCue ball must rebound at least on three cushions before it hits the last ball.
BalklineThere are 3 differents balkline games: 47/1, 47/2 and 71/2.
In this game there are six (or nine) zones delimited on the playing area.
The player can only make a maximum of 2 (47/2 and 71/2) or 1 (47/1) points staying in the zone.
5 pinsFive pins of 25mm height are placed in the center of the playing area, in the shape of a cross.
Points are granted to the player depending on the pins that he strikes:
Central pin: 4 points,Side pin: 2 points,Central pin alone: 8 points.The number of points scored is the one of the highest figure.
Should the player make faults, points are taken off its credit.
CHAPTER I - GENERAL REGULATIONSArticle 1 - Application of the rules1. The world rules of carom billiard complete the statutes and regulations of theUMB. They are applicable at all world championships and intercontinentaltournaments officially recognized by the UMB. 2. The cases which are not provided by the rules of the UMB or the case of forcemajeure will be regulated by the the official delegate of the UMB or by hissubstitute after consultation with the official delegate of the organizing federationand the director of the tournament. Articles 2 to 10 - nothing CHAPTER II - EQUIPMENTArticle 11 - Billiard, cushion, cloth1. The billiard is a table which surface is rectangular, completely smooth andhorizontal. 2. The billiard table consists of slate with a minimum thickness of 45 mm or of anyother material approved by the UMB committee. 3. The demarcation of the playing surface is effected by setting up rubber cushionsof 37 mm in height at the frontmost point of the cushion. An allowance of plus orminus 1 mm is admitted. 4. The size of the free playing surface is 2.84 m in length and 1.42 m in width. Anallowance of plus or minus 5 mm is admitted. 5. The rubber cushions are fastened to the entire length of an external frame of 12.5cm in width which surface is entirely smooth and of a homogeneous colour. Anallowance of plus or minus 1 cm is admitted.Exclusively a quality concerning the cushions which is recognized and authorizedby the UMB committee can be used. 6. The surface which reframes the cushions will have indelible marks fixed atregular distance corresponding with 1/8 of the length of the playing surface.Neither the mark of the producer nor any other indication will be allowed to befastened to the surface of this frame reframing the cushions. 7. The cloth which covers the billiard must be new and must have a quality andcolour which is admitted by the UMB committee.The required details are published by the committee at the end of chapter I of theworld organization rules. The cloth will have to cover at most the slate and thecushions. Exclusively a quality of cloth which is recognized and authorized bythe UMB committee can be used. 8. The hight of the billiard measured from the ground to the surface which reframesthe billiard must be between 75 and 80 cm. 9. The billiards meant for an official tournament will be equiped with an electricalheater eliminating any humidity of the slate and of the cloth. This heater with athermostat will be switched on since the set up of the billiards and during thewhole competition in order to ensure the best possible rolling. Article 12 - Balls, chalk 1. The balls consisiting of three must be of a material and of colours admitted by theUMB committee. The required details are published by the committee at the endof chapter I of the world organization rules. 2. These balls are rigorously round and their diameter must be between 61 and 61.5cm. A ball's weight must be between 205 and 220 gramms or must have anotherWorld rules of carom billiard weight agreed by the UMB committee. However, the difference between theheaviest and the lightest ball should not exceed two gramms.3. The chalk should not excessively soil the surface of the game. Article 13 - Marking of the spots and starting line 1. The places which must be occupied by the balls either at the beginning of thematch or in its course as soon as they stopped in contact with each other or boundout of the billiard are named "spots". 2. The positions of these spots will be marked by means of a cross drawn as fine aspossible with chalk, in pencil or with ink. The marking by setting up small ringsis forbidden. 3. There are five spots drawn according to the indications of paper A - Marking ofthe mouches - of the appendix. Article 14 - Billiard cue, rake 1. The balls are set in motion by means of an equipment made of wood or any othermaterial which is named "billiard cue". The billiard cue may consist of one singlepiece or may be divided into several parts. The cue must be equiped with a ring atone of its ends called "leather tip". The player is only allowed to use the "leathertip" in order to touch the ball. The player employs one or several cues of hischoice and he freely determines its length, weight and diameter. 2. The player has the right to use a "rake", a small stick with a stock at the end madeof wood or any other material determined to replace the hand in certain positionsof the body which are difficult to take. Article 15 - Lighting 1. The light projected onto the billiard may not be lower than 520 lux on the wholesurface, the measuring instrument is put on the cloth to measure it.The light must not be too strong, either; in order not to blind the players.(blinding starts at 5,000 lux concerning direct view)The distance between the source of light and the playing surface must be at least1 meter. 2. The hall should not be in complete nightfall, but it will have to be leghtened withat least 50 lux. Articles 16 to 20 - nothing CHAPTER III - COMMON RULES OF ALL KINDS OF GAMES OF CAROM BILLIARD Article 21 - Beginning of the match The match starts as soon as the referee has placed the balls for the execution ofthe starting stroke. Article 22 - Cushion draw 1. The referee places the two white balls on the starting line, on both sides of theline of the three starting spots approximately 30 cm from each long cushion andthe red ball on the top spot.As far as the cushion draw is concerned the referee places the spot or yellow ballon the left side and the other white ball on the right side. If the two players insiston playing with the same ball the referee will draw lots. 2. The players draw the beginning at the top cushion. The two white balls must bein motion before one of them reaches the top cushion. If this is not the case thedraw will be repeated. The player who causes two times such a repetition losesthe choice to begin. It is not admitted to effect the cushion draw by a stand-in. 3. If the balls have touched each other on their way the faulty player (outside hishalf of the billiard) will lose the choice to begin. 4. If the white balls have touched each other on their way and if it is impossible todetermine the faulty player or if the balls are at rest at the same distance from thebottom cushion the referee arranges that the cushion draw will be repeated. 5. If the ball of a player touches the red ball the faulty player will lose the choice tobegin. 6. The player whose ball stops nearest to the bottom cushion has the choice to startthe match. Article 23 - Starting position, cue-ball 1. The balls are set up by the arbiter:a) the red ball on the top spotb) the white ball of the partner on the bottom spotc) the second white ball - that of the player - any way the playerwants on one of the two starting spots. 2. The player who starts the first inning of a match plays with the white ball if thereare two white balls (whereby one is spot) or if there are balls of three colours. 3. The starting cannon must be played by direct attack on the red ball.World rules of carom billiard 4. In the case of a match with sets there is an alteration of the players concerning thebeginning of the matches regardless of the number of sets. The players keep thesame ball for the entirety of the match. Article 24 - Cannon 1. The goal of the game consists of making as many cannons as possible within thelimit of the distance of the match. 2. A cannon is made as soon as the cue-ball set into motion by the stroke of the cuecomes into contact with the two other balls. 3. A cannon is valid if the three balls are at rest, if the player does not commit afault and if he respects the conditions imposed by the affected kind of game.4. Each cannon counts one point. 5. If the referee announces that a cannon is valid the player will not have to quit. Ifthe cannon is not effected the referee indicates - if he thinks that it is necessary -"missed" and the player has to quit. Article 25 - Break during the match A break of 5 minutes is made at the middle of the match.The middle of the match is at the moment where a player reaches or exceeds half of the distancedetermined for the kinds of game or disciplines of individual competitions at the end of hisinning. This regulation is not valid for the biathlon. As far as the triathlon is concerned the breakis made before playing the last discipline. However, the break will only be made if the match lasts at least 45 minutes as far as a playerreaches half of the distance and if at that moment he does not reach 3/4 of the distance.On the occasion of the break the referee can possibly be changed.In the case of a match with set the break is made as follows: - in a match best of 3 sets after the 2nd set;- in a match best of 5 sets after the 2nd and/or after the 4th set. Article 26 - Quit during the match 1. A player who quits his place during the match without being authorized by thereferee loses the match by this gesture. The case of force majeure occuring duringthe championship will have to be assessed by the official delegate of the UMB orby his substitute. 2. Each player who refuses to continue the match after the referee's demand will beexcluded from the championship.Article 27 - Balls in contact 1. As soon as the cue-ball comes into contact with one of the two or with the twoother balls the rights of the player concerning all kinds of game, except the partielibre for which the renewed placingon the starting point is obligatory, are thefollowing:a) either to demand that the referee places them once again on thespots;b) or to play with the ball which is not in contact or to play thecushion beforehand;c) or to play the detached massé but on condition of not setting intomotion the ball being in contact. In this last case the player maycannon first the ball which was in contact. It is not a foul if theball in contact solely moves on account of the fact that it loses thehold which it possibly got by means of the cue-ball. 2. As soon as the cue-ball comes into contact with a cushion the player does nothave the right to play directly this cushion. 3. In the case of a renewed placing on the spots the balls will be placed by thereferee in the following way:a) concerning the partie libre, the cadre disciplines and one cushion:all three at the initial starting position;b) concerning three cushions, only the balls being in contact areonce again placed on the spots:- the red ball on the top spot- the white ball of the player who wants to play, onthe central spot of the starting line- the white ball of the opponent on the spot in themiddle of the billiard- if the corresponding spot is occupied or hidden theball will be placed on the spot corresponding tothe ball which occupies or hides the spot. Article 28 - Balls bounding out of the billiard 1. As soon as one or several balls bound out of the billiard the renewed placing onthe spots will be effected by the referee as follows:a) all three balls at the initial starting position concerning the partielibre, the cadre disciplines and one cushionb) concerning three cushions only the ball or the balls bounding outof the billiard are once again placed on the spots according to theregulations of article 27.3 b) and not at the initial starting position. 2. A ball is considered to be bounding out of the biliard as soon as it falls out of theframe or as soon as it touches the material of the frame. Article 29 - End of the match 1. A match consists of a certain number of cannons (distance of the game) whichmust be effected. This number varies according to the kind of game and isdetermined by the committee. 2. Each started match must be played up to the last point. A match is finished assoon as the referee announces "good" the last point even if one states after thestroke, that the player did not effect the number of required points. 3. The committee determines whether the matches are played with or without aneven number of innings. 4. If the match is played with an even number of innings the opponent will have theright to level with the number of innings by placing on the spots the balls whichare placed at the initial starting position as soon as the last point of the match willhave been effected by the player who has one additional inning than hisopponent. If the number of points, the limit of the match, is also reached by thesecond player it is a match which ended in a draw. 5. In the case of a match with sets the following regulations are also applicable:a) As soon as one of the players has reached the determined numberof points the set is finished and he is the winner. If it is the playerhaving executed the starting stroke who finishes his opponent willnot play the inning.b) As soon as one of the players has reached the necessary numberof sets he is the winner of the match and it is immediatelyinterrupted. Articles 30 to 40 - nothing
CHAPTER IV - FOULSArticle 41 - Fouls There is a foul and one has to quit:1. If during the execution of the stroke one or several balls bound out of the billiard(indicated by "balls outside"); 2. If the player plays before the three balls are at rest (indicated by "balls inmotion"); 3. If the player uses antoher part of the cue than the leather tip in order to play(indicated by "leather tip"); 4. If the player, except the attack of his ball in order to execute the stroke, touchesany of the balls with part of the cue, with the hand or with any other object(indicated by "touched"); In such a case the touched ball remains at the place which he occupies.5. If the player touches or shifts a ball in order to remove a strange object which isattached to it instead of demanding that the arbiter does it (indicated by"touched"); 6. If the player shifts a ball by means of a direct or indirect contact without theshifting being the direct consequence of the execution of the stroke (indicated by"touched"); 7. If the player pushes through (indicated by "pushed through"). There is a pushingthrough:a) as soon as the leather tip comes several times into contact with theball set in motion;b) as soon as the leather tip is still in contact with the cue-ball at themoment where it touches the second ball;c) as soon as the leather tip is still in contact with the cue-ball at themoment where it touches the cushion; 8. If the player plays directly with the cue-ball the cushion with which it would bein contact, without having detached it by means of a detached massé stroke inadvance (indicated by "ball in contact); 9. If at the moment where the player touches his ball he does not touch the floorwith at least one foot (indicated by "foot not on the floor");The use of special shoes is not admitted. 10. If the player draws visible marking points on the playing surface, on the cushionor on the frame (indicated by "marked");
11. If during the inning or in the course of a serie the referee states that the playerdoes not play with his ball (indicated by "wrong ball"); 12. If the player does not respect the particluar rules of the various kinds of game(indicated according to the rules); 13. If in spite of the demand of the referee the player does not play within the appointedperiod of time (indicated by "not played"). Article 42 - Wilful foulsIf the foul defined by article 41.6 is wilfully committed the innocent player whose turn arrivesmay demand that the referee once again places the ball or the balls as exactly as possible at thepositions which they occupied before the incident if he thinks that this position would be morefavourable for him. Article 43 - Not stated fouls1. If a cannon is made after a foul having been committed which has not been statedthe cannon is retained and the player must not quit. 2. Each fault committed by a third person, including the referee which causescompulsory shifting of the balls is not ascribed to the player. In this case the ballsare once again placed by the referee as exactly as possible at the position whichthey occupied or would have occupied. Articles 44 to 50 - nothing CHAPTER V - SPECIAL RULES FOR EACH KIND OF GAMEA - General regulations Article 51 - Indication of the ballsOne distinguishes between the cue-ball on the one hand and the two other balls called objectballson the other hand. Article 52 - Barred zones1. The number and the area of barred zones are determined by the congress. Thesezones are delimited by lines drawn as fine as possible with chalk, in pencil orwith ink.
2. Within each of these barred zones the player will only be allowed to execute theauthorized number of cannons in the course of his serie which means that he mustforce the two opposing balls to leave the zone in which they are, by means of thedetermined stroke.Article 53 - Position of the balls
1. The position "come in" is reached:when the object-balls are at rest in the same zone while before the stroke of thecue they were in another zone or in two different zones or in this same zone butthat one or both of the object-balls were leaving in order to integrate this zoneonce again (indicated by "come in"). 2. The position "in there" is reached:a) when a cannon is made after the position "come in" without oneof the object-balls leaving the zone (indicated by "in there");b) concerning cadre with one stroke on the same condition mentionedin point a) above but indicated by "in there" instead of"come in". 3. The position "astride" is reached:when the two object-balls are at rest near a line of the zone but each of them in adifferent zone (indicated by "astride"). 4. The object-ball exactly placed on the line of the zone is considered to bedisadvantageous for the player. 5. One or the two object-balls are able to integrate once again and immediately thezone which they leave in such a way that they form once again the position"come in" or "in there". 6. The position relating to cadre is represented before it gets into the anchor. If thetwo positions are the same the announcement will only be effected once followedby "everywhere". Article 54 - Foul concerning the zoneAs soon as a carom is effected by leaving the position "in there" and as soon as no object- ballleaves the zone there will be a foul (indicated by "remaining in there"). Articles 55 to 60 - nothing Article 61 - Definition of the gameAs far as the partie libre is concerned the player is allowed to execute succesively in the courseof the same serie an unlimited number of cannons within the limit of the distance on the wholesurface of the billiard except in the barred zones of the corner in which the game is regulated bythe regulations of the articles 51 to 60. Articles 62 to 70 - nothing Article 71 - DefinitionThe cadre disciplines give the opportunity to several kinds of matches depending on the factwhether they are played with one or two strokes of 47 or 71 centimetres with additional squares.
Article 72 - Cadres and anchors1. On the playing surface one draws as fine as possible with chalk, in pencil or withink lines which form quadrilaterals called cadres. (barred zone) 2. Moreover, one draws at the end of each of these lines and astride them smalladditional squares whereby one of the sides smooths with the internal side of thecushion. These small squares are named anchors. 3. The prescriptions of the articles 51 to 60 are applicable as far as the line of thecadre and the cadres are concerned are also valid concerning the lines of theanchor and the anchors. Article 73 - Cadres of 47 cm and 71 cm with 2 strokes1. Concerning the cadre of 47 cm one draws four lines which determine thefollowing nine cadres on the billiard: three central rectangles within the lengthand six squares within the width.
2. Concerning the cadre of 71 cm one draws three lines which determine thefollowing six squares on the billiard: two central rectangles within the length andfour squares within the width.
3. As far as the cadre disciplines with two strokes are concerned the player does nothave the right to execute succesively two cannons within the same cadre in thecourse of the serie without forcing at least one of the two object-balls to leave itby means of the second stroke. Article 74 - Cadre of 47 cm with 1 stroke1. The article 73 is analogously applicable to the cadre of 47 cm with 1 stroke. 2. As far as the cadre disciplines with 1 stroke are concerned the player does nothave the right to execute one single cannon within the same cadre in the course ofthe serie without forcing at least one of the two object-balls to leave it. Articles 75 to 80 - nothing D - Cushion games Article 81 - DefinitionThere are two kinds of cushion games, one cushion and three cushions.As far as these games are concerned the billiard is freed from any lines. Article 82 - One cushionAs far as one cushion is concerned the cue-ball must have come into contact with at least onecushion before touching the second object-ball if not there will be a foul. (indicated by "nocushion"). Article 83 - Three cushionsAs far as three cushions is concerned the cue-ball must have come into contact at least threetimes with one or several cushions before touching the second object-ball if not there will be afoul (indicated by "no cushion" or "one cushion" or "two cushions"). Articles 84 to 90 - nothing CHAPTER VI - FINAL CLAUSESArticle 91 - InfringementsEach infringement of the present rules will be treated according to the statutory regulationsrelating to disciplinary proceedings. Article 92 - Enforcement and annulment1. The presented regulation is established by the UMB committee on the basis ofthe statutory regulations taking effect. It is applicable since January 1st 1989 andsince that day it annuls all previous and contrary regulations. 2. The affiliated federations, the recognized confederations, the associatedmembers, as well as the contractuals partners of the UMB are committed torespect them and cause them to be respected.Articles 93 to 100 - nothing
If the first to play wins then balls are set again in place and its opponent benefits from a last inning.
CasinEach player has to perform specific points:
Cushion first,3 cushions,3Casin: the cue ball hits the red which after hits the third ball after 1 cushion,1 cushion,2 cushions,Red: Red ball must be hit first,Direct: No cushions allowed,Free: player can score anyway he wants.First player to reach 10 points in each figure wins.1-CushionCue ball must rebound at least on one cushion before it hits the last ball.
3-CushionsCue ball must rebound at least on three cushions before it hits the last ball.
BalklineThere are 3 differents balkline games: 47/1, 47/2 and 71/2.
In this game there are six (or nine) zones delimited on the playing area.
The player can only make a maximum of 2 (47/2 and 71/2) or 1 (47/1) points staying in the zone.
5 pinsFive pins of 25mm height are placed in the center of the playing area, in the shape of a cross.
Points are granted to the player depending on the pins that he strikes:
Central pin: 4 points,Side pin: 2 points,Central pin alone: 8 points.The number of points scored is the one of the highest figure.
Should the player make faults, points are taken off its credit.
CHAPTER I - GENERAL REGULATIONSArticle 1 - Application of the rules1. The world rules of carom billiard complete the statutes and regulations of theUMB. They are applicable at all world championships and intercontinentaltournaments officially recognized by the UMB. 2. The cases which are not provided by the rules of the UMB or the case of forcemajeure will be regulated by the the official delegate of the UMB or by hissubstitute after consultation with the official delegate of the organizing federationand the director of the tournament. Articles 2 to 10 - nothing CHAPTER II - EQUIPMENTArticle 11 - Billiard, cushion, cloth1. The billiard is a table which surface is rectangular, completely smooth andhorizontal. 2. The billiard table consists of slate with a minimum thickness of 45 mm or of anyother material approved by the UMB committee. 3. The demarcation of the playing surface is effected by setting up rubber cushionsof 37 mm in height at the frontmost point of the cushion. An allowance of plus orminus 1 mm is admitted. 4. The size of the free playing surface is 2.84 m in length and 1.42 m in width. Anallowance of plus or minus 5 mm is admitted. 5. The rubber cushions are fastened to the entire length of an external frame of 12.5cm in width which surface is entirely smooth and of a homogeneous colour. Anallowance of plus or minus 1 cm is admitted.Exclusively a quality concerning the cushions which is recognized and authorizedby the UMB committee can be used. 6. The surface which reframes the cushions will have indelible marks fixed atregular distance corresponding with 1/8 of the length of the playing surface.Neither the mark of the producer nor any other indication will be allowed to befastened to the surface of this frame reframing the cushions. 7. The cloth which covers the billiard must be new and must have a quality andcolour which is admitted by the UMB committee.The required details are published by the committee at the end of chapter I of theworld organization rules. The cloth will have to cover at most the slate and thecushions. Exclusively a quality of cloth which is recognized and authorized bythe UMB committee can be used. 8. The hight of the billiard measured from the ground to the surface which reframesthe billiard must be between 75 and 80 cm. 9. The billiards meant for an official tournament will be equiped with an electricalheater eliminating any humidity of the slate and of the cloth. This heater with athermostat will be switched on since the set up of the billiards and during thewhole competition in order to ensure the best possible rolling. Article 12 - Balls, chalk 1. The balls consisiting of three must be of a material and of colours admitted by theUMB committee. The required details are published by the committee at the endof chapter I of the world organization rules. 2. These balls are rigorously round and their diameter must be between 61 and 61.5cm. A ball's weight must be between 205 and 220 gramms or must have anotherWorld rules of carom billiard weight agreed by the UMB committee. However, the difference between theheaviest and the lightest ball should not exceed two gramms.3. The chalk should not excessively soil the surface of the game. Article 13 - Marking of the spots and starting line 1. The places which must be occupied by the balls either at the beginning of thematch or in its course as soon as they stopped in contact with each other or boundout of the billiard are named "spots". 2. The positions of these spots will be marked by means of a cross drawn as fine aspossible with chalk, in pencil or with ink. The marking by setting up small ringsis forbidden. 3. There are five spots drawn according to the indications of paper A - Marking ofthe mouches - of the appendix. Article 14 - Billiard cue, rake 1. The balls are set in motion by means of an equipment made of wood or any othermaterial which is named "billiard cue". The billiard cue may consist of one singlepiece or may be divided into several parts. The cue must be equiped with a ring atone of its ends called "leather tip". The player is only allowed to use the "leathertip" in order to touch the ball. The player employs one or several cues of hischoice and he freely determines its length, weight and diameter. 2. The player has the right to use a "rake", a small stick with a stock at the end madeof wood or any other material determined to replace the hand in certain positionsof the body which are difficult to take. Article 15 - Lighting 1. The light projected onto the billiard may not be lower than 520 lux on the wholesurface, the measuring instrument is put on the cloth to measure it.The light must not be too strong, either; in order not to blind the players.(blinding starts at 5,000 lux concerning direct view)The distance between the source of light and the playing surface must be at least1 meter. 2. The hall should not be in complete nightfall, but it will have to be leghtened withat least 50 lux. Articles 16 to 20 - nothing CHAPTER III - COMMON RULES OF ALL KINDS OF GAMES OF CAROM BILLIARD Article 21 - Beginning of the match The match starts as soon as the referee has placed the balls for the execution ofthe starting stroke. Article 22 - Cushion draw 1. The referee places the two white balls on the starting line, on both sides of theline of the three starting spots approximately 30 cm from each long cushion andthe red ball on the top spot.As far as the cushion draw is concerned the referee places the spot or yellow ballon the left side and the other white ball on the right side. If the two players insiston playing with the same ball the referee will draw lots. 2. The players draw the beginning at the top cushion. The two white balls must bein motion before one of them reaches the top cushion. If this is not the case thedraw will be repeated. The player who causes two times such a repetition losesthe choice to begin. It is not admitted to effect the cushion draw by a stand-in. 3. If the balls have touched each other on their way the faulty player (outside hishalf of the billiard) will lose the choice to begin. 4. If the white balls have touched each other on their way and if it is impossible todetermine the faulty player or if the balls are at rest at the same distance from thebottom cushion the referee arranges that the cushion draw will be repeated. 5. If the ball of a player touches the red ball the faulty player will lose the choice tobegin. 6. The player whose ball stops nearest to the bottom cushion has the choice to startthe match. Article 23 - Starting position, cue-ball 1. The balls are set up by the arbiter:a) the red ball on the top spotb) the white ball of the partner on the bottom spotc) the second white ball - that of the player - any way the playerwants on one of the two starting spots. 2. The player who starts the first inning of a match plays with the white ball if thereare two white balls (whereby one is spot) or if there are balls of three colours. 3. The starting cannon must be played by direct attack on the red ball.World rules of carom billiard 4. In the case of a match with sets there is an alteration of the players concerning thebeginning of the matches regardless of the number of sets. The players keep thesame ball for the entirety of the match. Article 24 - Cannon 1. The goal of the game consists of making as many cannons as possible within thelimit of the distance of the match. 2. A cannon is made as soon as the cue-ball set into motion by the stroke of the cuecomes into contact with the two other balls. 3. A cannon is valid if the three balls are at rest, if the player does not commit afault and if he respects the conditions imposed by the affected kind of game.4. Each cannon counts one point. 5. If the referee announces that a cannon is valid the player will not have to quit. Ifthe cannon is not effected the referee indicates - if he thinks that it is necessary -"missed" and the player has to quit. Article 25 - Break during the match A break of 5 minutes is made at the middle of the match.The middle of the match is at the moment where a player reaches or exceeds half of the distancedetermined for the kinds of game or disciplines of individual competitions at the end of hisinning. This regulation is not valid for the biathlon. As far as the triathlon is concerned the breakis made before playing the last discipline. However, the break will only be made if the match lasts at least 45 minutes as far as a playerreaches half of the distance and if at that moment he does not reach 3/4 of the distance.On the occasion of the break the referee can possibly be changed.In the case of a match with set the break is made as follows: - in a match best of 3 sets after the 2nd set;- in a match best of 5 sets after the 2nd and/or after the 4th set. Article 26 - Quit during the match 1. A player who quits his place during the match without being authorized by thereferee loses the match by this gesture. The case of force majeure occuring duringthe championship will have to be assessed by the official delegate of the UMB orby his substitute. 2. Each player who refuses to continue the match after the referee's demand will beexcluded from the championship.Article 27 - Balls in contact 1. As soon as the cue-ball comes into contact with one of the two or with the twoother balls the rights of the player concerning all kinds of game, except the partielibre for which the renewed placingon the starting point is obligatory, are thefollowing:a) either to demand that the referee places them once again on thespots;b) or to play with the ball which is not in contact or to play thecushion beforehand;c) or to play the detached massé but on condition of not setting intomotion the ball being in contact. In this last case the player maycannon first the ball which was in contact. It is not a foul if theball in contact solely moves on account of the fact that it loses thehold which it possibly got by means of the cue-ball. 2. As soon as the cue-ball comes into contact with a cushion the player does nothave the right to play directly this cushion. 3. In the case of a renewed placing on the spots the balls will be placed by thereferee in the following way:a) concerning the partie libre, the cadre disciplines and one cushion:all three at the initial starting position;b) concerning three cushions, only the balls being in contact areonce again placed on the spots:- the red ball on the top spot- the white ball of the player who wants to play, onthe central spot of the starting line- the white ball of the opponent on the spot in themiddle of the billiard- if the corresponding spot is occupied or hidden theball will be placed on the spot corresponding tothe ball which occupies or hides the spot. Article 28 - Balls bounding out of the billiard 1. As soon as one or several balls bound out of the billiard the renewed placing onthe spots will be effected by the referee as follows:a) all three balls at the initial starting position concerning the partielibre, the cadre disciplines and one cushionb) concerning three cushions only the ball or the balls bounding outof the billiard are once again placed on the spots according to theregulations of article 27.3 b) and not at the initial starting position. 2. A ball is considered to be bounding out of the biliard as soon as it falls out of theframe or as soon as it touches the material of the frame. Article 29 - End of the match 1. A match consists of a certain number of cannons (distance of the game) whichmust be effected. This number varies according to the kind of game and isdetermined by the committee. 2. Each started match must be played up to the last point. A match is finished assoon as the referee announces "good" the last point even if one states after thestroke, that the player did not effect the number of required points. 3. The committee determines whether the matches are played with or without aneven number of innings. 4. If the match is played with an even number of innings the opponent will have theright to level with the number of innings by placing on the spots the balls whichare placed at the initial starting position as soon as the last point of the match willhave been effected by the player who has one additional inning than hisopponent. If the number of points, the limit of the match, is also reached by thesecond player it is a match which ended in a draw. 5. In the case of a match with sets the following regulations are also applicable:a) As soon as one of the players has reached the determined numberof points the set is finished and he is the winner. If it is the playerhaving executed the starting stroke who finishes his opponent willnot play the inning.b) As soon as one of the players has reached the necessary numberof sets he is the winner of the match and it is immediatelyinterrupted. Articles 30 to 40 - nothing
CHAPTER IV - FOULSArticle 41 - Fouls There is a foul and one has to quit:1. If during the execution of the stroke one or several balls bound out of the billiard(indicated by "balls outside"); 2. If the player plays before the three balls are at rest (indicated by "balls inmotion"); 3. If the player uses antoher part of the cue than the leather tip in order to play(indicated by "leather tip"); 4. If the player, except the attack of his ball in order to execute the stroke, touchesany of the balls with part of the cue, with the hand or with any other object(indicated by "touched"); In such a case the touched ball remains at the place which he occupies.5. If the player touches or shifts a ball in order to remove a strange object which isattached to it instead of demanding that the arbiter does it (indicated by"touched"); 6. If the player shifts a ball by means of a direct or indirect contact without theshifting being the direct consequence of the execution of the stroke (indicated by"touched"); 7. If the player pushes through (indicated by "pushed through"). There is a pushingthrough:a) as soon as the leather tip comes several times into contact with theball set in motion;b) as soon as the leather tip is still in contact with the cue-ball at themoment where it touches the second ball;c) as soon as the leather tip is still in contact with the cue-ball at themoment where it touches the cushion; 8. If the player plays directly with the cue-ball the cushion with which it would bein contact, without having detached it by means of a detached massé stroke inadvance (indicated by "ball in contact); 9. If at the moment where the player touches his ball he does not touch the floorwith at least one foot (indicated by "foot not on the floor");The use of special shoes is not admitted. 10. If the player draws visible marking points on the playing surface, on the cushionor on the frame (indicated by "marked");
11. If during the inning or in the course of a serie the referee states that the playerdoes not play with his ball (indicated by "wrong ball"); 12. If the player does not respect the particluar rules of the various kinds of game(indicated according to the rules); 13. If in spite of the demand of the referee the player does not play within the appointedperiod of time (indicated by "not played"). Article 42 - Wilful foulsIf the foul defined by article 41.6 is wilfully committed the innocent player whose turn arrivesmay demand that the referee once again places the ball or the balls as exactly as possible at thepositions which they occupied before the incident if he thinks that this position would be morefavourable for him. Article 43 - Not stated fouls1. If a cannon is made after a foul having been committed which has not been statedthe cannon is retained and the player must not quit. 2. Each fault committed by a third person, including the referee which causescompulsory shifting of the balls is not ascribed to the player. In this case the ballsare once again placed by the referee as exactly as possible at the position whichthey occupied or would have occupied. Articles 44 to 50 - nothing CHAPTER V - SPECIAL RULES FOR EACH KIND OF GAMEA - General regulations Article 51 - Indication of the ballsOne distinguishes between the cue-ball on the one hand and the two other balls called objectballson the other hand. Article 52 - Barred zones1. The number and the area of barred zones are determined by the congress. Thesezones are delimited by lines drawn as fine as possible with chalk, in pencil orwith ink.
2. Within each of these barred zones the player will only be allowed to execute theauthorized number of cannons in the course of his serie which means that he mustforce the two opposing balls to leave the zone in which they are, by means of thedetermined stroke.Article 53 - Position of the balls
1. The position "come in" is reached:when the object-balls are at rest in the same zone while before the stroke of thecue they were in another zone or in two different zones or in this same zone butthat one or both of the object-balls were leaving in order to integrate this zoneonce again (indicated by "come in"). 2. The position "in there" is reached:a) when a cannon is made after the position "come in" without oneof the object-balls leaving the zone (indicated by "in there");b) concerning cadre with one stroke on the same condition mentionedin point a) above but indicated by "in there" instead of"come in". 3. The position "astride" is reached:when the two object-balls are at rest near a line of the zone but each of them in adifferent zone (indicated by "astride"). 4. The object-ball exactly placed on the line of the zone is considered to bedisadvantageous for the player. 5. One or the two object-balls are able to integrate once again and immediately thezone which they leave in such a way that they form once again the position"come in" or "in there". 6. The position relating to cadre is represented before it gets into the anchor. If thetwo positions are the same the announcement will only be effected once followedby "everywhere". Article 54 - Foul concerning the zoneAs soon as a carom is effected by leaving the position "in there" and as soon as no object- ballleaves the zone there will be a foul (indicated by "remaining in there"). Articles 55 to 60 - nothing Article 61 - Definition of the gameAs far as the partie libre is concerned the player is allowed to execute succesively in the courseof the same serie an unlimited number of cannons within the limit of the distance on the wholesurface of the billiard except in the barred zones of the corner in which the game is regulated bythe regulations of the articles 51 to 60. Articles 62 to 70 - nothing Article 71 - DefinitionThe cadre disciplines give the opportunity to several kinds of matches depending on the factwhether they are played with one or two strokes of 47 or 71 centimetres with additional squares.
Article 72 - Cadres and anchors1. On the playing surface one draws as fine as possible with chalk, in pencil or withink lines which form quadrilaterals called cadres. (barred zone) 2. Moreover, one draws at the end of each of these lines and astride them smalladditional squares whereby one of the sides smooths with the internal side of thecushion. These small squares are named anchors. 3. The prescriptions of the articles 51 to 60 are applicable as far as the line of thecadre and the cadres are concerned are also valid concerning the lines of theanchor and the anchors. Article 73 - Cadres of 47 cm and 71 cm with 2 strokes1. Concerning the cadre of 47 cm one draws four lines which determine thefollowing nine cadres on the billiard: three central rectangles within the lengthand six squares within the width.
2. Concerning the cadre of 71 cm one draws three lines which determine thefollowing six squares on the billiard: two central rectangles within the length andfour squares within the width.
3. As far as the cadre disciplines with two strokes are concerned the player does nothave the right to execute succesively two cannons within the same cadre in thecourse of the serie without forcing at least one of the two object-balls to leave itby means of the second stroke. Article 74 - Cadre of 47 cm with 1 stroke1. The article 73 is analogously applicable to the cadre of 47 cm with 1 stroke. 2. As far as the cadre disciplines with 1 stroke are concerned the player does nothave the right to execute one single cannon within the same cadre in the course ofthe serie without forcing at least one of the two object-balls to leave it. Articles 75 to 80 - nothing D - Cushion games Article 81 - DefinitionThere are two kinds of cushion games, one cushion and three cushions.As far as these games are concerned the billiard is freed from any lines. Article 82 - One cushionAs far as one cushion is concerned the cue-ball must have come into contact with at least onecushion before touching the second object-ball if not there will be a foul. (indicated by "nocushion"). Article 83 - Three cushionsAs far as three cushions is concerned the cue-ball must have come into contact at least threetimes with one or several cushions before touching the second object-ball if not there will be afoul (indicated by "no cushion" or "one cushion" or "two cushions"). Articles 84 to 90 - nothing CHAPTER VI - FINAL CLAUSESArticle 91 - InfringementsEach infringement of the present rules will be treated according to the statutory regulationsrelating to disciplinary proceedings. Article 92 - Enforcement and annulment1. The presented regulation is established by the UMB committee on the basis ofthe statutory regulations taking effect. It is applicable since January 1st 1989 andsince that day it annuls all previous and contrary regulations. 2. The affiliated federations, the recognized confederations, the associatedmembers, as well as the contractuals partners of the UMB are committed torespect them and cause them to be respected.Articles 93 to 100 - nothing
snooker rules
UPDATES TO THE RULES OF SNOOKER SINCE LAST REPRINT OF NOV 2019
Effective: 9 May 2022
Page 17, Section 2 Rule 2(c)(ii).Reworded to make it clearer that any player (striker and non-striker) will be penalised if they contact the device used to mark the position of a ball.Page 37, Section 4 Rule 2.Rewritten (new paragraphs (c), (d) and (e) are added) to take out any referee’s interpretation on how to deal with the offering and accepting of a concession.Effective: 15 July 2021Page 13, Section 2 Rule 14.The definition of “Forced off the Table” has changed.For explanatory notes, see below:14. Forced Off the TableA ball is forced off the table if it comes to rest other than on the playing area or in a pocket.[END]By taking out the wording ‘…. A ball is also forced off the table if it is moved or picked up by thestriker….’ means that, even if the ball is picked up by the striker, it will only be considered ‘forced offthe table’ if it does not come to rest on the playing area.By using this new definition, the Rules Committee could now simplify Section 3 Rule 16 and still keep it in line with other Rules and their requirements.Page 20, Section 3 Rule 4(a) - replace “infringement” with “foul”.Was: When Black is the only object ball remaining on the table, the first pot or infringement ends the frame excepting only if the following conditionsboth apply:Now: When Black is the only object ball remaining on the table, the first pot orfoul ends the frame excepting only if the following conditions both apply:Page 25, Section 3 Rule 10(c) – add “or a penalty”Was: If a foul is neither awarded by the referee, nor successfully claimed by thenon-striker before the next stroke is made, it is condoned.Now: If a foul or a penalty is neither awarded by the referee, nor successfullyclaimed by the non-striker before the next stroke is made, it is condoned.Page 32, Section 3 Rule 16.The Rule “Ball Intentionally Moved” has changed.For explanatory notes, see below:Section 316. Ball Intentionally MovedOther than striking the cue-ball to make a stroke, or contacting a ball during a consultation period, ifany ball is intentionally moved or picked up by the striker from the playing area, the referee shall callFOUL.(a) In a situation where a stationary ball is intentionally moved or picked up, the non-offender maythen;(i) elect to play themselves or request their opponent to play from the position left. Forthis situation, any ball that did not come to rest on the playing area will be consideredforced off the table.(ii) elect to have all balls replaced to their original position and play themselves or requesttheir opponent to play again. In the latter case the ball on shall be the same as it wasprior to the infringement, namely;(i) any Red, where Red was the ball on;(ii) the colour on, where all the Reds were off the table;(iii) a colour of the striker’s choice, where the ball on was a colour after a Red, ora free ball nominated as a Red had been potted.If the above situation arises during a sequence of FOUL AND A MISS calls asdescribed under Section 3 Rule 14(d) and the request is made for the offender to playagain, any Warning concerning the possible awarding of the frame to their opponentshall remain in effect.(b) In a situation where a moving ball is intentionally moved or picked up, the referee shall makethe best possible decision in the interest of fair play.(c) If the striker strikes the cue-ball to make a stroke as an act of Unsporting Conduct, they maybe Warned as described in Section 4, Rule 1 and the non-offender will have the options asdescribed under (a) and (b) above.A consultation period starts when the decision is made to replace the ball(s).[END]With this rewrite, the options for the non-offender are a lot clearer i.e.- they play from the position left or let their opponent play from the position left.- They have all balls replaced and play themselves (ball on is Red if Reds are on the table) orlet their opponent play (ball on is the same as it was prior to the foul)- only balls that did not come to rest on playing area are considered ‘forced off the table’ andtherefore, if elected to play again from the position left, they stay down (if Red), get spotted (ifcolour) or become in-hand (if cue-ball). All other balls that have moved will either stay wherethey are (if played from position left) or will be replaced (if requested to replace).The Rules Committee is satisfied that this rewrite has delivered a Ruling that is now fairer,without interpretation and much easier to understand and implement.a paragraph. Drag me to add paragraph to your block, write your own text and edit me.