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MANCHESTER CENTRAL POOL LEAGUE
REFEREE'S CALLS
(THIS DOCUMENT SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH BOTH DOCUMENTS BELOW)
Guidance to Referees
Produced in consultation with the
English Pool Referees Association
The English Pool Association, in association with the English Pool Referees Association, issues the following guidance. It is intended to be both guidance to the rules of the World Eight Ball Pool Federation and the English Pool Association, and guidance to refereeing the game of Eight Ball Pool.
This
guidance should be read in conjunction with the
In this guidance extracts from the rules of the World Eight Ball Pool Federation are in italics.
Should any guidance contained herein conflict with the instructions of a Senior Referee, the instructions of the Senior Referee shall take precedence.
The game of 8-Ball Pool is played with: -
1. A ‘cue ball’ - being a white ball
2. Fifteen ‘object balls’ consisting of
a) ‘Colours’, being a group of seven red balls ( or balls numbered 1 to 7) and a group of seven yellow balls (or balls numbered 9 to 15),
b) The Eight-Ball, being a black ball marked with the number ‘8’.
3. A six pocket rectangular pool table (with six cushions) with general characteristics as follows:
a) The cloth will be marked with a spot at the position where a straight line drawn diagonally from the centre of a side pocket to the centre of a corner pocket would intersect with a straight line drawn from the centre of the opposite side pocket to the centre of the other corner pocket.
b) The cloth will be marked with a baulk line, being a straight line drawn from cushion to cushion, parallel to, and one fifth of the length of the table from, the face of the cushion that lies the greatest distance from the spot.
Players may not use equipment or accessory items for purposes, or in a manner, other than for which the items were intended.
A rest should be provided as part of in house equipment. Most venues will also supply other forms of mechanical bridge (for example spider, swan neck) however, if these are not available no allowances should be made.
1. Shot: A ‘Shot’ begins when all the balls stop moving from the previous shot.. A player ‘Plays a Shot’ by striking the cue ball with the tip of the cue. A ‘Shot’ ends when all balls stop moving from the current shot.
2. Play: To ‘Play’ an object ball is to play a shot that results in the Cue Ball’s first contact with another ball to be with that object ball. To ‘Play’ the cue ball is to strike it with the tip of the cue.
In this instance the word ‘Strike’ means making contact between the cue tip and a ball.
3. Ball On: At any time during a frame, a ball ‘On’ is any Object Ball that the player may play without incurring a penalty.
4. Pot: a ball is ‘Potted’ when it leaves the bed of the table, enters a pocket and remains in that pocket.
5. Visit: A ‘Visit’ comprises one shot or a series of shots. Each visit lasts until the player fails to pot a ball ‘On’. (Or until a foul is committed or the frame ends).
6. Turn: a players ‘Turn’ at the table comprises one visit or after most fouls committed by the opponent, two visits.
7. Frame: A ‘Frame’ is one game of Eight-Ball Pool between two players or pairs of players. A frame is played from the opening break and usually through until the Eight-Ball is potted. (Note: there are other ways a frame may end - see ‘Loss of Frame’).
8. Match: A ‘Match’ is a predetermined number of frames of Eight-Ball Pool between two players, two pairs of players or two teams of players.
9. Player in Control: A player (and the player’s partner in doubles) is deemed to be ‘In Control’ of the frame from the time that the balls stop moving from the final shot of an opponent’s turn until the balls stop moving from the final shot of the player’s turn. There can be no instance, once a frame has commenced, that someone is not in control.
If a player is on two visits, the Referee calls second visit when all the balls have come to rest, and then a ‘ball on’ falls, the second visit call stands; it does not revert to first visit.
“and the player’s partner in doubles” means this rule applies to the partner, once the partner is in control. It does not mean that two players are in control at the same time.
Although it is the duty of the Referee to recover the cue ball following an “in off”, a player will not be penalised for performing this duty. If the player recovers the cue ball, or the player is preventing the Referee from recovering the cue ball, timing will commence from the point the cue ball reaches the trough. At this point call “Time running”.
When a player commits a foul with the cue ball in hand:
· If the foul is made before the cue ball is placed on the table, the opponent has two visits, ball in hand.
· If the foul has been made after the ball has been placed on the table then the opponent must play from where the cue ball lies (whether in or out of baulk), unless foul snookered.
It is not a foul for a player to use the cue to reposition the cue ball in baulk, when the cue ball is in hand. However if the tip of the cue touches the cue ball during such a manoeuvre a standard foul will be called, for failing to perform a legal shot. However, if this happens prior to the break a foul break will be called, thereby allowing the opponent to reposition the cue ball.
A restarted frame (caused by a stalemate or accidental shot out of turn) will be replayed with the player who made the legal break in that frame breaking again. The player will break with one visit, even if the player originally started with two visits.
The exception to this is when a frame is re-racked because of a Void Break.
A void break does not result in a restart as defined above. When the 8-Ball is potted from the break shot all aspects of the break are ignored and the break will be taken again with no penalty. If the player broke with two visits, again the player will break with two visits.
If a player plays a shot that causes a ball to enter a pocket and jump out, without making contact with a cushion, then no penalty for failing to hit a cushion will apply. For the purposes of the Legal Shot rule (determining if a ball has hit a cushion), the back of the pocket will count as a cushion.
If a player plays into a ball touching a cushion, and that ball comes away from the cushion and returns to the same cushion, without touching another object ball, then the shot is a foul. However, if that ball comes away from the cushion, hits another object ball, and returns to the original cushion, then the shot is legal.
Simultaneous initial contact between a ‘ball on’, and a ‘ball not on’, is NOT a foul.
If a player plays into a ball touching a cushion, and the cue ball simultaneously contacts the ‘ball on’ and the cushion, a legal shot has NOT been completed.
The definition of a snooker does not apply to a total snooker.
If a shot is not preceded by a foul, and a player asks the Referee for a snooker, the Referee should interpret this as if the player were asking for a total snooker. The call, if awarded, should be “Total Snooker”, to make it clear that a total snooker has been awarded.
During an Open Table the 8-Ball cannot be used as a ball ‘on’, unless nominated after a foul snooker.
A Referee should not request nomination from a player as this could be interpreted as coaching.
Players are normally advised of playing groups once and then afterwards only if asked directly by the player in control.
Players have 30 seconds, to play their shot, from the 30 seconds indication.
If a player plays a shot while “Time Out” has been called (for example when a Referee is away from the table getting a rest) it is a Serious Foul penalised under M1 Deliberately playing a shot out of Turn.
“Time out” may be called at the Referees discretion. For example:
· Player requesting a rest (which is not immediately available)
· Something obstructing the player
· Player needs to leave the playing area very urgently
· Referee making a close snooker, total snooker or touching ball decision
· Player lost a contact lens
· Player fastening shoe laces
The following are examples of when “Time out” should not be called:
· Any telephone call
· Player needs to visit WC (player can go before or after a frame with the permission of the Referee)
· Fetching a drink from an area away from the table
· Looking for a cigarette or lighter away form the table
· Searching for chalk
For any event administered by the EPA, ‘First and Final Warning’ will be given at the commencement of a days play as a block warning to all players and spectators.
Coaching of any sort can only be penalised via a standard foul.
In
doubles, talking between partners is allowed from the point balls shop moving at
the end of a partner’s turn (throughout the opponent’s turn), and until the cue
ball is struck at the beginning of the other partners turn. However, only the
player in control is allowed to touch the table (rule K10).
For the purposes of this rule the word ‘Cigarette’ should be considered generic, encompassing Cigars, Cheroots and Pipes.
A cigarette contained in a packet, which protrudes from a (breast) pocket, does not constitute a foul.
A cigarette placed behind the ear will constitute a foul if entering the space above the table.
1. Playing a shot out of turn
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Call “Serious Foul” |
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Can Replace balls |
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Cannot replace balls |
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Accidental |
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Deliberate |
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Replace the balls, and call “2 visits” |
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Call “2 visits” And ask the opponent if a re-rack is required. |
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Call “Loss of frame” |
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refer M. 1.a) |
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refer M. 1.b) |
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refer N. 5 |
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For example,
Accidental: A player that plays a shot immediately after a foul has been called.
Deliberate: A player that plays a shot during a time out (see 8.1 “Time Out”), or the incorrect doubles partner playing a shot.
2. Deliberately striking a ball other than the cue ball with the tip of the cue.
For example playing an object ball with the cue, instead of the cue ball.
3. Deliberately causing any ball or balls to be moved in a manner other than which may result from the playing of a normal shot.
For example banging the side cushion to propel a ball further then it would have otherwise travelled.
4. Deliberately striking the cue ball with other than the tip of the cue.
For example using the butt of the cue to play the cue ball.
5. Causing the cue ball to jump over any ball.
The cue ball leaving the bed of the table and making first contact with the reverse side of an object ball, that it would have struck had it not left the table on an otherwise identical shot, is not a jump shot.
If the cue ball leaves the bed of the table, jumps over an object ball, hits the cushion, and returns to make first contact with that object ball, then a jump shot has been played.
6. Deliberately interfering by word or action, so as to disrupt an opponents play.
Examples include rattling of change and noisily chalking cue, so as to cause disruption, and stopping the normal travel of an object ball by hand or other means (stopping the normal travel of the cue ball should be penalised via a standard foul under rule K.21).
If the opponent is on the 8-Ball then a loss of frame foul shall be called under N6.
7. Points that will be classified as “Breaching the Spirit of the Game” are:
· Foul language
· Player throwing cue around
· Arguing with an opponent, spectator or Referee
· Continuously disagreeing with the Referees decision and/or ruling
· Repeatedly marking the table (rule W2)
· Player (or players partner in doubles) breaking down, or putting away, cue
It is important to remember that a snooker is completely different to a total snooker, in both definition and application. The definition of a snooker is only applicable following a foul.
When assessing a snooker the distance between object ball and cue ball is important. When the cue ball and object ball are a table length apart, the points of finest cut are almost the extreme sides of the object ball. As the distance between the balls decrease, the points of finest cut become closer together. When the two balls are touching the two points of finest contact are the same point. Hence a player cannot be snookered on a touching ball.
If a player has been awarded a Foul Snooker, and the player picks up the ball, it is a standard foul (see K21; the Referee must retrieve the cue ball). The opponent comes to the table with cue ball in hand.
All positions for the cue ball in baulk must be examined. This includes being able to place the cue ball in the jaws of a pocket (possibly touching a ball ‘on’), or being able to place the cue ball in the middle of a cluster of balls. A Referee should not attempt to place the cue ball into such positions; the fact that it could be done is enough to deny a snooker.
Consider the following: A player is on yellows, and has been awarded a foul snooker. The player nominates a ball by pointing at a group of red and yellow balls. While the Referee is trying to figure out which ball was nominated the player gets down and plays a shot at that group of balls that results in the cue ball hitting a red ball on the first impact.
In this situation the player should have waited for the Referee to confirm the nomination, by pointing to the nominated ball. The player has committed a standard foul.
If there is no space on the imaginary direct line, between the 8-Ball spot and the centre point of the cushion that lies the greatest distance from the baulk line, the ball will be spotted as close to the imaginary line as possible.
When the cue ball is touching two or more object balls, and at least one is a ‘ball on’, so long as the player plays away from at least one ‘ball on’, the player may play into any of the other touching balls without penalty.
This also applies to an open table, where both sets of coloured object balls are on. For example, if the cue ball is touching a red and the 8-Ball, the player may play away from the red and into the 8-Ball.
The instant that the Referee has determined that a shot is over, time will be started. Any subsequent ball falling, no matter how close to time starting, will be treated as falling without being hit.
· 8-Ball: Replace the black ball where it was, on the lip of the pocket, prior to it falling. If ANY other balls were moving, these balls and any balls pocketed during the shot, are also to be replaced. No penalty.
· Cue Ball: Replace the cue ball where it was, on the lip of the pocket, prior to it falling. No penalty.
· Own coloured ball: Leave ball down pocket, no penalty. The falling of this ball counts for the purposes of determining the G1b part of a legal shot (potting a ball). For example, a player plays a ball ‘on’ towards another ball ‘on’ over the pocket. The ball over the pocket falls before being hit. No balls reach a cushion. The shot is legal.
· Opponents coloured ball: Foul, ONE visit. The ball remains down the pocket. A foul snooker situation (with ONE visit) may exist.
· A coloured ball on an open table: Player in control is deemed to have potted that ball and is on that colour. If balls are moving on an open table, a red falls in without being hit, and a yellow is potted, then call “Red and Yellow Balls Potted”. Player must then nominate.
· A coloured ball when nomination received: the table is still open until nomination is received, therefore the ball will be counted as if it had been potted on the previous shot. If a player breaks, pots a red and nominates red, then a yellow falls in before the next shot has been played, the players stays on red and the opponent comes to the table with “foul, one visit, yellow balls to play”. Similarly, if a player breaks, pots a red and nominates yellow, then a red falls in before the next shot has been played, the opponent comes to the table with “foul, one visit, open table”.
· Ball ‘on’ does not change while balls are moving. For example, player plays towards last red, which falls without being hit. The cue ball hits the 8-Ball instead, then a ball hits a cushion. Player must be penalised for failure to play a legal shot because the first contact was not with the red; the red falling does not mean the 8-Ball becomes a ball ‘on’.
Timing shall be restarted if a ball falls in without being hit.
The decision where to replace balls lies only with the Referee. In some circumstances the Referee may choose to ask advice regarding the position of balls, but the final decision must lie with the Referee.
No matter how widely balls are scattered the Referee will still replace them, to the satisfaction of the referee. There is no provision for a re-rack because of outside interference.
The Referee should always ensure that chalk is removed.
It is only if the Referee believes that chalk, or other foreign matter, is being used to mark the table that the Referee shall issue a verbal warning. Three warnings in the same frame will result in loss of frame.
The Referee should ensure the game is played according to the rules, and to announce shots in accordance with the calling procedure, for the benefit of both the players and the spectators.
The Referee will take whatever action is necessary to ensure that the rules are observed. The referee may, as appropriate, issue warnings, call on a Senior Referee, abandon the game, or in extreme circumstances award frame or game away.
The Referee will be in such a position that a clear view of the table and player is available, without obstruction or distraction to the player, also bearing spectators in mind.
Most occasions will allow a referee to change position after every shot. This opportunity should be taken, and will have three benefits:
· the best view possible
· will not obstruct the view of the same spectators
· continual movement will increase the alertness of a Referee
In most cases a separate timekeeper will be static, and be in such a position that a clear view of the table is available. It maybe necessary to move, particularly if 60 seconds is approaching and the view is obstructed by the player in control or by the other Referee.
In most situations timing will commence from when the timekeeper sees all the balls stop moving. However, following an ‘In off’ time starts when the other Referee calls “Time Running”
Most stopwatches require three clicks, the first to stop, the second to reset and the third to start. Timing can be more accurate if the first two clicks are performed while the balls are still moving. As soon as the balls stop moving only the last click need be performed.
· Brush the cushions in the direction of the nap (normally, from the baulk end for the side cushions and clockwise for the end cushions)
· Remove bad dust spots by gently flicking the brush in the opposite direction to the nap
· Brush table in the direction of the nap (from the baulk end)
· Iron the table in the direction of the nap
If no
iron is available, turn the brush upside down and forcefully push brush up the
table. Then brush again.
1. The Referee’s decision is final except where the players have been advised that it is possible to appeal to a Senior Referee or other higher authority.
In the event of a player refusing to accept a decision, then the Referee will abandon the game, reporting the facts to the governing body concerned (e.g. Tournament Director, Competition Organiser).
2. Information to be disclosed/not disclosed by a Referee: -
a) i. A player is responsible for knowing the rules of the game. It is not the Referee’s duty to explain or quote the rules to a player.
ii. A Referee, if asked by a player may divulge certain information pertaining to the frame in question under the guidelines of the ‘Past Present and Future Rule’. A Referee may divulge information relating to any past event or present situation in the frame. (For example: - ‘Who’s Turn is it?’ - Present. ‘Was that a foul?’ - Past. ‘Which colour am I on? - Present). However, ‘If I play this shot will it be a foul?’ is a question regarding the future, and the Referee should advise the player that the Referee cannot answer this type of question.
3. The Referee shall toss a coin to determine the break and announce the result.
The player who wins the toss will have the choice of first break.
If a player has been awarded frames at the start of a match (e.g. for late arrival) the choice of break commences from the first frame to be played; it is not back dated to the first frame on the score sheet.
In a doubles match the break will also alternate between partners. Once the order of play has been determined during the first turn of each pair, that order shall remain for the duration of the match.
4. If an Object Ball (or balls) is potted on the break the Referee will advise both players of this fact by announcing the balls that were potted. See separate “Calling Procedure” for the correct calls.
5. a) The Referee will call fouls as soon as they occur and the player committing the foul immediately loses control of the table.
This means that the turn passes to the opponent once balls stop moving. See separate “Calling Procedure” for the correct calls.
6. The Referee will call any instance when the cue ball is touching a ball ‘On’.
Where the cue ball is touching any object ball and in playing away, this object ball moves by virtue of settling into a hollow or similar fault of the table, then it is not a foul. If a table is in poor condition, whenever any ball(s) are touching the cue ball, it should avoid any disagreements if it is called touching by the Referee.
7. In the absence of any competition/tournament rules to the contrary, two Referees will referee each frame. One referee will make the standard calls such as ‘Second Visit’ while the other Referee will keep the time. Both Referees will be involved in the refereeing of the frame and either can call fouls. If one Referee calls a foul, the other Referee cannot overrule the call. That is, the two Referees have equal authority.
· Mobility: move from table to table, watching out for tight situations.
· Know which tables are in the allocated zone and cover all the allocated tables.
· If a walkabout Referee sees a bad call by a table Referee, the call should be overruled.
· A walkabout Referee should know the result sheet system in use, and be able to explain to competitors as required.
· Re-racking of balls between frames, and getting the next players to table, are important in team games to keep the competition flowing.
· Keep Senior Referee (or Organiser) informed at all times of unusual events that may develop. For example, a match in your allocated region may be progressing slowly and an adjacent table is spare.
· Be aware of the required player dress code (if in doubt alert the Senior Referee, who will take any action necessary, normally reporting it to the Tournament Director).
· If the Senior Referee is asked for, find the Senior Referee, advise the Senior Referee of the situation and your decision away from table, before returning to table.
Do not be afraid of admitting mistakes and correcting them:
For example, a player A has two visits, and the Referee forgets to call “Second Visit” at the end of the first visit. Player A moves away from the table and player B touches the table. Player B cannot be penalised. If a Referee makes no call at the end of a visit it is reasonable for a player to assume it is also the end of the turn. The Referee has made a mistake by forgetting to call “second visit” and player A should return to the table, on “Second Visit”.
· Ball marker (two coins could be used if a ball marker is not available)
· Paper and pen
· Coin (with heads and tails)
· Spare cue ball for assessing tight total snooker’s and snooker’s. (It is a good idea to remove the spare cue ball before announcing the decision, thereby preventing unnecessary questioning of the decision.)
· Spare stopwatch.
Some calls a player makes are not strictly correct, but it should be obvious to a Referee when taking the situation into account what the player means. This is particularly important when a language barrier exists.
1. A Referee should not submit to unnecessary requests for balls to be cleaned. Never attempt to lift a ball for cleaning if it is in a crucial position.
2. A Referee should never drink alcohol until stood down at the end of the day. Cigarettes should not be smoked while the Referee is on the floor.
3. Time keeping is important when returning for breaks. A Referee will normally be asked to report to the Senior Referee when relieved, or when returning from a break, or both. A 15-minute break period does not mean 15 minutes away from the table. There will always be a certain changeover time, thus reducing 15 minutes to possibly 13 minutes. Remember, if you are late back from a break, it is your colleagues that suffer.
4. A Referee should always know what time they are required for the ‘start of day’ briefing.
5. Some Tournament Directors will have additional rules that complement the World Eight Ball Playing rules (examples being slow play, determination of break, dress code). If such rules exist the Senior Referee will advise.
This guidance should not be considered exhaustive. A Referee should not be afraid to ask a Senior Referee, no matter how trivial the question. Asking a question will install confidence in both the Referee and the Senior Referee.
This guidance has been compiled using the following material:
World 8 Ball Pool Rules
World Rules Calling Procedure
Senior Referees Duties / Assistant Senior Assessment
SAPA “Interpretation of the World Eight-Ball Pool Rules”
EPA directive on Coaching
Discussions held at EPRA meetings
(Issue 1, 13 September 1999)
Any suggestions for improvements in this publication should be addressed to the Chairman of the EPA Rules Revision Subcommittee.
© This Referees Guidance is copyright of the English Pool Association/E.P.R.A.
For information about this Referees Guidance please e-mail EPA
Rules Revision Subcommittee
Layout © Copyright: English Pool Association, 1999 Layout
© Copyright: English Pool Association, 1999
Last updated: 08 Oct 1999
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