General League Rules
START OF PLAY
1. Flip a coin. The winner of the flip can either put up a player and a game first or have the other team
put up a player and a game first. Teams will alternate thereafter.
2. The first match must begin no later than 7:30pm and the second match must begin no later than
7:40pm. If there is no player available to start the match at 7:40 the team has until 7:50pm before
they have to forfeit their match. The team will then have another 10 minutes to start their 3rd match
at which point the team will forfeit if their player does not show up. If you have another player to put
up, you are not permitted to wait for a player that has not yet arrived.
3. The 3rd match must be started no later than 8:30pm. If the first 2 matches are still being played then
the 3rd match must be started on a third table unless there is no player available to play this match.
MAKE-UP MATCHES
Make-up matches must start NO LATER THAN 6:45pm the following week - no exceptions. If there is
no player to play a match, the opposing team will win that match by a score of 13-7 for each make-up
match in which there is no player to play. Matches can not be pre-played due to possible handicap
changes.
PACE OF PLAY
In general a player has 30 seconds to take their shot at which point anyone on the team can call a timeout. Excessive slow play will not be tolerated. If the opposing player feels you are taking too long to
shoot, they can inform a referee at which point a shot clock will be enforced. If a shot clock is enforced,
the player has 30 seconds to shoot otherwise they give the opposing player ball in hand.
GENERAL POOL ETIQUETTE
1. When you have finished your turn at the table, please sit down while your opponent is shooting. It
is disrespectful to your opponent if you stand while they shoot and/or if you are loudly talking to
others during your opponents turn.
2. If you have friends (non-teammates) watching, please ask them to sit off to the side and not next to
the table.
SHARKING
Sharking is considered an intentional or unintentional distraction of the opposing player while they are
in the act of shooting. Some examples of sharking are standing in front of the opposing player, shaking
your stick, and or talking to the opposing player or someone else while the opposing player is in the act
of shooting. You are allowed one warning after which each incident will result in your team losing 1
point per incident at the end of the matches and the opposing team will be awarded 1 point per incident.
When the opposing player is in the act of shooting, please remain quietly seated at all times.
1
REFEREE CALLS
If you do not call over a referee to watch for a foul in any given situation, the hit is the shooters call
regardless if the referee is standing there watching. A referee cannot make a hit call if they are not
directed to do so. If there is any question as to whether of not the shot could be a foul, please call over
a referee to make the call.
FINISHING THE SEASON IN A TIE
Should 2 teams finish the season in a tie, the team with the most wins in the meetings between both
teams during the regular season will move into the higher position. Should 3 teams finish the season
tied, the placing will be decided by coin flip.
FINISHING IN A TIE DURING PLAYOFFS
Should 2 teams tie during the playoffs, the team should flip a coin to decide who puts up a player for a
4th and final match at which time the team who won the coin flip will put up any player from their team.
Any player can play a sudden death match and whoever wins this match will win the playoff between
the 2 teams unless that player has already played to matches that night.
MOST IMPORTANT RULE
The most important rule is to be honest, be respectful to the other players and simply just have fun!
The league’s main objective is to be a social gathering of pool players every week. The fact that there
are playoffs and cash prizes given out at the end of the season is just a bonus.
TIME-OUTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Each team is allowed one time-out per game.
Time-outs may be called by the shooter or any other player on their team.
Time-outs can last no longer than 2 minutes.
The entire team can be part the discussion during any time-out.
During match play you can speak to your teammate about the match while their opponent is
shooting without taking a timeout so long as the discussion is in a quiet manner. However, any
discussion must promptly end when the opposing player’s inning is over.
2
Raxx 8-Ball League Rules
RACKING AND BREAKING
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Flip a coin to decide who breaks first. Equivalent skill level players may lag for the break.
Alternate breaks thereafter.
Rack your own
If you snap the 8-ball on the break, it will only count as a win if both handicaps are equal.
Snapping the 8-ball on the break will result in the breaker receiving an additional bonus point to
their score at the end of that rack but the 8-ball will be spotted and play will continue.
The balls are to be racked randomly and not to be put in any specific order except for the 8-ball in
the middle and the 1 in front.
The table is always open after the break. Any ball but the 8 can be hit first in any combination shot.
Once solids or stripes are determined for a player, only their respective balls can be struck first in a
combination shot. The 8-ball can be used in any combination shot but cannot be struck first.
At least 5 balls must hit a rail (not counting the cue ball) to qualify as a legal break or at least 1 ball
must be pocketed. If the break is not legal or the head ball is not hit, the balls are re-racked and the
opposing player has the break. However, If the cue ball is nudged or tapped as the player is
attempting to break and/or if the player miscues and a ball from the rack does not hit a rail, the
same player continues breaking. No soft breaks allowed.
A scratch on the break results in the opposing player getting ball in hand behind the headstring and
the incoming player may shoot any ball outside the headstring. All other scratches thereafter result
in ball in hand anywhere on the table for the opposing player.
CALLING SHOT
1. 8-Ball is a called shot game. Called shot is defined as calling a legal object ball to be pocketed and
the pocket in which it is to be pocketed. As long as a player shoots a legal shot and the object ball
called is pocketed in the called pocket, no matter how it gets there, the shot is good. Any extra
balls that are pocketed in a legal shot stay pocketed.
2. Obvious shots do not need to be called, though if an opponent doesn't recognize the shot he
retains the right to ask the shooter, before the shooter goes down on the shot, what ball and pocket
are called. None of the following are considered obvious, even in their simplest forms: banks,
kicks, combinations, masse, and jump shots. All of these shots need to be called.
3. Make sure your opponent acknowledges that you called or pointed to a specific pocket. Do not just
point at the pocket or call out the pocket and assume your opponent has heard you. In an instance
where your opponent says you did not call the 8 ball and you said you did, the 8 ball will count and
a warning will be issued that the next non-called pocketed 8-ball will result in a loss of game.
FOULS
1. A foul is committed when the cue ball is pocketed or lands off the surface of the table.
2. A foul is committed when 2 or more balls are moved during a shot attempt. If 1 ball is moved, the
opposing player can place the ball back where he thought it was or leave it where it rested.
3. A foul is committed if a rail is not contacted after making initial contact with your object ball. If this
occurs on the 8-ball it is not a loss of game. The opposing player receives ball in hand.
4. A foul is committed on the break if 5 balls do not contact a rail (not including the cue ball). If this
occurs the opposing player now has the break.
3
LOSING A GAME
1. A player loses a game by committing any foul on a shot that results in the eight ball being pocketed,
jumping the eight off the table at any time, pocketing the eight ball prematurely, pocketing the eight
ball in a pocket other than the called pocket or scratching the cue into a pocket when shooting at
the 8-ball. Missing the 8-ball completely without the cue going into a pocket simply results in ball in
hand for the opposing player.
2. Each team will get one “second chance” during a match. If the 8-ball is accidentally pocketed or
knocked off the table while the shooter is attempting to pocket another ball or play a safe, the 8-ball
may be spotted. It is up to the shooter to remember to apply this rule. This rule does not apply
when attempting to pocket the 8-ball.
PLAYING THE 8-BALL
1. The “second chance” rule can not be used when attempting to pocket an 8-ball.
2. Combinations, caroms, kisses, are all legal as long as the eight ball is the first ball contacted by the
cue ball.
3. Pocketing the eight in the wrong pocket is a loss of game.
4. Scratching on the 8-ball is a loss of game.
5. If the cue ball lands outside the playing surface then it is a loss of game.
SCORING/SCOREKEEPING
Each player will have two skill levels for 8-ball:


player skill (used to determine number of games needed to win a match).
points skill (total points needed to win a match)
When the player skill levels are equal, the players will play a "race" to a specific number of games to win
the match. The races will be determined from a handicap chart.
When the player skill levels are not equal, the players will use their points skill level to play the match.
WHEN USING PLAYER SKILL LEVELS (player skills are equal)
1. Matches will be a race to win games based on a handicap chart, instead of a points system.
However, players that have points skills within 10 points of each other may play even if both players
agree to do so.
2. Any ball that jumps off the table during a shot gets spotted with the exception of the eight ball which
results in a loss of game for the shooter unless “second chance” rule applies.
3. Any of your balls pocketed during your turn that are not made at the same time as a legitimate
pocketed ball or legal shot will get spotted.
4. Any of your opponent's balls pocketed during your turn will stay pocketed, regardless of whether
they were pocketed on a legal shot or not.
5. The breaker must place any balls that are pocketed on the break onto the shelf right above the ball
return. The score of each rack will be done at the conclusion of the rack. It will be the responsibility
of both players to remember to place the balls on the shelf after the break. If both players forget
then the balls pocketed on the break will be counted as balls scored during the rack unless both
players can recall exactly what was pocketed on the break.
6. Score sheets must be filled out neatly and completely and must be compared to the opposing
teams score sheets at the end of the night to make sure everything is correct. If your sheet is
incorrect, incomplete, or illegible then your team will lose 1 point off their total score for that night.
4
WHEN USING POINTS SKILL LEVELS (player skills not equal)
1. Each ball intentionally pocketed counts as 1 point. Legally pocketing the 8-ball counts as 3 points.
2. Balls pocketed on either your break or your opponent’s break do not count toward your score
unless you win the rack.
3. Any ball that jumps off the table during a shot gets spotted with the exception of the eight ball which
results in a loss of game for the shooter and a “bonus inning” for your opponent unless “second
chance” rule applies. (see below for explanation of bonus inning)
4. Any of your balls pocketed during your turn that are not made at the same time as a legitimate
pocketed ball will get spotted. If you forget to spot the ball(s), then it stays down and will not count
toward the final score of that rack.
5. Any of your opponent's balls pocketed during your turn will get spotted. If your opponent forgets to
spot the ball(s), then it stays down and will not count toward the final score of that rack.
6. If the cue ball scratches in a pocket or jumps off the table, and one or more balls for either player
are pocketed, the ball or balls get spotted.
7. When a loss of game occurs with the 8-ball being accidentally pocketed or knocked off the table,
the "second chance" rule can be applied to continue the game (see LOSING THE GAME).
However, if the second chance has already been used OR loss of game occurred when shooting
the 8-ball (see PLAYING THE 8-BALL):
8.
9.
10.
11.
 The losing player will receive points for just the balls made to that point. There is no longer a
deduction in score.
 The winning player will no longer automatically receive 3 points due to the opponent
scratching on the 8-ball. Instead the player will have what is called a “bonus inning” at which
point they receive ball in hand and will be allowed one inning to pocket their remaining
numbered balls as well as the 8-ball to receive those points. If the player misses or scratches
on the 8-ball during their “bonus inning”, then no one receives the extra 3 points for pocketing
the 8-ball.
Scores will be kept on the beads and only the final score will be written on the score sheets at the
end of the match. Each player should mark their pocketed balls on the beads after every inning just
as they do in straight pool. This is very important and extremely critical in keeping an accurate
score of the match.
You cannot win the match as a result of your opponent pocketing your balls on the break.
You must legally pocket your final ball in a called pocket to win without scratching.
Score sheets must be filled out neatly and completely and must be compared to the opposing
teams score sheets at the end of the night to make sure everything is correct. If your sheet is
incorrect, incomplete, or illegible then your team will lose 1 point off their total score for that night.
5
Raxx 9-Ball League Rules
RACKING AND BREAKING
1.
2.
3.
4.
Flip a coin to decide who breaks first. Equivalent skill level players may lag for the break.
Alternate breaks.
Rack your own.
The 9-ball does not count on the break if pocketed in the top 2 corners closest to the rack. The 9ball gets spotted and the breaking player continues to shoot.
5. The rules governing the break shot are the same as for other shots except:
a. The breaker must strike the1-ball first and either pocket a ball or drive at least four numbered
balls to the rail. If this does not occur, your opponent has the option of breaking or allowing
you to re-break.
b. If the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, or the requirements of the opening break are
not met, it is a foul, and the incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.
c. If on the break shot, the breaker causes an object ball to jump off the table, it is a foul and the
incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. The object ball is not re-spotted
(exception: if the object ball is the 9-ball, it is re-spotted).
CALLING SHOT
1. You will have to call the 9-ball if you are playing a combo, carom or bank shot. Obvious 9-ball
shots do not need to be called. If you forget to call a combo, bank or carom and the 9-ball is
pocketed, the 9-ball gets spotted and the opposing player shoots from where the cue ball rests.
You can no longer "luck in" the 9-ball. If a 9-ball is “lucked in”, it gets spotted and the shooter
continues shooting.
2. If the 9-ball is the last ball on the table and it is pocketed in a pocket other than the called pocket,
the 9-ball gets spotted. However, if the cue ball is on or within the margin of the spot, then the 9ball gets spotted on the opposite spot. If the 9-ball can fit on the spot without being frozen to the
cue ball, then no matter how difficult the shot may be, the 9-ball will still be spotted there.
3. If the 9-ball goes in on the break in the top 2 corners, it gets spotted on the spot, no exceptions.
CONTINUING PLAY
On the shot immediately following a legal break, the shooter may play a "push out." (See PUSH OUT).
If the breaker pockets one or more balls on a legal break, he continues to shoot until he misses, fouls,
or wins the game. If the player misses or fouls, the other player begins an inning and shoots until
missing, committing a foul, or winning. The game ends when the 9-ball is pocketed on a legal shot, or
the game is forfeited for a serious infraction of the rules.
PUSH OUT
The player who shoots the shot immediately after a legal break may play a push out in an attempt to
move the cue ball into a better position for the option that follows. On a push out, the cue ball is not
required to contact any object ball nor any rail, but all other foul rules still apply. The player must
announce the intention of playing a push out before the shot, or the shot is considered to be a normal
shot. Any ball pocketed on a push out does not count and remains pocketed except the 9-ball.
Following a legal push out, the incoming player is permitted to shoot from that position or to pass the
shot back to the player who pushed out. A push out is not considered to be a foul as long as no rule is
violated. An illegal push out is penalized according to the type of foul committed. After a player
scratches on the break shot, the incoming player cannot play a push out.
6
FOULS
When a player commits a foul, he must relinquish his run at the table and no balls pocketed on the foul
shot are re-spotted (exception: if a pocketed ball is the 9-ball, it is re-spotted). The incoming player is
awarded ball in hand and prior to his first shot he may place the cue ball anywhere on the table. If a
player commits several fouls on one shot, they are counted as only one foul.
BAD HIT
If the first object ball contacted by the cue ball is not the lowest numbered ball on the table, the shot is a
foul.
NO RAIL
If no object ball is pocketed, failure to drive the cue ball or any numbered ball to a rail after the cue ball
contacts the object ball is a foul.
BALL IN HAND
When the cue ball is in hand, the player may place the cue ball anywhere on the bed of the table,
except in contact with an object ball. The player may continue to adjust the position of the cue ball until
shooting.
OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE
An un-pocketed ball is considered to be driven off the table if it comes to rest other than on the bed of
the table. It is a foul to drive an object ball off the table. The jumped object ball(s) is not re-spotted
(exception: if the object ball is the 9-ball, it is re-spotted) and play continues.
JUMP AND MASSÉ SHOT FOUL
If a match is not refereed, it will be considered a cue ball foul if during an attempt to jump, curve or
massé the cue ball over or around an impeding numbered ball, the impeding ball moves (regardless of
whether it was moved by a hand, cue stick follow-through or bridge).
THREE CONSECUTIVE FOULS
If a player fouls three consecutive times on three successive shots without making an intervening legal
shot, the game is lost. The three fouls must occur in one game. T he warning must be given between
the second and third fouls. A player’s inning begins when it is legal to take a shot and ends at the end
of a shot on which he misses, fouls or wins, or when he fouls between shots.
SPOT BALL ON BREAK
1. When the person being spotted makes his or her spot ball on the break, their ball should
immediately be placed onto the head spot. However it is up to the person being spotted to
remember to bring their ball back up. Once a shot is taken by either person, the spot ball must
remain pocketed.
2. When the spotter makes their opponents spot ball on the break, the spot ball should immediately be
placed onto the head spot once the spotter finishes their inning. However it is up to the person
being spotted to remember to bring their ball back up. Once a shot is taken by either person, the
spot ball must remain pocketed.
CALLING THE SPOT BALL
You DO NOT have to call your spot ball unless you are making the spot ball in a combination, bank
shot, carom shot or kick shot or if the straight in shot is not completely obvious. However we still
recommend that you get into the habit of calling any and all spot ball shots. If the player does not call
his shot and you do not think it was obvious which pocket they were attempting to make the ball then a
referee must make the call.
7