FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q:
A:
Does a player have to pay his/her membership fees before shooting?
Yes. If a player plays without paying his/her dues, the team will not earn their bonus points for the night.
Q:
A:
Can a team start a match with only one player present?
Yes
Q:
A:
Do I have to wait until 7:15 to start the matches if the whole team is not there?
No. If both teams have a player present, the match should start at 7:00. If there is no player from one team
present; the opposing team must give them until 7:15 before requiring them to forfeit.
Q:
A:
What happens when the incoming player has a ball in hand off the break and shoots in front of the line (in 8-ball
only)?
No foul has been committed. You must remind the player to place the cue ball behind the line.
Q:
A:
Does the same player break if four balls do not hit a rail or if a ball is not pocketed on the break?
Yes
Q:
A:
Who breaks if the player scratches on the break and four balls did not hit a rail?
The opposing player
Q:
A:
On an open table situation – can you shoot a solid into a stripe, therefore taking the stripes as your category?
Yes
Q:
A:
Must my object ball go to a rail if I fail to make the shot?
No. Any ball may hit a rail and it is not considered a “ball in hand” foul.
Q:
A;
What happens if I shoot the wrong category of balls?
The opponent may allow you to continue shooting the wrong category of balls and call a foul before you make the 8,
or you may quietly realize your mistake and resume shooting the correct balls before your opponent calls a foul.
Q:
A:
If I pick up the cue ball and do not have ball in hand, what is the penalty?
It is ball in hand for your opponent. Always ask your opponent if you have ball in hand.
Q:
A:
What happens if I touch another ball while placing the cue ball on the table?
If the cue ball or the hand holding or moving it touches another ball, it is a foul. The cue ball is always “live”.
Q:
A:
What happens if the cue ball comes back and hits the bridge?
It is a ball in hand foul.
Q:
A:
What happens if I pick up the cue ball before it stops rolling?
In 8-ball, if you are on the 8 – it is a loss of game. Any other ball – it is a ball in hand foul. If you legally pocket the 8Ball, it is only a loss of game if you alter the course of the 8-ball in a game losing situation.
In 9-ball it is a ball in hand foul. If 9-ball is pocketed – spot it.
**BOTTOM LINE**DO NOT PICK UP THE CUE BALL WHILE IT IS STILL ROLLING**
A:
Q:
A:
What happens if a ball has been “hanging in” a pocket and suddenly falls in?
If more than 3 seconds have passed, the ball is to be placed back on the table where it was.
Q:
A:
If a pocketed ball bounces back on the table, is it considered a pocketed ball?
No
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (continued)
Q:
A:
A:
If you accidentally knock a ball off the playing surface, when do you spot it?
8-ball – when you are finished shooting or before the 8-ball, whichever comes first.
9-ball – immediately.
Q:
A:
How is the pocket considered “clearly marked”?
It is advisable to mark the pocket between the last diamond and the pocket; however, the marker must be placed
between the middle diamond and the pocket.
Q:
What happens when a player is asked to wait by the opposing player so a close hit may be watched and the player
refuses to wait and makes the shot anyway?
It is considered a foul and the player will be given ball in hand.
**REQUEST MUST BE LOUD ENOUGH TO BE HEARD!!!**
A:
Q:
A:
What happens if I do not have a picture ID when asked?
The player will not be allowed to play.
Q:
A:
Who can be the coach?
Anyone on your team roster.
Q:
A:
Who can be in the playing area?
Player only; except for a timeout – then the player and the coach.
Q:
A:
Can another player walk around the table during a time out to discuss the strategies with the coach?
No. Only the player and the coach may approach the table.
Q:
A:
Can my coach place the cue ball on the table?
Yes
Q:
A:
Can my coach show me how to make a shot?
Yes – however, the coach cannot mark the table in any way and he/she must leave the playing area before the
player shoots.
Q:
A:
When can my coach talk to me?
When you call for a time out, or your opponent calls for a time out. You may also talk while the balls are being
racked and before or after the match.
Q:
A:
Can a player receive coaching from anyone other than his/her coach?
No
Q:
A:
If someone calls for a time out, when he/she has already used their time out, it is a foul?
No. The other player reminds his opponent that they have already taken their time out; however, if the second time
out is taken, then it is a loss of that particular game (in 8-ball) or a ball in hand foul (in 9-ball).
Q:
A:
Can anyone remind the player which category of balls to shoot or to mark the 8-ball?
Yes
Q:
A:
Who can call a foul?
Anyone may suggest that a foul has been committed, but it is up to the player or coach to call the foul.
Q:
How many times can you hand the cue ball back and forth (stale-mate)?
A:
Unlimited – both players have to agree to re-rack.
**Each pass counts as a DEFENSIVE SHOT and an inning after the appropriate player**