CHAPTER 3
3-A
BALLS AND RACKING
1. The game is played with the DESIGNATED S.I.P.L. cue ball and 15 numbered balls. The balls are
racked in a triangle at the foot of the table with the 8-ball in the center of the triangle, and the first ball on
the foot spot.
2. A standard cue ball will be used in all matches. No marked balls will be used other than the designated
S.I.P.L. cue ball will be used unless agreed upon by both captains. The designated S.I.P.L. cue ball will
be the ARAMUTH GREEN SQUIGGLE cue ball.
3. If a player disputes the formation and/or placement of the rack then the captain of the racking team will
rack and the captain of the breaking team will observe and must approve. Hereafter the appropriate player will
break the rack
3-B
BREAK SHOT
1. The home team breaks first then the break will alternate thereafter. Home team has the advantage of one
more break than the opposing team.
2. If the breaker hits the racked balls driving 4 or more numbered balls to a rail or pocketing one or more
numbered balls, the game has started.
3. If the player fails to make a legal break, it is not a foul; however, the opponent has the option of (a)
accepting the table as is and shooting; or (b) having the balls re-racked and shooting the break himself.
4. When spotting the cue ball for the break shot, the player breaking will position the cue ball fully behind
the head string.
5. The opposing player must inform the player breaking of improper positioning of the cue ball before the
break shot is make. If the opposing player does not inform the player before the shot is made, the break is
legal.
6. If a scratch is committed while breaking refer to Chapter 3 Section H - 3.
7. During league play, making the eight ball on the break is an automatic win for the player breaking.
However, if the cue ball is scratched when making the eight ball, or any other foul is committed by the
breaking player, the opponent wins the game.
8. E.R.O.; Eight Ball Run Out; is when a player on his/her first turn on an open table runs out, it is an
E.R.O., 10 - 0.
3- C
OPEN TABLE
1. The table is always open immediately after the break shot. You must shoot again, and legally pocket a ball
to determine a group. On an open table, the player can shoot at either group of balls. The first ball can be
made by any of the various shots involving the cue ball, and the object ball. It can also be made in a
combination shot, using a stripe to make a solid, or vice versa. The eight ball can be hit first in a
combination to make the first group ball.
2. The table remains open until a player pockets a legal shot, which determines group of balls.
3-D
GAME
1. The object of the game is to make one group of numbered object balls, either stripes or solids, and then
legally pocket the 8-ball which then wins the game.
2. Call pocket eight ball. A player is required to designate, in advance of each shot, the ball to be made, and
the pocket into which it will be made. You need not indicate any detail such as, kisses, caroms,
combinations or cushions. Failure to do so, can result in a warning from the opposing player, any offense
there after during the night of play will result in a foul, ball in hand. Player continues shooting until he
fails to legally pocket a ball. However, if the opponent is not sure of, or is unable to hear the pocket
called, it is the opposing player’s responsibility to ask the shooter, before the shot is attempted.
There are no size requirements for the pool tables played on in the S.I.P.L., however, if a three and one
half by seven foot table is available, they are to be used.
4. Shoes and shirt must be worn during a match.
3-E
THE PLAY
1. All balls pocketed, legal or not, remain down; except in certain circumstances they may be re-spotted.(see
rule E -11)
2. Each player continues to shoot so long as he hits any of his object balls, and pockets the object ball called.
Should a player fail to hit any of his object balls first, it is a foul, ball in hand.
3. If a player fails to hit, or make the eight ball while shooting at it, the game continues. However, if a player
scratches on the cue ball, while shooting at the eight ball, he loses the game, even if the eight ball remains
on the table. The cue ball being scratched or leaving the table is an automatic foul and does not need to be
called.
4. In the event the cue ball or the object ball stops on the edge of the pocket, then falls into the pocket
because of vibrations, fans or stomping of feet, it shall be left down, except for the eight ball. The eight
ball will be replaced on the foot spot.
5. Object balls knocked off the table will be handled accordingly.
a.
If it is the shooters’ ball, it will be spotted on the foot spot.
b.
If it is the opponents’ ball, it will remain off, and considered pocketed.
c.
Knocking balls off the table is loss of turn (Not a foul).
d.
Knocking the eight ball off the table is loss of game.
6. Spotting balls open table - any balls other than the 8 ball will be spotted on the foot spot.
7. The position of a ball is judged by where it is based (or center) rests.
8. A shot is not complete until all balls on the table have become motionless after the stroke.
9. The head string is not part of the kitchen. Thus an object ball that is dead center on the head string is a
playable ball.
10. If a ball shifts, settles, turns or moves of its own accord the ball shall remain in the position it assumed
and play will continue.
11. A hanging ball that falls into a pocket of its own accord after being motionless for three seconds or longer
shall be replaced as closely as possible to its position prior to falling, and play continues.
12. When specific rules call for spotting balls, they shall be placed on the long string after the stroke is
complete. A single ball is placed on the foot spot. If more than one is to be spotted, they are placed on the
long string in ascending numerical order, beginning on the foot spot and advancing toward the foot rail.
13. If a player completes a legal shot, and other balls are pocketed, these balls will remain down.
14. Non-Player Interference: If the balls are moved by a non-player during a match, the balls shall be replaced
as near as possible to their original positions immediately prior to the incident, and play continues.
15. Dropping the Eight Ball in a Pocket: If a player picks up the Eight Ball and drops it in a pocket,
deliberately shoots the eight into a pocket or does anything deliberately to lose the game, it is automatic
loss of a winning round point.
16. Split Hit: When a player strikes a legal object ball and a non-legal ball at approximately the same time
and it can not be determined which was struck first, the judgment will go to the shooter.
17. Non-player disturbance: If a non-player is causing a disturbance that is disruptive. A player has the right
to ask the opposing captain to stop it or remove them. Failure for the opposing captain to try to correct it
will result in a warning, a second offense is ball in hand and a third is lose of game.
18. Pocketed ball: A ball is considered a pocketed ball if, as a result of a legal shot, it drops off the bed of the
table into the pocket and remains there. A ball that rebounds from the pocket back on the bed is not a
pocketed ball.
19. Slow play rule: Exaggerated slow play will be penalized. Certain moments during a game may require
extra thought and concentration. However, continuously taking over 60 seconds between shots is not
acceptable. When your opponent abuses this rule, stop play and the opposing team’s captain will assign a
player to time for your opponent for the rest of the match. After one warning, any longer than one minute
between shots will be a foul. A third infraction will result in a loss of game.
20. Stalemate rule: If both players agree that attempting to pocket, or move an object ball will result in loss of
game, the balls will be re-racked with the original breaker breaking again. The stalemate rule may only be
used when there are only two object balls remaining on the table.
21. Frozen balls: When the cue ball is frozen to an object ball the shot must be executed with the cue elevated
45 degree or greater from the center line of the two balls. The shot shall be ruled as a push shot if
otherwise (See H-12) If you are shooting down at 45 degrees, the butt of your cue must be as high as your
shoulder. The shooter has to be informed that the balls are frozen prior to the shot being taken or there
will be no foul.
22. Caroms and bank shots do not have to be called, as long as the ball and the pocket are called.
23. 4 FOOT RULE: When a player is at the table, for his/her turn. No opponent may be within 4 feet of the
table or player, that also means no picking up the chalk when its NOT your turn. First time is a warning,
second time is ball in hand, third time is loss of game. They run concurrent on the night meaning if you
are warned in game one and do it again in game two its ball in hand.
24. Sandbagging is defined as intentionally missing shots or losing games for the purpose of
decreasing a players average to gain an unfair advantage over your opponent and is considered
cheating. Anyone who suspects another player of sandbagging should report it to a SIPL officer
who will initiate an investigation so as to determine the validity of the complaint. Players in
violation of sandbagging may be assigned a new average that reflects their level of play as
assessed by the league and they are also subject to rules 1-A-6 and 1-C-8 as they regard Poor
Sportsmanship.
3-F
LOSS OF GAME
1. Pocketing the eight ball, when it is not the legal object ball, except on the opening break.
2. Pocketing the eight ball on the same shot with the last of his/her object balls.
3. Scratching on the eight ball.
4. Jumping or knocking the eight ball off the table at any time.
5. Pocketing the eight ball in a pocket other than the designated one.
6. Fouling while pocketing the eight ball in a designated pocket.
7. Eight Ball Interference. Stopping or touching the eight ball while it is in motion is loss of game.
8. To deliberately use your body, stick, or anything else to stop or redirect a balls movement is loss of game
and loss of a previously won round point.
9. If a player quits a match after it has begun, the current game will count as a win for the opponent, who
receives 10 points, the player will receive credit for balls already sunk. All subsequent games for that
match will be scored as 10-0 wins for the opponent. (spot points count if a game has started, no spots on
forfeits)
10. The SIPL does not recognize continuation of play. If a game ends as per Section 3-F then the points will
be assessed accordingly and no further play will be thereafter allowed nor resulting additional points earned.
As the game is over at that point then there can be no charges of coaching levied against anyone making note
of the games end.
3-G
LEGAL SHOTS
1. Legal shot requires that the cue ball be struck only once with the cue tip, failure to do so is a foul.
2. On all shots, the player must strike one of his/her group balls first, and then: (a) pocket the designated
object ball or another ball: (b) cause the cue ball or any other ball to contact a rail. Failure to do so is a
foul, Ball in Hand.
3. Touching, moving, or lining up the cue ball with the cue stick before the break shot, is not a foul. If the
cue ball crosses the head string moving completely out of the kitchen in the process of lining up for the
break that shall be considered the player's shot.
4. If while the shooter is attempting a shot, some part of his/her clothing or cranial hair touches a ball and
they are unaware of this, it is up to his/her opponent to make the shooter aware before the shot is made or
the shooter will not be liable for Ball in Hand or loss of shot.
5. After the 8 Ball is down and all balls are motionless, no foul can be called.
3-H
FOULS
1. Non-Legal Shot: Failure to make a legal shot as noted Section 3 - G.
2. Automatic Foul: Shooting the cue ball into any pocket, or off the table. This is considered an automatic
foul, and does not have to be called. The only fouls that must be called are table fouls.
3. Scratch Shot: After a scratch shot on a legal break, the opponent has Ball in Hand completely behind the
head string and may not shoot an object ball resting in the kitchen without first crossing the head string
and hitting a rail or causing it to back up to make contact.
4. One Foot on the Floor: Shooting without at least one foot on the floor, is a foul. For wheelchair bound
players, the wheels of the chair count as feet.
5. Coaching: Coaching is a foul. Any member of a team called for coaching, will result in a foul on the team
member shooting. Only the opposing player or his/her captain may call a couching foul. After a foul is
called, if a team member has a question about a rule, he/she should ask the opposing player first, then the
opposing captain. In the event it is not resolved, you may then ask your captain.
6. Captains Discussion: If a foul is called, the captains may approach the table to listen to the discussion of
the foul, but not to interfere, subject to rule 5 above.
7. Frozen Ball to Rail: If a ball is frozen to a cushion, the opposing player must notify the player shooting
before the shot. When playing such a shot, the player must contact the frozen ball, and then; (a) pocket the
frozen ball; (b) cause the frozen ball to contact another cushion; (c) cause the cue ball or another ball to
contact any cushion.
8. Touching Numbered Balls: Accidentally moving or touching a ball is not a foul, unless it is the cue ball,
as long as you stop and advise your opponent you have done so. The opponent may replace the ball
moved or leave it where it lies. Moving the ball in an attempt to replace it, or shooting without giving
his/her opponent the option to replace the ball, is a foul. If the opponent does not recognize the ball was
moved by the shooter before the next shot, the shooter continues.
9. Touching Numbered Balls During or After Shot: Any contact of any kind with any numbered ball during
or after the shot, is not a ball in hand foul but is loss of turn. The opponent may replace the ball moved or
leave it where it lies. The opponent then shoots from where the cue ball lies.
10. Calling Fouls: If a foul is committed, the opposing player must state “that is a foul!”, and the player
committing the foul must recognize that a foul has been correctly called before the opposing player
touches the cue ball. If the opponent picks it up or shots without your okay, it is ball in hand back to
you. Except in the case of automatic fouls. A PLAYER HAVING A FOUL CALLED ON THEM
MAY NOT CONTINUE UNTIL THE OPPOSING CAPTAIN HAS AGREED.
11. Cue Ball Foul: It is a foul to strike, touch or in any way make contact with the cue ball with anything
other than the cue tip.
12. Ball in Motion: It is a foul if a player shoots while any ball is in motion. (A spinning ball is in motion)
.
13. Push Shot: It is a foul if the cue ball is pushed by the cue tip, with contact being maintained for more than
the momentary time commensurate with a stroked shot. If the cue ball is frozen to an object ball the player
must strike the cue ball at a minimum 45 degree angle in accordance with rule 3-E-21.
14. Balls Leaving Table: When a stroke results in the cue ball leaving the table completely and onto the floor,
it is Ball in Hand, except after the break, its Ball in Hand in the kitchen. When an object ball, other than
the cue or eight ball leaves the table, the ball(s) are spotted (see 3 - E - 5 & 6) and it is loss of turn.
15. Jump Shots: It is a foul if a player strikes the cue ball below center (digs under it) and intentionally causes
it to rise off the bed of the table in an effort to clear an obstructing ball.
16. One Foul Per Inning: Only one foul is assessed on a player in each inning. An inning is one turn at the
table.
17. Hand in Pocket: Putting your hand in the pocket to stop any ball from going into the pocket is a foul. If it
is the 8 ball it is loss of game.
18. 8 Ball Interference: Stopping or touching the 8 Ball while it is in motion is automatic loss of game.
19. Opponent Interference: Any player saying or doing anything to try and make an opponent miss a shot will
be given one warning, second time ball in hand, a serious infraction may mean loss of a round point if
found guilty.
20. To deliberately use your body, stick, or anything else to stop or redirect a balls movement is loss of game
and loss of a previously won round point.
21. It is not a foul for a physically handicapped or wheelchair bound player to use the cue stick to position
the cue in the event of his/her receiving a ball-in-hand.
22. Double hit cue-ball: If a player makes contact with the cue-ball, then hits it again before you can call a
foul. It is a ball in hand foul, and the player is given a warning. If the player does it again the same night,
it is loss of game each time.
3 - IPENALTY FOR FOULS
1. If you are called for fouling, your opponent gets ball in hand anywhere on the table.
2. Only the players involved may call a foul (except couching fouls as defined in 3-h-5). In the event of a
foul called, player may leave the cue ball where it rests or receive the cue ball in hand and can place it
anywhere on the table.
3. A player must stop shooting when a foul is called and resume shooting on his/her next turn or when the
opposing captain agrees. See H - 9
4. If a player refuses to yield to a foul called, the opposing captain may protest the game.