(Monday Nights AND Wednesday Nights)

The following league rules cover a majority of situations, which may arise before or during match play. As you know the rules have been modified each year, due to people "reading between the lines", questions or problems which have arisen during league play. This has caused the rule changes so that we hopefully avoid future problems. The rules are mainly for the players who don't know the game as well as the seasoned players. If you play fair and friendly, you will have little need for these rules. These rules are made to assist you in the event of a question or a dispute. DO NOT READ INTO THESE RULES MORE THAN WHAT IS INTENDED. THE LEAGUE RESERVES TO RIGHT TO MAKE/FINALIZE ANY DECISION REGARDING MATCH PLAY.

1. Object of the game: Eightball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and 15 object balls (numbered 1 - 15). One player must pocket balls of the group numbered 1-7 (solid colors), while the other player has 9-15 (stripes). The player pocketing his group first and then legally pocketing the eightball wins the game.

2. Choice of group, the choice of solids or stripes is not determined on the break even if balls are made from only 1 or both groups. The table is always open immediately after the break shot. The choice of the group is determined only when a player legally pockets a called object ball after the break shot.

3. Teams are required to pay for each game, team that racks, pays. Home team breaks first, then the break alternates. 8-ball is placed in the middle of an alternating rack. If shooter miscues on break, it is racker's option to break.

***4. Match start time is 8:15PM sharp. (See rule 5 and 6 ) Teams cannot call a forfeit until after 8:45 pm . If a team has less than three players @ 8:45 pm, the match will be forfeited. You must have two players and you are to start playing singles with the 2 players .You are to start at 8:15 (Knowing additional team members are on their way). If you're going to be late, call the league or bar you are playing at and let them know. Please try to be lenient; some bars are hard to find. A game cannot be played with 2 players! A LEGAL match is 3 or more players.

5. All teams must fill out starting lineups. The first round of singles should be filled out first, when the first singles round matches are finished then start the doubles. Each player may play no more than 2 games per round No changes are permitted once the match begins. (Unless agreed upon by both captains.) You must fill out your top 5 singles players or whatever people you have. Just inform the other captain of what is being filled out. If you have 2 players on the team with the same first name please use last name or initial so league is able to track each player. The team must have two players at 8:15 p.m. to start the match. (Knowing the additional team members are on their way.) ie. Two players will play four singles matches. If by the end of 4th singles match no additional player(s) have arrived the match is forfeited. NOTE: All team rosters, add on's etc. will first be approved by league. Each roster will be reviewed. Players who are not approved by league to play on a team will be dismissed. The league reserves the right to allow/disallow any player from playing.

6. Legal Match, a legal game 3 players. (A match can’t be played with 1 or 2 players - THAT IS A FORFEIT).

7. Player Lineup, One player may play no more than 2 matches per round. If a player is going to be late & you want them to play, leave spot 9 & 10 blank until they arrive, if they do not arrive by those games add a different player from your team that has not yet played. Once you finish singles there is no going back for skipped games, unless both captains agree before hand, games not played are forfeited. A player who forfeits or does not play in the singles round can play doubles. Both captains must sign both sheets and agree on the number of points won be each team. Captains must also agree on All Star points.

8. Players must clearly call their shots, the responsibility of the opponent is to make sure the shooter calls each shot. The shooter must first call his/her shot prior to the stroke. If nothing is said the shot goes and the game continues. Please pay attention during the play. Any questionable call will be judged by only the players of the match and/or team captains. The shooter may ask the opposing captain any rule question for clarification in any division. If no acceptable decision is reached the game must be replayed. Only opposing player can ask where shot is going, not other team member.

9. To execute a legal break, the breaker (with the cue ball behind the headstring) must pocket a ball to continue shooting. If he fails to pocket a ball on break the incoming player shoots (still open table until a called shot is made). If you miscue on the break**(see rule 10) it is a foul. The incoming player has the option of accepting the table in position and shooting, or having the balls re-racked and have the option of shooting the opening break or allowing the offending player to rebreak. If the cue ball does not even hit the racked balls, the shooter rebreaks.

10. To execute a legal break - defined As if you didn't already know here it is, To execute a legal break, the breaker (with the cue ball behind the headstring) must either (1) pocket a ball, or (2) drive at least four numbered balls to the rail. If player fails to make to make a legal break, it is a foul and the incoming player has the option of (1) accepting the table in position and shooting or (2) having the balls reracked and having the option of shooting the opening break or allowing the offending player to rebreak.

11. A scratch on a legal break, if a player scratches on a legal break shot, (1) all balls pocketed remain pocketed, (2) the table is open. Please note: Incoming player has cueball in hand behind the headstring and may not shoot an object ball that is behind the headstring, unless he/she first shoots the cueball past the headstring and causes the cueball to come back behind the headstring and hit their object ball.

12. Eightball pocketed on the break, if the eightball is pocketed on the break you win the game, barring a scratch, whether or not another ball is pocketed.

13. When shooting (open table), the table is open when the choice of groups (stripes or solids) is yet to be determined. When the table is open, it is legal to hit a solid first to make a stripe or visa versa. Note: The table is always open immediately after the break shot. When the table is open, all combinations are legal including using the eight ball. The eight ball is only neutral when it is an open table. It is also legal to hit any solid or stripe in the process of pocketing the called stripe or solid. If the shooter fails to pocket a ball the incoming player addresses the balls with the table still open.

14. Choice of group, the choice of solids or stripes is not determined on the break even if balls are made from only 1 or both groups. The table is always open immediately after the break shot. The choice of the group is determined only when a player legally pockets a called object ball after the break shot.

15. Legal shot, on all shots (except on the break and when the table is open), the shooter must hit one of his group of his balls first and, (1) pocket his object ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact the rail. Please note: It is permissible for the shooter to bank the cue ball off the rail before contacting his object ball; however after contact with his object ball, an object ball must be pocketed, or the cueball or any numbered ball must contact a rail. Failure to meet these requirements is a foul/scratch. The penalty loss of turn and the incoming player has choice to leave cue ball where it lies or take it behind the headstring. If shooting 8 ball see rule 22,30 for ball in hand

16. Players must clearly call their shots, the responsibility of the opponent is to make sure the shooter calls each shot. The shooter must first call his/her shot prior to the stroke. If nothing is said the shot goes and the game continues. Please pay attention during the play. Any questionable call will be judged by only the players of the match and each team captain. If no acceptable decision is reached the game must be replayed.

Note: Only opposing player can ask where shot is going, not any other team member.

See rule***8-a. for Frozen ball rule .

17. Object balls, object ball is 1-7 if you're low (solids) or 9-15 if you are high (stripes).

18. Safe shots, a safety shot is defined as a legal shot, for tactical reasons the player may choose to pocket an obvious object ball and also discontinue his turn at the table by declaring "safety" in advance. If the shooting player intends to play safe by pocketing an obvious object ball, then prior to shot he must declare safety to opponent. If this isn't done and one of the shooters object balls is legally pocketed, the shooter will be required to shoot again. If both players are shooting the eightball see rule 31 for correct safe call.

19. Combination shots, combination shots are allowed. However, the eightball cannot be used as the first ball in the combination (Unless it is an open table -see Rule 13 ). All combination shots must be called exactly as stated. You must hit your object ball first in order to have a combination count. The eightball is not neutral but can be used in the middle of a combination as long as the shooter's object ball is hit first.

20. Scratch Rule, in the event of a scratch the opposing player has the choice to either play the cueball where it is or take it with ball in hand behind the headstring. Three scratches in a row and incoming player gets ball in hand anywhere on the table. Opposing teams should notify incoming player when they are on 2 scratches. PLEASE NOTE BALL IN HAND ONLY PERTAINS TO THE 3 SCRATCH RULE AND SHOOTING THE EIGHT BALL. After the penalty of ball in hand a fresh scratch rule begins ie. if the player who scratches 3 times, on the fourth shot fails to make a shot it is not ball in hand, it is scratch #1.

21. In the event of a scratch (in the pocket) with all shooters balls behind the break line, it is the incoming players' choice to take the ball closest to the rear rail and spot the ball or shoot the cue ball past the headstring first (see rules 11 & 15 for examples) If a ball is within the spot mark, you then spot the ball behind it - not in front of it. Entire ball must be over the break line or it cannot be played without spotting. The break line (headstring) is the 2 dots on the side of the table between the side & corner pockets (not the dot in the middle of the table).

22. Playing the eightball, the eightball must go in cleanly! You must hit the eightball and complete a legal shot. Failure to do so is a foul and incoming player gets ball in hand. IT IS NOT A LOSS OF GAME .EXAMPLE-- If you make contact with other players ball before hitting the eightball it is a foul and loss of turn ,you do not lose the game but your opponent now gets ball in hand anywhere on the table. Eightball must go in pocket called, no double kiss allowed-you don't have to call cushions-except on bank shots. If eightball is a bank shot, it must be called. If the eightball shot becomes a bank shot, not called the shooter loses (rule 26)

***23. When the eightball is the only ball on the table you must make contact with it, even on a safe and complete a legal shot. Failure to do so is ball in hand for your opponent.

24. Jump ball is prohibited-automatic scratch. If cue ball leaves table, not playing surface, it is a scratch.

25. Ball off table if any numbered ball (except for the eightball) goes off the table during a shot or on the break etc. the ball is to be spotted in the rack spot. If the eightball goes off the table during any shot it is a loss of game.

26. Cushions, you don't have to call cushions, just balls. (With the exception on bank shots, on obvious bank shots you do not need to call the cushion. But if it is your intention to hit your object ball and to come back and forth numerous times before going into the pocket, it must be called. Ie. going for a simple bank shot cross side, in reality should be one rail, if your intention is for it come back & forth across table numerous times you must call that type of shot and tell opponent before shooting).

27. Double kisses must be called. No double kiss on 8ball shots, 8ball must go cleanly.

***28. Match start time is 8:15PM sharp. (See rule 5 and 6 ) Teams cannot call a forfeit until after 8:45 pm . If a team has less than three players @8:45pm, the match will be forfeited. You must have two players and you are to start playing singles with the 2 players .You are to start at 8:15 (Knowing team members are on their way). If you're going to be late, call the league or bar you are playing at and let them know. Try to be lenient some bars are hard to find. A game cannot be played with 2 players! A LEGAL match is 3 or more players.

29. Eightball pocketed on the break, if the eightball is pocketed on the break you win the game, barring a scratch, whether or not another ball is pocketed.

30. Playing the eightball, the eightball must go in cleanly! You must hit the eightball and complete a legal shot. Failure to do so is a foul and incoming player gets ball in hand. IT IS NOT A LOSS OF GAME .EXAMPLE-- If you make contact with other players ball before hitting the eightball it is a foul and loss of turn ,you do not lose the game but your opponent now gets ball in hand anywhere on the table. Eightball must go in pocket called, no double kiss allowed-you don't have to call cushions-except on bank shots. If eightball is a bank shot, it must be called. If the eightball shot becomes a bank shot, not called the shooter loses (rule 26)

***31. When the eightball is the only ball on the table you must make contact with it, even on a safe and complete a legal shot. Failure to do so is ball in hand for your opponent.

32. No double kisses allowed on eightball shots, eightball must go cleanly.

33. Captain’s Authority-Captains are allowed to make decisions between themselves ie. skipping over players, skipping over matches, time outs etc. Captains are not allowed to make any game deciding calls ie. allowing players to play more than 2 games per round, tie-breakers, or in any game involving a tie-breaker playoff (best of 5, singles play) you are not allowed to decide a best of 1 or best of 2 without consulting the league.

***34. Coaching, the rule is: 1 player from your team may help a team player who is shooting, however the shooter must call the time out and you are limited to 2 minutes. Each team is allowed 2 time outs per match. Discussion should take place away from the table. No mapping out shots. PLEASE NOTE: DIVISION 1 is allowed 1 time out per match. If both captains agree before match to allow coaching that is fine.

35. SPORTSMANSHIP - Good sportsmanship is expected at all times.

36. CALL IN SCORES - BOTH CAPTAINS MUST CALL IN SCORES AFTER MATCH. CAPTAINS CAN CALL ANY TIME THE PHONE RINGER IS TURNED OFF AT 12:00 AM. Sheets must be mailed by home bar each week. If a sheet is not received by the second week after match, players will not receive All Star points or points towards MVP stats. This rule affects your team and your opponent. This is the captains responsibility.

37. COMMUNICATION - The league does its best to communicate all information to the teams and owners. All teams should review their standings and notes on the bottom of the score sheets. It’s the captains responsibility to read the notes and advise team of information that may be important. It is also the captains responsibility to advise the owner of anything he/she should be aware of. The bar owner is responsible to post the score sheets for their team each week.

38. MEMBERSHIP FEES - There is a membership fee per player, per team. This fee entitles a player to be a member of the league, receive league discounts, enter tournaments and receive prizes. Each captain is responsible to collect fees from their players. A player cannot choose to be a member it is not an option. If a player plays on both nights they are to pay 2 membership fees.If you have a discrepancy, call the league. Please mail sheets immediately after the game. Please be prompt and mail early. Please call in scores after match (981-4888) or fax sheet (448-1968).THE LEAGUE WILL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY INJURIES, DAMAGES OR MISCONDUCT RESULTING FROM PLAYING IN THE LEAGUE

39. Rescheduling of games: There will be NO rescheduling of games unless the circumstances are dire. No more rescheduling if you are missing your best shooter or captain. PLAY WITH WHO YOU HAVE. That’s why you are able to have 10 people on your roster. At least 3 of your players should be available to play each week. All rescheduling requests must be approved by the league. There is no rescheduling during the last 2 weeks of season and games that were rescheduled and not played before the last 2 weeks of the season, the teams will receive 10-10 score.

40. Bar Closing, Shut Down etc.-in the event a bar is forcibly closed, closed for renovations, or closed for any reason by the owner, the team from that bar must advise the league ASAP and also make an alternate playing site. Once the league is advised of the change, the opposing team(s) will be notified. The opposing team(s) are required to now travel to the new site (whether temporary or permanent for the remainder of the season).

41. A scratch on a legal break, if a player scratches on a legal break shot, (1) all balls pocketed remain pocketed, (2) the table is open. Please note: Incoming player has cueball in hand behind the headstring and may not shoot an object ball that is behind the headstring, unless he/she first shoots the cueball past the headstring and causes the cueball to come back behind the headstring and hit their object ball.

42. Legal shot, on all shots (except on the break and when the table is open), the shooter must hit one of his group of his balls first and, (1) pocket his object ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact the rail. Please note: It is permissible for the shooter to bank the cue ball off the rail before contacting his object ball; however after contact with his object ball, an object ball must be pocketed, or the cueball or any numbered ball must contact a rail. Failure to meet these requirements is a foul/scratch.

43. Scratch Rule, in the event of a scratch opposing player has choice to either play the cueball where it is or take ball in hand behind the headstring. 3 scratches in a row and incoming player gets ball in hand anywhere on the table . Opposing team should notify incoming player when they have 2 scratches. Please note ball in hand only pertains to the 3 scratch rule. After the penalty of ball in hand a fresh scratch rule begins ie. if the player who scratches 3 times. 4th shot fails to make a shot it is not ball in hand, it is scratch number 1.

44. Ball off table if any numbered ball (except for the eightball) goes off the table during a shot or on the break etc. the ball is to be spotted in the rack spot. If the eightball goes off the table during any shot it is a loss of game.

******45. Unintentional ball movement, If player inadvertently moves a ball with stick, hand or clothing etc. the ball is left where it stops and It is a foul and the penalty is a scratch . Incoming player has choice to take it where it is or bring the cue behind the headstring. See rule 42 , 43

MOVED BALL STAYS WHERE IT LAYS, DO NOT MOVE BALL BACK IN ANY WAY.

46. Automatic loss of game - a player loses the game if he commits any of the following infractions: a) scratch when pocketing the eightball; b) pockets the eightball on the same stroke as the last of his group of balls; c) jumps the eightball off the table at any time; d) pockets the eightball in a pocket other than one designated; e) pockets the eightball when it is not the legal object ball. Note: All infractions must be called before another shot is taken or else it is deemed that no infraction occurred.

47. Playoffs - in order to be eligible for playoffs and any prizes.,ie- singles tournament, M.V.P, Allstars award . All players must play 10 regular season weeks to receive prizes. To be eligible for playoff prizes a player must play 10 regular season weeks. That means you play at least 1 match per night for 10 weeks during the season. (ie. If a player that has played less than 10 regular season weeks he/she cannot play in the playoff and cannot receive prizes.) A player must play in games, not just present at match.

48. Playoffs format- Due to the different amount of divisions each season, all playoff formats will be announced during each season. Playoff for cup and league championship is a race to 21 points (1 home, 1 away). If tied 10-10, go to tie breaker (best of 5) using 5 separate players. Use flip of the coin for first break and alternate afterwards.

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49. Playoffs tiebreaker format -During any playoff and/or championship match if you end in a tie score, the teams will play a 3 out of 5 singles ("best of 5") tiebreaker using 5 different players. Unless prior contact with the league all tie-breakers must be best of 5.

50. FORFEITS - 2 forfeits- team out of playoffs, 3 forfeits - team is out of league!!

51. Any bye or forfeit of a match is 13 POINTS.

52. PROTESTS - In the event of a dispute over the rules, a player eligibility, etc., the league must be contacted ASAP. After contacting the league if it is not resolved immediately, the league will advise the team with the protest by the end of the playing week. NO protests will be entertained after the game has ended.

***53. ELIGIBILITY, If there is a question regarding a team player, the captain is responsible to verify that the player is an ELIGIBLE team player. (The player should have a membership card from the league for verification purposes.) If the captain is unable to determine who the player is you must contact league ASAP. If a player is found to be ineligible all points earned by that player will be subtracted from team’s current score. If this occurs during the playoffs the team will be eliminated. In addition, a player is only eligible if his/her membership dues have been paid and player has membership card. This entitles a player to be eligible for regular season play as well as the playoffs and any tournaments.This year we will be taking pictures of all teams and their members and they will be posted on the web site for all players to see.  In division 2-9, if a team player is missing, the bartender can shoot for their home bar ONLY if the team is short a player.  THIS IS ONLY VALID DURING REGULAR SEASON PLAY.  THE BARTENDER MAY NOT SHOOT DURING PLAYOFF MATCHES.

54. DIVISIONAL TIES - At the end of the regular season play if teams are tied for 1st place or playoff contention spot, the tie will be broken by head-to-head play during the season. In the event there is still a tie, a playoff match (race to 11 points) will be played to determine the finalist.

1. A player will receive All Star points by:

a) Having a run of 5 or more balls b) Making the 8 ball on the break

2. Scoring will be as follows:

5 balls - 5 points, 6 balls - 6 points, 7 balls - 7 points

8 balls - 8 points, 8 ball on break - 8 points

WHAT YOU SINK IS WHAT YOU GET.(Only your object balls of course). You’re not awarded all stars if you’re not the Master Roster for your team!!

3. If you scratch or make a ball in wrong pocket, it doesn't count towards all star points.

4. If you make another ball along with the one you called, it counts for all stars- opponents balls don't count.