| The
game shall be known as 8-ball pool and referred
to in these rules as "the game".
It is intended that players and teams should
play 8ball pool in the true spirit of the
game and in a sportsmanlike manner. It should
be clearly understood that the referee will
take whatever action is necessary to ensure
that these rules are observed.
REQUIREMENTS
OF THE GAME
The
game is played on a rectangle 6-pocket table
with 15 balls, plus a cue ball. Balls comprise
of two groups, represented by two different
colours plus the black 8ball. Alternatively,
numerical balls may be used numbered 1-7,
which are plain coloured and 9-15, which
are stripped coloured balls. Balls in the
two groups are known as object balls.
OBJECT
OF THE GAME
 |
Rack Set Up |
1.
The balls are racked as illustrated with
the 8ball (black) on the 8ball spot, which
is at the intersection of the centre and
corner pockets.
2.
Order of play is determined by the flip
of a coin. The winner of the flip has the
option of breaking or requesting his/her
opponent to do so. (alternate breaks were
more than 1 frame is played)
3.The
opening player plays at the triangle of
object balls by striking the cue ball from
any position behind the baulk line. He/she
must pocket a ball or cause at least two
object balls to hit any cushions . Failure
to do so is a foul break and will result
in the balls being re-racked. The opposing
player re-starts the game with one free
vist followed by one visit. They must nominate
their choice of balls after the break shot
if balls are potted .
4.
Following the break shot (except following
a foul break as defined in rule 3 above):
the breaking player must clearly nominate
their choice of colours before continuing
(if a ball is potted) . or if the black
goes in (in which case the balls are re-racked
and the game is restarted by the same player).
Rules
5 and 6 are obsolete.
7.
If the player pockets the 8ball from the
break, the game shall be re-started by the
same player. No penalty is incurred. The
balls to be re-racked. This applies even
if other balls, including the cue ball,
are pocketed as well.
8.
a. If a ball or balls are legally pocketed,
this entitles the player to one additional
shot and this continues until the player
either: i). Fails to pocket one of his/her
set of allocated balls. Or ii) Commits a
foul, at any time. b. Combination shots
are allowed only when you pot your own balls
provided that the player hits one of his/her
own group of balls first or following a
foul
FOULS
In off (cue ball pocketed) Hitting
opponents’ balls before his/her own
ball/s, except when rule 6(b) applies. Failing
to hit any ball with the cue ball. Jump
shots – defined as when the cue ball
jumps over any part of any ball before making
contact with any object ball. If a player
hits the 8ball with the cue ball on the
first impact before his/her own balls have
been potted, except where rule 6(b) applies.
Potting any opponents ball except when rule
4(j) or 6(b) applies. Ball off the table.
Any object ball or the 8ball shall be returned
to the 8ball spot or as near to it as possible
without touching any other ball, in a direct
line between the 8ball spot and the centre
of the ‘D’. If the cue ball,
the ball to be played from any position
on or behind the baulk line . A ball shall
be deemed off the table if it comes to rest
other than on the bed of the table. If a
players clothing or body should touch any
ball. Player not having at least one foot
on the ground. Playing or touching with
the cue any other ball other than the cue
ball. Playing out of turn. Playing before
the balls have come to a rest. Playing before
the ball or balls have been re-spotted.
Striking the cue ball with any part of the
cue other than the tip. Striking the cue
ball with the cue more than once. Failing
to nominate when the rule 4(d) or 4(f) applies.
Foul break (see 4(c)). Push stroke (see
8(a)). Moving an object ball or the 8ball
when playing away from a touching ball.
PENALTY
FOLLOWING ANY FOUL Following any
foul described under section 5 the oncoming
player may play the cue ball from where
it lies or from on or behind the baulk line
8(b) and proceed as 6(b). moving the cue
ball doesn’t constitute a shot or
visit. Following a foul, the oncoming player
is entitled to one free shot with which
he/she may without nomination, play the
cue ball directly onto any ball, including
the opponents object balls and the 8ball.
However, he/she may not pocket the 8ball,
which would mean loss of game, unless the
player has already pocketed all of his/her
own group of object balls and only needs
to pocket the 8ball to win the game. Following
the single free vist described in 6(a) the
player will commence his/her normal visit.
LOSS
OF GAME If a player pockets the
8ball before he/she pockets all the balls
in his/her own group, except as allowed
under rule 4(g), he/she loses the game.
A player going in off the 8ball when the
8ball is pocketed, loses the game. A player
who clearly fails to make any attempt to
play a ball of his/her own group will lose
the game. If a player seeks to gain advantage
by deliberately touching a moving ball or
retrieving a ball dropping into the pocket
shall lose the game.
GENERAL
PUSH STROKE
Defined as when the tip of the cue remains
in contact with the cue ball once it has
commenced its forward motion.
CUE
BALL IN HAND
When a player has the cue ball in hand he/she
plays from any position on or behind the
baulk lineand in any direction.
PLAYER
IN CONTROL A
player is said to be in control of the table
from the time that his/her body, cue or
clothing touches the table prior to his/her
shot, through his/her visit and up until
his/her opponent dose likewise prior to
his/her visit. Any balls which fall into
the pockets during this period (including
the 8ball), he/she is said to have potted
and he/she is liable to any penalties or
benefits normally awarded to him/her for
the potting of that ball or balls as are
accorded to him/her in the rules of the
game (rule 5(c) applies). The game is completed
when the 8ball is potted in any pocket and
all the remaining balls including the cue
ball have come to rest, except where rule
4(g) applies.
TOUCHING
BALLS A player must play away from
a touching ball which must not move (see
rule 5(c)). If the touching ball is not
one of his/her own group the cue ball must
strike one of his/her own group. When rule
6(b) applies a player must play away from
a touching and is deemed to have played
that ball.
STALEMATE
Should any situation arise whereby a legal
shot cannot be played, then the game shall
be restarted by the same player whether
this situation is arrived at by accident
or design. If in the opinion of the referee
neither player is allowing the game to progress
or a stalemate situation has arisen. Then
the game shall be re-started by the same
player,with the 1st ball and the back 5
removed the same player shall break
GUIDANCE
The term ‘shot’ means striking
the cue ball once The term ‘visit’
refers to making one or a series of shots.
The term ‘break’ refers to the
first shot of the game or the first shot
of a game being re-started. Coaching is
deemed to be unsportsmanlike behaviour (see
rule 1). A referee may, if required, advise
on the rules of the game. |
