| THE RACK
A. The Spirit of the Game
The game is known as Eight-Ball Pool. It is expected that players
will always play the game in the true spirit and in a sporting
manner. The referee will take whatever action is necessary to
ensure that the spirit and rules of the game are observed.
B. Equipment
The game of Eight-Ball Pool is played with:-
A "Cue Ball" - being a white ball.
Fifteen "Object balls" - consisting of:-
"Colours" - being a group of seven red balls (or balls
numbered 1-7) and a group of seven yellow balls (or balls numbered
9-15).
The "Eight-Ball" - being a black ball marked with a
number "8".
A six pocket rectangular Pool Table with general characteristics
as follows:
The cloth will be marked with a "Spot" at the position
where a straight line drawn diagonally from the centre of a side
pocket to the centre of a corner pocket would intersect with a
straight line drawn from the centre of the opposite side pocket
to the centre of the other corner pocket.
The cloth will be marked with a "Baulk Line" being a
straight line drawn from cushion to cushion, parallel to, and
one fifth of the length of the table from, the face of the cushion
that lies the greatest distance from the spot.
C. Definitions
Shot: A "Shot" begins when all balls stop moving from
the previous shot. A player "Plays a Shot" by striking
the Cue Ball with the tip of the cue. A "Shot" ends
when all balls stop moving from the current shot.
Play: To "Play" and Object Ball is to play a shot that
results in the Cue Ball's first contact with another ball to be
with that Object Ball. To "Play" the cue ball is to
strike it with the tip of the cue.
Ball On: At any time during a frame, a ball "On" is
any Object Ball that the player may play without incurring a penalty.
Pot: A ball is "Potted" when it leaves the bed of the
table, enters a pocket and remains in that pocket.
Visit: A "Visit" comprises one shot or a series of shots.
Each visit lasts until the player fails to pot a ball "On".
(Or until a foul is committed or the frame ends).
Turn: A players "Turn" at the table comprises one visit
or, after most fouls committed by the opponent, two visits.
Frame: A "Frame" is one game of Eight-Ball Pool between
two players or two pairs of players. A frame is played from the
opening break and usually through until the Eight-Ball is potted.
(Note: there are other ways that a frame may end - see "Loss
of Frame").
Match: A "Match" is a predetermined number of frames
of Eight-Ball Pool between two players, two pairs of players or
two teams of players.
Player in Control: A player (and the player's partner in doubles)
is deemed to be "In Control" of the frame from the time
that the balls stop moving from the final shot of an opponent's
turn until the balls stop moving from the final shot of the player's
turn. There can be no instance, once a frame has commenced, that
someone is not in control.
D. Object of the Game
The object of the game is to win by being the first player to
Pot a group of colours in any order and in any pocket and then
Pot the Eight-Ball in any pocket.
When "On" a group of colours, potting more than one
ball of that Colour in the same shot is allowed. But a separate
shot must be played to pot the Eight-Ball and win the game.
E. Playing from Baulk
"Baulk" is the rectangular area of the table that is
bordered by the Baulk Line and the three cushions at that end
of the table.
When playing from Baulk:-
The centre point of the Cue Ball must be in Baulk when a shot
is played. (If the centre of the Cue Ball is directly on the Baulk
Line it is not deemed to be in Baulk.)
The Cue Ball can be moved into position by hand or with the shaft
of the cue, but when touched by the tip of the cue, a shot is
deemed to have been played.
The Cue Ball may be played in any direction.
If a player wishes to play from Baulk after a "Foul Snooker",
"Foul Jaw Snooker", or "Time Foul" the player
must verbally advise the referee of this choice and the referee
will then recover the Cue Ball and hand it to the player or place
it on top of, and in the centre of, the cushion at the Baulk end
of the table for the player to retrieve by hand. If the player
touches or recovers the Cue Ball it is a Standard Foul. {see(K)
Standard Fouls (21)}.
After an "In Off","Foul Snooker","Foul
Jaw Snooker", or "Time Foul" the player must endeavour
to position the Cue Ball so as not to create a Foul Snooker. If
the player claims a Foul Snooker from Baulk, the referee may choose
to move the Cue Ball around to determine if there is any position
in Baulk where the player would not be Foul Snookered. Whether
such a position is found or not, the referee will announce the
result and hand the Cue Ball back to the player or place it on
top of, and in the centre of, the cushion at the Baulk end of
the table for the player to retrieve by hand.
F. The Break
The object balls are racked with the Eight-Ball on the Spot.
In the absence of any competition / tournament rules to the contrary,
a coin will be tossed to determine which player will break. If
a series of frames is to be played (A Match), the break of each
subsequent frame will alternate.
The first shot of a frame is called the "Break". To
"Break". the Cue Ball is played at the triangle of Object
Balls from Baulk. The frame is deemed to have commenced the instant
that the Cue Ball is played.
The Break will be deemed a "Fair Break"
if:-
At least one Colour is potted.
and/or
Four Object Balls (at least) are driven to a cushion.
If the Break is not a Fair Break it is a Non-Standard Foul and:-
The opponent is awarded two visits.
The balls are re-racked.
The opponent re-starts the game and is under the
same obligation to achieve a Fair Break.
If the Cue Ball is potted on a Fair Break it is
a Non-Standard Foul that is penalised by the turn passing to the
opponent.
If the break is not a Fair Break and the Cue Ball
is potted, the penalty for failure to perform a Fair Break applies.
(see (b) above).
If the Eight-Ball is potted on any break, the balls are re-racked
and the same player will break again. When the Eight-Ball is potted
on the break, all other aspects of the shot are ignored. (Except
if a Serious Foul or breech of the "Spirit of the Game"
occurs).
G. Legal Shot
On all shots, the player must:-
Cause the Cue Ball's initial contact with a ball to be with a
ball "On",
AND THEN
Pot a ball "On" OR Cause the Cue Ball
or any Object Ball to contact a cushion.
Failure to play a Legal Shot is a Standard Foul.
Exceptions:
On the Break, the conditions of a Legal Shot do not apply. (see
(F) The Break)
When playing out of a Total Snooker a player is only obliged to
meet the conditions of (1)(a) above. (see (Q) Total Snookers).
Interpretations:
If the Cue Ball's initial contact is with an Object Ball that
is touching a cushion, simply forcing that Object Ball into the
same cushion does not constitute a Legal Shot.
If the Cue Ball and the Object Ball are touching the same cushion,
simply forcing the Cue Ball and / or that Object Ball into the
same cushion does not constitute a Legal Shot.
H. Deciding Colours
General
When Colours have not been decided the table is deemed to be "Open".
When the table is open a player may play at either group of Colours.
Colours can never be decided on a foul shot.
Once Colours are decided, the player remains "On" that
coloured group for the duration of the frame. The opponent remains
"On" the opposite coloured group.
Playing a shot after neglecting to nominate a choice of Colours
is a Standard Foul. Any balls potted on such a shot are left in
the pocket and ignored for the purpose of deciding Colours.
On the Break
If no Colours are potted on the break the table is "Open".
If one or more Colours are potted on the break the player then
has a right and obligation to verbally advise the referee of a
choice of Colour before proceeding. Failure to do so is a Standard
Foul. If a player is fouled under this rule the opponent faces
an "Open" table.
if the player nominates a Colour that was potted
on the break, the player is on that Colour no matter what happens
next.
if the player nominates a Colour that was not potted on the break,
to be on that Colour, the player must pot a ball of that Colour
on the next shot.
After the Break
If a player pots one or more balls of the same Colour, the player
is then "On" that Colour.
If a player pots one or more balls of different Colours, the player
then has a right and obligation to verbally advise the referee
of a choice of Colour before proceeding. Failure to do so is a
Standard Foul. If a player is fouled under this rule, the opponent
faces an "Open" table.
I. Time Allowed
A player has a maximum of sixty seconds to play each shot.
The Referee will start timing when all balls have come to rest
from the previous shot.
If the first thirty seconds elapses before a shot is played, the
referee will call "Thirty Seconds" as a warning to the
player. This call must be made the instant the thirty seconds
has expired. A Referee should not postpone the call because it
appears that the player is about to play a shot.
If a shot is not played within sixty seconds it is a Non-Standard
Foul. The oncoming player is awarded two visits from:-
Where the Cue Ball lies, OR, if the player wishes
From Baulk
The referee may decide to grant "Time Out". being a
period when timing ceases:-
At the request of a player. (For example, something is obstructing
the player or the player needs to leave the playing area.) AND/OR
Because the referee deems that it is warranted. (For example,
the referee may call time out when making a close foul snooker
decision or when searching for a piece of equipment requested
by a player.)
J. Fouls
There are four types of foul. Standard Fouls, Non-Standard Fouls,
Serious Fouls and Loss of Frame Fouls. A player can only be penalised
for one foul at a time. If two or more fouls are committed during
a shot, the foul that carries the most severe penalty will apply
except in the case of a Time Foul, where the incoming player has
the right to "Ball in hand", penalty for Time Foul still
applies, even though a Serious Foul has been called and applied.
K. Standard Fouls
Standard fouls are to be called by the referee as soon as they
occur and the fouled player is in control, until all balls from
that shot come to rest. The referee then awards two visits to
the opponent.
Potting the Cue Ball - "In Off" {except on a Fair Break
- see (F) The Break (4)(c)(1)}. The incoming player plays from
Baulk {see (E) Playing from Baulk (d)(1)}.
Playing from outside Baulk when obliged to play from Baulk. {see
(E) Playing from Baulk (2)(a)}
Potting an opponent's ball. (except when it is the properly nominated
ball following a Foul Snooker or Foul Jaw Snooker)
Failing to cause the Cue Ball's initial contact with a ball, to
be with a ball "On".
Accidentally striking the Cue Ball with any part of the cue other
than the tip.
Accidentally striking an Object Ball with any part of the cue.
Playing a shot before all balls have come to rest from the previous
shot.
Playing a shot before any balls that require spotting, have been
spotted.
Touching the table while having a cigarette (lit
or unlit) in hand or mouth.
Causing a cigarette (lit or unlit) to touch the table or enter
the space directly above the table.
Touching the table while having a beverage container in hand.
Causing a beverage container or beverage to touch the table or
enter the space directly above the table.
Touching the table when not in control of the frame. {see(C) Definitions
(9) - Player in Control.} Exception - When a player's turn is
finished, that player has a maximum of 10 seconds to move away
from the table. (see 11 below)
Not moving away from the table within 10 seconds of the time that
all balls stopped moving from the final shot of a turn at the
table.
Coaching:- During a frame, a player is required to play without
receiving any advice from other persons relating to the playing
of the frame. Should a team member or bona-fide supporter of a
player offer advice, the referee will issue a "First and
Final Warning" to that person that a repetition will result
in the player being penalised via a Standard Foul.
Because it may not always be possible for the Referee to hear
if a statement made to a player is advice, the referee may issue
the First and Final Warning on the grounds that any statement
made to a player, other than general barracking, is deemed to
be coaching.
In a tournament setting, a First and Final warning may be given
once only, before the commencement of the day's play as a block
warning to all players and spectators
Leaving the playing area without permission. If a player needs
to leave the playing area during a frame or match, "Time
Out" must firstly be granted by the referee. {see (I) Time
Allowed (5)}
Playing a shot after neglecting to nominate a choice of Colour
when the obligation and right to do so existed. {see (H) Deciding
Colours (1)(e)}
Playing a push shot or Double Hit of a type defined in (O) Push
Shots and Double Hits.
Failing to perform a "Legal Shot". {see (G) Legal Shot}
After being awarded a Foul Snooker or Foul Jaw Snooker:- Playing
an opponents ball or the Eight Ball without first nominating that
ball.
Playing a shot while not having at least one foot touching the
floor.
Failing to "Play Away" from a touching ball. {see (T)
Touching Balls (1)(a)}.
A ball remaining off the table. {see (U) Balls Off the Table}
Players body or clothing touching any ball
L. Non-Standard Foul
Non-Standard Fouls are to be called by the referee as soon as
they occur and the fouled player is in control, until all balls
from that shot come to rest. The referee will then impose the
relevant penalty. Non-Standard Fouls are so called because the
penalty and / or options of the incoming player may vary.
Failure to perform a Fair Break. {see (F) The Break (4)(a)&(b)}
Failure to play a shot within 60 seconds of the time that the
balls came to rest from the previous shot. {see (I) Time Allowed
(4)}.
Potting the Cue Ball on a Fair Break. {see (F) The Break (4)(c)(1)}
M. Serious Standard Fouls
Serious Fouls are to be called by the referee as soon as they
occur and the fouled player is in control, until all balls from
that shot come to rest. The referee will replace the balls as
near as possible to the positions they were in before the Serious
Foul was committed and award two visits to the opponent.
Playing a shot out of turn (accidentally or deliberately).
A player who plays a shot at any time during a
frame when the right to do so does not exist has played out of
turn. (For example, A player who plays a shot immediately after
playing a foul or immediately after the referee has called a foul
on that player, has played out of turn.)
Exception - A shot played out of turn accidentally,
that disrupts the balls to such an extent that the Referee deems
it impossible to replace them, the Referee will give the opponent
the choice of either playing the ball from where they lie or replaying
the frame. If the frame is replayed the same player is to break
again.
Deliberately striking a ball other than the Cue Ball with the
tip of the cue.
Deliberately causing any ball or balls to be moved in a manner
other than that which may result from playing a normal shot.
Deliberately striking the Cue Ball with other than the tip of
the cue.
Causing the Cue Ball to jump over any ball. (If the Cue Ball leaves
the bed of the table and misses an Object Ball that would have
been struck had the Cue Ball not left the table on an otherwise
identical shot, the Cue Ball is deemed to have jumped over that
Object Ball.)
Deliberately interfering, by word or action, so as to disrupt
an opponents play.
N. Loss of Frame Fouls
Committing a foul in the same shot that the Eight Ball is potted.
(Except on the Break).
Potting the Eight Ball when a ball or balls of the player's own
Colour are still on the table. (except on the Break)
Potting the Eight Ball and the last ball or balls of the player's
own Colour in the same shot
Committing two Serious Fouls in the one frame.
Committing a Serious Foul that disrupts the balls to such an extent
that the referee deems it impossible to replace them as close
as possible to their original positions.
Any deliberate attempt to prevent the opponent from potting the
Eight Ball, when the opponent is on the Eight Ball, by way of
a Serious Foul or other unsporting manoeuvre.
If a player breeches the "Spirit of the Game" to such
an extent that the frame (or match) should be awarded to the opponent.
O. Push Shots and Double Hits
Definitions: Most shots commonly known as "Push Shots"
in the game of "Snooker" are allowed in the game of
Eight-Ball Pool. Generally, any shot played with speed will not
be deemed to be a Push Shot regardless of the fact that the cue
tip may have come into contact with the Cue Ball more than once.
Exceptions that are Standard Fouls:-
When, during the playing of a shot, the tip of the cue strikes
the Cue Ball twice and the referee is able to actually see each
contact.
When, during the playing of a shot, a player plays the cue so
slowly through the Cue Ball that the cue tip remains in contact
with the Cue Ball so as to be visibly pushing it along.
When the Cue Ball is played into a touching Object Ball. {see
(T) Touching Balls}
P. Snookers
Definition: A player is Snookered when it is impossible to play
the finest cut possible on both sides of any of that player's
own Colour by way of a "straight-line" shot. Snookering
an opponent is not a foul.
A player cannot be Snookered by a ball of the player's own Colour.
That is, if one of the player's own coloured group is an obstructing
ball, it will be ignored for the purposes of determining a Snooker.
A player cannot be Snookered on an Object Ball if the Cue Ball
is touching that Object Ball.
A player cannot be Snookered by the straight sections of the cushions.
If a straight section of a cushion is preventing the finest possible
cut on the side of an Object Ball, that section of cushion will
be deemed not to exist for the purposes of determining a Snooker
on that Object Ball.
Exception - In a Total Snooker the straight sections of cushion
DO come into consideration. If a player has to strike a cushion
prior to impact with a "Ball On", then a "Total
Snooker" does exist
If an Object Ball is partly obscured by a curved section (Jaw),
this in itself does not constitute a Snooker.
Q. Total Snookers
Definition: A player is in a Total Snooker when it is impossible
to play any part of any of the player's own Colour by way of a
"straight line" shot. Leaving an opponent in a Total
Snooker is not a foul.
If a player believes that a Total Snooker exists, the player may
ask the referee for a ruling.
If the referee rules that a Total Snooker exists, the player's
obligations under the "Legal Shot" rule are relaxed
as follows:- The player need only cause the Cue Ball's initial
contact to be with a ball "On". The requirement to pot
a ball and / or cause a ball to strike a cushion is waived.
R. Foul Snookers
Definition: When an opponent plays a foul shot and this results
in the incoming player being snookered, the incoming player is
deemed to be Foul Snookered.
If a player believes that a Foul Snooker exists, the player may
ask the referee for a ruling.
If the referee rules that a foul snooker exists, the player initially
has the following options:-
Play the Cue Ball from where it lies. {see (4)(a) below} OR
Ask the referee to remove the Cue Ball so as to allow the player
to play from Baulk. {see (4)(b) below }
If the player chooses to play the Cue Ball from where it lies,
the player may, if the player wishes, nominate the Eight Ball
(but see (5) below) or any one of the opponent's Colour. The player
can nominate a particular ball by verbal description of it or
its position or by pointing at it. The Referee may ask for further
information if any doubt exists as to which ball has been nominated.
Once nominated, a ball is deemed to "become one" of
the player's Colour for the first shot of the first visit. The
player may then play any of the player's own Colour or the nominated
ball. If any of the player's Colour and/or the nominated ball
are potted, the player continues with the first visit.
If the player chooses to play the Cue Ball from Baulk, a Foul
Snooker may no longer exist. In this case the procedure under
the heading (E) Playing from Baulk (2)(d) &(2)(e) should be
followed. If the referee decides that a Foul Snooker does still
exist, the player may nominate a ball and follow the procedure
in (4)(a) above.
If the Eight Ball is nominated it may be played, but potting it
will mean loss of frame.
If a player is "On" the Eight Ball and Foul Snookered:-
The player may play a nominated ball or the Eight Ball and pot
either or both of these balls, directly or indirectly, in any
pocket or pockets.
Assuming the player does not commit a foul:-
If neither the Eight Ball or the nominated ball
is potted, the player's first visit is complete.
If the nominated ball is potted and the Eight Ball is not, the
player continues with the first visit.
If the nominated ball and the Eight Ball are potted, the player
wins the frame.
If the Eight Ball is potted and the nominated ball is not, the
player wins the frame.
If a Foul Snooker exists and the Cue Ball is touching an opponent's
ball or balls, the player may, but is not obliged to, nominate
one of those touching balls.
S. Foul Jaw Snookers
If an opponent fouls and the Cue Ball come to rest on or near
a Jaw (curved part of a cushion), and that jaw is preventing the
player from playing the finest cut possible on both sides of any
of that player's own colour by way of a "straight line shot,
the player is deemed to be Foul Snookered and all the rules pertaining
to Foul Snookers will apply.
T. Touching Balls
General
If the Cue Ball is touching an Object Ball, the player is obliged
to "Play Away" from that Object Ball at an angle of
more than 90 degrees. (That is, play the shot without causing
the Cue Ball to make any initial further contact with that Object
Ball)
If, when playing away from a touching ball, the touching ball
rocks or moves without being contacted further, but simply because
the Cue Ball is no longer there, no penalty will apply.
When Colours have been decided:-
Playing away from a touching Object Ball of the player's own Colour:-
The instant a player plays away from a touching Object Ball of
the player's own Colour, the player is deemed to have played that
ball. Therefore, the player needs to then only pot a ball or cause
any ball to strike a cushion to fulfill all the requirements of
a Legal Shot.
Playing away from a touching Object Ball of the opponent's Colour.
The player must play away from the touching ball and then meet
all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
Playing away from the touching Eight Ball when
"On" the Eight Ball.
The player must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then
need only cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfill the requirements
of a Legal Shot.
Playing away from the touching Eight Ball when not "On"
the Eight Ball.
The player must play away from the touching Eighth Ball and the
meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
Playing away from two or more touching Object Balls:-
If any of the touching Object Balls are of the player's Colour,
the player will be deemed to have played away if the player plays
away from any one of the touching balls of the player's Colour.
That is, the player may play into any of the other touching balls.
The player needs then to only pot a ball or cause any ball to
strike a cushion to fulfill the requirements of a Legal Shot.
If none of the touching Object Balls are of the players coloured
group, the player must play away from all the touching balls and
then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
When Colours have yet to be decided:-
Playing away from a touching Coloured Ball
The instant a player plays away from a touching Object Ball the
player is deemed to have played that ball. Therefore, the player
needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion
to fulfill all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
Playing away from a touching Eight Ball
The player must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then
meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
Playing away from two or more touching Object Balls.
If the player plays away from any of the touching Coloured Balls
the player is deemed to have played that ball. That is, the player
may play into any of the other touching Object Balls. The player
needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion
to meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
U. Balls off the Table
It is Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface (other
than being potted) and remains off the playing surface or doesn't
return by its own means.
Definitions / Examples
"Playing Surface":- The playing surface of the table
is the flat part of the table between the cushions.
"By its own means":-
It is not a foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, runs along
the top of a cushion, drops back on to the playing surface and
comes to rest there or falls into a pocket.
It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, comes
into contact with a person or object that is not a part of the
table and then returns to the playing surface.
"Off the Table":- It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves
the playing surface and comes to rest on other than the playing
surface. (e.g. On the floor or on the top of a cushion)
"Spotted":- A ball is spotted when its centre point
is placed on the spot or, if this is not possible, as near as
possible to the spot in a direct line between the spot and the
centre point of the cushion that lies the greatest distance from
the Baulk Line. If this is not possible, as near as is possible
to the spot, in a direct line between the spot and the centre
point of the baulk line.
If any of the following balls require spotting,
they are spotted in the following order:-
Eight Ball then
Red Balls in any order (or balls numbered 1 to 7 in numerical
order) then
Yellow Balls in any order (or balls numbered 9 to 15 in numerical
order)
Spotted balls should be placed as close to each other and any
intervening balls as possible, without touching.
If a ball leaves the playing surface and remains off the playing
surface, it shall be returned to the table:-
If it is a Cue Ball it is to be played from Baulk.
If it is an Object Ball (or Balls) it is to be Spotted.
V. Balls Falling Without Being Hit
Any ball that falls into a pocket at any time, without being struck,
shall be replaced by the Referee to its original position, no
penalty, player in control continues with the visit.
If any other balls are moved in these circumstances they shall
also be replaced as near as possible to their original positions
and the player in control continues with that visit.
W. Interference
If any balls are moved during a frame:-
By a person other than the players taking part in the frame or,
As a direct result of one of the players being bumped or,
Due to any other event deemed outside the players' control such
as:-
"An Act of God" such as an earthquake etc
Tip falling off a cue or end falling off a spider etc,
The referee will replace the balls as near as possible to the
positions they were in before the incident occurred, no penalty
shall be imposed on either of the players and the frame shall
continue.
The referee will prevent any unauthorised marking of the table.
If a player causes a block of billiard chalk or other foreign
matter to be on any part of the table it is not a foul. However,
the referee will ensure that the item is removed.
If a player repeatedly causes a block of billiard chalk or other
foreign matter to be on any part of the table the referee may
deem that the player has breached the Spirit of the Game and award
the frame to the opponent.
Exception to (a) above:- A cigarette or beverage container. {see
(K) Standard Fouls (9)}
X. Impossible Shot
A situation may arise during a frame where it is impossible for
a player to play a shot without fouling. In such a situation the
player has no other option but to commit a foul.
Y. Stalemate
The referee shall declare a Stalemate if both the player and the
opponent have three turns in succession where the Cue Ball fails
to make contact with an Object Ball. In such a case, the frame
will be replayed with the same player breaking.
Z. Referee's Guideline and Duties
The Referee's Duties and Guidelines listed below supplement those
directions contained in various other sections of these rules.
The Referee's decision is final except where players have been
advised that it is possible to appeal to a Head Referee or other
higher authority.
Information to be disclosed / not disclosed by a referee:-
A player is responsible for knowing the rules of the game. It
is not the referee's duty to explain or quote the rules to a player.
A referee, if asked by a player, may divulge certain information
pertaining to the frame in question under the guidelines of the
"Past, Present and Future Rule". A referee may divulge
information relating to any past event or present situation in
the frame. For example:- "Who's turn is it?" - Present.
"Was that a foul?" - Past. Which Colour am I On?"
- Present. However, "If I play this shot will it be a foul?"
is a question regarding the Future and the referee should advise
the player that the referee cannot answer this type of question.
The referee shall toss a coin to determine the break and announce
the result.
If an Object Ball (or balls) is potted on the break the referee
will advise both players of this fact by announcing "Ball
(or balls) potted". When a player has a right and an obligation
to nominate a choice of Colour, and does so, the referee will
announce "Player 'A' On Red (or Yellow) Balls". When
that player's turn is complete the referee w ill advise the incoming
player of the situation by announcing "Player 'B' on Yellow
(or Red ) Balls".
The Referee will call fouls as soon as they occur.
The call for a Standard Foul is "Foul, Two Visits".
The call for a Non-Standard Foul is "Foul, (and announce
the relevant penalty)."
The call for a Serious Foul is "Serious Foul, Two Visits".
The call for a loss of Frame Foul is "Loss of Frame".
After a player has been awarded two visits the
referee will make no call until the player fails to pot a ball
"On". (Except for 30 second time warnings and for any
fouls that may occur) The referee will then call "Second
Visit" to advise the player that the first visit is complete
and the second visit is about to begin.
The referee will call any instance when the Cue Ball is touching
a ball "On".
In the absence of any competition / tournament rules to the contrary,
two referees will referee each frame. One referee will make the
standard calls such as "Second Visit" and a "Player
a on Red (or Yellow) Balls" while the other referee will
keep the time. Both referee's will be involved in the refereeing
of the frame and either can call fouls. If one referee calls a
foul, the other referee can not overrule the call. That is, the
two referees have equal authority.
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