1. The term “Shot” means striking the cue ball once.
2. The term “Visit” refers to the one turn at the table comprising of one or a series of shots.
3. The term “Break” refers to the first shot of the game, or the first shot of a game being restarted.
4. Coaching is deemed as unsportsmanlike behaviour. (See rule 1).
5. A referee may, only if requested, advice on the rules of the game.

The rules are the copyright of the E.P.A 1991 and can not be reproduced without the written authorisation of the publishers (English Pool Association)

1. The Game.
The game shall be known as 8 ball and referred to these rules as “the game”. It is intended the players and teams should play 8 ball in the spirit of the game and in a sportsmanlike manner. It should be clearly understood that the referee is the sole judge of what is fair or unfair play. The referee will take what ever action is necessary to ensure that these rules are observed.

2. Requirements of the game.
The game is played on a rectangular 6 – pocket table with 15 balls plus a cue ball. Balls comprise of two numbered groups 1 – 7 which are solid coloured balls and 9 – 15 of stripped coloured balls, the eight (8) ball is a solid black colour, alternatively 1 – 7 and 9 – 15 may be represented by two different colour ball, usually 1 – 7 shall be red and 9 – 15 shall be yellow, balls in these two groups shall be known as the object balls.

3. The Object of the game.
The player or team pocket all their group or object balls in order, then legally pocketing the 8 ball (black) wins the game.

4. Commencement of the game or (re-start)
A. The balls are racked as illustrated on the rule sheet with the eight ball on the spot, which is located at the intersection of the centre and corner pockets.

B. Order of play is decided by the flip of a coin, the winner of the flip has the option of breaking or by requesting their opponent to do so.

C. The opening player plays at the triangle of object balls by striking the cue ball anywhere on or behind the baulk line, any object ball must be pocketed or at least two object balls hitting a cushion, failure to do so is a foul break and will result in a re-rack as to the rules. The opposing player then starts the game with two visits.

D. If the eight ball is pocketed from the break then the balls will be re-racked and the game will be restarted by the same player. No penalty will be incurred. This applies even if other balls including the cue ball are pocketed or leave the surface of play. “Off the table”

E. On the first occasion a player legally pockets an object ball, including following a foul denote the players group unless on or more groups are pocketed, the player must then nominate a group before play continues.

F. If no object ball is pocketed from a legal break, then the payers continue playing at each group until such time as a legal pot is made, which decides the players group.

G. If a foul is committed (other than is in rule 4. (D)), and one or more object balls are pocketed before playing groups are decided, then those balls ignored in determining groups to be played. The oncoming player may play at any ball on the table, including the eight ball for a first shot, the first legal pot to determine the group as in rule 4.

H. If a ball, or balls, are legally pocketed, this entitles the player to one additional shot and continues until the player either:

1. fails to pocket one of his own allocated balls or,
2. Commits a foul at any time.

I. Combination shots are allowed, providing the player hits one of his own group first, or any ball with the first shot following any foul. (See rule 6 (C)).

5. Fouls
A. In off (cue ball pocketed)

B. Hitting an opponent’s ball(s) with the cue ball on the first impact of the cue ball, except with the first shot following any foul.

C. Failing to hit any ball with the cue ball, except where rule 8 (c) applies.

D. Jump shot – defined as when the cue ball jumps any part of any ball before making contact with any ball.

E. Hitting the 8 ball with the cue ball on any first impact of the cue ball before all their own groups are pocketed, except with the first shot following any foul.

F. Potting an opponent’s ball, except with a first shot following any foul.

G. Ball off the table.

1. Any object ball or the black ball shall be returned to the 8 ball spot (see rule 4 (A)). Or as near as possible to the spot without touching any other ball in direct line between the spot and the centre of the string line.
2. If the cue ball, then the cue ball played from in hand (see rule 8 (B) general).

A ball shall be deemed “off table” if it comes to rest anywhere other than the bed of the table.

If a players clothing or body should touch any ball. Except the cue ball after a referee calls a “foul”, when a player is entitled to a cue ball in hand (see rule 6 (B)).

A player not having a least part of one foot on the floor.

Playing or touching with the cue any ball other than the cue ball.

Striking the cue ball with ant part of the cue other than the tip.

Playing out of turn.

Playing before all balls come to rest.

Playing before any ball(s) require re-spotting

Push shot – defined as when the cue tip remains in contact with the cue ball for more than the momentary time commensurate with a normal stroked shot, or the cue tip remains in contact with the cue ball once it has commenced its forward motion.

Failing to nominate when balls of both groups are pocketed with the first legal shot.

Foul shot – failing to pot an object ball or drive two object balls to hit any cushions.

6. Penalty following any foul

1. Following any foul the offending player loses his next visit to the table, giving their opponent two consecutive visits to the table.
2. If the cue ball has come to rest on the playing surface, then the player having two visits may  proceed to play from where the cue ball lies, or the cue ball can be played from anywhere behind the baulk line. Moving the cue ball in this manner does not count as a shot or visit. ( players are advised to ask the referee to hand them the cue ball)
3. On the first shot only of the first visit, the oncoming player may without nomination play the cue ball at any ball without penalty, including the opponents ball or balls or the eight ball. If any object ball(s) is pocketed directly or by combination, the player is deemed to have pocketed a legal ball(s) and continues with the first visit. However the player must not pot the eight ball which would mean loss of game. Except if the player is on the eight ball, then the game would be won. When a player fails to pot a ball on his first or subsequent shot of the first visit play then continues with the second visit. The second visit is detrained to have started when the cue ball is struck on the first shot of the second visit.

7. Loss of game

1. If a player pockets the eight ball before all the balls in his own except on group are pocketed except on the break (see rule 4 (D)). The player loses the game.
2. A player going in off the eight ball when the eight ball is pocketed loses the game.
3. A player pocketing the eight ball or any other ball on the same shot loses the game. Except when the eight ball and balls of the opponents group are on the table, then with the first shot of the first visit the player may legally pocket the eight ball as well as balls of the opponents group by any combination and in any order.
4. A player who clearly fails to make any attempt to play a ball of his own group loses the game.

8. General

1. touching ball
1. Touching the opponent’s ball or eight ball, the player must play a ball of his own group except on his first shot or visit after a foul this entitles the player to play any ball.
2. Touching any ball the player is legally entitled to play. The player may choose either:

1. Play away from the touching ball and deemed to have played that ball. Should the cue ball fail to make contact with any ball, or strike the opponents ball or eight ball then the shot is fair no foul.
2. Play to move the touching ball, but great care must be taken not to play a push shot (foul 5 (P)), or contact the cue ball twice (foul 5 (O)). Moving the object ball id automatically a foul).

2. Cue ball in hand

When a player has the cue ball in hand, the cue ball is played anywhere beyond or on the string line in any direction.

3. Player control

A player is said to be in control of the table from the time their body, clothing or cue touches the table prior to their shot throughout the visit, and up until the opponent does likewise prior to their visit (any ball which fall into a pockets during this period including the black ball).

4. Completion of game

The game is completed when the eight ball is pocketed legally in any pocket and all the remaining balls have come to rest except on the break (see  rule 4 (D)).

All results must be texted, e-mailed or phoned in to the secretary by 12 noon the next day. This is to ensure local papers are advised of the League results.

This is our first year and I am sure there will be things that I haven’t covered but I am sure we will be able to work things through and we will have a good first season. If there are any queries or problems I can be contacted on the address below.

E- MAIL michaeluk123@yahoo.co.uk

TELEPHONE...0533 8423555