A. OBJECT OF THE LEAGUE

The Backyard pool league aims to provide an organised competition to promote and improve the game known as 8-ball Pool. It is intended that players and teams should play 8-ball Pool in the true spirit of the game and in a sportsmanlike manner.

B.  LEAGUE FORMAT

1. Players are organised in groups of 8-10 players per group.

2. Each player shall play one match with every other player in the group.

3. Each group shall be designated a match day according to the playing schedule. League organisers reserve the right to change the schedule at any time.

4. Matches shall be best of 3 games. Players must submit the match score sheet. Failure to submit score sheets fully filled and signed, will result in the match scored 0-0.

5. Points: 1 point for each frame won, 0.5 point bonus for each 7-ball wipeout.

6. It is the responsibility of the lower placed players to arrange for the match on the designated days. Due to the large number of matches, players are advised to make early arrangements to play.

7. If it is not possible to play on the designated days, private arrangement to play on other days allowed as long as not within the designated playing hours.

8. Matches played for the league shall be played on only one table, unless the other table is unoccupied by other pub patrons.

C. 8-BALL POOL RULES (CONDENSED)

Players are advised to refer to detailed rules. In case of dispute the decision of the umpire shall be final.

1. ALTERNATING BREAK

The Winner of a coin toss or lag has the option to break. During individual competition, players will alternate break in each subsequent game.

2. FAIR  BREAK

To execute a fair break, the player (with cue ball in the ‘D’) must either

1) pocket a numbered ball, or

2) drive 2 numbered balls to the cushions.

If he fails to make a fair break, the incoming player has the option of

1) accepting the table in position and shooting, or

2) having the balls re-racked and shooting the opening break himself.

The opening break is not a Call Shot. If any object ball is pocketted on a fair break, then that player continues his innings at the table and the table is open.

3. FOUL ON A FAIR BREAK

If a player pockets the cue ball or forces the cue ball off the table, it is a foul and the table is open. All balls pocketed remain pocketed (exception: the 8-ball). Opponent has the option of one free shot before nominating the colour to be pocketed.

4. 8-BALL POCKETED ON THE BREAK

If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, the breaking player may ask for a re-rack or have the 8-ball re-spotted and continue shooting. If the breaking player scratches while pocketing the 8-ball on the break, the incoming player has the option of a re-rack or having the 8-ball re-spotted and begin shooting with the cue ball in hand behind the baulk line. If the 8-ball is to be re-spotted, it will be placed on the spot or as close as possible to the spot along the string line.

5. OPEN TABLE & CHOICE OF GROUP

Selection of a group is not determined by a ball(s) pocketed on the break shot. The first fairly pocketed ball after the break shot determines the groups.

6. LEGAL SHOT

On all shots (except the break or when the table is open) the player must hit one of his group of balls first and

1) pocket an object ball, or

2) cause the cue ball or any object ball to contact a cushion.

A player is entitled to continue shooting until he fails to legally pocket a ball of his group. After a player has legally pocketed all of his group he shoots to pocket the 8-ball.

7. FOUL PENALTY

The penalty for a foul is for the opposing player to have one free shot with the cue ball where it lies or inside the ‘D’ (except foul on break)

8. ILLEGALLY POCKETED BALLS

Illegally pocketed balls are not respotted (except the 8-ball on break,)

9. BALLS JUMPED OFF TABLE

At all times, if any ball is jumped off the table, it is a foul shot. The ball(s) is respotted and the incoming player has the cue ball in hand.

10. PLAYING THE 8-BALL

The 8-ball must be pocketed without any other ball pocketted on the same shot.

11. LOSS OF GAME

A player loses the game if he commits any of the following infractions:

a. Foul when pocketing the 8-ball

b. Pockets the 8-ball when it is not the legal object ball.

c. A player who clearly fails to make any attempt to play a ball of his/her own group will lose the game.

d. Committing 2 serious fouls in one game.

e. Any deliberate attempt to prevent the opponent from potting the Eight Ball, when the opponent is on the Eight Ball, by way of a Foul or other unsporting manoeuvre.

f. If a player breeches the “Spirit of the Game” to such an extent that the frame (or match) should be awarded to the opponent.