New
Players with no averages,
shoot-for-average the first time they
play, with their average being their
actual score conversion at the end of their
first match.
We no longer use a multiplier for first
game average, "what you shoot is
what you get!"
Future averages will be computed
with this starting score & may change week-to-week.
Be
sure to check your averages before each
match!
Supplemental Rules of the CENTEL 8-Ball
League
Coaching
During a Match
A player
at the table may have one “coach” call
during each game. The player or any
other member of his/her team may call
“coach” as long as it is that player’s
turn at the table. Coaching is permitted
for any purpose of strategy or selection
of shots, or for any other reason
related to the game in progress. Once a
“coach” has been called, any member of
the player’s team may participate in the
session. A “coach” call is intended to
be used sparingly, if at all, and the
total time used for a “coach” call
should not exceed two minutes (
approximate). Only the cue ball may be
touched during a “coach” session, and
then only if the player being coached
has ball-in-hand following a foul. Only
the player being coached may touch the
cue ball during a “coach” session. Any
other player touching a ball during a
“coach” call is guilty of a foul,
resulting in ball-in-hand for the
opponent. No pool cues, bridges or other
objects may be placed on the table
(including the rails) during a “coach”
call.
Coaching
a player using any form of communication
without calling a “coach” is illegal and
will result in a foul against the player
being coached.
Question
Of A Foul
Whenever
there is a potential foul situation,
that question may be raised by any
member of either team participating in
the match. This is not a “coach” call.
It is a question of the legality of a
shot or situation at the table. A player
committing a foul should always verbally
indicate such to his/her opponent at the
time the foul was committed. If there is
a question regarding whether or not a
move was a foul, the player committing
the situation should ask if it was a
foul, i.e., “Was that a good hit?” or
“Did it hit a rail?” This is good
sportsmanship. If an offending player
fails to call attention to his/her foul,
any member of either team witnessing the
foul may call it. It then becomes a
question of whether or not a foul
actually occurred. When there is no real
evidence of a foul, it is supposed that
none occurred and the game continues.
This is why it is important to ask for a
referee before a questionable shot is
attempted. A third party can observe and
make a ruling. If such a ruling is
called for, whatever ruling is made will
be honored.
Question
Of A Rule
Whenever a question should arise
concerning a rule, any member of either
team involved in the match may call such
a question. This does not count as a
“coach” call against the player at the
table. It is simply an inquiry regarding
a rule, unless the question affects
choice of shot selection for the player
at the table, then the inquiry will be
deemed a “coach” call. Rule questions
should relate to the game in progress.
For instance, a player may ask, “Is the
ball-in-hand anywhere on the table, or
is it behind the head string?” Or a
players might ask, “Is it legal for me
to first contact the 8-ball before
pocketing one of my balls?” Any general
rule question that is pertinent to the
game in progress can be raised by any
team member from either team involved in
the match.
CENTEL: Q & A
Below are commonly asked questions & answers regarding
rules/procedures used by CENTEL Pool
League. Most relate to Billiard
Congress of America (BCA) rules. Some
are unique to CENTEL, intended to
enhance fun and to allow a more even
playing field for participants. Where
questions arise that are not addressed
herein, see BCA rules.
Who breaks first in a match? ANSWER: The
score sheet determines who breaks. Look
at the score box beside each name for
the round in which you are playing.
There is a small letter “B” in the score
box when it is that person’s break in
that round of play. In a match, all
HOME team players break in the first
round, VISITOR players break in the
second round, etc. In the final round
(5th round of play), three
HOME team and two VISITOR team players
will break. These are noted in the
score boxes for that round.
Who racks the
balls for the break? ANSWER:
According to the new BCA guidelines, the
person breaking the balls should rack
their own break. This will eliminate
problems with calling a bad rack since
you are racking for your own break. If
the rack is bad it is your own fault.
In what order are the balls racked for the
break?
ANSWER: The 8-ball is placed in the
middle of the rack in the
three-across-row of balls (third row
from top of rack); all other balls are
randomly placed in the rack except for
the final row (five-across) where there
must be a “solid” ball on one corner and
a “stripe” ball on the opposite corner.
The rack must be “tight” with all balls
touching all adjacent balls if possible,
and the head ball is to be positioned on
the foot-spot if one is provided,
otherwise as close as possible to the
normal position of the foot-spot.
What happens if a player mis-cues on the break? ANSWER:
Nothing, if he pockets a numbered ball
(except for the 8-ball), or if as many
as 4 numbered balls hit a rail. If no
numbered ball is pocketed, or if fewer
than 4 numbered balls hit rails it is a
foul and the opponent has the option to
shoot from the current lie, to re-rack
the balls and break, or to re-rack and
ask the offending player to break
again.
What happens if the cue ball flies off the table
during the break?
ANSWER: It is a foul any time any ball is knocked off
the table. If no other fouls occurred,
opponent has cue ball-in-hand BEHIND THE
HEAD STRING (only after the opening
break), and the table is OPEN. With cue
ball-in-hand behind the head string the
cue ball must first travel beyond the
head string before contacting an object
ball for a legal shot to occur.
What happens if the 8-ball is knocked off the
table?
ANSWER: It is a loss, unless it is knocked from the
table during the break. In that
instance it is treated as described
below.
What happens if an object ball is pocketed on
the break?
ANSWER: Nothing, unless it was the 8-ball that was
pocketed, in which case the breaker may
call for a re-rack and again break the
balls, or may call for the 8-ball to be
placed on the foot spot and then
continue his turn, and the table is
OPEN. If a numbered ball other than the
8-ball falls in a pocket on the break,
the breaker continues his turn and the
table is OPEN. Any balls pocketed stay
in the pocket, except for the 8-ball
exception cited earlier.
When is the table open and when is it closed? ANSWER:
Table is open until an object ball is
called and pocketed on a legal shot.
The player pocketing the object on the
legal shot has that series of balls,
either solids or stripes for the
remainder of the game. His opponent has
the opposite series.
If a player breaks and pockets the 2, 6 and 11
balls, is the table still open?
ANSWER: If no other foul occurred it is
a legal break and the player continues
their turn and the table remains OPEN.
Players may shoot either series of balls
while the table is open.
If the table is open and the cue ball first hits
a solid object ball, then pockets a
stripe object ball, does that count? ANSWER: It
counts as long as no foul occurred and
as long as the pocketed ball was called
in that pocket. The player continues;
the table is closed; the player at the
table has the striped object balls.
I’ve heard the term, “legal shot.” What is a
legal shot? ANSWER: A
legal shot occurs when the cue ball
contacts an object ball of the proper
series, and AFTER that contact ANY ball
(object ball or cue ball) hits a rail or
any object ball falls in a pocket. A
legal shot simply means that there was
no foul. (NOTE: Pocketing the 8-ball
out of turn is a loss of game regardless
of whether or not it was pocketed on a
legal shot.)
Can the 8-ball be used in a combination shot? ANSWER:
Yes, as long as the first ball contacted
is one of the shooting player’s own
object balls, and as long as no foul
occurs.
If a player is shooting the 8-ball and scratches
the cue ball, do they lose?
ANSWER: If the 8-ball is still on the
table the game is still in progress.
Pocketing the cue ball results in loss
of turn and ball-in-hand for the
opponent. Any time the 8-ball is
pocketed or is knocked from the table
(except on the break) the game is over.
If the 8-ball is removed from the table
on a foul shot the game is over and the
person committing the foul loses.
If a player moves another player’s object ball
with his arm, is that a foul?
ANSWER: As long as balls were not in motion at the
time the ball was moved and only one
ball is moved, it is not a
table foul but a HAND FOUL. A hand foul
occurs when a stationary object ball is
accidentally moved by the player at the
table. This can be caused by any part
of the player’s body, clothing, cue,
chalk or mechanical bridge. A player
committing a hand foul must inform their
opponent who then has the option of
moving the ball back to it's
original place on the table, or allowing
it to remain where it is. Player
at the table continues. Moving the cue
ball is a table foul and results in loss
of turn and ball-in-hand for the
opponent. Moving more than one ball
or moving a ball into another ball is a
table foul and results in loss of turn
with ball-in-hand for the opponent
and balls are not repositioned. NOTE: If the opponent chooses
to replace balls to their perceived
previous positions following a hand
foul, that position shall be
unquestioned.
If I commit a
foul, what do I do?
ANSWER: You immediately notify your
opponent that you fouled. Do NOT pick
up the cue ball and hand it to your
opponent. If you think you may have
fouled but are unsure, ask your opponent
if they saw a foul and accept their
answer. If your opponent asks, you
should answer honestly by saying “It was
a legal shot;” or “I don’t know, what do
you think?” If there is going to be a
close hit when your opponent calls a
shot, call for a third party to observe
and make a ruling. If no third party is
used, the decision of the legality rests
with the player who made the shot.
What if my cue stick accidentally hits a ball
that is rolling on the table?
ANSWER: It is a foul any time you touch a moving ball
with any part of your body or any
equipment, even if touching the ball was
an accident. It results in loss of turn
and cue ball-in-hand for the opponent.
What if I see a player from the opposing team
commit a foul but my teammate in the
game doesn’t see the foul? ANSWER: You
or any other member of your team may
call a foul without using a “coach”
call. Your player, once informed, may
ask the opponent if the previous shot
was legal, but if your player didn’t see
the shot then they cannot question the
answer they are given. Only players in
the same game may discuss the legality
of a shot (unless a third party is
called to observe). This makes a good
case for keeping your mind on the game.
What is a “push shot” and is it legal? ANSWER: No,
a push-shot is not legal. It is a foul
and results in loss of turn and cue
ball-in-hand for the opponent. Any time
the cue ball is less than one-inch (a
standard chalk’s width) from an object
ball that is being played as a called
ball, first ball in a combination or a
legal hit ball, after contacting the
object ball the cue ball may not follow
in the direct path of the object ball
for more than half a ball width. To do
so is a considered a “push” and is a
foul. Without a third party to rule,
the shot must be attempted at a 45 or
greater degree of angle to ensure that
the cue ball does not follow the object
ball’s path. If the cue ball and
intended use object ball are touching
(frozen), and both players agree they
are touching, then the intended object
ball may be played using the cue ball in
a straight-on shot but without pushing
the cue ball or double-hitting the cue
ball, either of which is a foul.
When can I call for a coach? ANSWER: A
coach may be called by the player
currently at the table or by any of
their team members who are playing in
the same match, and it may be called at
any time that balls are not in motion,
and for any reason. Player at the table
may refuse a coach call and continue
without comment, or may accept a coach
call made by another team member.
During a coach call, any or all team
members of the player currently at the
table may participate in the discussion,
however the table belongs ONLY to the
player currently at the table. No balls
may be touched by any other player, nor
can any other player place any object on
any part of the table during a coach
call. A coach call is for the purpose
of discussing strategy, ball placement
(if ball-in-hand), shot selection, etc.
A coach call should be limited to no
more than 2 minutes of discussion. Each
player may use one coach call per game.
If I have
ball-in-hand after a foul, can I place
the cue ball anywhere I want it?
ANSWER: Yes, as long as that spot is
not otherwise occupied by another ball.
You may use your hands or cue to
position the cue ball while you have
ball-in-hand. Moving an object ball
while positioning the cue ball with
ball-in-hand is a hand foul (see
above). Exception: In the event of a
foul on the break, cue ball-in-hand is
behind the head string.
If an object ball is frozen on the rail and I
attempt a safety, moving that ball from
the rail but neither the cue ball or
another ball touches a rail following
contact, and no ball is pocketed, is
this a legal shot?
ANSWER: No, an object ball frozen on a rail can only
be used for a legal shot if it is called
and pocketed or if it strikes another
rail, otherwise the cue ball or another
object ball must hit a rail or be
pocketed after contact in order for the
shot to be legal.
What if my opponent hangs a ball in a pocket,
right on the edge, then bumps the table
and the ball drops into the pocket - is
that legal?
ANSWER: Was the table intentionally bumped with the
intent of causing the ball to drop in
the pocket? If so, it was a foul, and
you now have cue ball-in-hand. If the
bump was inadvertent there is no table
foul, only a hand foul. In either case
the ball that dropped is replaced as
close as possible to its prior position
on the table and play continues.
Am I allowed to climb up on the table to attempt
a shot if I don’t move any of the balls?
ANSWER: Yes, as long as one foot remains in contact with the
floor.
Can I take balls out of a full pocket and put
them in another pocket?
ANSWER: Yes if it is your turn, but you cannot place
any previously pocketed balls back on
the table, nor can you move any ball
with a previously pocketed ball. To do
so is a foul and results in loss of turn
and ball-in-hand for the opponent. You
do NOT have to ask permission to move
balls, but it is a courtesy, so inform
your opponent of your intention.
Must I call a simple bank shot when that’s the
only shot I have?
ANSWER: Yes, every bank and
combination shot must be called, even if it appears to be
obvious. All shots should be
called, except those that are mostly
straight into a pocket. Calling a
shot involves declaring the object ball
& pocket into which the shot will be
attempted; no need to describe the shot,
only call the pocket. If your
opponent questions a shot that was not
called and not obvious, it is a foul.
The match was underway when I arrived - is there
a penalty for being late?
ANSWER: 8:00 p.m. is the starting time for matches with 15
minutes grace, meaning all matches will
start no later than 8:15 p.m. After
8:15 pm a player
arriving after his first game is called
may not play in that round or any
subsequent round if he is not present
when his turn is called. Late players
may begin play in the round in which
they arrive, provided their game has not
already been called, and may continue
play in all remaining rounds. Missed
rounds result in a ZERO score.
Additionally, it is each player’s
responsibility to be available when
their next game is called. Players may
take breaks but should not wander off
and cause delays when games are called.
1.5 Starting time of
Match (BCA Ruling) The start time
for your match is the scheduled time or
the time the match is announced,
whichever is later. If you are not
present at the table with your equipment
within 15 minutes after the
start time, you lose the match by
forfeit.
If a team only has 4 players how is scoring & handicaps handled?
ANSWER: A missing player is listed as a
player forfeit and that player is scored
as a zero for each round with the
opponent receiving a 10. The forfeit
player does not have a handicap so the
team's handicap is based on 4 players.
The opposing team takes their highest
handicap and drops it and recalculates
their team handicap using their 4 lowest
players.
What if a team lists an incorrect
average for a player?
ANSWER:
Team captain's are responsible for
checking the website and listing the
current averages for their players. When
entered into the BCA Pool computer
program, all averages are automatically
calculated. When an average is listed
incorrectly, the computer will "flag"
it. If a team lists a player using a
higher average, it will stand and the
scorecard will be accepted as-is. If a
team lists a player using a lower
average, then the average will be
adjusted to the player's true average
resulting in a different team handicap
and may change the outcome of the
matches. Incorrect listing of averages
will only hurt the offending team and
cannot give them an edge.
GENERAL PROCEDURES
TEAMS:
Teams consist of up to 10 players, 5 of which
play in a match.
Teams must designate a home billiard parlor where
they host HOME matches.
Teams must choose an appropriate team name (no
vulgar or suggestive names).
Team members must pay BCA dues prior to playing
any league match.
Teams may add or drop members at any time during
the season.
Teams must have a designated captain and
co-captain, phone & e-mail address.
Teams must be represented at any scheduled or
called captain's meeting.
CAPTAINS:
Team captains are responsible for
collecting and submitting score sheets
and all league fees/BCA dues for each
match where they are the HOME team.
Team captains are responsible for the
conduct of their members and may remove
team members for any justifiable cause.
Team captains are responsible for
enforcement of rules
of play and rules & procedures of CENTEL.
Team captains are responsible for the
appropriate distribution of prizes and
cash pay-outs to their team members in
accordance with league directions.
PLAYERS:
Players in CENTEL leagues must adhere to
all rules/procedures and
demonstrate good sportsmanship and
conduct while a league participant.
Players may move from one team to
another at any time as long as they have
not played in a league match during the
current season.
Players who quit or who are removed from
a team with just cause forfeit all
fees paid to date and/or owed to them by
the league.
Players may not gamble or wager on any
league activity, nor may they engage
in any scheme to win or lose, nor may
they intentionally weight their scores.
FEES/DUES:
CENTEL collects fees of $30.00/ team per
match. Teams are responsible for
the entire amount even if fewer than
five players participate in a match.
BCA collects annual dues of
$15.00/person (June 1 - May 31), for
each league it sanctions, payable at the
first match.
Fees, dues and SCORE CARDS for each
match must be submitted to CENTEL according
to notice provided to team captains
during each season.
HOME TEAMS:
(Team hosting a match at its “home”
billiard parlor is HOME team.)
Home team is responsible for securing tables for
use in the match.
Home team is responsible for providing score
sheets and keeping score.
Home team is responsible for collecting
and submitting all match fees/dues
and score cards according to stated
CENTEL procedures at the time.
DISPUTES:
All table disputes should be resolved
before the game ends. Disputes of
rules can be answered by calling
Clifford Dorn at (979)820-1252 or
Mike
Rowden (979)204-4118
for clarification
of a rule. If a dispute is not resolved
at the table, either captain may
initiate a written protest by contacting
the
league office at
cgdorn@gte.net . Such disputes will
be discussed by the
league executive committee and a written
response will be sent to both
captains. Captains should refer to the
BCA and CENTEL rules which are
included in the captain's packet.
PENALTIES:
Failure to comply with CENTEL and BCA
rules as applicable will result in a
forfeit for any team or individual
involved. Some penalties may involve
forfeit of any and all fees paid to-date
at the discretion of CENTEL management.
EXCEPTIONS:
Exceptions to rules/procedure described
herein may be made with the approval of
all participants, except for gambling,
wagering or other inappropriate conduct.
These rules/regulations/procedures are in addition to any and all other
such information provided to league
participants by CENTEL and/or BCA.
