SCOTTISH POOL ASSOCIATION
1. The Game
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 8 Ball Pool in the true 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 and unfair play. The referee will take whatever action is
necessary to ensure that these rules are observed.
2. Requirements of the game
The game is played on a rectangle 6-pocket table 15 balls, plus a cue ball.Balls comprise
two groups, represented by two different coloured balls plus the 8 ball which is black.
Alternatively, numerical balls may be used numbered 1-7, which are plain coloured
balls and 9-15, which are striped coloured balls. Balls in the two groups are known as
object balls.
3. Object of the game
The player or team pocketing their group of object balls first in any order and 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 with the 8 ball (black) on the 8 ball spot, which is
at the intersection of the centre and corner pockets.
(b) 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.
(c) The opening player plays at the triangle of object balls by stricking the cue ball from
any position on or within the 'D'. That player must pot one or more object balls or
cause at least two object balls to return to an imaginary line joining the two centre
pockets (ie. to the 'D' half of the table). this constitutes a legal break. The breaking
player shall then verbally nominate his/her group of object ball before play continues,
even if a foul has been committed when rule 6 will apply (except as in 4(f)).
i ) Following the break, if no ball is pocketed it is the responsibility of the oncoming
player to ensure that the breaker nominated his/her choice of colour before his/she shot.
Failure to do so will result in a foul rewarded to the breaker.
ii ) Following the break, if a ball is pocketed it is the responsibility of the breaker to
nominate his/her choice of colour. Failure to do so will result in a foul being awarded to
the non-breaker.
(d) Any balls potted prior to groups being nominated are ignored for the purpose of
establishing a players group of object balls
(e) If a legal break is not achieved the balls are re-racked and the oncoming player
re-start the game with one free shot, following which the group must be nominated
before continuing with a normal visit to the table (this takes precedence over any foul
from the break shot).
(f) If the player pockets the 8 ball (black) from the break, the game shall be re-started
by the same player. No penalty will be incurred. The balls to be re-racked. This applies
even if other balls, including the cue ball, are pocketed as well.
(g) 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
h) Combination shots are allowed provided that the player hits one of his/her own group
of balls first (unless rule 6(b) appllies).
(i) A player may legally pocket one or more of their opponent's object balls providing
the cue ball strikes one of their own group first and providing that one or more of their
own group are pocketed on the same shot.
5. Fouls
(a) In off (cue ball pocketed).
(b) Hitting opponents balls before his/her own balls except when rule 6(b) applies.
(c) Failing to hit any ball with the cue ball.
(d) Jump shots - defined as when the cue ball jumps over any part of any ball before making
contact with any object ball.
(e) If a player hits the 8 ball (black) with the cue ball on the first impact before all his/her
own balls have been potted, except where rule 6(b) applies.
(f) Potting any opponent's balls except when rule 4(i) or 6(b) applies.
(g) Ball off the table:
i ) Any object ball or the 8 ball (black)shall be returned to the 8 ball spot (see 4(a)) or
as near as possible to that spot without touching any other ball, In a direct line between
that spot and the centre of the 'D'.
ii ) If the cue ball, the ball to be played from any position on or within the 'D'. A ball
shall be deemed to be 'off the table' if it comes to rest other than on the bed of the table.
(h) If a players clothing or body should touch any ball.
i ) Player not having at least one foot on the floor.
(j) Playing or touching with the cue any other ball other than the cue ball.
(k) Playing out of turn.
(l) Playing before balls have come to rest.
(m) Playing before the ball or balls have been re-spotted.
(n) Striking the cue ball with any part of the cue other than the tip.
(o) Striking the cue ball with the cue more than once.
(p) Playing a shot before the breaking player has nominated a group of object balls
following the break shot.
(q) Push Stroke (see 8(a)).
(r) Moving an object ball or the 8 ball (black) when playing away from a touching ball.
6. Penalty following any foul
(a) Following any foul described under rule 5 the oncoming player may play the cue
ball from where it lies or from the 'D' (as in rule 8(b) and proceed as 6(b). Moving the
cue ball to the 'D' does not constitute a Shot or Visit.
(b) Followig a foul, the oncoming player is entitled to one free shot which may be
played without nomination, play the cue ball directly onto any ball, including the
opponents object balls and the 8 ball (black). However, the 8 ball (black) may not
be pocketed, which would mean loss of the game, unless the player has already
pocketed all of their own group of object balls and only needs to pocket the 8 ball
(black) to win the game.
(c) Following the single free shot described in 6(a) the player will commence his/her
normal visit.
7. Loss of game
(a) If a player pockets the 8 ball (black) before he/she pockets all balls in his/her own
group, except as allowed under rule 4 (g). he/she loses the game.
(b) A player going in off the 8 ball (black) when the 8 ball (black) is potted, loses the
game.
(c) A player who clearly fails to make any attempt to play a ball of his/her own group
of his/her own group will lose the game.
(d) If a player seeks to gain advantage by deliberately touching a moving ball he/she
shall lose the game.
(e) If a player retrieves a ball dropping into the pocket he/she shall lose the game.
8. General
(a) Push stroke - defined as when the tip of the cue remains in contact with the cue ball
once it has commenced its forward motion.
(b) Cue ball in hand - when a player has the cue ball in hand he/she plays from any
position on or within the 'D' and in any direction.
(c) Player in control - A player said to be in control of the table from start of his/her visit
until the balls have come to rest. Any balls which fall into the pockets during this period
(including the 8 ball (black)), 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 rules of the game (rule 5(c) applies).
(d) The game is completed when the 8 ball (black) is potted in any pocket and all the
remaining balls including the cue ball have come to rest, except where rule 4(f) applies.
(e) Touching Ball - a player must play away from a touching ball which must not move
(see rule 5(r)). If the touching ball is one the players own group, he/she is deemed to
have played that ball. 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 ball and is deemed to have played that ball.
9. Stalemate
Should any situation arise wherby 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 taking into consideration
"Guidance (h)".
Guidance
(a) The term 'Shot' means striking the ball once.
(b) The term 'Visit' refers to one turn at the table comprising one or a series of shots.
(c) The term 'Break' refers to the first shot of the game or the first shot of a game being
re-started.
(d) Coaching is deemed to be unsportsmanlike behaviour (see rule 1).
(e) A referee may, if requested, advise on the rules of the game.
(f) There is an obligation on both players to ensure the breaking player nominates a
group of object balls.
(g) The referee should ensure that excessive time is not taken to play a shot and should
act in accordance with competition rules or guidance.
(h) Re-rack as in rule 9 will be a 9 ball re-rack with the toss of a coin deciding the
breaker.
(i) In Doubles matches once a player is in control of the table, conversation with others
including the partner is unsporting and shall be dealt with under competion rules.
(j) The refereecan, if he/she wishes, ask spectators their views on a disputed shot
before making his/her decision.
Bye-Laws
(a) When the balls are set up the Red Ball is the leading ball (head ball).
(b) The baulk line is to be 16.25" from the end of the slate. The 'D' is to be 12" in
diameter on the match play 7x4 table.
(c) If the cue ball leaves the table and lands on an object ball, this is not classed as a
jump shot provided the cue ball had not jumped over any ball (or any part of a ball)
before making contact with an object ball.
(d) Coaching - this is not allowed in any game once the player is in control of the table
including doubles or any other game involving more than one player. Players in control
of the table must play their own game. If any coaching is attempted the offender(s) will
be instructed to stop, If the instuction is ignored, then the game may be abandoned or
other action, as the referee feels appropriate under rule 1. If players are not involved
in coaching, a penalty shouls not be imposed. If coaching affects the result (player about
to pot the black is reminded that ball(s) of their own group remain) the referee should
give the game away of a non-player gave this advise.
(e) A referee may, If requested, advise on the rules of the game.
(f) If two object balls fail to cross an imaginary line across the table from the knuckle
nearest the 'D' or an object ball in not potted the call is "Foul Break". This is in
reference to any additional foul which might have been committed. Therefore, the balls
must be re-racked and the opposing player restarts the game with One Break shot
following by One Visit, If no ball falls at the second break he/she will noninate before
his/her One Visit.
(g) If a breaking player pots an object ball(s), he/she may nominate any set of object
balls.
(h) If a breaking player does not pot a ball from the break, he/she still nominates one
set of object balls.
(i) If the breaking player commits a foul during the break (pots white ball, white ball
leaves the table etc) he/she will nominate a set of object balls then the opposing player
has one shot plus a free visit.
(j) The referee will not ask the player to nominate their group.
(k) The referee will inform the opposing player of the group once the breaker has
nominated.
(l) If a player nominates of a Free and Open table situation then the referee will call
"No Nomination Required At This Shot, Free And Open Table". If the player fails
to nominate following the free shot it is considered that a Foul has been committed
if the shot is taken.
(m) If the tip of the cue touches the White Ball whilst it is being moved in the 'D' on
the opening break shot or following a foul, A Foul will be called.
(n) The referee is to retrieve the white ball and place the ball "In Hand" if a player
asked for the white ball to be placed in the 'D' following a foul. The frame is lost if
a player picks up the white ball to place it in the 'D' or if the white ball is retrieved
from the pocket not allowing it to go through the mechanism.
(o) If a ball, which is hanging over a pocket drops before the player nominates or plays
this is a foul, unless it is off the break shot and before player B takes control of the
table.
(p) If there is a split ball situation and you cannot actually determine if a foul shot was
committed, it is to be No Foul. In words, you must be able to see the foul to call it.
(q) Black Ball Ruling: Both players are on the black ball. Player A plays and leaves
the black ball on the lip of the pocket - who wins A or B if:
i ) The black ball falls in as B walks to the table - Answer A.
ii ) B touches the table and the black ball falls into the pocket - Answer B.
iii ) B strikes the cue ball and the black falls into the pocket without being hit by the
cue ball and the cue ballcomes to rest on the playing surface - Answer A
(r) Referee will give warnings on excessive time being used thinking about shots.
(s) All re-racks (except a stalemate from break) with the toss of a coin to decide
breaker with normal break rules applying.
(t) Players and non-players must respect the referee, other teams and venues. No
abusive language or actions will be tolerated. The committee will impose disciplinary
sanctions as deemed necessary under the constitution.
