Chippenham Pool League Rules 2002/2003

1. Matches start at 8pm unless stated otherwise. If a team turns up later than 8.30 than the opposing team may claim one game every 15 minutes after 8.30.	2. Matches are refereed by team players with the home team refereeing the first match and the away team refereeing the second match and so on. The referees decision is final.
3. The balls are racked as illustrated with the 8 ball (black) on the 8 ball spot, which is at the intersection of the center and corner pockets.
4. Order of play is determined by the flip of a coin. The winner of the flip has the option of breaking or requesting their opponent to do so.	5. The opening player plays at the triangle of object balls by striking the cue ball from any position behind the line. That player must pot one or more object balls or cause at least two object balls to make contact with a cushion.
6. The first "legal" ball potted becomes that players colour. In the instance where one (or more) of both colours is legally potted then the player must nominate his chosen colour to the referee before playing his next shot. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a foul and the oncoming player has two shots. The same rule regards a "legal" pot applies to the oncoming player	7. If a legal break is not achieved the balls are re-racked and the oncoming player re-starts the game with one free shot (during which rule 6 applies).
8. If the player pockets the 8 ball (black) from the break, the game shall be re-racked and re-started by the same player. No penalty will be incurred. This applies even if other balls, including the cue ball, are pocketed as well.	9. Combination shots are allowed provided that the player hits one of their own group of balls first (unless a free table applies)
10. 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 their set of allocated balls, or ii). Commits a foul at any time.
FOULS
(a). In off (cue ball pocketed)	(b). Hitting opponents’ balls before his/her own ball or balls except where a free table 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 a free table applies.	(f). Potting any opponents balls except when a free table applies.
(g). Ball off the table:- A ball shall be deemed off the table if it comes to rest other than on the baize of the table. (i). Any object ball or the 8 ball (black) shall be returned to the 8 ball spot or as near as possible to that spot without touching any other ball. (ii). If the cue ball leaves the table then it is played from any position behind the line	(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 nominating a group of object balls (as per rule 6).
(q). Performing 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.	(r). Moving an object ball or the 8 ball (black) when playing away from a touching ball.
PENALTY FOLLOWING ANY FOUL. Following any foul the oncoming player may play the cue ball from where it lies or from behind the line. Only the referee may move the cue ball (at the players request). Following a foul, the oncoming player is entitled to one free shot which may be played without nomination. 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. Following the single free shot the player will commence their normal visit.	LOSS OF GAME If a player pockets the 8 ball (black) before they pocket all the balls in their own group. A player going in off the 8 ball (black) when the 8 ball (black) is pocketed, loses the game. A player who clearly fails to make any attempt to play a ball of their own group will lose the game. If a player seeks to gain advantage by deliberately touching a moving ball or retrieving a ball dropping into the pocket they shall lose the game.
GENERAL CUE BALL IN HAND - when a player has the cue ball in hand they play from any position behind the line and in any direction. PLAYER IN CONTROL - A player is said to be in control of the table from the time that their body, cue or clothing touches the table prior to their shot, through their visit and up until their opponent does likewise prior to their visit. Any balls which fall into the pockets during this period (including the 8 ball (black)), they are said to have potted and are liable to any penalties or benefits normally awarded to them for the potting of that ball or balls as are accorded to them in the rules of the game. 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. TOUCHING BALL - a player must play away from a touching ball which must not move. If the touching ball is one of the players own group, they are deemed to have played that ball. If the touching ball is not one of their own group the cue ball must strike one of their own group.	STALEMATE Should any situation arise whereby 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.
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 and may result in loss of the game
(e). A referee may, if requested, advise on the rules of the game.	(f). There is an obligation on both players to play the game in a sporting fashion.
(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). In Doubles matches, once a player is in control of the table, excessive conversation with the partner is unsporting.