Sparta Monday
Night Pool League
Player Guide
(2022-2023)
A.
Teams/Sponsors
1. A
business may sponsor 2 teams per pool table available for shooting.
2. The
sponsor fee is $40.00 per team and is subject to change with a vote at annual
meeting. Checks made payable to Sparta Men’s Pool League. Roster sheet along
with money is due by date stated on bottom of sheet.
3. Teams
may consist of men or women. No team may
have any players under the age of 21. NO EXCEPTIONS!
4. Sponsors
or captains are responsible for turning in roster sheet with required sponsor
fee to the league secretary by the designated due date.
5. Roster
sheet must include the name of the team captain and the captains phone number. All
players will fill out player cards the 1st night they shoot. Any
time a new player shoots there must be a player card for them placed in
envelope that night. The captain shall be responsible for seeing that the cards
are filled out.
6. No
players may be added after the last game of regular season play without prior
approval of the league president. Any
player doing so will receive zeros (0) for all games played and opponents will
receive tens (10).
7. If
a team has a player that is banned from an opposing team location the team must
have a sub available to take that players place. It is recommended that the
banned player and sponsor try to reconcile the differences to allow the banned
player to at least play the match and leave immediately afterwards. The final
decision however is up to the bar owner.
8. Any
team not showing up for three (3) weeks in a row will be removed from the
league and will forfeit all money earned thus far.
9. All
sponsors will have a bridge stick available on premises.
B.
Captains
Duties
1. The
captains shall be present or send an acting captain to all league meetings.
2. The
captains will be responsible for informing his players as to all league rules
and regulations.
3. The
captain or acting captain shall collect all players’ fees for the night.
4. After
the match is completed, both captains shall be responsible for verifying the
score sheets and players fees. Both captains will sign the back of the envelope
containing the score sheets and money for that night.
5. The
visiting team captain or acting captain will be responsible for taking the
sealed envelope (or entrusting someone from either team) to the designated drop
off location on the night of play or by noon the following day. Drop off is Amber
Inn or Shifty’s Shack. Following morning
drop off is Amber Inn after 6 a.m. or Shifty’s after 10 a.m.
6. The
captain will be responsible for settling any disputes that might arise during a
match. If the captain cannot settle a dispute, he will be responsible for
contacting the league president.
C.
Subs
1. A
team may add a sub player at any time during regular season play. No subs may
be added after the split. A sub does not need to shoot during regular season
but must be on the roster by the end of the last game of regular season play.
You may call the league secretary at any time during regular season play to add
a sub to roster.
2. A
sponsor/bar owner may substitute for any of their teams regardless if they are
a full time player on a team.
3. Once
a sub has started play, he must continue play for that night and will only be
available to sub for that team for the rest of the season. If a sub does shoot
for another team after having shot another team he will receive zero (0) pts.
for all ineligible matches played and the opponents will receive ten (10) pts.
4. Player
information cards must be submitted with the envelope the 1st night
of play and each time a new player is added. If more player information cards
are needed please contact the league secretary.
5. The
sub will be responsible for paying the playing fee.
D.
Game
Play
1. Play
will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Monday nights with a fifteen (15) minute grace
period.
2. Players
will pay a nightly fee of $5.00 + game quarters ($40.00 total per match in
envelope) $1.00 per player, per night to be split between 2 charities (chosen
by members present at the fall meeting) at the end of pool season.
3. Tables:
a) Tables
will be as level as possible. Captains may ask a table to be cleaned/leveled
prior to game play. If after the first (1st) game, the table is not
level and both players agree they may go to their captains and have the captain
ask that the table be leveled again with each player splitting the cost. If the
teams agree the table is level and playable, no table shall be moved by anyone
until after all games for that night are completed.
b) Matches
are to be played on 1 table. In the case of a table malfunction, remaining games
are to be moved to a location agreed upon by the both team captains.
Official
Rules of Play
A.
Balls
and Racking
1. The
game is played with one (1) cue ball and fifteen (15) numbered object balls.
2. The
balls are racked in a triangle at the foot of the table with the eight (8) ball
in the center of the triangle, the first ball of the rack on the foot spot, a
stripe ball in one corner of the rack and a solid ball in the other corner.
3. The
object of the game is to make one group of numbered object balls, either
stripes or solids, and then legally pocket the eight (8) ball, which then wins
the game.
B.
Break
Shot
1. Start
of play - Teams will break according to score sheet with each player racking
their own break.
2. If
the breaker hits the racked balls with the cue ball driving four (4) or more
numbered balls to a cushion or pocketing one or more object balls, the game is
considered started. If the player fails to make a legal break it is not a foul;
however, the opponent has the option of:
a) Accepting
the table in position and shooting, or
b) Have
the balls re-racked and shooting the break himself or have the original breaker
re-break.
3. Stopping
or deflecting the cue ball (with hand or cue stick) prior to hitting the racked
balls is considered a foul and loss of turn. The opponent will receive the cue
ball in hand behind the head string.
4. When
positioning the cue ball for the break shot, the base of the ball must be
behind the head string (kitchen).
5. If
a player scratches on a legal break shot:
a) All
balls pocketed remain pocketed (Exception: the eight (8) ball)
b) It
is a foul
c) The
table is open
d) The
incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the head string and may not shoot
an object ball whose base is not outside the head string, unless he first
shoots the cue ball past the head string and cause the cue ball to come back
behind the head string and hit the object ball. If a player positions the cue
ball completely and obviously outside the kitchen and shoots the cue ball, it
is a foul if called by the opponent.
e) The
opposing player must inform the breaking player of improper positioning of the
cue ball before the shot is made. If the opposing player does not so inform the
breaking player before the shot is made the break is considered legal. If the
shooting player is informed of improper positioning, he must then reposition
the cue ball.
6. Making
the eight (8) ball on the break
a) The
breaker may ask for a re-rack or have the eight (8) ball spotted and continue
shooting
b) Should
the breaker pocket the eight (8) ball and scratch, the incoming player has the
option of spotting the eight (8) ball and shooting from behind the head string or
re-racking and assuming the break.
c) A
game cannot be won or lost with an eight (8) ball break regardless of what is
pocketed on the same shot.
7. If
a player legally breaks the rack and does not make any balls his opponent then
shoots having an open table.
8. If
a player jumps an object ball off the table on the break it is a foul and the
incoming player has the option of:
a) Accepting
the table in position and shooting or
b) Taking
the cue ball in hand behind the head string and shooting. Any jumped balls are
spotted in numerical order.
C.
Open
Table
1. The table is open when
the choice of groups (solids or stripes) has not yet been determined. When the
table is open, it is legal to hit a solid first to make a stripe or vice versa.
Note: The table is always open immediately after the break shot. When the table
is open it is legal to hit any solid or stripe or the eight (8) ball first in
the process of pocketing the called stripe or solid. On an open table, all
pocketed balls remain pocketed. The choice of stripes or solids is not
determined on the break even if balls are made from only one or both groups. THE
TABLE IS ALWAYS OPEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BREAK SHOT. The choice of group
is determined only when a player legally pockets a called object ball after the
break shot.
D.
Game
1. In
call pocket obvious balls and pockets do not have to be indicated. It is the opponents’
right to ask which ball and pocket if he is unsure of the shot. Banks and
combinations are not considered obvious and both the object ball and the pocket
must be called or it is a loss of turn. When calling the shot it is never
necessary to details such as the number of cushions, banks, kisses, caroms,
etc. Any balls pocketed on a foul remain pocketed, regardless of whether they
belong to the shooter or opponent.
2. The
opening break is not a called pocket. Any player performing a break shot in eight
(8) ball may continue to shoot his next shot so long as he has legally pocketed
any object ball on the break.
3. A
legal shot is defined as: On all shots except on the break and when the table
is open, the shooter must hit one of his group of balls first and
a) Pocket
a numbered ball or
b) Cause
the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact a rail.
Note:
It is permissible for the shooter to bank the cue ball off a rail before
contacting his object ball. However, after contact with his object ball, an
object ball must be pocketed or the cue ball or any numbered ball must contact
a rail. Failure to meet these requirements is a foul.
4. Each
player continues to shoot so long as he legally pockets any of his object balls
(Exception: calling a safety). Should a player fail to pocket his designated
group ball he shall lose his turn.
5. If
a player fails to hit the eight (8) ball while shooting at it, it is a foul and
the game continues. When the eight (8) ball is the legal object ball, a scratch
or foul is not a loss of game if the eight (8) ball is not pocketed or jumped
off the table. Incoming player has cue ball in hand.
6. In
the event the cue ball or object ball stops on the edge of the pocket then
falls into the pocket because of vibrations, fans or stamping of feet, it shall
be replaced on the edge of the pocket as near as possible to its position
before interference.
7. When
a player has pocketed all of the balls in his group he then shoots at the eight
(8) ball. He must call the pocket he intends to put the eight (8) ball.
E.
Safety
Shots
1. For
tactical reasons a player may choose to pocket an obvious object ball and
discontinue his turn at the table by declaring *safety* in advance. A safety
shot is defined as a legal shot. If the shooting player intends to play a safe
by pocketing an obvious object ball, then prior to the shot he must declare a
*safety* to his opponent. If this is not done, and one of the shooters object
balls is pocketed, the shooter will be required to shoot again. Any ball
pocketed on a safe shot remains pocketed.
F.
Combination
Shots
1. Combination
shots are allowed. However, the eight (8) ball cannot be used as a first ball
in the combination except when table is open.
G.
8
Ball Run Out (ERO)
1. The
only time a player may achieve an ERO is in his first approach, with 15 balls
on the table. If the breaker runs out and wins the game from the break, it is
an ERO. If the breaker does not make any balls, his opponent will have a shot
at an ERO. He must pocket his 7 object balls and the eight (8) ball without a
miss.
2. ERO’s
should be recorded on the score sheet in the area provided.
H.
Playing
games out of order
1. Sometimes
under extenuating circumstances, players may ask to play all games
consecutively. Although permissible, this practice should be limited to
emergencies only. It will be up to both team captains to make the decision.
I.
Slow
Play Rule
1. Exaggerated slow play will be penalized.
After a warning, any longer than ONE MINUTE
between shots will be a foul.
The third infraction will result in loss of game.
J.
Potential
Fouling Situations
1. When
it appears that there is a possibility that a foul might be committed any time
before the shot is taken, it is the opponents’ responsibility to call for a
person to watch the shot. Because referees are not used in league play, every
attempt should be made to get a neutral party to make the call. It is the person’s
responsibility to call either foul or good hit. However, if the respective
person is not instructed specifically of what he/she is to call before the shot
is taken and the person calls a bad hit and foul, the bad hit call stands.
2. Both
players must exercise good judgment and sportsmanship concerning potential
fouling situations. Pool is intended to be a game of honor. Unless the shot is
extremely close, referees or neutral parties should not be called.
3. If
the opponent calls for a judge, the shooter must stop shooting until a judge
arrives. If the player continues to keep shooting before the judge arrives the
opponent may call a foul on the player.
4. A
player should also stop shooting when a foul is called.
K.
Fouling-
All fouls must be called and acknowledged before next shot is taken.
(Exception: scratching)
1. Only
the players involved may call a foul. In the event a foul is called, the
opposing player receives cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. This means
that the player may place the cue ball anywhere on the table (the cue ball does
not to be behind the head string except on the opening break or immediately
after a foul on the break). A player must stop shooting when a foul is called.
2. Shooting
the cue ball into a pocket or off the
table.
3. When
placing the cue ball in position, any forward stroke motion contacting the cue
ball will be foul if not a legal shot. It is not recommended to use the cue to
help with placement of the cue ball however, if you choose to do this you may
only use the ferrule or stick because once the tip has made contact with the
cue ball it is considered a legal attempt at a shot.
4. When
using a bridge, if the tip of your cue is in contact with the cue ball and at
the same time either the bridge or cue stick makes contact with any object
ball, it is a foul.
5. Shooting
without at least one foot on the floor. (Exception: Wheelchairs)
6. Picking
up or shooting the cue ball while any balls are in motion is a foul.
7. With
cue ball in hand, touching any object ball with the cue ball is a foul or
touching any object ball with your hand while touching the cue ball is a foul.
8. When
the slow play rule is enforced, taking longer than one (1) minute between shots
is a foul.
9. Jumping
object ball off the table is a foul.
10. Push
shots and/or double hits will be considered fouls.
A)
If the cue ball and object ball are frozen, players cue must be elevated 45
degrees or greater and can shoot directly into object ball.
B)
If the cue ball and object ball are not frozen
and are within a chalk width apart, players cue must be a minimum of a 45-degree
angle shooting the cue ball away from the object ball. Cue ball shall not
follow through the object ball more than 50% of the object ball. Shooting with
an elevated cue directly into an object ball is considered a foul.
11. After
a scratch on a legal break, if a player positions the cue ball completely and
obviously outside of the kitchen and shoots it is a foul. The opponent must
call foul or the game shall continue.
12. If
your opponent commits a foul and you do not receive acknowledgement of such
foul prior to touching the cue ball you have committed a foul. (Exception:
scratching)
13. If
a player intentionally marks the table in any way (including placement of chalk
or leaving cue stick laid on table) to assist in executing a shot it is a foul.
14. After
a shooter has distinguished either stripes or solids and the incoming shooter
inadvertently legally pockets one of the opposing shooters object balls, it is
a foul and the incoming shooter has ball in hand. If the opposing shooter does
not acknowledge the foul before the next shot is taken or anytime thereafter,
the game will result in a re-rack with the person who committed the foul
responsible for paying for the re-rack. If neither shooter acknowledges the
original foul and the game is completed, the result of the game will stand.
15. While
cue ball fouls only is the rule of play when a match is not presided over by a
referee, a player should be aware that it will be considered a cue ball foul if
during an attempt to jump, curve or masse the cue ball over or around an
impeding numbered ball that is not a legal object ball, the impeding ball
moves, regardless of whether it was moved by a hand, cue stick follow through
or a bridge.
16. An
object ball is considered to be illegally pocketed and remains pocketed when:
a) That
object ball is pocketed on the same shot a foul is committed.
b) The
called ball did not go in the designated pocket
c) A
safe is called prior to the shot
17. Accidently
moving or touching any ball is not a
foul unless:
a) The
moved ball is the cue ball
b) A
moved ball makes contact with the cue ball
c) A
moved ball that is jumped off the table or pocketed or causes any ball to be
jumped off the table or pocketed (Exception to #3: If the eight (8) ball is
jumped off the table or pocketed it is a loss of game if called by the opponent
before the next shot is taken). Only the opponent may replace the ball moved as
closely as possible or leave it where it rests. If the shooter replaces the
moved ball, it will be considered a foul.
18. Object
ball frozen to cushion or cue ball. This applies to any shot where the cue
balls first contact with a ball is with one that is frozen to a cushion or cue
ball itself. After the cue ball makes contact with the frozen ball the shot
must result in either:
a) A
ball being pocketed
b) The
cue ball contacting the cushion
c) The
frozen ball being caused to contact a cushion attached to a separate rail.
d) Another
object ball being caused to contact a cushion with which it was not already in
contact with.
Failure
to satisfy one of those four requirements is a foul.
A
ball which is touching a cushion at the start of the shot and then is forced
into a cushion attached to the same rail is not considered to have been driven
to that cushion unless it leaves the cushion, contacts another ball, and then
contacts the cushion again. An object ball is not considered frozen to a
cushion unless it is examined and announced as such by either a referee or one
of the players prior to the object ball being involved in a shot.
19. Coaching
a) Coaching
is a foul. Any member of a team called for coaching will result in a foul on
the team member shooting.
b) Coaching
by spectators is a foul and may be called if it is verifiable and obvious.
Verifiable means coaching that would be confirmed by a neutral party.
c) At
no time should a player walk around the table while their opponent is shooting
unless they are asked to watch a close hit. Telling a player what to do at your
table or at the bar is still coaching even if you are not at the pool table.
d) Because
coaching has the potential to become the source of a dispute, all members of
both teams must make every effort not to even give the hint of coaching or any
kind of behavior that could give the slightest impression of coaching.
L.
Loss
of game – any of the following situations will result in loss of game.
1. Pocketing
the eight (8) ball when it is not the legal object ball except on an opening
break.
2. Pocketing
the eight (8) ball on the same stroke as the last of his group of balls.
3. Jumping
or knocking the eight (8) ball off the table at any time.
4. Pocketing
the eight (8) ball in a pocket other than the one designated.
5. Fouling
while pocketing the eight (8) ball in the designated pocket.
6. Third
infraction of the slow play rule (if enforced).
M.
Forfeits
1. Individual forfeits: If
a player is not there prior to the beginning of the second (2nd)
round, he shall forfeit the first round only. If a player is not there prior to
the beginning of the third (3rd) round, he will forfeit all four (4)
games for the night. If player forfeits the night, the fee must still be paid
for that player. If not paid, it will be taken out of end of year monies.
2. Team forfeits:
Teams must have 2 players by 7:30 p.m. or the team forfeits for the night. Team
showing up to play receives their average from the four (4) weeks prior, or
four (4) weeks after if early in season. Any team forfeiting will still have to
play the fees for that night. If not paid, it will be taken out of end of year
monies.
3. After split forfeits:
Team showing up to play will receive their average from the first half of teams
in their division.
N.
Postponements
& make up matches
1. Opposing
captains, by mutual agreement, may postpone a match. Postponements are highly
discouraged and should be made only because of extenuating circumstances. In
the event of a postponement, both captains must notify the league secretary or
president of the postponement and when the match will be played.
2. It
is recommended that request for postponement is made 24 hours before the
scheduled match was to be played. Teams should have sub players who can take
over in the case of illness, etc. Not being able to fill a team is not grounds
for postponement. Opposing teams do not have to grant a postponement. It is a privilege
and not mandatory, however, it is good sportsmanship to try and accommodate.
Common sense, fair play and sportsmanship should always be considered when
deciding whether to consider a postponement.
3. Postponed
matches must be played within 2 scheduled league nights of the originally
scheduled match, and should be shot in the originally scheduled location.
4. Captains
should make every effort to clearly agree to a time and date for a make-up
match. If a dispute arises over the rescheduling of the match, the league
president will set up the match. If the disputed match involves the league president,
the league secretary will set up the match.
5. In
the event of bad weather, it is the captains’ responsibility to notify the
opposing team captain if your team is unable to attend the regular scheduled
match.
O.
Stalemated
Game
1.
In 3 consecutive turns
at the table by each player
(6 turns total), they purposely
foul or scratch and both players
agree that attempting to pocket or move an object ball will result in immediate
loss of game, then the game will be considered a stalemate.
The balls will then be
re-racked and the breaker of the stalemated game will break again.
PLEASE NOTE: Three consecutive fouls by one player is not a loss
of game
P.
Scoring
(Points, Ties & Awards)
1. The
point system will be used to determine the winner of the game.
2. The
team scoring the total points will be the match winner. If tied in points, 1
player from each team will be chosen to play a match. This will be a tiebreaker
only match with the winner receiving 1 team point. Both teams will keep their
original points.
3. Points
are scored one (1) point for every object ball & three (3) points for the eight
(8) ball. Both players count all balls.
4. Individual
averages are determined by dividing the total points by the total games played.
5. Players
must shoot 85 percent (85%) of the league season to qualify for top shooter.
6. Plaques
will be awarded to the first (1st) and second (2nd) place
teams in each division for display in sponsoring bar. No individual plaques
will be awarded unless voted on.
7. Score
sheets and envelopes:
Envelopes
are to have the names of the teams playing and the date of the match.
Score
sheets are to be filled out completely on both teams’ sheets. Both teams are to
turn in sheets. Make sure all scores and any ERO’s match on both.
Q.
General
definitions
1.
STRIKING THE CUE
BALL –
Legal shots require that the cue ball be struck only with the cue tip. Failure
to meet this requirement is a foul.
2.
POCKETED BALLS – A ball is considered as a pocketed ball, if, because of an otherwise legal shot, it
drops off the bed of the
table into the pocket and remains there. A ball that rebounds from a pocket back onto the table is not
a pocketed ball.
3. POSITION OF BALLS – The position of a ball is judged where its base rests.
4. FOOT ON THE FLOOR – It is a foul if a player shoots when at least one foot is not
in
contact with the
floor (Wheelchair exception).
Foot attire must
be
normal in regard to size, shape and the manner in which it is worn.
5. KITCHEN DEFINED – The head string is part
of
the kitchen. If the base of an object ball is dead center on the head string, the ball is not playable.
This will apply on a scratched cue ball on the break. Likewise, the cue ball when being put in play from the kitchen (cue ball behind the string), may not be
placed directly on the head string;
it must be behind it.
6. JUMPED CUE BALL – When a stroke results in the cue ball being a jumped ball, meaning jumped
completely off the pool table on the floor, the stroke is a foul.
The cue ball may leave the playing surface and return, which is not
to
be considered a foul.
7. ILLEGAL JUMPING OF BALL – It is a foul if a player strikes the cue ball below center digs
under it and intentionally causes it to rise
off
the bed of the table in an effort
to
clear an obstructing ball. Such jumping action may occasionally occur accidentally, and such ―jump‖
are not to be
considered fouls on their face; they may still be ruled foul strokes, if for example the ferrule or cue shaft makes contact with the cue ball in the course of the shot.
8. PLAYER RESPONSIBILITY FOULS – The player is responsible for chalk, bridges, files and any other items or equipment he/she brings to, uses at, or causes to approximate the table. If he drops a
piece of chalk, or knocks off a mechanical bridgehead, as examples, he is guilty of a foul should such an item make contact with the cue ball.
9. BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE – Balls coming to rest other than on the bed of the table after a stroke (on the cushion top, rail surface, floor, etc.) are considered jumped balls. Balls may bounce on the cushion tops and rails of the table in play without being jumped balls if they return to the bed of the table under their own power and without touching anything not part of the table.
The table shall consist of the
permanent part of the table proper.
Balls that strike or touch anything not a part of the table, such as the light fixture, call pocket disc, chalk on the rails and chalk
on
the wood, cushion tops, shall be considered
jumped balls even though they might return to the bed of the table after contacting items which are not
parts of
the table proper. Any jumped object balls are spotted
in
numerical order.
10. BALLS MOVING SPONTANEOUSLY – If a ball shifts, settles, turns or otherwise moves ―by itself‖ the ball shall remain in the position, it
assumed and play continues.
A hanging ball that falls into a pocket ―by itself‖ after being motionless for three seconds or longer shall be placed as closely as possible
to
its position prior to falling and play shall continue.
11. SPOTTING BALLS – A single ball is placed on the foot spot; if more than one ball is to be spotted,
they are placed on the long string beginning on the foot spot and advancing toward the foot rail.
12. OBJECT BALL FROZEN TO CUSHION OR CUE BALL – This rule applies to any shot where
the
cue
ball’s first
contact
with ball is with one that
is frozen to a cushion or to the cue ball itself. After
the cue ball makes contact with the frozen object ball, the shot must
result
in
either 1) a ball being
pocketed, 2)
the cue
ball
contacting any cushion, or 3) the frozen ball being caused to contact a cushion
to
which it was not
already in contact.
Failure to satisfy
one of those three requirements
is
a foul.
13. PLAYING FROM BEHIND THE STRING – When a player has the cue ball in hand behind the string, (in the kitchen), he must
drive the cue ball to a point outside the kitchen before it
contacts either a cushion or an object ball.
Failure to do so is a foul.
14. BAR ROOM
SITUATIONS – If a player is caused to foul due
to
an accidental
bumping of the body or cue stick because of crowded conditions (people, walls, tables, etc...) or for whatever reason the
following options exist:
a) Return the balls as near as possible to the original position.
b) If the two players cannot agree on where the ball(s) should be positioned the game will be re-played.