Rules

2024/2025 Rules Change List

The following rule change was approved at the recent General Membership Meeting held in Las Vegas, Nevada and will be effective for the 2024-2025 pool league season.
Following are the page numbers that have been affected by the recent change. The change will appear in bold type.
Page 13, #7; Page 22, #8; Page 26, #17.

9-Ball Rules

9 Ball Rules

A. OBJECT OF THE GAME. Nine Ball is played with nine object balls numbered one through nine and a cue ball. On each shot the first ball the cue ball contacts must be the lowest-numbered ball on the table, but the balls need not be pocketed in order. If a player pockets any ball on a legal shot, he remains at the table for another shot, and continues until he misses, fouls, or wins the game by pocketing the 9-ball. After a miss, the incoming player must shoot from the position left by the previous player, but after any foul the incoming player may place the cue ball anywhere on the table. Players are not required to call any shot.

B. RACKING THE BALLS. The object balls are racked in a diamond shape, with the one ball at the top of the diamond and on the foot spot, the nine ball in the center of the diamond, and the other balls in random order, racked as tightly as possible. The game begins with cue ball in hand behind the headstring.

C. START OF PLAY. The home team breaks first and writes their line-up down first. The break alternates thereafter. A game starts as soon as the cue ball crosses over the headstring on the opening break.

D. LEGAL BREAK SHOT. The rules governing the break shot are the same as for other shots except:

1. The breaker must strike the 1-ball first and either pocket a ball or drive at least four numbered balls to a rail, failure to do so is a foul. Incoming player accepts table the way it lies with ball in hand or requests a rerack with cue ball behind the headstring.

2. If the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, or the requirements of the opening break are not met, it is a foul, and the incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.

3. If on the break shot, the breaker causes an object ball to jump off the table, it is a foul and the incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. The object ball is not respotted.

4. Making the nine ball on the break is an automatic win for the player breaking. However, if the cue ball is scratched when making the nine ball, the nine ball is respotted. (Using another stripe from tray.)

E. CONTINUING PLAY. On the shot immediately following a legal break, the shooter may play a “push out.” If the breaker pockets one or more balls on a legal break, he continues to shoot until he misses, fouls, or wins the game. If the player misses or fouls, the other player begins his turn and shoots until he misses, fouls, or wins. The game ends when the nine ball is pocketed on a legal shot.

F. PUSH OUT. The player who shoots the shot immediately after a legal break may play a push out in an attempt to move the cue ball into a better position for the option that follows. On a push out, the cue ball is not required to contact any object ball nor any rail, but all other foul rules still apply. The player must announce his intention of playing a push out before the shot, or the shot is considered to be a normal shot. Any ball pocketed on a push out does not count and remains pocketed, except for the nine ball. Following a legal push out, the incoming player is permitted to shoot from that position or to pass the shot back to the player who pushed out. A push out is not considered to be a foul as long as no rule is violated. An illegal push out is penalized according to the type of foul committed.

G. FOULS. When a player commits a foul, he must relinquish his run at the table and no balls pocketed on the foul shot are spotted, except the nine ball. The incoming player is awarded ball in hand; prior to his first shot he may place the cue ball anywhere on the table. If a player commits several fouls on one shot, they are counted as only one foul.

1. All fouls must be called and acknowledged before the next shot is taken.

2. Touching or moving the cue ball is a foul.

3. Coaching is a foul.

4. Shooting the cue ball into a pocket or off the table is a foul.

5. If the first object ball contacted by the cue ball is not the lowest numbered ball on the table, the shot is a foul.

6. If no object ball is pocketed, failure to drive the cue ball or some object ball to a rail after the cue ball contacts the object ball is a foul.

7. Pocketing the nine ball and the cue ball with the same stroke is a foul.

8. Shooting without at least one foot on the floor is a foul.

9. An unpocketed ball is considered to be driven off the table if it comes to rest other than on the bed of the table. It is a foul to drive an object ball off the table. The jumped object ball(s) is not spotted and play continues.

When the cue ball is in hand, the player may place the cue ball any where on the bed of the table, except in contact with an object ball. He may continue to adjust the position of the cue ball until he takes a shot.

H. THREE CONSECUTIVE FOULS. If a player fouls three consecutive times on three successive shots without making an intervening legal shot, he loses the game. The three fouls must occur in one game. The warning must be given between the second and third fouls. This rule is optional for local league and tournament play. (This rule will not be used at the International Championships.)

A player’s turn begins when it is legal for him to take a shot and ends at the end of a shot on which he misses, fouls or wins, or when he fouls between shots.

If the nine ball is pocketed on a foul or push out or driven off the table, it is spotted. No other object ball is ever spotted.

I. END OF GAME. The game ends at the end of a legal shot which pockets the 9-ball; or when a player forfeits the game as the result of a foul.

8-Ball Rules

Rules PDF

8 Ball Rules

A. BALLS AND RACKING

1. The game is played with one cue ball and 15 numbered object balls.

2. The balls are racked in a triangle at the foot of the table with the 8-ball in the center of the triangle, the first ball of the rack on the footspot, a stripe ball in one corner of the rack and a solid ball in the other corner, as the above illustration shows.

3. The object of the game is to make one group of numbered object balls, either stripes or solids, and then LEGALLY POCKET THE 8-BALL which then wins the game.

B. BREAK SHOT

1. Start of Play - the home team breaks first and writes their line-up down first. The break will alternate thereafter. During International competition, the teams will flip a coin to determine home team.

2. If the breaker hits the racked balls with the cue ball driving four 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 (1) accepting the table in position and shooting, or (2) have the balls reracked and shooting the break himself or have original breaker rebreak.

3. Stopping or deflecting the cue ball prior to hitting the racked balls are considered fouls and loss of turn. The opponent will receive cue ball in hand behind the headstring.

4. When positioning the cue ball for the break shot, the base of the ball must be behind the headstring (kitchen).

5. If a player scratches on a legal break shot, (1) all balls pocketed remain pocketed (exception, the 8-ball), (2) it is a foul, (3) the table is open.

PLEASE NOTE: Incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the headstringand may not shoot an object ball whose base is not outside the headstring, unless he/she first shoots the cue ball past the headstring and causes the cue ball to come back behind the headstring 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.

6. 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/she must then reposition the cue ball.

7. Making The 8-Ball On The Break: (Leagues may adopt Option #1 or Option #2)

Option #1. An automatic win for the player breaking, however, if the cue ball is scratched when making the 8-ball on the break, the opponent wins the game.

Option #2. The breaker may ask for a rerack or have the 8-ball spotted and continue shooting. Should the breaker pocket the 8-ball and scratch, the incoming player has the option of spotting the 8-ball and shooting from behind the headstring or reracking and assuming the break. Using Option #2, a game cannot be won or lost with an 8-ball on the break, regardless of what is pocketed on the same shot.

During International Championships and Junior Championships, Option #2 will be used.

8. If the player legally breaks the racked balls and does not make any balls, his opponent then shoots, having an open table.

9. If a player jumps an object ball off the table on the break shot, it is a foul and the incoming player has the option of (1) accepting the table in position and shooting, or (2) taking cue ball in hand behind the headstring and shooting. Any jumped balls are spotted in numerical order.

C. OPEN TABLE

The table is “open” when the choice of groups (stripes or solids) 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 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

In Call Pocket, obvious balls and pockets do not have to be indicated. It is the opponent’s 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 indicate 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 the opponent.

The opening break is not a “called pocket.” Any player performing a break shot in 8-Ball may continue to shoot his next shot so long as he has legally pocketed any object ball on the break.

When a player has pocketed all of the balls in his group, he then shoots at the 8-ball, physically designating his pocket with a pocket marker. The marker is to be placed on the table completely within the first two diamonds on either side of the pocket. The entire area between the diamonds included. You do not have to touch or move the marker if it is already at your intended pocket

E. PLAY

1. If a shooter inadvertently pockets his opponents ball, it remains down, however, if the shooter does not legally pocket one of his own group, he loses his turn.

2. 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.

3. If a player fails to hit the 8-ball while shooting at it, it is a foul and the game continues. When the 8-ball is the legal object ball, a scratch or foul is not a loss of game if the 8-ball is not pocketed or jumped off the table. Incoming player has cue ball in hand.

4. In the event the cue ball or an object ball stops on the edge of the pocket then falls into the pocket because of vibrations, fan or stamping of feet, it shall be replaced on the edge of the pocket as near as possible to its position before interference.

5. If any object ball is jumped off the table, it is a foul and loss of turn, unless it is the 8-ball, which is a loss of game. Any jumped object balls are spotted in numerical order.

6. SLOW PLAY RULE: Exaggerated slow play will be penalized. After a warn ing, any longer than ONE MINUTE between shots will be a foul. The third infraction will result in loss of game. During National competition, referees judgment will prevail and both players will be timed.

7. STALEMATED GAME: If 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.

F. LOSS OF GAME

1. Pocketing the 8-ball when it is not the legal object ball except on an opening break.

2. Pocketing the 8-ball on the same stroke as the last of his group of balls.

3. Jumping or knocking the 8-ball off the table at any time.

4. Pocketing the 8-ball in a pocket other than the one designated.

5. Fouling while (pocketing) the 8-ball in the designated pocket.

6. Third infraction of the slow play rule.

7. Pocketing the 8-ball and the cue ball on the break stroke. (This varies, if your league considers an 8-ball break a win.)

8. Not correctly marking the pocket while pocketing the 8-ball.

Note: All infractions above must be called before the next shot is taken. Only the players involved may call an infraction.

G. LEGAL SHOTS

On all shots (exception: page 11C and on the break), the shooter must hit one of his group of balls first and (1) pocket any group ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any other ball to contact a rail.
* (There are two groups of balls: stripes and solids)

PLEASE 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, any group ball must be pocketed, OR the cue ball or any other ball must contact a rail.

“SAFETY” SHOT: For tactical reasons a player may choose to pocket an obvious object ball and also 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 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 shooter’s object balls is pocketed, the shooter will be required to shoot again. Any ball pocketed on a safety shot remains pocketed.

H. FOULING

All fouls must be called and acknowledged before next shot is taken. (exception: scratching)

The following results in fouls:

1. Failure to make a legal shot as noted above.

2. Shooting the cue ball into a pocket or off table.

3. It is a foul when a player scratches on the break, or deflects the cue ball prior to hitting the racked balls. The incoming player receives (Cue ball in hand behind the headstring).

4. When placing the cue ball in position, any forward stroke motion contacting the cue ball will be a foul, if not a legal shot.

5. Shooting without at least one foot touching the floor.

6. Coaching is a foul. Any member of a team called for coaching will result in a foul on the team member shooting.

7. Object Ball Frozen To Cushion Or Cue Ball.
This applies to any shot where the cue ball’s first contact with a ball is with one that is frozen to a cushion. After the cue ball makes contact with the frozen ball, the shot must result in either:

a) A ball being pocketed, or;

b) The cue ball contacting a cushion, or;

c) The frozen ball being caused to contact a cushion attached to a separate rail, or;

d) Another object ball being caused to contact a cushion with which it was not already in contact.

Failure to satisfy one of those four requirements is a foul.

A ball which is touching a cushion at the start of a 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 the referee or one of the players prior to that object ball being involved in a shot.

8. ACCIDENTALLY moving or touching any ball is not a foul unless: 1) the moved ball is the cue ball or 2) a moved ball makes contact with the cue ball or 3) 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 8-ball is jumped off the table or pocketed it is loss of game if called by the opponent before the next shot is taken). Only 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.

9. Picking up or shooting the cue ball while any balls are still in motion is a foul.

10. Push shots and or double hits will be considered fouls.

11. 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.

12. When the slow play rule is enforced taking longer than ONE MINUTE between shots is a foul.

13. Jumping object balls off the table.

14. After a scratch on a legal break, if a player positions the cue ball completely and obviously outside the kitchen and shoots it is a foul.

15. If your opponent commits a foul and you do not receive his/her acknowledgement of such foul prior to touching the cue ball you have committed a foul. (exception: scratching)

16. Illegal jumping of ball.

I. PENALTY FOR FOULING

1. Only the players involved may call a foul. In the event of a foul call, the opposing player receives cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. This means that the player can place the cue ball anywhere on the table (the cue ball does not have to be behind the headstring except on opening break or immediately after a foul on the break).

2. A player must stop shooting when a foul is called. If a player refuses to yield to a foul call, the opposing captain may protest.

PLEASE NOTE: Three consecutive fouls by one player is not a loss of game.

Mixed Scotch Doubles Rules

Rules PDF

Scotch Doubles Rules

A. BALLS AND RACKING

1. The game is played with one cue ball and 15 numbered object balls.

3. The object of the game is to make one group of numbered object balls, either stripes or solids, then rotating turns after each shot with your partner by legally pocketing a ball on each turn at the table and then LEGALLY POCKET THE 8-BALL which then wins the game.

B. BREAK SHOT

1. Start of Play - the home team breaks first and writes their line-up down first.

The break will alternate thereafter. During International competition, the teams will flip a coin to determine home team.

2. If the breaker hits the racked balls with the cue ball driving four 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’s not a foul; however, the opponent has the option (1) accepting the table in position and shooting, or (2) have the balls reracked and shooting the break himself or have original breaker rebreak.

3. Stopping or deflecting the cue ball prior to hitting the racked balls are considered fouls and loss of turn. The opponent will receive cue ball in hand behind the headstring.

4. When positioning the cue ball for the break shot, the base of the ball must be behind the headstring (kitchen).

5. If a player scratches on a legal break shot, (1) all balls pocketed remain pocketed (exception, the 8-ball), (2) it is a foul, (3) the table is open.

PLEASE NOTE: Incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the headstring and may not shoot an object ball whose base is not outside the headstring, unless he/she first shoots the cue ball past the headstring and causes the cue ball to come back behind the headstring 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.

7. Making The 8-Ball On The Break: (Leagues may adopt Option #1 or Option #2)

Option #1. An automatic win for the player breaking, however, if the cue ball is scratched when making the 8-ball on the break, the opponent wins the game.

During International Championships and Junior Championships, Option #2 will be used.

8. If the player legally breaks the racked balls and does not make any balls, his opponent then shoots, having an open table.

C. OPEN TABLE

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

In Call Pocket, obvious balls and pockets do not have to be indicated. It is the opponent’s 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 loss of turn. When calling the shot, it is NEVER necessary to indicate 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 the opponent.

The opening break is not a “called pocket.” Any team performing a break shot in Scotch Doubles 8-Ball may continue to shoot their next shot so long as they legally pocketed any object ball on the break and they alternate turns.

When a team has pocketed all of the balls in their group, they then shoot at the 8-ball, physically designating the pocket with a pocket marker. The marker is to be placed on the table completely within the first two diamonds on either side of the pocket. The entire area between the diamonds included. You do not have to touch or move the marker if it is already at your intended pocket.

E. PLAY

1. If a shooter inadvertently pockets his opponents ball, it remains down. However, if the shooter does not legally pocket one of his own group, he loses his turn.

2. Each team continues to rotate shots so long as they legally pocket any of their object balls (Exception: calling a safety). Should players fail to pocket their designated group ball they shall lose their turn.

5. If any object ball is jumped off the table, it is a foul and loss of turn, unless it is the 8-ball, which is a loss of game. Any jumped object balls are spotted in numerical order.

PLEASE NOTE: Three consecutive fouls by one player is not a loss of game.

F. LOSS OF GAME

1. Pocketing the 8-ball when it is not the legal object ball except on an opening break.

2. Pocketing the 8-ball on the same stroke as the last of his group of balls.

3. Jumping or knocking the 8-ball off the table at any time.

4. Pocketing the 8-ball in a pocket other than the one designated.

5. Fouling while (pocketing) the 8-ball in the designated pocket.

6. Third infraction of the slow play rule.

7. Pocketing the 8-ball and the cue ball on the break stroke. (This varies, if your league considers an 8-ball break a win.)

8. Not correctly marking the pocket while pocketing the 8-ball.

Note: All infractions above must be called before the next shot is taken.

Only the players involved may call an infraction.

G. LEGAL SHOTS

On all shots (exception: page 20C and on the break), the shooter must hit one of his group of balls first and (1) pocket any group ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any other ball to contact a rail. * (There are two groups of balls: stripes and solids)

If this is NOT done, and one of the shooter’s object balls is pocketed, the shooter will be required to shoot again. Any ball pocketed on a safety shot remains pocketed.

H. FOULING

All fouls must be called and acknowledged before next shot is taken. (except scratching)

The following results in fouls:

1. Failure to switch players after each shot.

2. Failure to make a legal shot as noted above.

3. Shooting the cue ball into a pocket or off table.

4. It is a foul when a player scratches on the break, or deflects the cue ball prior to hitting the racked balls. The incoming player receives (Cue ball in hand behind the headstring).

5. When placing the cue ball in position, any forward stroke motion contacting the cue ball will be a foul, if not a legal shot.

6. Shooting without at least one foot touching the floor.

7. 15 seconds maximum coaching between shots. Any longer is a foul. (For International Championship competition, coaching will not be allowed)

8. Object Ball Frozen To Cushion Or Cue Ball.

This applies to any shot where the cue ball’s first contact with a ball is with one that is frozen to a cushion. After the cue ball makes contact with the frozen ball, the shot must result in either:

a) A ball being pocketed, or;

b) The cue ball contacting a cushion, or;

c) The frozen ball being caused to contact a cushion attached to a separate rail, or;

d) Another object ball being caused to contact a cushion with which it was not already in contact.

Failure to satisfy one of those four requirements is a foul.

9. ACCIDENTALLY moving or touching any ball is not a foul unless: 1) the moved ball is the cue ball or 2) a moved ball makes contact with the cue ball or 3) 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 8-ball is jumped off the table or pocketed it is loss of game if called by the opponent before the next shot is taken). Only 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.

10. Picking up or shooting the cue ball while any balls are still in motion is a foul.

11. Push shots and or double hits will be considered fouls.

12. 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.

13. When the slow play rule is enforced taking longer than ONE MINUTE between shots is a foul.

14. Jumping object balls off the table.

15. After a scratch on a legal break, if a player positions the cue ball completely and obviously outside the kitchen and shoots it is a foul.

16. If your opponent commits a foul and you do not receive his/her acknowledgement of such foul prior to touching the cue ball you have committed a foul. (exception: scratching)

17. Illegal jumping of ball.

18. Shooting out of turn.

I. PENALTY FOR FOULING

1. Only the players involved may call a foul. In the event of a foul call, the opposing player receives cue ball in hand anywhere on the table (the cue ball does not have to be behind the headstring except on opening break or immediately after a foul on the break).

2. A player must stop shooting when a foul is called. If a player refuses to yield to a foul call, the opposing captain may protest.

General Rules Definitions

General Definitions PDF

1. STRIKING 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, as a result 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 it’s base (or center) 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. Foot attire must be normal in regard to size, shape and the manner in which it is worn.

5. KITCHEN DEFINED. The headstring is part of the kitchen. If the base of an object ball is dead center on the headstring, 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 headstring; it must be behind it.

6. FOULS BY DOUBLE HITS. It is a foul if the cue ball is struck more than once on a shot by the cue tip (such shots are usually referred to as double hits). If, in the referee’s judgement, the cue ball has left initial contact with the cue tip and then is struck a second time in the course of the same shot, it shall be a foul. (Note: this can be a difficult call in officiating, because on shots where the distance between the cue ball and the object is very short, the referee must judge whether the cue ball had time to move out of contact with the cue tip prior to being impeded and then propelled again by the follow through of the stroke.)

Nonetheless, if it is judged by virtue of sound, ball position and action and stroke used that there were two separate contacts of the cue ball by the cue tip on a stroke, the stroke is a foul and must be so called.

7. PUSH SHOT FOULS: It is a foul if the cue ball is pushed by the cue tip, with contact being maintained for more than the momentary time commensurate with a normal and legally stroked shot. (Such shots are usually referred to as push shots.)

8. 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.

9. 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 “jumps” 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.

10. PLAYER RESPONSIBILITY FOULS. The player is responsible for chalk, bridges, files and any other items or equipment he brings to, uses at, or causes to approximate the table. If he drops a piece of chalk, or knocks off a mechanical bridge head, as examples, he is guilty of a foul should such item make contact with a cue ball.

11. 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 a 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).

When a stroke results in the cue ball or any object ball being a jumped ball off the table, the stroke is a foul. All jumped object balls are spotted (except in Nine Ball) when all balls have stopped moving.

12. 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 it’s position prior to falling and play shall continue.

13. 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.

14. JAWED BALLS. If two or more balls are locked between the jaws or side of the pocket, with one or more suspended in air, the referee shall inspect the balls in position and follow this procedure; he shall visually (or physically if he desires) project each ball directly downward from it’s locked position; any ball that, in his judgement, would fall in the pocket if so moved directly downward is a pocketed ball, while any ball that would come to rest on the bed of the table is not pocketed.

The balls are then placed according to the referee’s assessment, and play continues according to specific game rules as if no locking or jawing of balls had occurred.

15. NON-PLAYER INTERFERENCE. If the balls are moved (or a player is bumped such that play is directly affected) by a non-player during a match, the balls shall be replaced as near as possible to their original positions immediately prior to the incident, and play shall resume with no penalty on the player affected. If the match is officiated, referee shall replace the balls. This rule shall also apply to “act of God” interference, such as earthquake, hurricane, light fixture falling, power failure, etc.

16. PLAY BY INNINGS. Players alternate turns (innings) at the table, with a player’s inning ending when he either fails to legally pocket a ball, or fouls. When an inning ends free of a foul, the incoming player accepts the table in position.

17. OBJECT BALL FROZEN TO CUSHION OR CUE BALL. This applies to any shot where the cue ball’s first contact with a ball is with one that is frozen to a cushion. After the cue ball makes contact with the frozen ball, the shot must result in either:
a) A ball being pocketed, or;
b) The cue ball contacting a cushion, or;
c) The frozen ball being caused to contact a cushion attached to a separate rail, or;
d) Another object ball being caused to contact a cushion with which it was not already in contact.
Failure to satisfy one of those four requirements is a foul.

18. 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.

19. SLOW PLAY RULE. Exaggerated slow play will be penalized. Certain moments during a game or type of game may require extra thought or concentration.

However, continuously taking 1 to 3 minutes between shots is not acceptable.

When your opponent abuses this rule, stop play. The team captains will assign a player to time your opponent for the rest of the match. After a warning, any longer than ONE MINUTE between shots will be a foul. The third infraction will result in a loss of game.

20. SCRATCH. Cue ball pocketed or knocked off the table.

Professional Player Criteria:

Any player determined to have "Pro Status" is not eligible to play in any VNEA competition at the World Championships.

Men & Women: Tournament Committee discretion will be used to determine Pro status for all prospective participants. Ample notice is required by the Tournament Committee for all players of potential Pro ability in your league system.

The VNEA, thru the Tournament Committee, reserves the right to disqualify any player or team, before or during the tournament or refuse any entry
prior to the tournament.

Master & Intermediate Player Listings

View Complete Listings PDF

• If you are a listed INTERMEDIATE PLAYER, you are ineligible to play on a Regular Team. You can play on an Intermediate or Master Team. (EXCEPTION: One (1) Intermediate FEMALE will be allowed to play on an Open Regular Team.)

• If you are a listed MASTER PLAYER, you are ineligible to play on a Regular Team. You can play on a Master Team or you can play on an Intermediate Team if you are the only Master on that Intermediate Team.

• All players have the option of competing in a higher division than they are listed.

• Regular Classic Singles and Regular Senior Singles are only available for Regular Division players of proper age. There is a separate Classic 8-Ball Division for Master & Intermediate players of proper age.

It is very difficult to foresee every possible situation that can arise. Therefore, any player who hasn’t played in the World Championships in the last 3 years, or entries of known Intermediate or Masters ability may be placed in a higher Division at the discretion of the Tournament Committee.

These lists are not all-inclusive as the Tournament Committee retains final discretion, in all cases, in placement of individuals and teams in the various Divisions. Also, those wishing to voluntarily move up to a higher Division are welcome.

After an individual has been moved up to a higher division, if they do not win any prize money (exception Mini’s & Scotch Doubles) for the next 3 years, they may have the opportunity of returning to the next lower division.

Rules Clarification Videos

Videos reviewing and clarifying various rules as outlined in the Official VNEA Rulebook. The rules discussed in these videos are the same rules in use at our VNEA World Championships in Las Vegas.

See Videos