1. BLACKBALL

-          The game shall be known as blackball.

 

2. EQUIPMENT

a)      A white ball is called the ‘cue ball.’

b)      Two groups of object balls consisting of 14 balls. 7 in one colour, 7 in a different colour. (Normally yellow and red but these can be any colour as long as get approval from the league). You can alternatively use ball numbers 1 to 7 and 9 to 15.

c)      A Blackball (or 8 ball). (Another colour can be used as long as get approval from the league)

d)      Mechanical bridges such as rest, spider etc.

e)      Cue, extender, chalk, and gloves.

-          No other equipment may be used unless approved by the league.

 

3. OBJECT OF THE GAME

-          The player or team pocketing their group of object balls first in any order and then legally potting the black ball wins the game.

 

4. COMMENCEMENT OF THE GAME OF A RE-START

-          The opening break shot is determined by a lag. The player winning the lag decides who breaks. If the match is more the 1 frame. Players will take it in turn to break after the initial lag. If score is level going into a final frame. Another lag will be undertaken to decide who breaks in the final frame (This will be applicable in Singles and Doubles KO).

 

LAGGING PROCEDURE

-          Balls should be of equal size and weight. Ideally use two cue balls, but when available you can use two object balls.  With ‘ball in hand’ behind the baulk line, one player to the left and one to the right of the table, balls are struck simultaneously towards the top cushion to return as close as possible to the baulk cushion. The players whose ball comes to rest closest to the edge of the baulk cushion wins.

-          It is automatic loss of lag if a ball:

a) Crosses into the opponent’s half of table.

b) Fails to contact the top cushion

c) Drops into a pocket

d) Jumps from the table

e) Touches a side cushion

f) Comes to rest on the playing surface within the area of the pocked past the nose of the baulk cushion

-          Players will lag again if both players fall victim to automatic loss of lag rules or the referee is unable to determine which ball is closer.

 

4a. THE RACK

-          As shown on diagrams given in captains packs.

4b. THE BREAK

-          The first shot of a frame is the break. To ‘break’ the cue ball is played from baulk into the object balls.

-          Frames commence when a player’s cue tip contacts the cue ball.

a) The break is legal if a ball is potted, OR at least two object balls fully pass an imaginary line joining the middle of the centre pockets.   Note: After ball has passed the imaginary line, it does not matter if they pass back over.

b) If it is an illegal break the opponent is awarded a free shot plus one visit. The cue ball can be played from where it lies OR from baulk OR there is a re-rack.

 

4c. PLAYING FROM BAULK

-          The cue ball must be played from behind the baulk like.

-          The cue ball can only be moved by hand and not with the shaft of the cue.

-          If the tip of the cue touches the cue balls and a shot is deemed to have been played if it does not meet the requirements of a legal shot. This will be deemed a foul shot.

 

4d. BLACKBALL POTTED ON BREAK

-          If the black ball is potted from the break, this will be a golden break, and the frame is automatically won.

-          If the black ball and white ball is potted from the break, this will be a golden duck, and the frame is automatically lost.

4e. DECIDING GROUPS

-          Groups are NOT decided, and the table remains open:

a) On a break shot

b) On a foul shot

c) If taking a ‘free’ shot after a foul shot

d) In a ‘combination’ shot in which balls from both groups are potted.

-          After the break, the table is open, and players may play balls from either group. The black ball cannot be used as an ‘on’ ball to pot an object ball, unless a foul has been committed and it is a free shot.

-          Given these exceptions, if a player pots a ball or balls from a singles group after the break, the player is on the colour for the rest of the frame, and the opposing player is on the opposite colour.

 

4f. DECIDIING GROUPS AFTER A FOUL SHOT

-          If a foul is committed on an open table and one or more object balls are pocketed, then those balls are ignored in determining groups.

 

4g. CONTINUING PLAY

-          In play, if balls are potted and a legal shot is played then players are entitled to an additional shot until:

a) Fails to pocket one or more of the object balls

b) Commits a foul

 4h. CUE BALL IN HAND

-          Legal placement is described in rule 4c.

 

4i. TOUCHING BALLS

-          You need to play away from any touching ball.

-          If the touching ball is an ‘on’ ball. The player is deemed to have played that ball. To play a legal shot, the player needs to cause any ball, including the cue ball to hit a cushion.

-          If the touching ball is an opponent’s ball. The player must play away and strike one of their balls and meet requirements of a legal shot. (See Rule 5d)

4j. COMBINATION SHOTS

-          Two or more object balls can be potted without penalty in a single shot. The potted balls may drop into pockets in any order.

-          In a combination shot you may:

a) Contact a ball from your group first and pot balls from both groups.

b) Play to pot your remaining group ball(s) and the black to win a frame provided the initial contact is with a ball of your group and all balls are potted.

c) Play the black ball (when the black ball is a ball ‘on’) onto an opponent’s object ball and pot both balls to win the frame

 

4k. BALLS OF THE TABLE

-          It is a foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, does not return by its own means and remains off the playing surface (other than when potted).

-          Balls are returned to the table as follows:

a) If a cue ball, it is played from baulk

b) Object balls are re-spotted.

 

4m. RE-SPOTTING AND RETURNINIG BALLS TO THE TABLE

-          If a cue ball, it is returned to the table and played from baulk. An object ball is re-spotted with its centre point on the black spot or as near as possible to that spot in a direct line between the spot and the centre point of the cushion which lies furthest from baulk line.

 

4n. INTERFERENCE AND MARKING OF TABLE

-          See original rules sheet.

 

4p. BALLS FALLING INTO A POCKET WITHOUT BEING HIT

-          If a ball falls into a pocket without being hit by another ball, having been motionless for five seconds of longer, and being no part of any stroke in progress, it is replaced and play continues.

Note: Referees are to use common sense when table has to be paid for frame and not on free play. It may be, this is not possible, and the frame continues as normal as long as both captains are happy to do so.

 

 

 

4q. OBJECT BALL FROZEN (WHERE AN OBJECT BALL IS TOUCHING A CUSHION)

-          When the cue ball makes first contact with an ‘on’ object ball which is frozen to a cushion it is a foul if the shot does not result in:

a) A ball being potted

b) The Cue ball contacting a cushion

c) The frozen ball contacting a different cushion

d) Any other object ball contacting a cushion.

-          A frozen ball must be confirmed by the referee before taking your shot.

 

 

4r. STALEMATE

-          If a situation arises where no legal shot is playable, see rules 5d, the frame is to be restarted.

-          If a re-rack is caused by accident, the original breaking player breaks again.

-          If due to slow play or negative play, or by design, players lag to see who breaks.

 

4s. COMPLETION OF A FRAME OR GAME

-          A frame is over when the black is potted on a legal shot, and all balls come to rest OR in a ‘loss of frame’ situation (See Rule 7)

 

5. FOULS

 5a. Potting the cue ball.

-          This includes the break shot. Following an ‘in-off’ shot the player or referee may recover the cue from the basket (See rules 7e, preventing a ball going in-off)

5b. Playing outside the baulk when obliged to play within baulk.

5c. Potting an opponent’s ball.

-          Without potting a ball from your own group (Combination shot)

5d. Failing to perform a legal shot.

-          To play a legal shot the player must cause the cue ball’s initial contact to be with an ‘on’ ball and THEN must either:

a) Pot any ‘on’ ball or balls (See rule 6b)

b) Cause the cue ball or any object ball to contact a cushion

(See exception, rule 5g snookers)

5e. A jump Shot

 

5f. A push shot

-          Defined as the tip of the cue remaining in contact with the cue ball after it has commenced forward motion.

5g. Failure to escape snooker by striking an ‘on’ ball.

-          A player is considered snookered when it is deemed impossible to hit any part of a ball ‘on’ via a straight line shot.

-          In escaping from a snooker, the player need only cause the cue ball to contact the ‘on’ ball.

Note: Players must seek confirmation from the referee of a snooker and say ‘Total’ before they take their shot.

 

5h. Striking the cue ball with any part of the cue other than the tip.

5i. Playing before balls have come to rest from the previous shot.

5j. Playing before balls that require re-spotting are re-spotted.

5k. Playing out of turn.

5m. Double hits

-          The cue tip contacts the cue ball more than once in the same shot.

5n. Playing a shot while not having at least one foot on the floor.

-          The exception is physical disability or other special needs.

5p. Touching a ball.

-          A player’s body, clothing, jewellery, or accessory is considered a foul.

-          The tip falling off, chalk being dropped is also considered a foul.

(See full rule 5p for more details)

 

6. PENATLY AFTER A FOUL

6a. Loss of control of table

-          After any foul, the offending player loses their turn, and the opponent has a free shot plus one visit.

6b. On a free shot after a foul

-          The table is ‘open,’ and the oncoming player may take a free shot followed by one visit.

-          On a free shot a player may:

a) Play or pot any of the opponent’s balls.

b) Play combination shots by playing directly onto an opponent’s ball and thereby pot his/her own group of balls OR play onto his/her on group of balls and pot any of the opponent’s balls.

c) Play the black ball onto and pot the opponent’s ball OR play the black ball onto, and pot, any balls from his/her own group.

d) Play the black ball, but not pot it 

-          The black ball can be potted in a combination shot as described in rule 4j.

-          Note: You still get your free shot plus one visit when you are on the black ball.

 

6c. Following any foul the cue ball may be.

-          Placed in baulk OR played from where it lies.

 

7. LOSS OF FRAME FOULD ARE AS FOLLOWED

7a. Committing a foul in a shot in which the black is potted.

7b. Potting the black, when any balls of the player’s own group remain on the table after the shot has been played.

7c. Deliberate Foul

-          A player who clearly and intentionally plays a ball not ‘on’ has committed a deliberate foul resulting in loss of frame.

-          A player who clearly and intentionally fails to attempt to play a ball from his/her own group or play an ‘on; ball after a foul, will lose the frame.

-          Failing to make a decent attempt to play a legal shot is a deliberate foul and will result in loss of frame. Note:  This is the referee decision and his decision is final

7d. Deliberately touching or picking up the ball on the table will result in loss of frame.

-          Note: Please make sure you ask the referee to pick the ball up for you.

7e. Catching or preventing a ball going ‘in-off’.

-          Note:  If the cue ball is going in a pocket, please do not stop it otherwise this will result in loss of frame

7f. Deliberately by word or action disrupting opponent’s play.

 

8. GENERAL TOURNEMENT AND LEAGUE GUIDELINE

8a. Time shot.

-          This rule does not apply.

8b. Unsportsmanlike Conduct

-          The final decision is down to the ref and both captains on the night.

-          The following could result in a loss of frame and potential removal from the league.

a) Abusive Language

b) Arguing with an opponent, referee.

c) Refusing to follow the rules

d) Interfering while an opponent is playing a shot

-          Note: There are more in the main set of rules, but these are the main ones applying to our league

8c. Coaching

-          All singles matches are to be played without advice from others.

-          If in the opinion of the referee, the result has been compromised in some way, it may be decided to award the frame to the opponent.

-          Doubles partner may discuss shots for the entire frame, they must not touch or interfere with the table when its not their shot.

8d. Leaving the playing area.

-          If a player has the leave the playing area during a match, the player must have the referee’s permission.

8e. A referee may on request advice on the rules of the game

-          The referee can explain the rules, when requested by a player.

-          The referee must not provide any subjective opinion that would affect play, such as whether a legal shot can be played.

-          Referees cannot be held responsible for giving incorrect information. It is the players duty to be aware of the rules.

8f. The referee ensures excessive time is not taken on a shot.

-          Note:  This will only apply if the referee deems the player is taking an exceptionally lengthy period to take a shot. A warning should first be given, followed by loss of frame.

8g. RE-Rack with nine balls following slow or negative play.

-          Note: This rule does not apply in the league. If a re-rack is need. Rack as normal with all 15 balls.

8h. In Doubles

-          When a player approaches the table, conversation with other including partner is unsporting and dealt with under competition rules.

-          Note: The rules do not apply in the league. (See rule 8c)

8i. Playing without a referee.

-          Dispute between players should be referred to the league organiser/committee.

Note: All league and cup games need to be refereed by a member from the home