Entry Criteria

The Red Lion In-House Singles Pool League

League Entry Criteria & Competition Rules

Welcome to the official singles league at The Red Lion. This competition is designed to bring our regular players together for a structured, high-stakes season where every penny played goes back to the winners.

1. Entry Requirements

To maintain the integrity of our local community league, players must meet the following:

• Regulars Only: Exclusive to regular patrons of The Red Lion.

• Age Limit: Strictly 18+ years of age.

• Location: All matches are played at The Red Lion, Stoke Old Road, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 6ES.

2. Match Format & Rules

We play a traditional, tactical game.

• Game Type: Singles League.

• Match Length: Best of 3 frames.

• Official Rules: Old English Rules (EPA/WEPF Standard).

• The Two-Shot Rule: After any foul, the incoming player receives two shots (two visits).

  • Two Shots Carry: If you pot a ball on your first shot, you do not lose your second visit.

  • On the Black: The two-shot rule remains in effect even when a player is on the black ball.

3. Fees & Financials

This is a 100% payout league. All funds collected are held securely and distributed in full at the end of the season.

• Entry Fee: £10 (One-time payment to join).

• Match Fee: £5 per match played.

• Payment Methods: We accept Cash, Card, or Bank Transfer directly to the Treasurer.

4. League Committee

The league is governed by two officials. Please contact them directly regarding scores, scheduling, or disputes:

• League Chairman: Woody

• Treasurer: Alex Simister

  • Note: All Bank Transfers for fees should be sent to Alex Simister.

5. How to Join

To secure your spot on the fixture list, please speak to the staff behind the bar or contact Woody or Alex. You will be officially entered once your £10 entry fee has been paid.

Good luck to all players—let's keep it competitive and keep it fair!

Rules

Official Match Rules: Old English 8-Ball (EPA)

Below is a comprehensive and structured list of the Old English 8-Ball Pool Rules as they will be applied at The Red Lion Inn.

1. The Game & Sportsmanship

• The game is known as 8-Ball Pool.

• Players must play in the true spirit of the game and in a sportsmanlike manner.

• The referee (or League Chairman) is the sole judge of fair and unfair play.

2. Equipment

• Played with 15 object balls (7 Reds, 7 Yellows, and 1 Black 8-Ball) plus a cue ball.

3. Object of the Game

• Pocket all balls from your assigned group in any order, then legally pocket the Black (8-ball) to win.

4. Starting the Game

• The Break: Determined by a coin flip. The winner chooses to break or have the opponent break.

• Legal Break: You must pocket a ball OR have at least two object balls hit a cushion.

• Foul Break: Failure to do the above results in a re-rack. The opponent restarts with two visits.

• Black on the Break: If the Black is potted on the break, balls are re-racked and the same player restarts with no penalty.

• Deciding Groups: * Groups are decided by the first legal pot.

  • If balls from both groups are potted on one shot, the player must nominate their group before continuing.

  • If a foul is committed and balls are potted before groups are decided, those balls are ignored. The incoming player has a "free ball" (can hit any ball) for their first shot to decide their group.

5. Standard Fouls

• In-off (cue ball pocketed).

• Hitting an opponent’s ball first (except on the first shot after a foul).

• Failing to hit any ball with the cue ball.

• Jump Shots: Defined as the cue ball jumping over any part of any ball.

• Hitting the Black first before your group is cleared (except on a free ball).

• Potting an opponent’s ball (except on a free ball).

• Ball off the Table: Any object ball off the table is spotted on the 8-ball spot.

• Touching any ball with your body or clothing.

• Not having at least part of one foot on the floor.

• Playing out of turn or before balls have stopped moving.

• Striking the cue ball with anything other than the tip.

• Push Shots: Where the tip stays in contact with the cue ball for too long.

• Failing to nominate a group when required.

6. Penalty Following a Foul

• The offending player loses their turn; the opponent receives two consecutive visits.

• Ball in Hand: The incoming player can play from where the ball lies or move it to any position on or behind the baulk line. Moving the ball does not count as a shot.

• The First Shot (Free Ball): On the very first shot of the first visit, the player may hit any ball (even the opponent's or the Black) without penalty.

• Two Shots on the Black: If you are on the Black and receive a foul, you have two visits to pot it.

7. Loss of Game

• Potting the Black before clearing your group (except on the break).

• Going "in-off" (pocketing the cue ball) on the same shot the Black is potted.

• Potting the Black and any other ball on the same shot (unless it is a "free ball" shot and the Black was your legal target).

• Clearly failing to make an attempt to hit your own group (Deliberate Foul).

8. Touching Balls

• Touching your own ball: You must play away from it. This counts as having hit it. If you hit no other balls afterward, it is a legal shot.

• Touching opponent's/Black: You must play away and hit your own color (unless you have a free ball).

9. Stalemate

• If a legal shot is impossible or the game is not progressing, the referee will restart the frame. The original breaker breaks again.

Any rule not stated check the notice board or click the link below for the official rules in detail.https://www.epa.org.uk/rules/old_epa.php#7