1. THE GAME
The game shall be known as 8 Ball Pool and referred to in these rules as "The Game". It is intended that players and teams should play 8 Ball Pool in the true spirit of the game and in a sportsmanlike manner. It should be clearly understood that the referee is the sole judge of what is fair and unfair play. The referee will take whatever action is necessary to ensure that these rules are observed.

2. REQUIREMENTS OF THE GAME
The game is played on a rectangular 6-pocket table with 15 balls plus a cue ball. Balls comprise of two numbered groups, 1-7 which are solid coloured balls, 9-15 are striped coloured balls, the 8 ball is a solid colour black. Alternatively, the numerical groups 1-7 and 9-15 may be represented by two different sets of 7 coloured balls. Usually red replaces stripes (9-15), yellow replace solid (1-7). Balls in the two groups are known as object balls.

3. OBJECT OF THE GAME
The player or team pocketing all their group of object balls in any order, and then legally pocketing the 8 ball, wins the game.

4. COMMENCEMENT OF THE GAME
A. The balls are racked as illustrated on the rule sheet with the 8 ball (black) on the 8 ball spot, which is at the intersection of the
centre and corner pockets.
B. 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.
C. The opening player plays at the triangle of object balls by striking the cue ball from any position in the “D”. An object ball must
be pocketed, or at least TWO object balls hit any cushion. Failure to do so is a foul break and will result in the balls being re-racked
as per rule sheet. The opposing player then starts the game with two visits
The game does not start until the cue ball strikes the triangle of object balls. If a player misses the triangle at the break. then the cue ball will be replaced in the "D" for the same player to break without any penalty incurred.
D. If the 8 ball (black) is pocketed from the break shot, the balls will be re-racked and the game will be restarted by the same
player. No penalty will be incurred. This applies even if other balls, including the cue ball, are pocketed, or leave the playing
surface ("off the table").
E. On the first occasion a player legally pockets an object ball, including following a foul, then that ball denotes their group, unless
one or more of both groups are pocketed, the player MUST then nominate a group before play continues.
F. If no object ball is pocketed from a legal break, then the players continue alternatively playing at either group until such a time as
a legal pot is made, which decides the player's group.
G. If a foul is committed, (other than as in rule 4(D)), and one or more object balls are pocketed before playing groups are decided,
then those balls are ignored in determining the groups to be played. The oncoming player may play at any ball on the table,
including the 8 ball (black) for the first shot, the first legal pot to determine the group as in rule 4(E).
H. If a ball, or balls, are legally pocketed, this entitles the player to one additional shot and this continues until the player either:
1. Fails to pocket one of their own set of allocated balls, or;
2. Commits a foul at any time.

5. FOULS
A. In off (cue ball pocketed).
B. Hitting an opponent’s ball(s) before his own ball or balls, except when rule 6 (b) applies.
C. Failing to hit any ball with the cue ball.
D. Jump shot - defined as when the cue ball jumps over any part of any ball before making contact with any ball.
E. Hitting the 8 ball (black) with the cue ball on first impact of the cue ball before all their own group are pocketed, except with the
first shot following any foul.
F. Potting any opponent's ball, except with the first shot following any foul.
G. Ball off the table.
1. Any object ball or the 8 ball (black), shall be returned to the 8 ball spot (see rule 4(A)), or as near as possible to that
spot without touching any other ball, in direct line between that spot and the centre of the string line.
2. If the cue ball, then the ball is to be played from any position on or within the “D”.
A ball shall be deemed "off the table" if it comes to rest anywhere other than on the bed of the table.
H. If a player's body or clothing should touch any ball.
I. Player not having at least part of one foot on the floor.
J. Playing or touching with the cue any ball other than the cue ball.
K. Playing out of turn.
L. Playing before all balls have come to rest.
M. Playing before any ball(s) require re-spotting.
N. Striking the cue ball with the cue more than once.
O. Striking the cue ball with any part of the cue other than the tip.
P. Failing to nominate when balls of both groups are pocketed with the first legal pot.
Q. Foul break, failing to pot an object ball or drive at least two object balls to hit any cushions.

6. PENALTY FOLLOWING ANY FOUL
A. Following any foul the offending player loses their next visit to the table, giving their opponent two consecutive visits to the table
B. On the first shot only of the first visit, the oncoming player may, without nomination, play the cue ball on to any ball without
penalty, including any opponent's ball(s), or 8 ball (black). If any object ball(s) is pocketed directly, or by combination, the player
is deemed to have pocketed a legal ball(s), and continues with the first visit. However, the player must not pot the 8 ball (black),
which would mean loss of game. Except if the player is on the 8 ball (black), then the game would be won. When the player fails
to pot a ball on the first or subsequent shot of the first visit, play then continues with the second visit. The second visit is deemed
to have started when the cue ball is struck on the first shot of the second visit.
C. If a player is snookered (unable to play a legal full ball shot at any one of his own group of object balls) after a foul stroke, then
the cue ball may be played from the “D” and proceed as rule 6(a) and 6(b). Moving the cue ball in this manner does not count as
a shot or visit . A full ball shot… is defined as being able to strike the centre of the object ball directly with the centre of the cue ball.

7. LOSS OF GAME
A. If a player pockets the 8 ball (black) before all the balls in their own group, except on the break (see rule 4(D)), the player loses
the game.
B. A player going in off the 8 ball (black) when the 8 ball (black) is pocketed, loses the game.
C. A player pocketing the 8 ball (black) and any other ball on the same shot will lose the game. Except following a foul when only
the 8 ball (black) and ball(s) of the opponents group are on the table, then with the first shot of the first visit, the player may
legally pocket the 8 ball (black) as well as ball(s) of the opponent's group by any combination and in any order.
D. A player who clearly fails to make any attempt to play a ball of their own group will lose the game.
BLACK BALL *There will be severe penalties for any team found abusing this rule*
The referee will ask the player to nominate the pocket. If the player will not, he will commit a foul. If the referee fails to ask the player to nominate a pocket any member of either team may ask the player to nominate the pocket. If the player pots the black in a non-nominated pocket, he loses the game. If the referee and no members of either team ask to player to nominate the pocket the player may pot the ball in any pocket.

8. GENERAL
A. Push stroke.
A push stroke is allowed but a player may play away fro a touching ball of his own group and be deemed to have played that
ball. Should the cue ball be touching an opponent’s ball or 8 ball (black), a player shall play away without penalty providing that
the cue ball strikes one of his own group. When 6(b) applies, a player may play away from any touching ball and be deemed to
have played that ball.
B. Cue ball in hand
When a player has the cue ball in hand, the ball is played from any position on, or within the “D” and in any direction.
C. Player in control
A player is said to be in control of the table from the time their body, cue, or clothing touches the table prior to their shot,
throughout the visit, and up until the opponent does likewise prior to their visit. Any ball(s) which fall into pockets during this
period, (including the 8 ball (black)), he is said to have potted and he is liable to any penalties or benefits normally awarded to
him for the potting of that ball or balls as are accorded to him in the rules of the game (rule 5c applies).
D. Completion of game.
The game is completed when the 8 ball (black) is pocketed legally in any pocket, and all the remaining balls have come to rest,
except on the break (see rule 4(D) ).

9. STALEMATE
Should any situation arise whereby a legal shot is IMPOSSIBLE to play, then the game shall be restarted by the player who started that frame, whether this situation has been 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 restarted by the player who started that frame.

10. POSTPONE A MATCH
1. You need to give at least 24 hours notice to postpone a match.
2. No team should cancel a match unless they have less than 4 team members available to play.
3. With 5 players.
The team can draw a team members name from a hat/glass to make up 6 singles to be played, all points from singles count as normal, but must forfeit one doubles game.
4. With 4 players.
The team can draw team members names from a hat/glass to make up 5 singles to be played, all points count as normal, But must forfeit one singles game and one doubles game.
5. If both teams have the same number of players, then no advantage can be given. All singles and doubles must be played, and all points count as normal.
6. Just use your common sense.
7. Matches cancelled less than 24 hours before. Then the team that can field a team win by default. The points awarded in this case will be the highest score of all other league matches played that week.
e.g. If the highest win is 12-0, then 12 points will be awarded.

GUIDANCE
A. The term "SHOT" means striking the cue ball once.
B. The term "VISIT" refers to the one turn at the table comprising of one or a series of shots.
C. The term "BREAK" refers to the first shot of a game, or the first shot of a game being restarted.
D. Coaching is deemed unsportsmanlike behavior. (see rule 1).
E. A referee may, only if requested, advise on the rules of the game.