CUE SPORT RULES

 

RULES OF SNOOKER & 6 RED SNOOKER

HOW TO PLAY SNOOKER – THE BASICS

The balls are arranged on the table as shown in the diagram. Use the triangle provided to place the red balls in position, but remove the triangle before play commences.

The first player plays from the “D” (↑) and the Cue Ball (White) must strike a Red at the initial stroke. After pocketing a Red (this ball remains in the pocket until the end of the game), the player continues by naming and striking a coloured ball with the Cue ball. If the player pots the coloured ball, the value of the ball is added to the player’s score, then the coloured ball is re-spotted on its correct spot (if the spot is covered it will be placed on the next highest spot available or near its own spot if others not available). The player then proceeds to play another Red followed by a Colour and so on until the “break” ends. This occurs if the player fails to score. The next player in turn, then plays from where the Cue Ball came to rest. When all the Reds are off the table, the order of potting is then the Yellow, Green, Brown, Blue, Pink, and Black (as these last balls are potted they are not replaced on their spots), but if the Colour and then the Cue Ball pocketed, then a foul has been committed and the Colour is put back on its spot and the Cue Ball played from the “D”. The next player in turn has a choice to play from the “D” or ask the opponent to play.

The score for potting the various balls is shown on the diagram. Should the Cue Ball enter a pocket or be forced off the table, the next player shall continue from the “D” (↑) or have the opponent play.

PENALTIES

The following penalties are added to the opponent’s score and the minimum penalty is 4 points.

Failing to strike the correct ball – 4 points or the value of the first ball struck if higher than 4.

Cue Ball entering a pocket or being forced off the table, or the object ball being forced off the table – 4 points.

Striking or touching a ball in play with anything other than the tip of the Cue-penalty 4 points.

Leaving opponent “Snookered” after a foul stroke, opponent has the right to pot any ball she chooses (called a free ball), which becomes the value of the ball “on” ie Red=1 point, Blue=5 points etc.

FULL RULES OF SNOOKER & 6 RED SNOOKER

SECTION 1. EQUIPMENT

Measurements in parenthesis state the metric equivalent to the nearest millimetre

1. The Standard Table

Dimensions
(a) The playing area within the cushion faces shall measure 11 ft 8œin x 5ft 10in (3569mm x 1778mm) with a tolerance on both dimensions of +/- œ in (+/- 13mm).

Height
(b) The height of the table from the floor to the top of the cushion rail shall be from 2ft9œin to 2ft 10œin (851mm to 876mm).

Pocket Openings
(c)
(i) There shall be pockets at the corners (two at the Spot end known as the top pockets and two at the Baulk end known as the bottom pockets) and one each at the middle of the longer sides (known as the centre pockets).
(ii) The pocket openings shall conform to the templates authorised by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).

Baulk-line and Baulk
(d) A straight line drawn 29in (737mm) from the face of the bottom cushion and parallel to it is called the Baulk-line, and that line and the intervening space is termed the Baulk.

The “D”
(e) The “D” is a semi-circle described in Baulk with its centre at the middle of the Baulk-line and with a radius of 11œin (292mm).
Spots
(f) Four spots are marked on the centre longitudinal line of the table:
(i) the Spot (known as the Black Spot), 12Ÿin (324mm) from a point perpendicularly below the face of the top cushion.
(ii) The Centre Spot (known as the Blue Spot), located midway between the faces of the top and bottom cushions.
(iii) The Pyramid Spot (known as the Pink Spot), located midway between the Centre Spot and the face of the top cushion.
(iv) The Middle of the Baulk-line (known as the Brown Spot).

Two other spots used are located at the corners of the ‘D’. Viewed from the Baulk end, the one on the right is known as the Yellow Spot and the one on the left as the Green Spot.

2. Balls

The balls shall be of an approved composition and shall each have a diameter of 52.5mm with a tolerance of +/- 0.05mm and:
(a) they shall be of equal weight within a tolerance of 3g per set
(b) a ball or set of balls may be changed by agreement between the players or on a decision by the referee.

3. Cue

A cue shall be not less than 3ft (914mm) in length and shall show no substantial departure from the traditional and generally accepted shape and form.

4. Ancillary

Various cue rests, long cues (called butts and half-butts according to length), extensions and adaptors may be used by players faced with difficult positions for cueing. These may form part of the equipment normally found at the table but also include equipment introduced by either player or the referee (see also Section 3 Rule 18). All extensions, adaptors and other devices to aid cueing must be of a design approved by the WPBSA.

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS

1. Frame
A frame of snooker comprises the period of the play from the first stroke, with all the balls set as described in Section 3 Rule 2, until the frame is completed by:
(a) concession by any player during his turn,
(b) claim by the striker when; Black is the only object ball remaining on the table, aggregate points are not relevant, and there is a difference of more than seven points between the scores in his favour,
(c) the final pot or foul when; Black is the only object ball remaining on the table (see Section 3 Rule 4), or
(d) being awarded by the referee under Section 3 Rule 14(c) (ii) or Section 4 Rule 2.

2. Game
A game is an agreed or stipulated number of frames.

3. Match
A match is an agreed or stipulated number of games.

4. Balls
(a) The White ball is the cue-ball.
(b) The 15 Reds and the 6 colours are the object balls.
5. Striker and Turn
The person about to play or in play is the striker and remains so until the final stroke, or foul, of his turn is complete and the referee is satisfied that he has finally left the table. If a non-striker comes to the table, out of turn, he shall be considered as the striker for any foul he may commit before leaving the table. When the referee is satisfied that the above conditions have been met, the incoming strikers turn begins. His turn and his right to play another stroke ends when:
(a) he fails to score from a stroke; or
(b) he commits a foul; or
(c) he requests the opponent to play again after his opponent has committed a foul.

6. Stroke
(a) A stroke is made when the striker strikes the cue-ball with the tip of the cue.
(b) A stroke is fair when no infringement of Rule is made.
(c) A stroke is not completed until:
(i) all balls have come to rest;
(ii) the striker has stood up, in readiness for a succeeding stroke, or leaving the table;
(iii) any equipment being used by the striker has been removed from a hazardous position; and
(iv) the referee has called any score relevant to the stroke.
(d) A stroke may be made directly or indirectly, thus:
(i) a stroke is direct when the cue-ball strikes an object ball without first striking a cushion
(ii) a stroke is indirect when the cue-ball strikes one or more cushions before striking an object ball.
(e) Following the final stroke of the opponent’s turn, if an incoming player plays a stroke/strikes the cue-ball before the balls have come to rest, he shall be penalised as if he were the striker, and his visit to the table shall end.

7. Pot
A pot is when an object ball, after contact with another ball and without any infringement of these Rules, enters a pocket. Causing a ball to be potted is known as potting.

8. Break
A break is a number of pots in successive strokes made in any one turn by a player during a frame.

9. In-hand
(a) The cue-ball is in-hand
(i) before the start of each frame,
(ii) when it has entered a pocket
(iii) when it has been forced off the table, or 
(iv) when the black is spotted in the event of tied scores.
(b) It remains in-hand until
(i) it is played fairly from in-hand, or
(ii) a foul is committed whilst the ball is on the table
(c) The striker is said to be in-hand when the cue-ball is in-hand as above.

10. Ball in Play
(a) The cue-ball is in play when it is not in-hand.
(b) Object balls are in play from the start of the frame until pocketed or forced off the table.
(c) Colours become in play again when re-spotted.

11. Ball On
Any ball which may be lawfully struck by the first impact of the cue-ball, or any ball which may not be so struck but which may be potted, is said to be on.

12. Nominated Ball
(a) A nominated ball is the object ball which the striker declares, or indicates to the satisfaction of the referee, he undertakes to hit with the first impact of the cue-ball.
(b) If requested by the referee, the striker must declare which ball he is on.

13. Free Ball
A free ball is a ball which the striker nominates as the ball on when snookered after a foul (see Section 3 Rule 12).

14. Forced Off the Table
A ball is forced off the table if it comes to rest other than on the bed of the table or in a pocket, or if it is picked up by the striker, whilst it is in play except as provided for in Section 3 Rule 14(h).

15. Penalty Points
Penalty points are awarded to an opponent after any foul.

16. Foul
A foul is any infringement of these Rules.

17. Snookered
The cue-ball is said to be snookered when a direct stroke in a straight line to every ball on is wholly or partially obstructed by a ball or balls not on. If one or more balls on can be struck at both extreme edges free of obstruction by any ball not on, the cue-ball is not snookered.
(a) If in-hand, the cue-ball is snookered if it is obstructed as described above from all possible positions on or within the lines of the “D”.
(b) If the cue-ball is so obstructed from hitting a ball on by more than one ball not on
(i) the ball nearest to the cue-ball is considered to be the effective snookering ball, and
(ii) should more than one obstructing ball be equidistant from the cue-ball, all such balls will be considered to be effective snookering balls.
(c) When Red is the ball on, if the cue-ball is obstructed from hitting different Reds by different balls not on, there is no effective snookering ball.
(d) The striker is said to be snookered when the cue-ball is snookered as above
(e) The cue-ball cannot be snookered by a cushion. If the curved face of a cushion obstructs the cue-ball and is closer to the cue-ball than any obstructing ball not on, the cue-ball is not snookered.

18. Spot Occupied
A spot is said to be occupied if a ball cannot be placed on it without that ball touching another ball.

19. Push Stroke
A push stroke is made when the tip of the cue remains in contact with the cue-ball
(a) after the cue-ball has commenced its forward motion, or
(b) as the cue-ball makes contact with an object ball except, where the cue-ball and an object ball are almost touching, it shall not be deemed a push stroke if the cue-ball hits a very fine edge of the object ball.

20. Jump Shot
A jump shot is made when the cue-ball passes over any part of an object ball, whether touching it in the process or not, except:
(a) when the cue-ball first strikes one object ball and then jumps over another ball,
(b) when the cue-ball jumps and strikes an object ball, but does not land on the far side of that ball,
(c) when, after striking an object ball lawfully, the cue-ball jumps over that ball after hitting a cushion or another ball.

21. Miss
A miss is when the cue-ball fails to first contact a ball on and the referee considers that the striker has not made a good enough attempt to hit a ball on.

SECTION 3. THE GAME

1. Description
Snooker may be played by two or more players, either independently or as sides. The game can be summarised as follows:
(a) Each player uses the same White cue-ball and there are twenty-one object balls – fifteen Reds each valued 1, and six colours: Yellow valued 2, Green 3, Brown 4, Blue 5, Pink 6 and Black 7.
(b) Scoring strokes in a player’s turn are made by potting Reds and colours alternately until all the Reds are off the table and then the colours in the ascending order of their value.
(c) Points awarded for scoring strokes are added to the score of the striker.
(d) Penalty points from fouls are added to the opponent’s score.
(e) A tactic employed at any time during a frame is to leave the cue-ball behind a ball not on such that it is snookered for the next player. If a player or side is more points behind than are available from the balls left on the table, then the laying of snookers in the hope of gaining points from fouls becomes most important.
(f) The winner of a frame is the player or side
(i) making the highest score,
(ii) to whom the frame is conceded, or
(iii) to whom it is awarded under Section 3 Rule 14(c) (ii) or Section 4 Rule 2.
(g) The winner of a game is the player or side
(i) winning most, or the required number of frames 
(ii) making the greatest total where aggregate points are relevant, or
(iii) to whom the game is awarded under Section 4 Rule 2.
(h) The winner of a match is the player or side winning most games or, aggregate points are relevant, with the greatest total.

2. Position of Balls
(a) At the start of each frame the cue-ball is in-hand and the object balls are positioned on the table as follows:
(i) the Reds in the form of a tightly-packed equilateral triangle, with the Red at the apex standing on the centre line of the table, above the Pyramid Spot such that it will be as close to the Pink as possible without touching it, and the base of the triangle nearest to, and parallel with, the top cushion.
(ii) Yellow on the right-hand corner of the “D”
(iii) Green on the left-hand corner of the “D”
(iv) Brown on the Middle of the Baulk-line,
(v) Blue on the Centre Spot,
(vi) Pink on the Pyramid Spot, and 
(vii) Black on the Spot.
(b) After a frame has started, a ball in play may only be cleaned by the referee upon reasonable request by the striker and 
(i) the position of the ball, if not spotted, shall be marked by a suitable device prior to the ball being lifted for cleaning,
(ii) the device used to mark the position of a ball being cleaned shall be regarded as and acquire the value of the ball until such time as the ball has been cleaned and replaced. If any player other than the striker should touch or disturb the device, he shall be penalised as if he were the striker, without affecting the order of play. The referee shall return the device or ball being cleaned to its position, if necessary, to his satisfaction, even if it was picked up.

3. Mode of Play
The players shall determine the order of play by lot or in any mutually agreed manner.
(a) The order of play thus determined must remain unaltered throughout the frame, except a player may be asked by the next player to play again after any foul.
(b) The player or side to strike first must alternate for each frame during a game.
(c) The first player plays from in-hand, the frame commencing when the cue-ball has been placed on the table and contacted by the tip of the cue, either
(i) as a stroke is made, or
(ii) while addressing the cue-ball. 
(d) If a frame is started by the wrong player or side:
(i) it shall be restarted correctly, without penalty, if only one stroke has been played and no foul has been committed since; or 
(ii) it shall continue in the normal way if another stroke has been played, or if a foul is committed after the completion of the first stroke, with the correct order of starting being resumed in the following frame such that one player or side will have started in three consecutive frames; or
(iii) it shall, in the event of a stalemate being declared (See Section 3 Rule 16), be re-started by the correct side.
(e) For a stroke to be fair, none of the infringements described below in Rule 10 (Penalties) must occur.
(f) For the first stroke of each turn, until all Reds are off the table, Red or a free ball nominated as a Red is the ball on, and the value or each Red and any free ball nominated as a Red, potted in the same stroke, is scored.
(g) (i) If a Red, or a free ball nominated as a Red, is potted, the same player plays the next stroke and the next ball on is a colour of the striker’s choice which, if potted, is scored and the colour is then spotted.
(ii) The break is continued by potting Reds and colours alternately until all the Reds are off the table and, where applicable, a colour has been played at following the potting of the last Red.
(iii) The colours then become on in the ascending order of their value as per Section 3 Rule 1(a) and when next potted remain off the table, except as provided for in Rule 4 below, and the striker plays the next stroke at the next colour on.
(iv) In the event that the striker, in a break, plays before the referee has completed spotting a colour while all other balls are at rest, the value of the colour shall not be scored and Section 3 Rule 10(a)(i) or Section 3 Rule 10(b)(i) shall apply as appropriate. 
(h) Reds are not replaced on the table once pocketed or forced off the table regardless of the fact that a player may thus benefit from a foul. Exceptions to this concept are provided for in Section 3 Rules 2(c)(ii), 9, 14(f), 14(h), 15 and 18(b).
(i) If the striker fails to pot a ball, he must leave the table without undue delay. In the event that he should commit any foul before, or while leaving the table, he will be penalised as provided for in Section 3 Rule 10. The next stroke is then played from where the cue-ball comes to rest, or from in-hand if the cue-ball is off the table, except when the cue-ball is replaced in accordance with Section 3 Rule 14(d).
(j) If any ball enters a pocket and rebounds onto the bed of the table, it does not count as having been pocketed. The striker has no redress if this occurs because a pocket is overloaded.

4. End of Frame, Game or Match
(a) When only the Black is left, the first score or foul ends the frame excepting only if the following conditions both apply:
(i) the scores are then equal, and
(ii) aggregate scores are not relevant.
(b) When both conditions in (a) above apply
(i) the Black is spotted,
(ii) the players draw lots for choice of playing
(iii) the next player plays from in-hand, and
(iv) the next score or foul ends the frame.
(c) When aggregate scores determine the winner of a game or match, and the aggregate scores are equal at the end of the last frame, the players in that frame shall follow the procedure for a re-spotted Black set out in (b) above.

5. Playing from In-hand
To play from in-hand, the cue-ball must be struck from a position on or within the lines of the “D”, but it may be played in any direction.
(a) The referee will state, if asked, whether the cue-ball is properly placed (that is, not outside the lines of the “D”). 
(b) If the tip of the cue should touch the cue-ball while positioning it, and the referee is satisfied that the striker was not attempting to play a stroke, then the cue-ball is not in play.

6. Hitting Two Balls Simultaneously
Two balls, other than two Reds or a free ball and a ball on, must not be struck simultaneously by the first impact of the cue-ball.

7. Spotting Colours
Any colour pocketed or forced off the table shall be spotted before the next stroke is made, until finally potted under Section 3 Rule 3(g) (iii).
(a) A player shall not be held responsible for any mistake by the referee in failing to spot correctly any ball.
(b) If a colour is spotted in error after being potted in ascending order as per Section 3 Rule 3(g)(iii), it shall be removed from the table without penalty when the error is discovered and play shall continue from the resulting position.
(c) If a stroke is made with a ball or balls not correctly spotted, they will be considered to be correctly spotted for subsequent strokes. Any colour incorrectly missing from the table will be spotted:
(i) without penalty when discovered if missing due to previous oversight,
(ii) subject to penalty if the striker player before the referee was able to effect the spotting.
(d) If a colour has to be spotted and its own spot is occupied, it shall be placed on the highest value spot available.
(e) If there is more than one colour to be spotted and their own spots are occupied, the highest value ball shall take precedence in order of spotting.
(f) If all spots are occupied, the colour shall be placed as near its own spot as possible, between that spot and the nearest part of the top cushion.
(g) In the case of Pink and Black, if all spots are occupied and there is no available space between the relevant spot and the nearest part of the top cushion, the colour shall be placed as near to its own spot as possible on the centre line of the table below the spot.
(h) In all cases, the colour when spotted must not be touching another ball.
(i) A colour, to be properly spotted, must be placed by hand on the spot designated in these Rules.

8. Touching Ball
(a) If the cue-ball comes to rest touching another ball or balls that are, or could be, on, the referee shall state TOUCHING BALL and indicate which ball or balls on the cue-ball is touching. If the cue-ball is touching one or more colours after a Red (or a free ball nominated as a Red) has been potted, the referee shall also ask the striker to DECLARE which colour he is on.
(b) When a touching ball has been called, the striker must play the cue-ball away from that ball without moving it or it is a push stroke.
(c) Providing the striker does not cause the object ball to move, there shall be no penalty if:
(i) the ball is on,
(ii) the ball could be on and the striker declares he is on it, or
(ii) the ball could be on and the striker declares, and first hits, another ball that could be on.
(d) If the cue-ball comes to rest touching or nearly touching a ball that is not on, the referee, if asked whether it is touching, will answer YES or NO. The striker must play away without disturbing it as above but must first hit a ball that is on.
(e) When the cue-ball is touching both a ball on and a ball not on, the referee shall only indicate the ball on as touching. If the striker should ask the referee whether the cue-ball is also touching the ball not on, he is entitled to be told.
(f) If the referee is satisfied that any movement of a touching ball at the moment of striking was not caused by the striker, he will not call a foul.
(g) If a stationary object ball, not touching the cue-ball when examined by the referee, is later seen to be in contact with the cue-ball before a stroke has been made, the balls shall be repositioned by the referee to his satisfaction. This also applies to a touching ball which later, when examined by the referee is not touching, the balls shall be repositioned by the referee to his satisfaction.

9. Ball on Edge of Pocket
When a ball falls into a pocket without being hit by another ball, and
(a) Being no part of any stroke in progress, it shall be replaced and any points scored shall count.
(b) If it would have been hit by any ball involved in a stroke:
(i) with no infringement of these Rules, all balls will be replaced and the same stroke played again, or a different stroke may be played at his discretion, by the same striker.
(ii) if a foul is committed, the striker incurs the penalty prescribed in Section 3 Rule 10, all balls will be replaced and the next player has the usual options after a foul.
(c) If a ball balances momentarily on the edge of a pocket and then falls in, it shall count as in the pocket and not be replaced.

12. Penalties
The following acts are fouls and incur a penalty of four points unless a higher one is indicated in paragraphs (a) to (d) below. Penalties are:
(a) value of the ball on by
(i) striking before the referee has completed the spotting of a colour taken as a free ball;
(ii) striking the cue-ball more than once during a stroke;
(iii) striking when both feet are off the floor;
(iv) playing out of turn, or playing a stroke before his opponent’s turn has ended contrary to Section 2 Rule 6 (e);
(v) playing improperly from in-hand, including at the opening stroke;
(vi) causing the cue-ball to miss all object balls;
(vii) causing the cue-ball to enter a pocket;
(viii) causing the cue-ball to be snookered behind a free ball, except as provided for in Section 3 Rule 12(b)(ii);
(ix) playing a jump shot;
(x) playing with a non-standard cue; or
(xi) conferring with a partner contrary to Section 3 Rule 17(e);
(b) value of the ball on or ball concerned, whichever is higher, by
(i) striking when any ball is not at rest;
(ii) striking before the referee has completed the spotting of a colour that is not a free ball;
(iii) causing a ball not on to enter a pocket;
(iv) causing the cue-ball to first hit a ball not on;
(v) making a push stroke;
(vi) touching a ball or ball marker in play, other than in the lawful execution of a stroke; or
(vii) causing a ball to be forced off the table;
(c) value of the ball on or higher value of the two balls concerned by causing the cue-ball to first hit simultaneously two balls, other than two Reds (when Red is the ball on) or a free ball and a ball on;
(d) seven points if the striker:
(i) uses a ball off the table for any purpose;
(ii) uses any object to measure gaps or distance;
(iii) plays at Reds, or a free ball followed by a Red, in successive strokes;
(iv) uses any ball other than White as the cue-ball for any stroke after the frame has started;
(v) fails to declare which ball he is on when snookered or when requested to do so by the referee; or
(vi) after potting a Red (or free ball nominated as a Red), commits a foul before a colour has been nominated.
11. Fouls
If a foul is committed, the referee shall immediately state FOUL.
(a) If the striker has not made a stroke, his turn ends immediately and the referee shall announce the penalty.
(b) If a stroke has been made, the referee will wait until completion of the stroke before announcing the penalty.
(c) If a foul is neither awarded by the referee, nor successfully claimed by the non-striker before the next stroke is made, it is condoned.
(d) Any colour not correctly spotted shall remain where positioned except that if off the table it shall be correctly spotted.
(e) All points scored in a break before a foul is awarded are allowed but the striker shall not score any points for any ball pocketed in a stroke called foul. 
(f) The next stroke is played from where the cue-ball comes to rest or, if the cue-ball is off the table, from in-hand.
(g) If more than one foul is committed in the same stroke, the highest value penalty shall be incurred.
(h) The player who committed the foul
(i) incurs the penalty prescribed in Rule 12 below, and 
(ii) has to play the next stroke if requested by the next player.

10. Snookered After a Foul
After a foul, if the cue-ball is snookered, the referee shall state FREE BALL (see Section 2, Rule 17).
(a) If the player next in turn elects to play the next stroke,
(i) he may nominate any ball as the ball on, and
(ii) any nominated ball shall be regarded as, and acquire the value of, the ball on except that, if potted, is shall then be spotted.
(b) It is a foul if the cue-ball should
(i) fail to hit the nominated ball first, or first simultaneously with the ball on, or
(ii) be snookered on all Reds, or the ball on, by the free ball thus nominated, except when the Pink and Black are the only object balls remaining on the table.
(c) If the free ball is potted, it is spotted and the value of the ball on is scored.
(d) If a ball on is potted, after the cue-ball struck the nominated ball first, or simultaneously with a ball on, the ball on is scored and remains off the table. 
(e) If both the nominated ball and a ball on are potted, only the ball on is scored unless it was a Red, when each ball potted is scored. The free ball is then spotted and the ball on remains off the table.
(f) If the offender is asked to play again, the free ball call becomes void.

13. Play Again
Once a player has requested an opponent to play again after a foul or requested the replacement of ball(s) after a Foul and a Miss, such request cannot be withdrawn. The offender, having been asked to play again, is entitled to:
(a) change his mind as to
(i) which stroke he will play, and
(ii) which ball on he will attempt to hit.
(b) score points for any ball or balls he may pot.

14. Foul and a Miss
The striker shall, to the best of his ability, endeavour to hit the ball on. If the referee considers the Rule infringed, he shall call FOUL AND A MISS unless only the Black remains on the table, or a situation exists where it is impossible to hit the ball on. In the latter case it must be assumed the striker is attempting to hit the ball on provided that he plays, directly or indirectly, at the ball on with sufficient strength, in the referee’s opinion, to have reached the ball on but for the obstructing ball or balls.
(a) After a Foul and a Miss has been called, the next player may request the offender to play again from the position left or, at his discretion, from the original position, in which latter case the ball on shall be the same as it was prior to the last stroke made, namely:
(i) any Red, where Red was the ball on;
(ii) the colour on, where all Reds were off the table; or
(iii) a colour of the strikers choice, where the ball on was a colour after a Red had been potted.
(b) If the striker, in making a stroke, fails to first hit a ball on when there is a clear path in a straight line from the cue-ball to any part of any ball that is or could be on, the referee shall call FOUL AND A MISS, unless:
(i) any player needed penalty points before, or as a result of, the stroke being played; (see (b) (ii)
(ii) before or after the stroke, the points available on the table are equal to the points difference excluding the value of the re-spotted black; 
and the referee is satisfied that the miss was not intentional.
(c) After a miss has been called under paragraph (b) above when there was a clear path in a straight line from the cue-ball to a ball that was on or that could have been on, such that central, full-ball, contact was available (in the case of Reds, this to be taken as a full diameter of any Red that is not obstructed by a colour), then:
(i) a further failure to first hit a ball on in making a stroke from the same position shall be called as a FOUL AND A MISS regardless of the difference in scores; 
(ii) if asked to play again from the original position, the offender shall be warned by the referee that a third failure will result in the frame being awarded to his opponent; and
(iii) if asked to play again from a different position, the Foul and a Miss situation starts again.
(d) After the cue-ball has been replaced under this Rule, and the striker fouls any ball, including the cue-ball while preparing to play a stroke, a miss will not be called if a stroke has not been played. In this case the appropriate penalty will be imposed; and the ball on shall be the same as prior to the last stroke made, namely:
(i) any Red, where Red was the ball on;
(ii) the colour on, where all Reds were off the table; or
(iii) a colour of the strikers choice, where the ball on was a colour after a Red had been potted; and
(iv) the next player may elect to play the stroke himself or ask the offender to play again from the position left; or
(v) the next player may ask the referee to replace all balls moved to their original position and have the offender play again from there; and
(vi) if the above situation arises during a sequence of miss calls, any warning concerning the possible awarding of the frame to his opponent shall remain in effect.
(e) All other misses will be called at the discretion of the referee, unless, before or after the stroke, the points available on the table are equal to the point’s difference excluding the value of the re-spotted black.
(f) After a miss and a request by the next player to replace the cue-ball, any object balls disturbed will remain where they are unless the referee considers the offending player would or could gain an advantage. In the latter case, any or all disturbed balls may be replaced to the referee’s satisfaction and in either case, colours incorrectly off the table will be spotted or replaced as appropriate.
(g) When any ball is being replaced after a miss, both the offender and the next player will be consulted as to its position, after which the referee’s decision shall be final.
(h) During such consultation, if either player should touch any ball in play, he shall be penalised as if he were the striker, without affecting the order of play. The ball touched shall be replaced by the referee, to his satisfaction, if necessary, even if it was picked up.
(i) The next player may ask if the referee intends to replace balls other than the cue-ball in the event that he should ask for the stroke to be played from the original position, and the referee shall state his intentions.

15. Ball Moved by Other than Striker
If a ball, stationary or moving, is disturbed other than by the striker, it shall be re-positioned by the referee to the place he judges the ball was, or would have finished, without penalty.
(a) This Rule shall include cases where another occurrence or person, other than the striker’s partner, causes the striker to move a ball, but will not apply in cases where a ball moves due to any defect in the table surface, except in the case where a spotted ball moves before the next stroke has been made.
(b) No player shall be penalised for any disturbance of balls by the referee.

16. Stalemate
If the referee thinks a position of stalemate exists, or is being approached, he shall offer the players the immediate option of re-starting the frame. If any player objects, the referee shall allow play to continue with the proviso that the situation must change within a stated period, usually after three more strokes to each side but at the referee’s discretion. If the situation remains basically unchanged after the stated period has expired, the referee shall nullify all scores and re-set all balls as for the start of a frame. The same player shall again make the opening stroke, subject to Section 3 Rule 3(d) (iii), with the same established order of play being maintained.

17. Four-handed Snooker
(a) In a four-handed game each side shall open alternate frames and the order of play shall be determined at the start of each frame and, when so determined, must be maintained throughout that frame.
(b) Players may change the order of play at the start of each new frame.
(c) (c) If a foul is committed and a request to play again is made, the player who committed the foul plays the next stroke and the order of play is unchanged. If the foul was called for playing out of turn, the offender’s partner will lose a turn, whether or not the offender is asked to play again.
(d) When a frame ends in a tie Section 3 Rule 4 applies. If a re-spotted Black is necessary the pair who play the first stroke have the choice of which player will make that stroke. The order of play must then continue as in the frame.
(e) Partners may confer during a frame but not whilst one is the striker and has approached the table until the break has ended with a non-scoring stroke or foul.

18. Use of Ancillary Equipment
It is the responsibility of the striker to both place and remove any equipment he may use at the table.
(a) (a) The striker is responsible for all items including, but not limited to, rests and extensions that he brings to the table, whether owned by him or borrowed (except from the referee), and he will be penalised for any fouls made by him when using this equipment.
(b) Equipment normally found at the table which has been provided by another party including the referee is not the responsibility of the striker. If this equipment should prove to be faulty and thereby cause the striker to touch a ball or balls, no foul will be called.
(c) The referee will, if necessary, reposition any balls in accordance with Section 3 Rule 15 above and the striker, if in a break, will be allowed to continue without penalty.

19. Interpretation
(a) Throughout these Rules and Definitions, words implying the masculine gender shall equally apply to and include the female gender.
(b) Circumstances may necessitate adjustment in how Rules are applied for persons with physical handicaps. In particular and for example:
(i) Section 3 Rule 12(a)(ii) cannot be applied to players in wheelchairs, and
(ii) a player, upon request to the referee, shall be told the colour of a ball if he is unable to differentiate between colours as, for example, red and green.
(c) When there is no referee, such as in a social game, the opposing player or side will be regarded as such for the purpose of these Rules.

SECTION 4. THE PLAYERS

1. Conduct
(a)In the event of: 
(i) a Player taking an abnormal amount of time over a stroke or the selection of a stroke; or
(ii) any conduct by a Player which in the opinion of the referee is wilfully or persistently unfair; or
(iii) any other conduct by a Player which otherwise amounts to ungentle manly conduct; or
(iv) refusing to continue a frame;
the referee shall either:
(v) warn the Player that in the event of any such further conduct the frame will be awarded to his opponent; or
(vi) award the frame to his opponent; or
(vii) in the event that the conduct is sufficiently serious award the game to his opponent

(b)If a referee has warned the Player under (v) above, in the event of any further conduct as referred to above, the referee must either:
(i) award the frame to his opponent; or
(ii) in the event that the further conduct is sufficiently serious, award the game to his opponent.

(c)If a referee has awarded a frame to a Player’s opponent pursuant to the above provisions, in the event of any further conduct as referred to above by the Player concerned, the referee must award the game to the Player’s opponent.
(d) Any decision by a referee to award a frame and/or the game to a Player’s opponent shall be final and shall not be subject to any appeal.

2. Penalty
(a) If a frame is forfeited under this Section, the offender shall:
(i) lose the frame; and
(ii) forfeit all points scored and the non-offender shall receive a number of points equivalent to the value of the balls remaining on the table, with each Red counting as eight points and any colour incorrectly off the table being counted as if spotted. 
(b) If a game is forfeited under this Section, the offender shall
(i)   lose the frame in progress as in (a); and 
(ii)  additionally lose the required number of unplayed frames to complete the game where frames are relevant; or 
(iii) additionally lose the remaining frames, each valued at 147 points, where aggregate points apply

3. Non-striker
The non-striker shall, when the striker is playing, avoid standing or moving in the line of sight of the striker. He shall sit or stand at a reasonable distance from the table and avoid making any movement or action that may interrupt the concentration of the striker.

4. Absence
In the case of his absence from the room, the non-striker may appoint a deputy to watch his interest and claim a foul if necessary.  Such appointment must be made known to the referee prior to departure.

5. Conceding
(a) A player may only concede when he is the striker. The opponent has the right to accept or refuse the concession, which becomes null and void if the opponent chooses to play on        
(b)   When aggregate scores apply and a frame is conceded, the value of any balls remaining on the table is added to the score of the other side. In such case, Reds shall count as eight points each and any colour incorrectly.
(c)    A player shall not concede a frame in any match unless snookers are required.  Any breach of this rule shall be regarded as ungentle manly conduct by the player concerned.

SECTION 5. THE OFFICIALS

1. The Referee
(a) The referee shall
(i) be the sole judge of fair and unfair play,
(ii) be free to make a decision in the interests of fair play for any situation not covered adequately by these Rules,
(iii) be responsible for the proper conduct of the game under these Rules
(iv) intervene if he sees any infringement of these Rules
(v) tell a player the colour of a ball if requested, and
(vi) clean any ball upon reasonable request by a player.
(b) The referee shall not
(i) answer any question not authorised in these Rules,
(ii) give any indication that a player is about to make a foul stroke,
(iii) give any advice or opinion on points affecting play, nor
(iv) answer any question regarding the difference in scores.
(c) If the referee has failed to notice any incident, he may at his discretion take the evidence of the marker or other officials or spectator’s best placed for the observation or may view a camera/video recording of the incident to assist his decision.

2. The Marker
The marker shall keep the score on the scoreboard and assist the referee in carrying out his duties. He shall also act as recorder if necessary.

3. The Recorder
The recorder shall maintain a record of each stroke played, showing fouls where appropriate and how many points are scored by each player or side as required. He shall also make note of break totals.

4. Assistance by Officials
(a) At the striker’s request, the referee or marker shall move and hold in position any lighting apparatus that interferes with the action of the striker in making a stroke.
It is permissible for the referee or marker to give necessary assistance to handicapped players according to their circumstances.

 

A SIMPLIFIED FORM OF SNOOKER (i.e. SIX REDS)
This version can be played with any number of red balls.
All the usual Snooker rules apply with the following exceptions:
1.There will be no more than five consecutive Foul and a Miss calls at any one time.
2. After four consecutive Foul and a Miss calls, the referee will warn the offending player that should a Foul and a Miss be called again the following options are available to the non-striker:
(i) play himself from where the balls have come to rest;
(ii) ask his opponent to play from where the balls have to come to rest;
(iii) place the cue ball anywhere on the table, but this option cannot be taken if play has reached the “snookers required” stage.
3. A player cannot snooker behind a nominated colour at any time

 

RULES OF BILLIARDS

The Official Rules of English Billiards

SECTION 1. EQUIPMENT

Measurements in parentheses state the metric equivalent to the nearest millimetre

1. The Standard Table

• Dimensions

The playing area within the cushion faces shall measure 11ft 8½in x 5 ft 10in (3569mm x 1778mm) with a tolerance on both dimensions of +/_ ½in (+/_ 13mm).

• Height

The height of the table from the floor to the top of the cushion rail shall be from 2ft 9½in to 2ft 10½in (851mm to 876mm).

• Pocket Openings

There shall be pockets at the corners (two at the Spot end known as the top pockets and two at the Baulk end known as the bottom pockets) and one each at the middle of the longer sides (known as the centre pockets).

• The pocket openings shall conform to the templates authorised by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).
• Baulk-line and Baulk

A straight line drawn 29in (737mm) from the face of the bottom cushion and parallel to it is called the Baulk-line, and that line and the intervening space is termed the Baulk.

• The “D”

The “D” is a semi-circle described in Baulk with its centre at the middle of the Baulk-line and with a radius of 11½in (292mm).

• Spots

Four spots are marked on the centre longitudinal line of the table:
the Spot, 12¾in (324mm) from a point perpendicularly below the face of the top cushion.

• the Centre Spot, located midway between the faces of the top and bottom cushions.
• the Pyramid Spot, located midway between the Centre Spot and the face of the top cushion.
• the Middle of the Baulk-line.

2. Balls

The balls shall be of an approved composition and shall each have a diameter of 52.5mm with a tolerance of +/_ 0.05mm and:

• they shall be of equal weight within a tolerance of 0.5g per set
• a set of balls may be changed by agreement between the players or on a decision by the referee.

3. Cue

A cue shall be not less that 3ft (914mm) in length and shall show no substantial departure from the traditional and generally accepted shape and form.

4. Ancillary

Various cue rests, long cues (called butts and half-butts according to length), extensions and adaptors may be used by players faced with difficult positions for cueing. These may form part of the equipment normally found at the table but also include equipment introduced by either player or the referee (see also Section 3 Rule 18). All extensions, adaptors and other devices to aid cueing must be of a design approved by the WPBSA.

SECTION 2 DEFINITIONS

1. Game

A game is the period of play from the opening stroke until it is completed by

• reaching the end of a specified period of time,
• either side reaching the number of points specified, or
• being awarded by the referee under Section 4 Rule 2.

2. Match

A match is an agreed or stipulated number of games.

3. Balls

• The cue-ball is the ball of the striker
• The other white ball and the red are object balls.

4. Stringing

Stringing is when both players (or one from each side) play together from the Baulk-line on either side of the “D” to the top cushion, with the object of leaving the ball played closer to the bottom cushion than the ball played by the opponent.

5. Striker

The person about to play or in play is the striker and remains so until the referee has decided he has left the table at the end of his turn.

6. Stroke

• A stroke is made when the striker strikes the cue-ball with the tip of the cue.
• A stroke is fair when no infringement of Rule is made.
• A stroke is not completed until all balls have come to rest.
• A stroke may be made directly or indirectly, thus:

a stroke is direct when the cue-ball strikes an object ball without first striking a cushion

• a stroke is indirect when the cue-ball strikes one or more cushions before striking the first, or second object ball.

7. Pot

A pot is when an object ball, after contact with another ball and without any infringement of these Rules, enters a pocket. Causing a ball to be potted is known as potting. A pot is also known as a winning hazard.

8. In-off

An in-off is when the cue-ball, after contacting an object ball and without any infringement of these Rules, enters a pocket. If both object balls are contacted by the cue-ball, it is held to have gone in-off the first object ball contacted. An in-off is also known as a losing hazard.

9. Hazard

A hazard is any scoring stroke that does not include a cannon, being any of

• a pot,
• an in-off,
• two pots,
• a pot and an in-off, or
• two pots and an in-off.

10. Cannon

A cannon is when, without any infringement of these Rules, the cue-ball makes contact with both object balls during a stroke.

11. Break

A break is a number of scoring strokes in succession made in any one turn by the striker.

12. In-hand

• A player’s ball is in-hand
• before the start of each game,

• when it has entered a pocket, or
• when it has been forced off the table.
• It remains in-hand until
• it is played fairly from in-hand,

• a foul is committed whilst the ball is on the table, or
• it is spotted under Section 3 Rules 10(c) or 15(c)(ii).
• The striker is said to be in-hand when the cue-ball is in-hand as above.

13. Ball in Play

• A player’s ball is in play when it is not in-hand.
• The red is in play when spotted and remains so until pocketed or forced off the table.

14. Ball in Baulk

A ball is in Baulk when it rests on the Baulk-line or between that line and the bottom cushion.

15. Forced off the table

A ball is forced off the table if it comes to rest other than on the bed of the table or in a pocket, or if it is picked up by the striker whilst it is in play.

16. Miss

A miss is when the cue-ball fails to contact either object ball.

17. Running a coup

The striker when in hand directly pockets his cue ball when no ball(s) are in play.

18. Foul

A foul is any infringement of these Rules.

19. Spot Occupied

A spot is said to be occupied if a ball cannot be placed on it without that ball touching another ball.

20. Push Stroke

A push stroke is made when the tip of the cue remains in contact with the cue-ball

• after the cue-ball has commenced its forward motion, or
• as the cue-ball makes contact with an object ball except, where the cue-ball and an object ball are almost touching, it shall not be deemed a push stroke if the cue-ball hits a very fine edge of the object ball.

21. Jump shot

A jump shot is made when the cue-ball passes over any part of an object ball, whether touching it in the process or not, except:

• when the cue-ball first strikes one object ball and then jumps over the other ball.

• when the cue-ball jumps and strikes an object ball, but does not land on the far side of that ball.

• when, after striking a ball lawfully, the cue-ball jumps over that ball after hitting a cushion or another ball.

SECTION 3 THE GAME

1. Description

English Billiards is played by two persons or sides and the game can be summarised as follows:

• Three balls are used: a plain white by one side, a spot white (with two or more black spots for identification) by the other side, and a red.
• Scoring strokes in a player’s turn are made by pots, in-offs and cannons singly or in combination.
• Points awarded for scoring strokes are added to the score of the striker.
• Penalty points from fouls and misses are added to the opponent’s score.
• A tactic employed at any time during a game is to leave both object balls in Baulk when the next player is in-hand such that any attempt at disturbing the balls must be by means of an indirect stroke.
• The winner of a game is the player or side who has scored most points in the agreed or stipulated time,

• who first reaches the agreed or stipulated number of points,
• to whom the game is awarded under Section 4 Rule 2, or
• to whom the game is conceded.
• The winner of a match is the player or side winning most games or, where aggregate points are relevant, with the greatest total.

2. Start of Game

The choice of white ball and which side is to play first shall be decided by stringing or any mutually agreed manner, the winner having both options unless all players mutually agree on these options.

• The order of play thus determined must remain unaltered throughout the game.
• The red is placed on the Spot and the first player plays from in-hand, the game commencing when the cue-ball has been placed on the table and contacted with the tip of the cue, either
• as a stroke is made, or

• while addressing the cue-ball
• If the wrong white ball is used for the opening stroke, that stroke is void and the game must be started with the correct ball. Once the game has started, it is the responsibility of the striker to ensure that he plays with the correct white ball even if the wrong white ball is passed to him by the referee.

3. Mode of Play

The players play alternately, or in turn, unless a score is made, in which case the striker continues the break playing from the position left or, after an in-off or if touching another ball as provided for in Section 3 Rule13, from in-hand. When the striker fails to score, his turn ends and the next player plays from the position then left, this being from in-hand if his cue-ball is off the table or touching another ball as provided for in Section 3 Rule 13. After a foul the next player has the additional option of playing from in-hand with both object balls spotted as provided for in Section 3 Rule 15(c)(ii).

4. Scoring

Points are awarded as follows:

• A cannon, pot white and in-off white shall each score two.
• A pot red and an in-off red shall each score three.
• If more than one hazard or a combination of hazard/s and cannon are made in the same stroke, all are scored.
• When an in-off is combined with a cannon, the in-off shall score (additionally to the cannon)
• three points if the red was struck first by the cue-ball,

• two points if the object white was struck first, or
• two points if both object balls were struck simultaneously.

5. End of Session and Game

• (a) At the end of the period of time set for any session, the referee shall call TIME. Any stroke that has been made shall be allowed to finish and any points scored shall be added to the appropriate side. If other sessions are to follow, the position of all balls shall be measured and noted by the referee so that the next session may commence from the point of interruption.
• (b) The end of the final session as above is the end of a game in a time format.

(c) In a game or match played to a time limit, it is possible that the scores could be level at the end of the period of time allowed and the rules setting the period of time should include any provision for any necessary tie-break.
(d) When playing to an agreed or stipulated number of points, the end of the game is reached when a player first reaches or passes the required number. Only the points required are counted, though the player shall be credited with a break that includes all points scored.

6. Playing from In-hand

To play from in-hand, the cue-ball must be struck from a position on or within the lines of the “D”, and

• the referee will state, if asked, whether the cue-ball is properly placed (that is, not outside the lines of the “D”).

• if the tip of the cue should touch the cue-ball while positioning it, and the referee is satisfied that the striker was not attempting to play a stroke, then the cue-ball is not in play.
• The cue-ball must be played out of Baulk. If it contacts an object ball when it is out of Baulk, the cue-ball is held to have been played out of Baulk even though it may not physically cross the Baulk-line.
• The cue-ball must contact a cushion or ball out of Baulk before re-entering and coming to rest in Baulk, or before hitting a ball in Baulk.
• The cue-ball may be played against a cushion in Baulk before hitting a ball out of Baulk.
• If an object ball is in Baulk, no part of its surface may be played on directly from in-hand, even if that part of its surface is above the Baulk-line.

7. Ball on Baulk-line

The referee shall state, if asked, whether a ball on or near the Baulk-line is in Baulk or out of Baulk.

8. Spotting Object Balls

• If the red is pocketed or forced off the table, it is placed on the Spot, or
• if the Spot is occupied, it shall be placed on the Pyramid Spot

• if both the Spot and the Pyramid Spot are occupied, it shall be placed on the Centre Spot.
• If the red is potted twice in succession in one break from the Spot or from the Pyramid Spot, not in conjunction with another score, it shall be placed on the Centre Spot, or
• if the Centre Spot is occupied, it shall be placed on the Pyramid Spot.

• if both the Centre Spot and the Pyramid Spot are occupied, it shall be placed on the Spot.
• For continued pots of the red, not in conjunction with another score, it shall be placed on the Spot twice, then the Centre Spot once, in sequence while those spots are not occupied.
• The referee shall inform the striker upon request how many consecutive pots have been made off the same spot.
• A ball is not considered to be on any spot unless it was placed there by hand.
• If another ball should touch any ball that has been placed by hand on a spot, that ball is no longer considered to be on that spot, even though it may not have moved.
• A player shall not be held responsible for any mistake by the referee in failing to spot correctly any object ball.

9. Limitation of Cannons

Consecutive cannons, not in conjunction with a hazard, are limited to seventy-five.

• After seventy such cannons, the referee shall state SEVENTY CANNONS. If the referee should fail to announce when seventy cannons have been made, the striker shall be entitled to make five more such cannons after the referee does announce SEVENTY CANNONS.
• The referee shall inform the striker upon request how many consecutive strokes of cannons have been made.

10. Limitation of Hazards

Consecutive hazards, not in conjunction with a cannon, are limited to fifteen strokes.

• After ten such strokes of hazards, the referee shall state TEN HAZARDS. If the referee should fail to announce when ten hazards have been made, the striker shall be entitled to make five more such hazards after the referee does announce TEN HAZARDS.
• The referee shall inform the striker upon request how many consecutive strokes of hazards have been made.
• If the non-striker’s ball is off the table as a result of the non-striker’s last stroke, it shall be placed on the Middle of the Baulk-line after the fifteenth hazard or, if that is occupied, on the right-hand corner of the “D”, viewed from the bottom end of the table.

11. Ball on Edge of Pocket

• If a ball falls into a pocket without being hit by another ball, and being no part of any stroke in progress, it shall be replaced and any points scored shall count.
• If it would have been hit by any ball involved in a stroke:
• with no infringement of these Rules, all balls will be replaced and the same stroke played again, or a different stroke may be played at his discretion, by the same striker.

• if a foul is committed all balls will be replaced and the next player has the usual options after a foul.
• If a ball balances momentarily on the edge of a pocket and then falls in, it shall count as in the pocket and not be replaced.

12. Ball Moved by Other than Striker

If a ball, stationary or moving, is disturbed other than by the striker, it shall be re-positioned by the referee to the place he judges the ball was, or would have finished.

• This Rule shall include cases where another occurrence or person, other than the striker’s partner, causes the striker to move a ball.
• No player shall be penalised for any disturbance of balls by the referee.

13. Touching Ball

When the striker’s ball remains touching another ball, red shall be placed on the Spot, the non-striker’s ball, if on the table, shall be placed on the Centre Spot, and the striker shall play from in-hand.

14. Fouls

The following acts are fouls:

• striking a ball other than the cue-ball,
• striking the cue-ball more than once,
• striking when both feet are off the floor,
• playing out of turn
• playing improperly from in-hand, including at the opening stroke,
• striking when any ball is not at rest,
• playing a jump shot,
• making a push stroke,
• causing a ball to be forced off the table,
• making more than fifteen consecutive hazards,
• making more than seventy-five consecutive cannons,
• touching a ball or ball marker in play, other than in the lawful execution of a stroke,
• striking before the referee has completed the spotting of a ball,
• causing the cue-ball to miss all object balls, other than as provided for in Rule 16 below,
• conferring with a partner contrary to Rule 17 below,
• playing with a non-standard cue, and
• running a coup.

15. Action after a Foul

When a foul is committed, the referee shall immediately call FOUL.

• If the striker has not made a stroke, his turn ends immediately.
• All points scored in a break before a foul is awarded are allowed but the striker shall not score any points in a stroke called foul.
• All fouls will incur a penalty of two points but not more than two points shall be forfeited in any one stroke. Additionally, the next player shall have the option of playing
• from where the balls have come to rest, the red if not correctly spotted remaining where positioned except that if off the table it shall be correctly spotted, or

• from in-hand with the red placed on the Spot and the object white placed on the Centre Spot.
• If the foul is neither awarded by the referee, nor successfully claimed by the non-striker before the next stroke is made, it is condoned.

16. Action after a Miss

If a miss is made, by other than a stroke made directly into a pocket or off a shoulder of a pocket when the striker is in-hand with no object ball out of Baulk, the referee shall call MISS. A penalty of two points is incurred, which is added to the opponent’s score. Any other miss is a foul, and all direct ‘coups’ are fouls.

17. Four-handed Billiards

• The side to make the first stroke is decided by the winner of the stringing, as per Section 3 Rule 2. The order of play is then determined by the next player after which the order must remain unchanged throughout the game.
• Partners may confer during a game but not
• whilst one is the striker and at the table, nor
• after the first stroke of the striker’s turn until the break ends.

18. Use of Ancillary Equipment

It is the responsibility if the striker to both place and remove any equipment he may use at the table.

• The striker is responsible for all items including, but not limited to, rests and extensions that he brings to the table, whether owned by him or borrowed (except from the referee), and he will be penalised for any fouls made by him when using this equipment.
• Equipment normally found at the table which has been provided by another party including the referee are not responsibility of the striker. Should this equipment prove to be faulty and thereby cause the striker to touch a ball or balls, no foul will be called. The referee will, if necessary, reposition any balls in accordance with Rule 12 above and the striker, if in a break, will be allowed to continue without penalty.

19. Interpretation

• Throughout these Rules and Definitions, words implying the masculine gender shall equally apply to and include the female gender.
• Circumstances may necessitate adjustment in how Rules are applied for persons with physical handicaps. In particular and for example Section 3 Rule 14(c) cannot be applied to players in wheelchairs.
• When there is no referee, such as in a social game, the opposing player will be regarded as such for the purpose of these Rules.

SECTION 4 THE PLAYERS

1. Time Wasting

If the referee considers that a player is taking an abnormal amount of time over a stroke or the selection of a stroke, he shall warn the player that he is liable to have the game awarded to his opponent.

2. Unfair Conduct

For refusing to continue a game, or for conduct which, in the opinion of the referee is wilfully or persistently unfair, including continued time wasting after being warned under Rule 1 above or ungentlemanly conduct, a player shall lose the game.

3. Penalty

When a game is forfeited under this Section

• if it was to be decided on an agreed or stipulated number of points, the offender shall forfeit all points scored and the non-offender shall win the game by the agreed or stipulated number of points to nil, or
• if it was over an agreed or stipulated period of time and forms part of a match, the match shall be forfeited.

4. Non-striker

The non-striker shall, when the striker is playing, avoid standing or moving in the line of sight of the striker. He shall sit or stand at a reasonable distance from the table.

5. Absence

In the case of his absence from the room, the non-striker may appoint a deputy to watch his interests and claim a foul if necessary. Such appointment must be made known to the referee prior to departure.

6. Conceding

A player may only concede when he is the striker. The opponent has the right to accept or refuse the concession, which becomes null and void if the opponent chooses to play on.

SECTION 5 THE OFFICIALS

1. The Referee

• the referee shall
• be the sole judge of fair and unfair play

• be free to make a decision in the interests of fair play for any situation not covered adequately by Rule,
• be responsible for the proper conduct of the game under these Rules,
• intervene if he sees any infringement of these Rules,
• clean any ball upon reasonable request by a player.
• The referee shall not
• (i) answer any question not authorised in these Rules,

• (ii) give any indication that a player is about to make a foul stroke,
• (iii) give any advice or opinion on points affecting play, nor
• (iv) answer any question regarding the difference in scores.
• If the referee has failed to notice any incident, he may take the evidence of the marker or other officials or spectators best placed for observation to assist his decision.

2. The Marker

The marker shall keep the score on the scoreboard and assist the referee in carrying out his duties. He shall also act as recorder if necessary.

3. The Recorder

The recorder shall maintain a record of each stroke played, showing fouls, hazards and cannons where appropriate and how many points are scored by each player or side as required. He shall also make a note of break totals, and calculate average scores per turn after the completion of the game.

4. Assistance by Officials

• At the striker’s request, the referee or marker shall move and hold in position any lighting apparatus that interferes with the action of the striker in making a stroke.
• It is permissible for the referee or marker to give necessary assistance to handicapped players according to their circumstances

 

POOL GENERAL RULES

(Effective 15/3/16) 1. General Rules 1.1 Player’s Responsibility  1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play  1.3 Player’s Use of Equipment  1.4 Spotting Balls  1.5 Cue Ball in Hand  1.6 Standard Call Shot  1.7 Balls Settling  1.8 Restoring a Position  1.9 Outside Interference  1.10 Prompting Calls and Protesting Rulings  1.11 Concession  1.12 Stalemate 1. General Rules  The following General Rules apply to all the games covered by these rules except when contradicted by specific game rules. In addition, the Regulations of Pool Billiards cover aspects of the game not directly related to the game rules, such as equipment specifications and organization of events. The games of Pool Billiards are played on a flat table covered with cloth and bounded by rubber cushions. The player uses a stick (pool cue) to strike a cue ball which in turn strikes object balls. The goal is to drive object balls into six pockets located at the cushion boundary. The games vary according to which balls are legal targets and the requirements to win a match. [Editorial comments on the U.S. English version: The masculine gender has been used for simplicity of wording and is not intended to specify the gender of the players or officials. The word “game” is used to refer to a discipline such as nine ball rather than a rack or a match.] 1.1 Player’s Responsibility  It is the player’s responsibility to be aware of all rules, regulations and schedules applying to competition. While tournament officials will make every reasonable effort to have such information readily available to all players as appropriate, the ultimate responsibility rests with the player. 1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play  The lag is the first shot of the match and determines order of play. The player who wins the lag chooses who will shoot first. The referee will place a ball on each side of the table behind the head string and near the head string. The players will shoot at about the same time to make each ball contact the foot cushion with the goal of returning the ball closer to the head cushion than the opponent. A lag shot is bad and cannot win if the shooter’s ball: (a) crosses the long string; b) contacts the foot cushion other than once; (c) is pocketed or driven off the table; (d) touches the side cushion; or (e) the ball rests within the corner pocket and past the nose of the head cushion. In addition, a lag will be bad if any non-object-ball foul occurs other than 6.9 Balls Still Moving. The players will lag again if: (a) a player’s ball is struck after the other ball has touched the foot cushion; (b) the referee cannot determine which ball has stopped closer to the head cushion; or (c) both lags are bad. 1.3 Player’s Use of Equipment  The equipment must meet existing WPA equipment specifications.  In general, players are not permitted to introduce novel equipment into the game. The following uses, among others, are considered normal. If the player is uncertain about a particular use of equipment, he should discuss it with the tournament management prior to the start of play.  The equipment must be used only for the purpose or in the manner that the equipment was intended. (See 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.) (a) Cue Stick – The player is permitted to switch between cue sticks during the match, such as break, jump and normal cues. He may use either a built-in extender or an add-on extender to increase the length of the stick. (b) Chalk – The player may apply chalk to his tip to prevent miscues, and may use his own chalk, provided its color is compatible with the cloth. (c) Mechanical Bridges – The player may use up to two mechanical bridges to support the cue stick during the shot. The configuration of the bridges is up to the player. He may use his own bridge if it is similar to standard bridges. (d) Gloves – The player may use gloves to improve the grip and/or bridge hand function. (e) Powder – A player is allowed to use powder in a reasonable amount as determined by the referee. 1.4 Spotting Balls  Balls are spotted (returned to play on the table) by placing them on the long string (long axis of the table) as close as possible to the foot spot and between the foot spot and the foot rail, without moving any interfering ball. If the spotted ball cannot be placed on the foot spot, it should be placed in contact (if possible) with the corresponding interfering ball. However, when the cue ball is next to the spotted ball, the spotted ball should not be placed in contact with the cue ball; a small separation must be maintained. If all of the long string below the foot spot is blocked by other balls, the ball is spotted above the foot spot, and as close as possible to the foot spot. 1.5 Cue Ball in Hand  When the cue ball is in hand, the shooter may place the cue ball anywhere on the playing surface (see 8.1 Parts of the Table) and may continue to move the cue ball until he executes a shot. (See definition 8.2 Shot.) Players may use any part of the cue stick to move the cue ball, including the tip, but not with a forward stroke motion. In some games and for most break shots, placement of the cue ball may be restricted to the area behind the head string depending on the rules of the game, and then 6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement and 6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String may apply. When the shooter has the cue ball in hand behind the head string and all the legal object balls are behind the head string, he may request the legal object ball nearest the head string to be spotted.  If two or more balls are equal distance from the head string, the shooter may designate which of the equidistant balls is to be spotted. An object ball that rests exactly on the head string is playable. 1.6 Standard Call Shot  In games in which the shooter is required to call shots, the intended ball and pocket must be indicated for each shot if they are not obvious. Details of the shot, such as cushions struck or other balls contacted or pocketed are irrelevant. Only one ball may be called on each shot. For a called shot to count, the referee must be satisfied that the intended shot was made, so if there is any chance of confusion, e.g. with bank, combination and similar shots, the shooter should indicate the ball and pocket. If the referee or opponent is unsure of the shot to be played, he may ask for a call. In call shot games, the shooter may choose to call “safety” instead of a ball and pocket, and then play passes to the opponent at the end of the shot. Whether balls are being spotted after safeties depends on the rules of the particular game. 1.7 Balls Settling  A ball may settle slightly after it appears to have stopped, possibly due to slight imperfections in the ball or the table. Unless this causes a ball to fall into a pocket, it is considered a normal hazard of play, and the ball will not be moved back. If a ball falls into a pocket as the result of such settling, it is restored as closely as possible to its original position. If a settling ball falls into a pocket during or just prior to a shot, and this has an effect on the shot, the referee will restore the position and the shot will be replayed. The shooter is not penalized for shooting while a ball is settling. See also 8.3 Ball Pocketed. 1.8 Restoring a Position  When necessary for balls to be restored or cleaned, the referee will restore disturbed balls to their original positions to the best of his ability. The players must accept the referee’s judgment as to placement. 1.9 Outside Interference  When outside interference occurs during a shot that has an effect on the outcome of that shot, the referee will restore the balls to the positions they had before the shot, and the shot will be replayed. If the interference had no effect on the shot, the referee will restore the disturbed balls and play will continue. If the balls cannot be restored to their original positions, the situation is handled like a stalemate. 1.10 Prompting Calls and Protesting Rulings  If a player feels that the referee has made an error in judgment, he may ask the referee to reconsider his call or lack of call, but the referee’s decision on judgment calls is final. However, if the player feels that the referee is not applying the rules correctly, he may ask for ruling by the designated appeals authority. The referee will suspend play while this appeal is in process. (See also part (d) of 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.) Fouls must be called promptly. (See 6.  Fouls.) 1.11 Concession  If a player concedes, he loses the match. For example, if a player unscrews his jointed playing cue stick while the opponent is at the table and during the opponent’s decisive rack of a match, it will be considered a concession of the match. 1.12 Stalemate  If the referee observes that no progress is being made towards a conclusion, he will announce his decision, and each player will have three more turns at the table. Then, if the referee determines that there is still no progress, he will declare a stalemate.  If both players agree, they may accept the stalemate without taking their three additional turns. The procedure for a stalemate is specified under the rules for each game.

 

 

 

. Nine Ball

2.1 Determining the Break 
2.2 Nine Ball Rack 
2.3 Legal Break Shot 
2.4 Second Shot of the Rack – Push Out 
2.5 Continuing Play 
2.6 Spotting Balls 
2.7 Standard Fouls 
2.8 Serious Fouls 
2.9 Stalemate

2. Nine Ball 
   Nine ball is played with nine object balls numbered one through nine and the cue ball.  The balls are played in ascending numerical order. The player legally pocketing the nine ball wins the rack.

2.1 Determining the Break 
The player who wins the lag chooses who will break the first rack. (See 1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play.)  The standard format is to alternate the break, but see Regulation 16, Subsequent Break Shots.

2.2 Nine Ball Rack
The object balls are racked as tightly as possible in a diamond shape, with the one ball at the apex of the diamond and on the foot spot and the nine ball in the middle of the diamond. The other balls will be placed in the diamond without purposeful or intentional pattern.
Nine Ball Rack

2.3 Legal Break Shot 
The following rules apply to the break shot:
(a)    the cue ball begins in hand behind the head string;
(b)    if no ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven to one or more rails, or the shot is a foul
(c)    additionally, and only when Three Point Break Rule is used, if no ball is pocketed, three balls must cross the head string, or the break is considered ‘dry break’. (See Regulation 18, Three Point Break Rule.)

2.4 Second Shot of the Rack – Push Out 
If no foul is committed on the break shot, the shooter may choose to play a “push out” as his shot. He must make his intention known to the referee, and then rules 6.2 Wrong Ball First and 6.3 No Rail after Contact are suspended for the shot. If no foul is committed on a push out, the other player chooses who will shoot next.

2.5 Continuing Play 
If the shooter legally pockets any ball on a shot (except a push out, see 2.4 Second Shot of the Rack – Push Out), he continues at the table for the next shot. If he legally pockets the nine ball on any shot (except a push out), he wins the rack. If the shooter fails to pocket a ball or fouls, play passes to the other player, and if no foul was committed, the incoming player must play the cue ball from the position left by the other player.

2.6 Spotting Balls
If the nine ball is pocketed on a foul or push out, or driven off the table, it is spotted. (See 1.4 Spotting Balls.) No other object ball is ever spotted.

2.7 Standard Fouls 
If the shooter commits a standard foul, play passes to his opponent. The cue ball is in hand, and the incoming player may place it anywhere on the playing surface. (See 1.5 Cue Ball in Hand) The following are standard fouls at nine ball:

The following are standard fouls at nine ball:

6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table
6.2 Wrong Ball First The first object ball contacted by the cue ball on each shot must be the lowest-numbered ball remaining on the table.
6.3 No Rail after Contact 
6.4 No Foot on Floor 
6.5 Ball Driven off the Table The only jumped object ball that is spotted is the nine.
6.6 Touched Ball 
6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls 
6.8 Push Shot 
6.9 Balls Still Moving 
6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement 
6.12 Cue Stick on the Table 
6.13 Playing out of Turn
6.15 Slow Play
6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul

2.8 Serious Fouls 
For 6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls, the penalty is loss of the current rack. For 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct, the referee will choose a penalty appropriate given the nature of the offense.

2.9 Stalemate 
If a stalemate occurs the original breaker of the rack will break again. (See 1.12 Stalemate.)

 

3. Eight Ball

3.1 Determining First Break 
3.2 Eight Ball Rack 
3.3 Break Shot 
3.4 Open Table / Choosing Groups 
3.5 Continuing Play 
3.6 Shots Required to Be Called 
3.7 Spotting Balls 
3.8 Losing the Rack 
3.9 Standard Fouls 
3.10 Serious Fouls 
3.11 Stalemate

3. Eight Ball 
   Eight ball is played with fifteen numbered object balls and the cue ball. The shooter’s group of seven balls (one through seven or nine through fifteen) must all be off the table before he attempts to pocket the eight ball to win. Shots are called.

3.1 Determining First Break 
The player winning the lag has the option to determine who has to execute the first break shot. (See 1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play.)  The standard format is alternate break (See Regulation 16, Subsequent Break Shots.)

3.2 Eight Ball Rack 
The fifteen object balls are racked as tightly as possible in a triangle, with the apex ball on the foot spot and the eight ball as the first ball that is directly below the apex ball. One from each group of seven will be on the two lower corners of the triangle. The other balls are placed in the triangle without purposeful or intentional pattern..
Eight Ball Rack

 

3.3 Break Shot 
The following rules apply to the break shot:
(a) The cue ball begins in hand behind the head string.
(b) No ball is called, and the cue ball is not required to hit any particular object ball first.
(c) If the breaker pockets a ball and does not foul, he continues at the table, and the table remains open. (See 3.4 Open Table / Choosing Groups.)
(d) If no object ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven to one or more rails, or the shot results in an illegal break, and the incoming player has the option of

(1) accepting the table in position, or
(2) re-racking and breaking, or
(3) re-racking and allowing the offending player to break again.

(e) Pocketing the eight ball on a legal break shot is not a foul. If the eight ball is pocketed, the breaker has the option of

(1) re-spotting the eight ball and accepting the balls in position, or
(2) re-breaking.

(f) If the breaker pockets the eight ball and scratches (see definition 8.6 Scratch), the opponent has the option of

(1) re-spotting the eight ball and shooting with cue ball in hand behind the head string; or
(2) re-breaking.

(g) If any object ball is driven off the table on a break shot, it is a foul; such balls remain out of play (except the eight ball which is re-spotted); and the incoming player has the option of

(1) accepting the table in position, or
(2) taking cue ball in hand behind the head string.

(h) If the breaker fouls in any manner not listed above, the following player has the option of

(1) accepting the balls in position, or
(2) taking cue ball in hand behind the head string.

3.4 Open Table / Choosing Groups 
Before groups are determined, the table is said to be “open,” and before each shot, the shooter must call his intended ball. If the shooter legally pockets his called ball, the corresponding group becomes his, and his opponent is assigned the other group. If he fails to legally pocket his called ball, the table remains open and play passes to the other player. When the table is “open”, any object ball may be struck first except the eight ball.

3.5 Continuing Play 
The shooter remains at the table as long as he continues to legally pocket called balls, or he wins the rack by pocketing the eight ball.

3.6 Shots Required to Be Called 
On each shot except the break, shots must be called as explained in 1.6 Standard Call Shot. The eight ball may be called only after the shot on which the shooter’s group has been cleared from the table. The shooter may call “safety” in which case play passes to the opponent at the end of the shot and any object ball pocketed on the safety remains pocketed. (See 8.17 Safety Shot.)

3.7 Spotting Balls 
If the eight ball is pocketed or driven off the table on the break, it will be spotted or the balls will be re-racked. (See 3.3 Break Shot and  1.4 Spotting Balls.) No other object ball is ever spotted.

3.8 Losing the Rack 
The shooter loses if he
(a) pockets the eight ball and fouls.;
(b) pockets the eight ball before his group is cleared;
(c) pockets the eight ball in an uncalled pocket; or
(d) drives the eight ball off the table.
These do not apply to the break shot. (See 3.3 Break Shot.)

3.9 Standard Fouls 
If the shooter commits a foul, play passes to his opponent. The cue ball is in hand, and the incoming player may place it anywhere on the playing surface. (See 1.5 Cue Ball in Hand.) The following are standard fouls at eight ball:

The following are standard fouls at eight ball:

6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table
6.2 Wrong Ball First The first ball contacted by the cue ball on each shot must belong to the shooter’s group, except when the table is open. (See 3.4 Open Table / Choosing Groups).
6.3 No Rail after Contact 
6.4 No Foot on Floor 
6.5 Ball Driven off the Table (See 3.7 Spotting Balls.)
6.6 Touched Ball 
6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls 
6.8 Push Shot 
6.9 Balls Still Moving 
6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement 
6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String 
6.12 Cue Stick on the Table 
6.13 Playing out of Turn
6.15 Slow Play
6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul

3.10 Serious Fouls 
The fouls listed under 3.8 Losing the Rack are penalized by the loss of the current rack. For 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct, the referee will choose a penalty appropriate given the nature of the offense.

3.11 Stalemate 
If a stalemate occurs (see 1.12 Stalemate), the original breaker of the rack will break again.

14.1 Continuous Pool

4.1 Lagging for the Break 
4.2 The 14.1 Rack 
4.3 Opening Break Shot 
4.4 Continuing Play and Winning the Game 
4.5 Shots Required to Be Called 
4.6 Spotting Balls 
4.7 Scoring 
4.8 Special Racking Situations 
4.9 Standard Fouls 
4.10 Breaking Foul 
4.11 Serious Fouls 
4.12 Stalemate

14.1 Continuous Pool
14.1 Continuous Pool, also known as straight pool, is played with fifteen numbered balls and the cue ball. Each ball pocketed on a legal called shot counts one point and the first player to reach the required score wins the match. 14.1 is continuous in that after fourteen balls are pocketed, they are re-racked and the shooter continues.

4.1 Lagging for the Break
Players lag to determine who will shoot first. (See 1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play)

4.2 The 14.1 Rack 
For an opening break shot, the fifteen balls are racked in a triangle with the apex ball on the foot spot.  When the balls are re-racked, the apex ball is omitted if only fourteen balls are being racked. The marked outline of the triangle will be used to determine whether an intended break ball is in the rack area. If the table is tapped at 14.1 the outline of a triangle will still be drawn for the purpose of deciding whether a ball is in the rack area.

4.3 Opening Break Shot 
The following rules apply to the opening break shot:
(a) The cue ball begins in hand behind the head string.
(b) If no called ball is pocketed, the cue ball and two object balls must each be driven to a rail after the cue ball contacts the rack or the shot is a breaking foul. (See 8.4 Driven to a Rail.) This is penalized by subtracting two points from the breaker’s score. (See 4.10 Breaking Foul.) The non-breaking player may accept the balls in position or may require the breaker to play another opening break shot, until he satisfies the requirements for an opening break or the non-shooting player accepts the table in position. (See 4.11 Serious Fouls)

4.4 Continuing Play and Winning the Game 
The shooter remains at the table as long as he continues to legally pocket called balls or wins the game by scoring the required number of points. When fourteen balls from a rack have been legally pocketed, play is suspended until the balls are re-racked.The shooter remains at the table as long as he continues to legally pocket called balls or wins the game by scoring the required number of points. When fourteen balls from a rack have been legally pocketed, play is suspended until the balls are re-racked.

4.5 Shots Required to Be Called 
Shots must be called as explained in 1.6 Standard Call Shot. The shooter may call “safety” in which case play passes to the opponent at the end of the shot and any object ball pocketed on the safety is spotted.

4.6 Spotting Balls
All balls pocketed on fouls, or on safeties, or without a called ball having been pocketed, and all balls driven off the table are spotted. (See 1.4 Spotting Balls.) If the fifteenth ball of a rack needs to be spotted and the fourteen balls have not been touched, the fifteenth ball will spot on the apex spot and the referee may use the triangle to assure a tight rack.

4.7 Scoring 
The shooter scores one point for legally pocketing a called shot. Each additional ball pocketed on such a shot also counts one point. Fouls are penalized by subtracting points from the offending player’s score. Scores may be negative due to penalties from fouls

4.8 Special Racking Situations 
When the cue ball or fifteenth object ball interferes with racking fourteen balls for a new rack, the following special rules apply. A ball is considered to interfere with the rack if it is within or overlaps the outline of the rack. The referee will state when asked whether a ball interferes with the rack.
(a) If the fifteenth ball was pocketed on the shot that scored the fourteenth ball, all fifteen balls are re-racked.
(b) If both balls interfere, all fifteen balls are re-racked and the cue ball is in hand behind the head string.
(c) If only the object ball interferes, it is placed on the head spot or the center spot if the cue ball blocks the head spot.
(d) If only the cue ball interferes, then it is placed as follows: if the object ball is in front of or on the head string, the cue ball is in hand behind the head string; if the object ball is behind the head string, the cue ball is spotted on the head spot, or on the center spot if the head spot is blocked.
In any case, there is no restriction on which object ball the shooter may play as the first shot of the new rack.
If the cue ball or object ball is barely outside the marked rack area and it is time to rack, the referee should mark the position of the ball to allow it to be accurately replaced if it is accidentally moved by the referee when racking.

4.9 Standard Fouls 
If the shooter commits a standard foul, a point is subtracted from his score, balls are spotted as necessary, and play passes to his opponent. The cue ball remains in position except as noted below.

The following are standard fouls at 14.1:

6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table The cue ball is in hand behind the head string (see 1.5 Cue Ball in Hand).
6.3 No Rail after Contact 
6.4 No Foot on Floor 
6.5 Ball Driven off the Table (All object balls driven off the table are respotted.)
6.6 Touched Ball 
6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls 
6.8 Push Shot 
6.9 Balls Still Moving 
6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement 
6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String For a foul under the second paragraph of 6.11, the cue ball is in hand behind the head string for the incoming player.
6.12 Cue Stick on the Table
6.13 Playing out of Turn
6.15 Slow Play
6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul

4.10 Breaking Foul 
A breaking foul is penalized by the loss of two points as mentioned under 4.3 Opening Break Shot, as well as a possible re-break. If both a standard foul and a breaking foul happen on one shot, it is considered a breaking foul.

4.11 Serious Fouls 
For Rule 6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls, only standard fouls are counted, so a breaking foul does not count as one of the three fouls. A point is subtracted for the third foul as usual, and then the additional fifteen-point penalty is subtracted and the offending player’s consecutive foul count is reset to zero. All fifteen balls are re-racked and the offending player is required to shoot under the requirements of the opening break.
For 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct, the referee will choose a penalty depending on the nature of the offense.

4.12 Stalemate
If a stalemate occurs (see 1.12 Stalemate), the players will lag again to determine who will shoot an opening break.

 

 

 

Black Ball

5.1 Definitions

Free shot
Baulk 
Snookered
Ball On

5.2 Equipment 
5.3 Determining First Break 
5.4 Black Ball Rack 
5.5 Break Shot 
5.6 Open Table / Choosing Groups 
5.7 Continuing Play 
5.8 Cue Ball in Hand in Baulk 
5.9 Touching Balls 
5.10 Playing from a Snooker 
5.11 Spotting Balls 
5.12 Stalemate 
5.13 Standard Fouls 
5.14 Loss of Rack Fouls

5. Black Ball
   Black ball is played with 15 colored object balls and the cue ball. The object balls are two groups of seven and the black ball. The player or team pocketing their group of object balls and legally pocketing the black ball wins the game. Shots are not called.

5.1 Definitions
In addition to definitions defined in 8. Definitions Used in the Rules, the following definitions apply to black ball:
Free shot
After a foul has been committed the incoming player is awarded a free shot. On a free shot Rule 6.2 Wrong Ball First is suspended and the player may take the cue ball in position or in hand in baulk.
Baulk
Baulk is the rectangular area of the table that is bordered by the baulk line and the three cushions at the head of the table. The baulk line is parallel to the head rail and one fifth of the length of the playing surface away from the head cushion. For the applicable general rules, “behind the head string” should be read as “in baulk.”
Snookered
A player is said to be snookered when the cue ball has no straight, direct path to hit at least part of a legal target ball. The snooker must be declared by the referee for it to be in effect.
Ball On
An object ball is said to be “on” when it is a legal target for the shooter.

5.2 Equipment
The fifteen object balls include two groups of seven balls distinguished by two solid colors or by the usual pattern of numbered solids and stripes. (One through seven and nine through fifteen are the two groups.) In addition, there is a black ball or a black eight ball. The foot spot and the baulk line should be marked.

5.3 Determining First Break
The player winning the lag has the option to determine who has to execute the first break shot. (See 1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play ) The standard format is alternate break (see Regulations).

5.4 Black Ball Rack
The balls are racked as illustrated with the black ball on the foot spot.

5.5 Break Shot
The following rules apply to the break shot.
(a) The cue ball begins in hand in baulk.
(b) At least one ball must be pocketed or at least two object balls must cross the center string or the break shot is a foul.
(c) If the black ball is pocketed on the break, all the balls are re-racked and the same player breaks again. Any violation of 6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table or 6.5 Ball Driven off the Table is ignored on a break that pockets the black ball.

5.6 Open Table / Choosing Groups
The table is said to be “open” when the players’ groups have not been decided. The table is open after the break shot and remains open until the shooter pockets balls from only one group on a legal normal shot, which means not a break shot and not a free shot. The shooter is then assigned that group of balls to pocket and the opponent is assigned the other group.

5.7 Continuing Play
The shooter remains at the table as long as he continues to legally pocket balls or the rack ends. If he fails to legally pocket a ball but commits no foul, the opponent shoots from the position left.

5.8 Cue Ball in Hand in Baulk
When the player has the cue ball in hand, he may place it by hand anywhere in baulk. The player may continue to adjust the position of the cue ball by hand until he takes a shot. The cue ball is not required to leave baulk before striking an object ball.

5.9 Touching Balls
If the cue ball is touching an object ball, the shooter must not play the cue ball in the direction of that ball. He is considered to have hit the touching ball when he shoots away from it if the ball is on for the shot.

5.10 Playing from a Snooker
When the shooter is snookered, Rule 6.3 No Rail after Contact is suspended for the shot.

5.11 Spotting Balls
Object balls driven off the table are spotted on the long string. If several balls are to be spotted, they are spotted in the following order: (1) the black ball, (2) balls from the group of the next shooter, or balls from the red, blue or solid group if the table is open, (3) other balls.

5.12 Stalemate
In case of a stalemate due to lack of progress towards a conclusion, the breaker of the rack will break again. A stalemate also occurs if the position does not allow any legal shot.

5.13 Standard Fouls
If the shooter commits a foul, play passes to his opponent. The incoming player has one free shot (see Free shot) as the first shot of his inning.

The following are standard fouls at black ball:

6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table
6.2 Wrong Ball First (suspended for a free shot)
6.3 No Rail after Contact
6.4 No Foot on Floor
6.5 Ball Driven off the Table
6.6 Touched Ball
6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls
6.8 Push Shot
6.9 Balls Still Moving
6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement (when playing from baulk)
6.12 Cue Stick on the Table 
6.13 Playing out of Turn
6.15 Slow Play
6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul

The following additional situations are fouls at black ball.

5.13.1 – Pocketing Opponent’s Ball – It is a foul to pocket an opponent’s ball without also pocketing a ball from your own group.
5.13 2 – Table Incorrect – It is a foul to play before all balls that require spotting have been spotted.
5.13.3 – Jump Shot – Causing the cue ball to jump over any ball is a foul. (If the cue ball leaves the bed of the table and misses an object ball that would have been struck had the cue ball not left the table on an otherwise identical shot, the cue ball is deemed to have jumped over that object ball.)

5.14 Loss of Rack Fouls
The player loses the rack if he:
(a) pockets the black ball on an illegal shot;
(b) pockets the black ball on a shot that leaves any of his group of balls on the table;
(c) intentionally violates 6.2 Wrong Ball First; or
(d) does not attempt to hit a ball on.
6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct will be penalized by loss of rack or other penalty depending on the nature of the conduct.

6. Fouls

6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table 
6.2 Wrong Ball First 
6.3 No Rail after Contact 
6.4 No Foot on Floor 
6.5 Ball Driven off the Table 
6.6 Touched Ball 
6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls 
6.8 Push Shot 
6.9 Balls Still Moving 
6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement 
6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String 
6.12 Cue Stick on the Table 
6.13 Playing out of Turn 
6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls 
6.15 Slow Play 
6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul
6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct

6. Fouls 
   The following actions are fouls at pool when included in the specific rules of the game being played. If several fouls occur on one shot, only the most serious one is enforced.  If a foul is not called before the next shot begins, the foul is assumed not to have happened.

6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table 
If the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, the shot is a foul. See 8.3 Ball Pocketed and 8.5 Driven off the Table.

6.2 Wrong Ball First 
In those games which require the first object ball struck to be a particular ball or one of a group of balls, it is a foul for the cue ball to first contact any other ball

6.3 No Rail after Contact 
If no ball is pocketed on a shot, the cue ball must contact an object ball, and after that contact at least one ball (cue ball or any object ball) must be driven to a rail, or the shot is a foul. (See 8.4 Driven to a Rail.

6.4 No Foot on Floor 
If the shooter does not have at least one foot touching the floor at the instant the tip contacts the cue ball, the shot is a foul.

6.5 Ball Driven off the Table 
It is a foul to drive an object ball off the table. Whether that ball is spotted depends on the rules of the game. (See 8.5 Driven off the Table.)

6.6 Touched Ball 
It is a foul to touch, move or change the path of any object ball except by the normal ball-to-ball contacts during shots. It is a foul to touch, move or change the path of the cue ball except when it is in hand or by the normal tip-to-ball forward stroke contact of a shot. The shooter is responsible for the equipment he controls at the table, such as chalk, bridges, clothing, his hair, parts of his body, and the cue ball when it is in hand, that may be involved in such fouls. If such a foul is accidental, it is a standard foul, but if it is intentional, it is  6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.

6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls 
If the cue stick contacts the cue ball more than once on a shot, the shot is a foul. If the cue ball is close to but not touching an object ball and the cue tip is still on the cue ball when the cue ball contacts that object ball, the shot is a foul. If the cue ball is very close to an object ball, and the shooter barely grazes that object ball on the shot, the shot is assumed not to violate the first paragraph of this rule, even though the tip is arguably still on the cue ball when ball-ball contact is made.
However, if the cue ball is touching an object ball at the start of the shot, it is legal to shoot towards or partly into that ball (provided it is a legal target within the rules of the game) and if the object ball is moved by such a shot, it is considered to have been contacted by the cue ball. (Even though it may be legal to shoot towards such a touching or “frozen” ball, care must be taken not to violate the rules in the first paragraph if there are additional balls close by.)
The cue ball is assumed not to be touching any ball unless it is declared touching by the referee or opponent. It is the shooter’s responsibility to get the declaration before the shot. Playing away from a frozen ball does not constitute having hit that ball unless specified in the rules of the game.

6.8 Push Shot 
It is a foul to prolong tip-to-cue-ball contact beyond that seen in normal shots.

6.9 Balls Still Moving 
It is a foul to begin a shot while any ball in play is moving or spinning.

6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement 
When the cue ball is in hand and restricted to the area behind the head string, it is a foul to play the cue ball from on or below the head string. If the shooter is uncertain whether the cue ball has been placed behind the head string, he may ask the referee for a determination.

6.11 Bad Play from Behind the Head String 
When the cue ball is in hand behind the head string, and the first ball the cue ball contacts is also behind the head string, the shot is a foul unless the cue ball crosses the head string before that contact. If such a shot is intentional, it is unsportsmanlike conduct.
The cue ball must either cross the head string or contact a ball in front of or on the head string or the shot is a foul, and the cue ball is in hand for the following player according to the rules of the specific game. If such shot is intentional, it is also unsportsmanlike conduct.

6.12 Cue Stick on the Table 
If the shooter uses his cue stick in order to align a shot by placing it on the table without having a hand on the stick, it is a foul.

6.13 Playing out of Turn 
It is a standard foul to unintentionally play out of turn. Normally, the balls will be played from the position left by the mistaken play. If a player intentionally plays out of turn, it should be treated like 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.

6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls 
If a player fouls three times without making an intervening legal shot, it is a serious foul. In games scored by the rack, such as nine ball, the fouls must be in a single rack. Some games such as eight ball do not include this rule.
The referee must warn a shooter who is on two fouls when he comes to the table that he is on two fouls. Otherwise a possible third foul will be considered to be only the second.

6.15 Slow Play 
If the referee feels that a player is playing too slowly, he may advise that player to speed up his play. If the player does not speed up, the referee may impose a shot clock on that match that applies to both players. If the shooter exceeds the time limit specified for the tournament, a standard foul will be called and the incoming player is rewarded according to the rules applicable to the game being played. (Rule 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct may also apply.)

6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul 
It is a foul when a Ball Rack Template, removed from the playing surface, interferes with the game i.e. if the template is lying on the rail and a ball (cue or object ball) touches the template that is lying on the rail.

6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct 
The normal penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct is the same as for a serious foul, but the referee may impose a penalty depending on his judgment of the conduct. Among other penalties possible are a warning; a standard-foul penalty, which will count as part of a three-foul sequence if applicable; a serious-foul penalty; loss of a rack, set or match; ejection from the competition possibly with forfeiture of all prizes, trophies and standings points.
Unsportsmanlike conduct is any intentional behavior that brings disrepute to the sport or which disrupts or changes the game to the extent that it cannot be played fairly. It includes
(a) distracting the opponent;
(b) changing the position of the balls in play other than by a shot;
(c) playing a shot by intentionally miscuing;
(d) continuing to play after a foul has been called or play has been suspended;
(e) practicing during a match;
(f) marking the table;
(g) delay of the game; and
(h) using equipment inappropriately.

 

7. Rules/Regulations for Wheelchair Competition

7.1 Player’s Eligibility 
7.2 Violations Resulting in Fouls 
7.3 Wheelchair Requirements

7. Rules/Regulations for Wheelchair Competition

7.1 Player’s Eligibility
The criteria for a player to be eligible for Wheelchair competition is that he/she must be wheelchair mobility dependent for a minimum of 80% of the time. In some cases, a doctor’s letter may be required to determine eligibility.

7.2 Violations Resulting in Fouls

(a) The shooter must remain seated while playing a shot (at least one cheek on the seat or seat pad). If a seat pad is used, it must remain flat and cover the seat of the wheelchair evenly. The seat pad cannot be bunched up on the seat straddled by the shooter with the shooter’s legs or stumps. The shooter may not sit on the wheel or armrest.  The point where the shooter’s buttocks rest on the seat or seat pad must not be higher than 27 in / 68.5 cm from the surface on which the wheelchair rolls in its normal operating position.
(b) Players must not have their foot/feet on the floor while playing a shot. Players must not use their legs or stumps as a leverage against any part of the table or the wheelchair while playing a shot.
(c) Players are permitted to use any help aids such as cue extensions, special bridges, etc.  Players may not be assisted when actually shooting (however, another person may hold the bridge, but must not help with the stroke of the cue). If a player requires assistance to roll around the table, another person may help them, but must not be touching the wheelchair during the actual shot.

Violations of the above are considered to violate 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct and will typically be penalized as follows: 1st offense, cue ball in hand for the opponent anywhere on the table; 2nd offense, loss of the current game; 3rd offense, loss of the match. The referee may choose a different penalty depending on the nature of the offense..

7.3 Wheelchair Requirements
No standing wheelchairs may be used in the standing position. A player’s wheelchair should be clean and in good working order.

 

8. Definitions Used in the Rules

8.1 Parts of the Table
8.2 Shot 
8.3 Ball Pocketed 
8.4 Driven to a Rail 
8.5 Driven off the Table 
8.6 Scratch 
8.7 Cue Ball 
8.8 Object Balls 
8.9 Set 
8.10 Rack 
8.11 Break 
8.12 Inning 
8.13 Position of Balls 
8.14 Re-spotting Balls 
8.15 Restoring a Position 
8.16 Jump Shot 
8.17 Safety Shot 
8.18 Miscue

8. Definitions Used in the Rules
   The following definitions apply throughout these rules.

8.1 Parts of the Table

The following definitions of parts of the table refer to the accompanying diagram. Some details of exact size and placement are in the WPA Equipment Specifications.
The table is comprised of rails, cushions, a playing surface and pockets.  The foot end of the table is where the object balls usually begin, while the head end is where the cue ball usually begins.
Behind the head string is the area between the head rail and the head string, not including the head string.
The cushions, tops of the rails, pockets and pocket liners are parts of the rails.
There are four “strings” on the playing surface as shown in the diagram:
the long string down the center of the table;
the head string bounding the quarter of the table closest to the head rail;
the foot string bounding the quarter of the table closest to the foot rail; and
the center string between the two side pockets.
These lines are only marked as mentioned below.
The rails may have inlays referred to as diamonds or sights which mark 1/4th of the width and 1/8th of the length of the table measured from nose to nose on the cushions.
On the playing surface, which is the flat, cloth-covered part of the table, the following will be marked if they are used in the game being played:
the foot spot, where the foot string and the long string meet;
the head spot, where the head string and the long string meet;
the center spot, where the center string and the long string meet;
the head string;
the long string between the foot spot and the foot rail; and
the triangle, either in outline or by alignment marks depending on the game.
.

8.2 Shot
A shot begins when the tip contacts the cue ball due to a forward stroke motion of the cue stick. A shot ends when all balls in play have stopped moving and spinning. A shot is said to be legal if the shooter did not foul during the shot.

8.3 Ball Pocketed 
A ball is pocketed if it comes to rest in a pocket below the playing surface or enters the ball return system. A ball near the brink of a pocket partly supported by another ball is considered pocketed if removal of the supporting ball would cause the ball to fall into the pocket.
If a ball stops near the edge of a pocket, and remains apparently motionless for five seconds, it is not considered pocketed if it later falls into the pocket by itself. See 1.7 Balls Settling for other details. During that five second period, the referee should ensure that no other shot is taken.  An object ball that rebounds from a pocket back onto the playing surface is not a pocketed ball.  If the cue ball contacts an already pocketed ball, the cue ball will be considered pocketed whether it rebounds from the pocket or not.  The referee will remove pocketed object balls from full or nearly full pockets, but it is the shooter’s responsibility to see that this duty is performed.

8.4 Driven to a Rail
A ball is said to be driven to a rail if it is not touching that rail and then touches that rail. A ball touching a rail at the start of a shot (said to be “frozen” to the rail) is not considered driven to that rail unless it leaves the rail and returns. A ball that is pocketed or driven off the table is also considered to have been driven to a rail.  A ball is assumed not to be frozen to any rail unless it is declared frozen by the referee, the shooter, or the opponent. See also Regulation 29, Calling Frozen Balls.

8.5 Driven off the Table
A ball is considered driven off the table if it comes to rest other than on the playing surface but is not pocketed. A ball is also considered driven off the table if it would have been driven off the table except for striking an object such as a light fixture, piece of chalk or a player which causes it to return to the table.
A ball that contacts the top of the rail is not considered to have been driven off the table if it returns to the playing surface or enters a pocket.

8.6 Scratch
A shot on which the cue ball is pocketed is called a scratch.

8.7 Cue Ball
The cue ball is the ball that is struck by the shooter at the beginning of a shot.  It is traditionally white, but may be marked by a logo or spots.  In pocket billiard games, a single cue ball is used by both players.

8.8 Object Balls 
The object balls are struck by the cue ball with the usual intent of driving them into pockets.  They are typically numbered from one to the number of balls used in the game.  Colors and markings of the object balls are covered under the WPA Equipment Specifications.

8.9 Set
In some matches, the match is divided into parts called sets, with a certain number of sets won required to win the match.  In turn, a certain number of points or racks won is required to win each set.

8.10 Rack
The rack is the framing device, typically triangular, used to arrange the object balls for the break shot at the start of the game. It also refers to the group of balls so arranged. To rack the object balls is to group them with the rack. A rack is also a portion of a match played with a single rack of object balls. Some games, such as nine ball, are scored at one point per rack.

8.11 Break 
A break shot is the opening shot of a match or rack, depending on the game.  It happens when the object balls have been racked and the cue ball is played from behind the head string usually with the intent of breaking the rack apart.

8.12 Inning 
An inning is a player’s turn at the table.  It begins when it is legal for him to take a shot, and ends at the end of a shot when it is no longer legal for him to take a shot.  In some games a player may choose not to come to the table in certain situations when play would normally pass to him, and then the player remaining at the table continues the inning (e.g. a push-out at nine ball). The player whose turn it is to play is called the “shooter.”

8.13 Position of Balls 
The position of a ball is determined by the projection of its center vertically downward onto the playing surface.  A ball is said to be placed on a line or spot when its center is placed directly over that line or spot.

8.14 Re-spotting Balls
In some games, object balls are required to be placed on the playing surface other than when forming a new rack. They are said to be re-spotted when they are so placed. See 1.4 Spotting Balls.

8.15 Restoring a Position
If the balls are disturbed, the rules of the game may require them to be replaced where they were.  The referee will replace the balls to their original position as accurately as possible.

8.16 Jump Shot 
A jump shot is one in which the cue ball is made to go over an intervening obstacle such as an object ball or part of the cushion.  Whether such a shot is legal depends on how it is accomplished and the intention of the shooter.  Usually a legal jump shot is played by elevating the cue stick and driving the cue ball down into the playing surface from which it rebounds.

8.17 Safety Shot 
A shot is said to be a safety shot if the game in play is a call shot game and the shooter declared the shot to the referee or his opponent to be a “safety” before the shot.  Play passes to the other player at the end of a safety shot.

8.18 Miscue
A miscue occurs when the cue tip slides off the cue ball possibly due to a contact that is too eccentric or to insufficient chalk on the tip. It is usually accompanied by a sharp sound and evidenced by a discoloration of the tip. Although some miscues involve contact of the side of the cue stick with the cue ball, unless such contact is clearly visible, it is assumed not to have occurred. A scoop shot, in which the cue tip contacts the playing surface and the cue ball at the same time and this causes the cue ball to rise off the cloth, is treated like a miscue. Note that intentional miscues are covered by 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct (c).

 

 

9. Ten Ball                  (effective from 1 Jan 2009)9.1 Determining the Break 
   9.2 Ten Ball Rack 
   9.3 Legal Break Shot 
   9.4 Second Shot of the Rack – Push Out 
   9.5 Call Shots & Pocketing Balls 
   9.6 Safety 
   9.7 Wrongfully Pocketed Balls 
   9.8 Continuing Play 
   9.9 Spotting Balls 
   9.10 Standard Fouls 
   9.11 Serious Fouls 
   9.12 Stalemate 

Ten ball is a call shot game played with ten object balls numbered one through ten and the cue ball. The balls are played in ascending numerical order and the lowest numbered ball must be contacted by the cue ball in order to establish a legal hit. If the ten ball is pocketed on a legal break shot, it will be re-spotted and the player continues with his inning. Only one ball may be called on each shot, except on the break shot where no ball may be called.  (See 9.5 Call Shots & Pocketing Balls).
9.1 Determining the Break
The player who wins the lag chooses who will break the first rack. (See 1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play.) The standard format is to alternate the break, but see Regulation 15, Subsequent Break Shots.
9.2 Ten Ball Rack
The object balls are racked as tightly as possible in a triangular shape, with the one ball at the apex of the triangle and on the foot spot and the ten ball in the middle of the triangle. The other balls will be placed in the triangle without purposeful or intentional pattern. (See Regulation 4, Racking / Tapping of Balls.)
Ten Ball Rack

9.3 Legal Break Shot 
The following rules apply to the break shot:
(a) the cue ball begins in hand behind the head string; and
(b) if no ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven to one or more rails, or the shot is a foul.
(See Regulation 17, Open Break Requirements.)

9.4 Second Shot of the Rack – Push Out
If no foul is committed on the break shot, the shooter may choose to play a “push out” as his shot. He must make his intention known to the referee, and then rules 6.2 Wrong Ball First and 6.3 No Rail after Contact are suspended for the shot. If no foul is committed on a push out, the other player chooses who will shoot next. The ten ball pocketed during a Push Out is re-spotted, without penalty.

9.5 Call Shots & Pocketing Balls
Whenever the shooter is attempting to pocket a ball (except the break) he is required to call shots, the intended ball and pocket must be indicated for each shot if they are not obvious. Details of the shot, such as cushions struck or other balls contacted or pocketed are irrelevant.

For a called shot to count, the referee must be satisfied that the intended shot was made, so if there is any chance of confusion, e.g. with bank, combination and similar shots, the shooter should indicate the ball and pocket. If the referee or opponent is unsure of the shot to be played, he may ask for a call.

9.6 Safety
The shooter, after the break at anytime may call “safety” which permits him to make contact with the legal object ball without pocketing a ball and end his inning. However, if the shooter pockets the legal object ball the incoming player has the option to play the shot as left, or hand it back to his opponent. (See 9.7 Wrongfully Pocketed Balls which also applies during a safety.)

9.7 Wrongfully Pocketed Balls
If a player misses his intended ball and pocket, and either makes the nominated ball in the wrong pocket or pockets another ball, his inning has finished and the incoming player has the option to take the shot as is, or hand it back to his opponent.

9.8 Continuing Play
If the shooter legally pockets a called/nominated ball on a shot (except a push out, see 9.4 Second Shot of the Rack – Push Out), any additional balls pocketed remain pocketed (except the ten ball; see 9.9 Spotting Balls), and he continues at the table for the next shot. If a player nominates and legally pockets the ten ball prior to the ten ball being the last remaining ball, the ten ball is re-spotted and the shooter continues. If the shooter fails to pocket the called ball or fouls, play passes to the other player, and if no foul was committed, the incoming player must play the cue ball from the position left by the other player.

9.9 Spotting Balls 
If the ten ball is pocketed on a foul or push out, or accidentally in the wrong pocket, or driven off the table, it is re-spotted. (See 1.4 Spotting Balls.) No other object ball is ever spotted.

9.10 Standard Fouls
If the shooter commits a standard foul, play passes to his opponent. The cue ball is in hand, and the incoming player may place it anywhere on the playing surface. (See 1.5 Cue Ball in Hand)

The following are standard fouls at ten ball:

6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table
6.2 Wrong Ball First The first object ball contacted by the cue ball on each shot must be the lowest-numbered ball remaining on the table.
6.3 No Rail after Contact 
6.4 No Foot on Floor 
6.5 Ball Driven off the Table The only jumped object ball that is spotted is the ten.
6.6 Touched Ball 
6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls 
6.8 Push Shot
6.9 Balls Still Moving
6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement 
6.12 Cue Stick on the Table 
6.13 Playing out of Turn
6.15 Slow Play 
6.16 Ball Rack Template Foul

9.11 Serious Fouls 
For 6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls, the penalty is loss of the current rack. For 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct, the referee will choose a penalty appropriate given the nature of the offense.

9.12 Stalemate 
If a stalemate occurs the original breaker of the rack will break again. (See 1.12 Stalemate.)