Pueblo Pool Association
Eight Ball Scotch Doubles System of Rules
E 1 OBJECT OF THE GAME
The game is PPA 8-Ball and is played with a cue ball and fifteen object balls, numbered 1 through 15. One player must pocket balls of the group numbered 1 through 7 (solid colors), while the other player has 9 through 15 (stripes). A player is entitled to continue shooting until he/she fails to legally pocket a ball of his group. After a player has legally pocketed his entire group of balls, he/she shoots to pocket the 8-ball. The players pocketing his or her group first and then legally pocketing the 8-ball wins the game.
E 2 SCOTCH DOUBLES 8-BALL TEAM FORMAT
Each team consists of 2 players only no substitutes. Players on each team will shot alternating each shots. Each game starts as a new rotation of shots. the match will consist of 7 games. Home team breaks first the alernate thereafter resulting in 4 breaks for the home team and 3 breaks for the visitor team.
E 3 SCORING
Take score at the end of each game. Each ball is worth 1 point. The winner will receive 8 points for winning the game plus 1 point for every opponent's balls left on the table. The player that lost will receive 1 point for every ball made. (See rule E 34 for full team forfeiting)
E 4 THE RACK
The balls are racked in a triangle at the foot of the table with the 8-ball in the center of the triangle, the first ball of the rack on the foot-spot; all other balls may be in random order, all balls must be touching after the rack has been removed.Your opponent may ask you to re-rack the balls if he/she feels that the balls are not racked properly. If you wish not to re-rack you may then ask that he/she rack their own. Please report anyone you feel that is purposely racking the balls loose.
E 5 BREAKING ORDER
The breaking order in league play is clearly identified on the score sheet (B)
E 6 HEAD STRING RULE
This rule applies only when the opening player scratches on the break, and the incoming player has ball in hand behind the head string. The incoming player may place the cue ball anywhere behind the head string. If the player places the cue ball on or in front of the head string and shoots, it is a foul. He/she may shoot at any object ball as long as the base of the object ball is on or past the head string. He/she may not shoot at any ball, the base of which is behind the head string, unless he first shoots the cue ball past the head string and then by hitting a rail, causes the cue ball to come back behind the head string and hit the object ball. The base of the ball (the point of the ball touching the table) determines whether it is within or out of the head string. If the incoming player inadvertently places the cue ball in front of the head string, it is a good gesture for the opponent to inform him/her before he/she shoots to avoid confusion.
E 7 LEGAL BREAK SHOT
To execute a legal break, the breaker (with the cue ball behind the head string) must either (1) pocket a ball, or (2) drive any four numbered balls to the rail. If he/she fails to make a legal break, it is not a foul. If no foul was committed on the attempted break then the balls are then re-racked. If this happens more than 3 times the break will switch. Deflecting or stopping the cue ball after it has crossed the head string on the break is a foul. If a foul were committed on the break the break then would switch. (RULE E8) On the opening break, the game is considered to have commenced once the cue ball has struck the rack.
E 8 SCRATCH ON A LEGAL BREAK
If a player scratches on a legal break shot, (1) all balls remain pocketed, except the 8-ball which is loss of game, (2) it is a foul, (3) the table is open. PLEASE NOTE: the incoming player has the cue ball in hand behind the head string (in the kitchen) and may not shoot an object ball that is behind the head string, unless he/she first shoots the cue ball past the head string and then, by hitting a rail (or a legal object ball), causes the cue ball to come back behind the head string and hit the object ball.
E 9 8-BALL POCKETED ON THE BREAK
If an 8-ball is pocketed on the break it is a win. The score will be 15 points for the breaker and their opponent will receive 0 points. Circle that game and make a note on the score sheet of an 8-ball break.
E 9.5 EARLY EIGHT BALL
If the eight-ball is pocketed early in the game, the opponent?s score will be 8 points plus one point for each of the losing player?s balls remaining on the table.
E 10 8-BALL BREAK & RUN
If you break the rack and legally pocket all your balls and then legally make the eight ball you then have made an 8-ball break and run. The score will then be 15 points for the winner and 0 points for their opponent. Circle that game and make a note on the score sheet of an 8-ball break and run.
E 11 OPEN TABLE
The table is open after the break regardless of balls made. Example: If a player breaks the rack and pockets a solid that player may shoot at a stripe ball if he/she wants. The table will remain open until a solid or stripe is made in the designated pocket. During an open table a solid/stripe or stripe/solid combination may be used to pocket a ball. The denomination pocketed will become your choice of solid or stripes.
E 12 LEGAL SHOT
On all shots the shooter must hit one of his/her group of balls first and, (1) pocket an object ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any object ball to contact a rail. PLEASE NOTE: It is okay for the shooter to bank the cue ball off a rail before contacting his object ball. However, after contact with his/her object ball, an object ball must be pocketed, OR the cue ball or any object ball must contact a rail.
E 13 SAFETY PLAY
For tactical reasons, a player may choose to pocket an obvious object ball and also discontinue a turn at the table by declaring a "safety" in advance. A safety shot is defined as a legal shot. If the shooting player intends to play a safety by pocketing an obvious abject ball, then prior to the shot the shooter must declare a "safety" to the opponent. It is the shooter's responsibility to make the opponent aware of the intended safety shot. If this is not done, and one of the shooter's object balls is pocketed, the shooter will be required to shoot again, any ball pocketed on safety shot remains pocketed.
E 14 FOULS
The following infractions listed below will result in a ball in hand foul.
E 14.01 FOUL PENALTY
The opposing players gets the cue ball in hand. This means that the player can place the cue ball anywhere on the table without coming in contact with another ball (does not have to be behind the head string except on opening breaks). See Rule E14.08. This rule prevents a player from making intentional fouls, which would put his opponent at a disadvantage. With "cue ball in hand", the player may position the cue ball on the table by hand (more than once if necessary). After placing the cue ball, the shaft, or ferrule of the cue stick may also be used for positioning the cue ball for shooting.
E 14.02 SCRATCH
Pocketing the cue ball or driving it off the table is a foul, unless shooting the eight ball this will result in loss of game.
E 14.03 BAD HIT
If the first object ball contacted by the cue ball is not of the correct denomination (i.e. solid, stripe or the 8 ball if all the players balls are pocketed), the shot is a foul. A bad hit on the eight ball is not loss of game unless the eight ball is pocketed or you scratch.
E 14.04 NO RAIL FOUL
If no object ball is pocketed; failure to drive the cue ball or some object ball to a rail after the cue ball contacts the object ball is a foul.
E 14.05 FOOT
Failure to have at least one foot in contact with the floor at the moment the cue tip contacts the cue ball is a foul.
E 14.06 MOVING BALL
Shooting while any ball is moving or spinning on the table is a foul and will result in ball in hand.
E 14.07 TOUCHING OR MOVING OBJECT BALLS
It is a foul to touch a moving ball or to allow that ball to hit any foreign object, such as a cube of chalk. (The top of the rail is not considered to be a foreign object.) If a player is touching an object ball when the cue ball is struck, it is also a foul. If the tip of the cue touches the cue ball after it has been struck, it is a foul. If an object ball or the cue ball is rolling on the playing field and you reach out and grab it before it has stopped or fallen in the pocket, this is a loss of game. If the cue ball or object ball has fallen into the pocket and you grab it, it is a ball in hand foul. If you touch any ball (except the cue ball) as a result of using a bridge, hand, clothing or cue stick follow through before, during, or after shooting which results in moving any object ball, it will not be considered foul. The option of returning the moved ball back to its original position is the responsibility of the opponent and will not be considered a foul. Intentional moving of balls to gain an advantage the player forfeits the game. The score will then be 8 points for the winner plus 1 point for every opponent balls left on the table. The loser will receive 1 point for every ball made.
E 14.08 PLACEMENT
Touching any object ball with the cue ball while it is in hand is a foul. With "cue ball in hand", the player may position the cue ball on the table by hand, more than once if necessary. When placing the cue ball within a chalk or half a ball length to the object ball, the cue ball must be struck at least a 45-degree angle to the table or the ball. A push shot will result in a foul. After placing the cue ball, the shaft or ferrule of the cue stick may also be used for positioning the cue ball for shooting, if the tip touches the cue ball it is a foul.
E 14.09 USING POCKETED OBJECT BALLS AS A MEASURE
It is illegal to use a pocketed object ball in any way to help judge a shot. A player may only touch pocketed object balls to move them from a full pocket to another pocket to make space.
E 14.10 SCOOP SHOT
If a player plays a shot with extreme draw with the intention of miscuing to make the cue ball jump over some obstruction, he/she has fouled. Legal jump and masse shots are allowed if bar allows them.
E 14.11 INTERFERENCE
If the non-shooting player distracts his/her opponent or interferes with his/her play, including standing at or near the table he/she has fouled. If a player shoots out of turn, or moves any ball except during his/her inning, it is considered to be interference and your opponent will be awarded ball in hand.
E 14.12 DEVICES
It is not allowed for a player to use a ball, the triangle or any other device to measure to see if the struck ball will clear another ball or an opening. In doing so, will result in a foul.
E 14.13 PRACTICE
While your game is in progress, practice is not allowed. Taking a shot that is not part of that game is a foul. After a player has played their game, that player then may participate in any other activities on a different table.
E 15 COMBINATION SHOTS THAT INCLUDE THE 8-BALL
Combination shots containing the 8-ball are allowed. However, the 8-ball cannot be used as a first ball in the combination.
E 16 ILLEGALLY POCKETED BALLS
An object ball is considered to be illegally pocketed when that object ball is pocketed on the same shot a foul is committed. All illegally pocketed balls remain down, and play is passed to the opponent ball in hand. The point is still awarded as a pocketed ball.
E 17 BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE
If any ball is jumped off the table, it is a foul. The opponent is awarded ball-in-hand. If you knock your opponents ball off the table it is pocketed if it is one your balls the ball is the spotted. If the 8-ball is jumped off the table it is loss of game. If a ball is jumped off the table and onto the rail and then returns to the playing field without touching the chalk and other object on the rail there will be no foul.
E 17.5 CALL SHOT
All combination, jump, masse, bank and kick shots must be called, all that needs to be done is to notify your opponent which ball is to be pocketed and where the ball is to be pocketed. If a ball is pocketed without calling it, that player's turn at the table with will then be over. All straight in and obvious shots need not be called. (See RULE E 18 for pocketing the 8-ball)
E 18 PLAYING THE 8-BALL
When shooting at the 8-ball, a scratch is loss of game. When shooting the eight ball, to win the game, the pocket must be clearly called. If the pocket is not clearly called to your opponent and the player pockets the 8-ball it is loss of game.
E 19 LOSS OF GAME
A player loses the game if he commits any of the following infractions: a. Fouls when pocketing the 8-ball.b. Pockets the 8-ball on the same stroke as the last of his group of balls. c. Jumps the 8-ball off the table at any time. d. Pockets the 8-ball in a pocket other than the one designated. e. Pockets the 8-ball when it is not the legal object ball. f. A player with a two-piece cue breaks the cue down (i.e. unscrews the cue), except when changing sticks, or playing a short-shafted shot. h. The player concedes the game. I. Grabbing a moving ball on the playing field.
E 20 STALEMATED GAME
If in 3 consecutive turns at the table by each player (6 turns total) they purposely foul or scratch and both players agree that attempting to pocket or move an object ball would result in immediate loss of game, then the game will be considered a stalemate. The balls will then be re-racked and the breaker of the stalemated game will break again. PLEASE NOTE: Three consecutive fouls by one player is not loss of game.
E 21 SHOOTING TIME RULE
As a courtesy to all players, be available and ready when your turn to play approaches. Once a game has started, the two players should concentrate on the game and avoid leaving the playing area. Consistent slow play is to be avoided. On rare occasions a player may take a minute before playing a shot, but if a player frequently takes longer than 30 seconds to play each shot, the opposing player may ask the team captains to install a 30 second time limit. When a 30 second time limit is enforced a team captain must police the remainder of the game. If a 30 second time limit is enforced and that limit is exceeded, a foul will be called and the incoming player will be awarded ball in hand. If a shot clock is enforced, one-30 second extension per rack will be allowed.
E 22 SPECTATOR COACHING
Spectators on the sidelines are not allowed to advise or coach a player during competition without a time out being called. If after asking a spectator not to coach a player he/she continues to do so, the captains or sponsor should ask the spectator to leave the area.
E 23 CONCESSION
If a player concedes he/she loses the game. The unscrewing of a jointed cue stick, except to replace a shaft, is considered to be a concession. No warning from the referee is required in the case of a concession.
E 24 COACHING/TIME-OUTS
Coaching is allowed throughout the whole match. Only your team mate can be your coach see rule E22.
E 25 CLOSE OR QUESTIONABLE SHOTS
It is the responsibility of all of the players, including the shooter to recognize the potential for a disputable shot if so, the team captains or designees must watch the shot and determine the ruling. A time out will not be called on either team to determine this ruling. If the player proceeds with the shot (having been asked by any player to wait), it is a foul and ball in hand is awarded. Having watched the shot, it is the sole responsibility of the two "referees" to determine the legality of the shot and announce the ruling -- the players may not influence the decision as they have relinquished their responsibilities to their captains. If a PPA league administrator that has not been drinking is watching the shot and sees a foul the league official may call a foul even if a spotter is not called. All PPA league administrators? rulings are final.
E 26 DISPUTED SHOTS
It is the opponent's responsibility to ask the player to wait before making a shot when the opponent believes the previous shot was a foul. If the players cannot agree on the status of the last shot, the captains must make a ruling. If the captains cannot reach an agreement, the game must be replayed (with the same player breaking). IMPORTANT NOTE: If the player proceeds with the next shot (having being asked by the opponent to wait), it is a foul and the opponent is awarded ball-in-hand. If the opponent does not dispute the shot before the next shot is played, the shot cannot be questioned and is assumed legal.
E 27 OBJECT BALL FROZEN TO CUSHION
This rule applies to any shot where the cue ball?s first contact with a ball is with one that is frozen to a cushion or to the cue ball itself. After the cue ball makes contact with the frozen object ball, the shot must result in either:
(a) A ball being pocketed, or;
(b) The cue ball contacting a cushion, or;
(c) The frozen ball being caused to contact a cushion attached to a separate rail, or;
(d) Another object ball being caused to contact a cushion with which it was not already in contact. Failure to satisfy one of those four requirements is a foul. A ball, which is touching a cushion at the start of a shot and then is forced into a cushion attached to the same rail is not considered to have been driven to that cushion unless it leaves the cushion, contacts another ball, and then contacts the cushion again. An object ball is not considered frozen to a cushion unless it is examined and announced as such by either the referee or one of the players prior to that object ball being involved in a shot.
E 28 BALLS MOVING SPONTANEOUSLY
If a ball shifts, settles, turns or otherwise moves "by itself," the ball shall remain in the position it assumed and play continues. A hanging ball that falls into a pocket "by itself" after being motionless for 5 seconds or longer shall remain pocketed and play will continue. If an object ball drops into a pocket " by itself" as a player shoots at it, so that the cue ball passes over the spot the ball had been on, unable to hit it, the cue ball and object ball are to be replaced to their positions prior to the stroke, and the player may shoot again. All other balls are left where they lie on the table.
E 29 LEAGUE ADMINISTRATOR/REFEREE RULINGS
All rule interpretations mandated by the League Administrators are final. Failure to accept the ruling is a loss of game.
E 30 DISQUALIFICATION
Only the League Administrators have the right to disqualify any player from competition and the player forfeits the right to prize money and/or any other awards for un-sportsman-like conduct or tactics detrimental to the league or tournament.
E 31 NO HANDICAP SYSTEM
There is handicap system in place for Scotch Doubles. Suggestions are welcome to initiate a handicap system
E 33 NO PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS
All PPA formats are amateur player status. Please remember that PPA is an amateur league. All semi-pro and pro players are not allowed to play PPA. If the League Administrators are notified and find that a player is or has been a semi-pro or pro player the past 2 years that player will be immediately disqualified with no refund of dues or membership fees.
E 34 SCOTCH DOUBLES 8-BALL FORFEIT
Full team forfeits may occur. The final score will be 105-0. If your team can't show up please try to get in touch with the opposing team to schedule a makeup match as far in advance as possible. You must also notify your League Administrator of all makeup matches. A team may play with only 2 players. All dues still must be collected.
E 35 START TIME
Make sure that your team knows what time the match starts. If a team doesn't show up 15 minutes after the scheduled time you may call a full team forfeit. Please remember what goes around comes around. If for any reason your team can't play at the scheduled date and time please call the league administrator. Situations may arise and we will try to work with you and the other team.
E 36 SANDBAGGING
Sandbagging is when a player deliberately throws a match or shot to manipulate his/hers handicap level. This will not be tolerated in this league. If the league Director, league administrators or any player feels that a player is sandbagging an investigation on your handicap will be initiated. Any player that is under investigation for sandbagging will receive a handicap of (0) until the issue is resolved.
E 37 TOURNAMENTS & AWARDS
Each player must pay for all matches to qualify for playoffs & tournaments no exceptions.
E 41 MEMBERSHIP FEES/SPONSOR OR HOST FEE
The PPA membership fee is $2 per team per week. Any team not paying their membership fee each week will result in a full team forfeit. (See rule E-34). There is also a host/sponsor, sanction fee of $35 per team. The establishment is not required to pay the sanction fee. Most establishments take care of this or part of, but if they refuse to pay the sanction fee it will then be the teams? responsibility to pay this. This fee is collected on the 8th week of play for existing teams. All new teams are required to put the $24 deposit before they are put on the schedule. This deposit will be used for the 1stweek of play. Please ask before signing up a team.
All rules are effective for sessions starting January 27, 2010. Please contact your league administrator with any questions.
