Game Rules

4a - Lag for Break

A "Lag for Break" shall determine who breaks first with an alternating break format taking place thereafter. The winner of the lag is the player whose ball is closest to the head rail. The winner of the lag is given the choice to break or not.

4b - Lagging Procedure

1. Balls shall be of equal size and weight
2. To start the lag the referee will count the players in by counting back from 3 to 1 (If a referee is present).
3. The players shall simultaneously strike balls (on the referee's indication - if referee present) towards the foot rail.

4c - Automatic Loss of Lag

It is an automatic loss of lag if a ball:

1. Crosses into the opponent's half of the playing surface OR
2. Fails to contact the foot rail OR
3. Drops into a pocket OR
4. Hits a side rail OR
5. Jumps off the table OR
6. Comes to rest on the playing surface within the corner pocket OR
7. Player commits any standard foul

4d - Re-lag Situations

Players will lag again if:

1. Both players foul OR
2. The referee or neutral third party is unable to decide on which ball is closest to the head rail OR
3. One player's ball strikes the foot rail before the other player's ball is hit.

4e - Cue Ball Placement

To commence a rack, the player who is breaking, shall position the cue ball anywhere behind the head string but MUST NOT position the cue ball over the head string by more than 50% of its diameter.

4f - Legal Break Requirements

The Break will be deemed a 'Legal Break' if the player breaking, obtains a minimum of three cumulative points.

• 1 point for each object ball pocketed (eight-ball included, so thus does count).
• 1 point for each object ball that has passed an imaginary line between the two center pockets, that is not pocketed. A ball is deemed as having 'passed' the center line if the whole ball is over the imaginary line.

4g - Illegal Break Consequence

Failure to perform a legal break MUST result in a re-rack. The opponent has the option to break or to choose to give the break back to the original breaker.

4h - Groups Not Decided on Break

Groups are not decided on the break. The table remains open after the break. If the player in control of the table does not pocket a ball legally, the table is still deemed open for the incoming player.

4i - Eight-Ball Pocketed on Break

If the eight-ball is pocketed off the break, it is always re-spotted after all balls have come to rest on the table. To re-spot the eight-ball, the center point of the eight-ball is placed on the foot spot or if this is not available as near as possible to the spot in a direct line between the spot and the center of the foot rail. If there is no space available on this line, place the eight-ball as near as possible to its spot in a direct line between the spot and the head rail.

If the 8 ball is pocketed and the criteria of a legal break has been fulfilled, the 8 ball is spotted and the breaker continues.

4j - Cue Ball Fouls on Break

If the cue ball on a legal break:

1. Is pocketed (scratch), a loss of turn occurs and the incoming player is awarded one visit with cue ball in hand, to be played from behind the head string, in any direction.
2. Leaves the playing surface, a standard foul will be called against the breaker, with the incoming player receiving ball in hand, played from anywhere on the playing surface.

6a - Deciding Groups

1. Groups are decided on the first ball legally pocketed.
2. The table is considered an "open" table when the choice of groups (solids or stripes) has not yet been determined. The table is always open immediately after the break shot. Balls pocketed from the break are disregarded. The player's designated group (solids or stripes) will not be determined until a player legally pockets an object ball. Once groups are determined, object balls from a player's group are referred to as 'on' ball(s).
3. Failure to pocket a ball legally results in the table remaining open.
4. If one of each group is pocketed in one shot, the player will be 'on' the group struck by the cue ball first unless a foul has occurred, in which case the table remains open.
5. Where the choice of group is not obvious (e.g. player cues up to a group of object balls OR object balls of both groups sitting close to each other OR player is hooked behind the eight-ball OR the lay of the table is such no object ball is a clear target):

• (a) The player MUST indicate to the referee and/or the opponent the intended group.
• (b) Failure to call a group, after pocketing a ball, while the table is open, is loss of turn, the table remains open.
• (c) Failure to strike called group is loss of turn, the table remains open.
• (d) Striking a called group but pocketing the other group is loss of turn, the table remains open.
• (e) Pocketing a called group is a legal shot and the group is assigned to the striker/player.
• (f) The onus is on the player in control of the table, to make a call for the groups to be decided in a fair and sporting manner.

6. Groups are not decided on a foul shot.
7. In the event of a touching ball / frozen ball (object ball touching the cue ball), you MUST indicate to the referee and/or opponent the intended group. See Rule 6o (2).

6c - Combination Shots (Both Groups Pocketed)

Object balls from both groups can be pocketed without penalty in a single 'combination' shot. Combination shots do not have to be called. The pocketed balls may drop into the pockets in any order but 'on' ball must be struck legally first. Attempting to complete a combination shot that results in only pocketing ball not 'on' is LOSS OF TURN.

On an open table the 'on' ball is considered the group the shooter makes contact with first. Shooter MUST pocket something from that group to establish groups on an open table. If a player, on open table, strikes a solid first and pockets a stripe, or vice versa, this is loss of turn. Groups are not established, incoming player has control of the table.

6d - Loss of Turn

As long as the player strikes an 'on' ball first, should an opponent's ball be pocketed without also pocketing an 'on' ball, it will be loss of turn. Control of the table returns to the opponent; the cue ball is played from where it lies. Examples:

1. Pocketing an opponent's ball accidentally.
2. Failing to complete a legal combination shot.
3. A defensive shot e.g. playing a designated group legally to pocket an opponent's ball.
4. Failure to call a group after pocketing a ball, while the table is 'open', if the group was not obvious.

6e - Standard Fouls

Shall be called as soon as they occur, the fouling player is in control until all balls from that shot have come to rest. The incoming player is awarded one visit and a cue ball in hand which can be:

• (a) Played from its current position, or
• (b) Placed anywhere on the playing surface.

The only exception to (a) is if the cue ball has come to rest and is frozen to an object ball and therefore must be repositioned. Failure to reposition the cue ball, if frozen ball is declared, will result in a standard foul as per rule 6e (7).

Standard fouls include:

1. Pocketing the cue ball - "Scratch" (Except off the break - See rule 4j).
2. Playing from past the headstring when obliged to play from behind headstring. The "headstring line" is considered to be part of the head string. (See rule 4e)
3. A player who plays a shot immediately after playing a foul or immediately after the referee/third party/timekeeper has called a foul on that player, has played out of turn. This also covers breaking out of turn.
4. Accidentally striking the cue ball with any part of the cue other than the tip in general play. When cue ball is in hand, the shooter may place the cue ball anywhere on the playing surface and may continue to move the cue ball until shooter executes a 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.
5. Accidentally striking any ball other than the cue ball with any part of the cue or cue tip.
6. Playing a shot before all balls have come to rest from the previous shot.
7. Playing a shot before any balls that require re-spotting or replacing, have been re-spotted or replaced. (See Rule 6m).
8. Coaching for players with UPscores GREATER than 450: During a rack, while it is player's turn at the table, player is required to play without receiving any advice from other persons relating to the playing of the rack. If a team member or bona fide supporter of a player offers advice, this will result in the player being penalized via a Standard Foul. (Note: Players with UPscore 450 or under may receive coaching during their 30-second extension only.)
9. Leaving the playing area without permission. During weekly league play, player must make opponent aware and return in a reasonable amount of time. During Grand Finals and Grand Finals Qualifier, player must use allotted player break.
10. Playing a "Push Shot" (defined as when the tip of the cue remains in contact with the cue ball once it has commenced a forward motion).
11. Double-hitting the cue ball.
12. Failing to perform a "Legal Shot".
13. Playing a shot while not having at least one foot touching the floor.
14. Failing to "Play Away" from a touching / frozen ball(s).
15. A ball that remains off the playing surface.
16. A player's body, clothing, jewellery or accessory, or part of a cue (except for the tip in a legal shot), comes into contact with any ball. A tip falling off a cue or chalk dropped is the player's responsibility. Should any of these contact a ball on the playing surface, it is deemed a foul.
17. Jump shot: If the cue ball leaves the bed of the playing surface and does not strike an object ball that it would have struck had the cue ball not left the playing surface on an otherwise identical shot, then the cue ball is deemed to have jumped over that ball.
18. Marking the table to assist a shot.
19. Time foul.

6f - Loss of Rack Fouls

1. Deliberately not playing a ball from their own group first, or an "on" ball after a foul.
2. Unsporting behaviour / bringing the game into disrepute.
   • (a) A second offence for Foul language (A verbal warning is given for the first offence) OR
   • (b) Throwing a cue around / unscrewing as if to concede OR
   • (c) Continually arguing with the referee or opponent OR
   • (d) Interfering when the opponent is on the shot either verbally or physically.
3. Committing a foul in the same shot that the eight-ball is pocketed. (Except on the break)
4. Pocketing the eight-ball when a ball or balls of the player's own group are still on the table. (Except on the Break) Including pocketing the last group ball and eight-ball in the same shot.
5. A player who clearly and intentionally fails to make an attempt to play a ball(s) of their own group.
6. Pocketing the eight-ball legally, then proceed to move the remaining balls before they have come to rest.
7. Deliberately striking the cue ball with any part of the cue other than the tip in general play. Positioning the cue ball with the cue is allowed as long as the tip of the cue is not used.
8. Deliberately striking any ball other than the cue ball with any part of the cue or cue tip.
9. Deliberately moving a ball(s) other than playing as part of a shot. Two exceptions to this: If a player commits an all ball foul and instinctually grabs the ball and replaces it, this is a standard foul since the ball was not put in motion by a shot. The ball should be replaced to where it came to rest after the all ball foul occurred, before the player moved it back. On the break, if a player miscues and stabs at the cue ball or stops it from rolling, this is considered an illegal break, not loss of rack.

6g - Stalemate Situation

If any situation arises whereby a 'legal shot' cannot be played, It is a player's responsibility to ask for a stalemate. In other words, if there is not a path 'out' for the cue ball or not a path 'into' the ball 'on', in the first instance the player must ask for a stalemate if they believe a 'legal shot' cannot be played. A decision on whether a stalemate exists will be at the referee's discretion, or third party. A referee/3rd party will disregard a player's ability when making a stalemate decision.

If the referee (or opponent or 3rd party - if no referee) confirms a stalemate, the rack shall be restarted with a re-rack. The player who originally broke will restart the re-racked rack. If no stalemate is confirmed, the players must continue their visit.

6h - Frozen Balls (Rail)

1. An object ball is deemed frozen whilst touching a rail. It is a standard foul if the cue ball initially contacts a frozen ball first and the shot does not result in:
   • (a) Ball being pocketed OR
   • (b) The cue ball contacting a rail OR
   • (c) The frozen ball contacting a different rail OR
   • (d) Any other object ball contacting a rail, with which it was not already in contact with, before the shot is played.
2. A ball is only deemed frozen if confirmed by the referee or player, prior to the shot being taken.

6i - Outside Interference

1. There is no penalty if balls are moved in these circumstances:
   • (a) By persons other than players taking part in the rack OR
   • (b) As a result of players being bumped OR
   • (c) Events deemed not within a player's control.
2. The referee will return the balls as close as possible to their original positions whenever possible. Re-racks will only be granted in extreme circumstances.

6j - Shot Clock

Ultimate Pool League International 8 ball will be played with a 30 second shot clock. The tip of the cue must have made contact with the cue ball within this time or a standard foul shall be granted to the opponent. The shot clock will commence once all balls come to rest. One extension per rack is permitted per player, whereby the timekeeper will add 30 seconds to the remaining time at the request of the player.

6k - Balls Falling into a Pocket

A shot is 'complete' when all balls have come to rest.

1. After a shot is 'complete', any ball(s) that drops into a pocket, without being struck, will be replaced to their original positions.

A shot is 'in progress' when the cue ball has been struck and all the balls have not come to a rest.

2. During a shot 'in progress', any ball(s) that drops into a pocket, without being struck and wouldn't have been played as part of a shot, shall be replaced to their original positions after all balls have come to rest.
3. During a shot 'in progress', any ball(s) that drops into a pocket, without being struck and would have been played as part of a shot, in this instance ALL BALLS will be replaced to their original positions after all balls have come to rest.

After the balls have been reset to their original positions, the original player will always continue with no penalty, unless:

• (a) A foul had been committed or
• (b) The original player failed to pocket a ball 'on' (the exception to this is rule (3) where the original player will always continue).

6l - Balls Off the Playing Surface

It is a 'standard foul' if a ball leaves the playing surface at any point during the rack AND does not return by its own means and remains off the playing surface (other than being pocketed)

1. If it is the cue ball, then it is ball in hand, to be played anywhere on the table.
2. Object balls are re-spotted (See Rule 6m).

6m - Returning Object Balls

An object ball is re-spotted with its center point on the eight-ball spot or as near as possible to that spot in a direct line between the spot and the center point of the foot rail.

Object balls are re-spotted in the following order:

1. Eight-ball
2. Solids
3. Stripes

Return balls as close as possible to other balls without touching.

6n - Player Responsibility

It is the responsibility of each player to be aware of all rules. Tournament officials/league directors will make every reasonable effort to make the information readily available to all players. However, the ultimate responsibility rests with each individual player. There is no recourse if a player does not obtain correct or complete information.

6o - Frozen Balls (Cue Ball)

1. A player must play away from 'ALL' frozen balls at an angle perpendicular (90 degrees) or greater than and fulfil the requirements of a 'legal shot'. A player shall not be penalized if playing away from touching / frozen ball(s) causes any touching ball to rock or move slightly because it was 'resting' on the cue ball.
2. If the table is 'open' and frozen ball(s) have been confirmed, the player must, in the following order:
   • (a) Nominate a group. (This is for clarity of the shot, and not to decide a group for the remainder of the rack) See Rule 6a (1) on deciding groups.
   • (b) Perform all the requirements of a 'legal shot'.
3. If the groups have been decided and frozen ball(s) has been confirmed, the player must perform all the requirements of a 'legal shot'.
4. If the cue ball is frozen to an 'on' ball, the player is deemed to have made 'initial contact' in order to fulfil the requirements of a 'legal shot'.

6p - Legal Shot

DEFINITION

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

• (a) Pocket any ball or balls (except the eight-ball if not ball 'on') OR
• (b) Cause the cue ball or any object ball to contact a rail.

The 'rail' is defined as the six rails and the six pockets of a pool table.

6q - Simultaneous Contact

Simultaneous contact of object balls is allowed as long as one of the contacted object balls is 'on'.