The league is designed to be fun and friendly and in an ideal world we will have no need for league rules. The league first and foremost is about playing great billiards which is great fun in hour long matches.
General Information.
- Always play with the spotted Pro Cup Billiard Balls they are the best weighted and most accurate balls.
- Matches are Always an hour
- Use the clocks provided or a mobile phone Timer to ensure no one gets extra time.
- If a player goes to the toilet please stop the clock then restart when both players are ready.
- Try to volunteer to ref matches if you can. You learn a lot by watching as well as playing.
- Don’t forget to pay Dave at the start of the league and the club for the table. Currently £ 10 and £ 3 an hour respectively
- Keep a record of the scores and breaks on the provided sheet or the very least by a text to Dave so he can update the table.
- Tell Dave of any issues or problems that occur so he can fix these in future matches.
- If you have a rule you want to introduce tell Dave he will look into it.
Billiards Rules (So Far)
1. Any player unable to make a fixture is responsible for telephoning their opponent to rearrange a suitable time. All telephone numbers are on the website.
2. Players shall arrive in good time to start on time , persistent offenders shall be warned and may face expulsion from the league.
3. During the course of a game the timer may be stopped by either player or the referee for any valid reason. ( Toilet , going in search of long rest , adjustments to the score board , players are not encouraged to stop the clock for a drink, please get your drinks before play commences as a lengthy queue at the bar will cause delays.
4. Once the balls have come to rest, players have 40 seconds in which to play their next shot. If an opponent or the referee is aware of slow play they may politely say “time” and the player must play immediately. A second warning shall incur a 10 point penalty, any further incidents of taking over 40 seconds will be liable to 10 points deduction. Any incidents shall be recorded on the score sheet and serial offenders will be warned and possibly excluded from the league.
5. Any points scored on a shot struck before the timer alarm goes off will count.
6. From season 8, and until further notice, the scoring system shall be 2 points per win , 1 point each for a draw and one bonus point awarded for scoring 325 or more.
7. Following any win a player shall have 3 points deducted from their handicap and following any loss a player will have his handicap increased by 3 points. A drawn game will see no change in handicap. Changes will apply for players’ next match
8. Players in the Thursday league are encouraged to notify an opponent who is about to play the incorrect cue ball (white or yellow), however this is not a rule as such and normal billiards rules apply if your opponent plays the incorrect ball.
9. Hazard counting! As the standard of play increases , we must all be aware of the rule of a maximum of 15 hazards applies. A hazard being any scoring shot other than a cannon. The clock may be stopped at any break over 30 to evaluate the scoring pattern before play recommences.