THE WORLD EIGHT - BALL POOL FEDERATION

Recognized by the Australian and West Australian Eight Ball Federations as

The Official Rules of Eight Ball in Australia

(A) The Spirit of the Game

The game is known as Eight Ball Pool. It is expected that players will always play the game in the true spirit and in a sporting manner. The referee will take whatever action necessary to ensure that the spirit and the rules of the game are observd.

(B) Equipment

The game of Eight Ball Pool is played with:

1) a "Cue Ball" - being a white ball

2) 15 "Object Balls" consisting of:

a) "Colours" being a group of 7 red balls (or balls numbered 1 to 7) and a group of 7 yellow balls (or balls numbered 9 to 15 )

b) The "Eight Ball" being a black ball marked with a number "8".

3) A six pocket rectangular Pool Table.

(1) Shot: A "Shot" begins when all balls stop moving from the

previous shot

A player "Plays a Shot" by striking the Cue Ball with

tip of the cue.

A "Shot" ends when all balls stop moving from the

current shot.

(2) Play To Play an "Object Ball" is to play a shot that results

in the Cue Balls first contact with another ball to be

with that Object Ball.

To "Play" the Cue Ball is to strike it with the tip of

the cue.

(3) Ball On At any time during a frame, a ball "On" is any Object Ball that the

player may play without incurring a penalty.

(4) Pot A ball is "Potted" when it leaves the bed of the table, enters a

a pocket and remains in that pocket.

(5) Visit A "Visit" comprises one shot or a series of shots. Each visit lasts

until the player fails to pot a ball "On". (Or until a foul is

committed or the frame ends.

(6) Turn A players "Turn at the table comprises one visit or, after most fouls

committed by the opponent, two visits.

(7) Frame A "Frame" is one game of Eight Ball Pool between two players or two

pairs of players. A Frame is played from the opening break and

usually through until the Eight-Ball is potted. (Note: There are

other ways a frame may end, see - Loss of Frame).

(8) Match A "Match" is a predetermined number of frames of Eight Ball Pool between

two players or two teams of players.

(9) Player in Control

A Player (and the players partner in doubles) is deemed to be in control

of the frame from the time that the balls stop moving from the final shot

of an opponents turn until the ball stops moving from the final shot of

the players turn. There can be no instance, once the frame has begun, that

someone cannot be in control.

D - OBJECT OF THE GAME

1) The object of the game is to win by being the first player to

(a) Pot a group of in any Order and in any pockets, and then

(b) Pot the Eight Ball

2) When "On" a group of colours, potting more than one ball of that colour in the same

shot is allowed. But a separate shot must be played to pot the Eight Ball and win the

game.

E - PLAYING FROM BAULK

1) Baulk is the rectangular area of the table that is bordered by the

Baulk Line and the three cushions at that end of the table.

2) When Playing From Baulk

(a) The center point of the cue ball must be in Baulk

When a shot is played. (If the center point of the cue

Ball is directly on the Baulk Line it is not deemed

To be in Baulk.

(b) The Cue Ball can be moved into position by hand, or with

the shaft of the cue, but when touched by the tip of

the cue, a shot is deemed to have been played

( c ) The Cue Ball may be played in any direction.

ball and hand it to the incoming player or place it

on top of and in the center of the cushion at the

Baulk end of the table for the player to retrieve

by hand.

(2) If a player wishes to play from Balk after a Foul

Snooker, Foul Jaw Snooker, or Time Foul, the player

must verbally advise the referee of this choice and

the referee will then recover the Cue Ball and hand

it to the player or place it on top of, and in the

center of the cushion at the Baulk end of the table,

for the player to retrieve by hand.

If the player touches or recovers the Cue Ball, it is

A Standard Foul

(e) After an "In Off" , Foul Snooker, Foul Jaw Snooker, or Time Foul, the player must endeavour to

position the Cue Ball so as not to create a Foul Snooker. If the player claims a Foul Snooker, from

Baulk, The referee may choose to move the Cue Ball around to determine if there is any position

in Baulk where the player would not be Foul Snookered. Whether such a position is found or not,

the referee will announce the result and hand the Cue Ball back to the player or place it on top

of , and in the center of the cushion at the baulk end of the table for the player to retrieve by hand.

(F) THE BREAK

(1) object Balls are racked with the eight ball on the spot.

(2) In the absence of any competition / tournament rules to the contrary, a coin will be tossed to

determine which player will break. If a series of frames is to be played (A Match), the break

of each subsequent frame will alternate.

(3) The first shot of a frame is called a "Break. To "Break", the Cue Ball is played at the triangle

of Object Balls from Baulk. The frame is deemed to have commenced the instant the Cue

ball is played.

(4) (a) The "Break" will be deemed a "Fair Break" if :

(1)At least one Colour Ball is potted, and / or

(2) Four Object Balls (at least) are driven to a

cushion.

(b) If the "Break is not a "Fair Break" it is a "Non Standard Foul" and -

(1) The opponent is awarded two visits

(2) The Balls are re-racked

(3) The opponent re-starts the game and is under

the same obligation to achieve a Fair Break.

Foul that is penalized by the turn passing to the opponent.

(2) If the Break is not a Fair Break, and the Cue Ball is potted, the

penalty for failure to perform a Fair Break applies

(see (b) above).

(5) If the Eight Ball is potted on any break, the balls are re-racked and the

same player will break again. When the Eight Ball is potted on the Break,

all other aspects of the shot are ignored. (Except if a Serious Foul, or

or breach of the "Spirit of the Game" occurs

G) LEGAL SHOT

(1) On all shots the player must :

(a) Cause the Cue Balls initial contact with a ball to be with a "Ball On" and then,

(b) Pot a "Ball On" , or

(2) Failure to play a legal shot is a Standard Foul.

(3) Exceptions:

(a) On the Break, the conditions of a Legal Shot do not apply (see (f) The Break)

(b) When playing out of a Total Snooker a player is only obliged to meet the conditions

Of (1)(a) above. (see (Q) Total Snookers ).

(4) Interpretations:

(a) If the Cue Balls initial contact is with an Object Ball that is touching a cushion, simply

Forcing that Object Ball into the same cushion does not constitute a legal shot.

(b) If the Cue Ball and Object ball are touching the same cushion, simply forcing the

Cue Ball and / or into the same cushion does not constitute a legal shot.

H) DECIDING COLOURS

(1) General:

(a) When colours have not been decided, the table is deemed to be "Open".

When the table is "Open", a player may play at either group of colours.

(b) Colours can never be decided on a foul shot.

Of the frame. The opponent remains "on" the opposite colour group.

(d) Playing a shot after neglecting to nominate a choice of Colours is a Standard Foul.

Any balls potted in such a shot are left in the pocket and ignored for the purpose of

Deciding colours.

(2) On the Break:

(a) If no colours are potted on the Break, then the table is "Open".

(b) If one or more colours are potted on the break the player than has the right and obligation

To verbally advise the referee of a choice of Colour before proceeding. Failure to do so is

Standard Foul. If a player is fouled under this rule, the opponent faces an "Open" table.

( c) (1) If the player nominates a colour that was potted on the break the player is on that

colour, no matter what happens next.

(2) If the player nominates a colour that was not potted on the Break, to be on that

colour, the player must pot a ball of that colour on the next shot.

(3) After The Break

(a) If a player pots one or more balls of the same colour, the player is then "On" that colour.

(b) If a player pots one or more balls of different colours, the player then has the right and

obligation to verbally advise the referee of a choice of colour before proceeding. Once a

colour is nominated in these circumstances, the player is on that colour no matter what

happens next.

Failure to nominate is a Standard Foul. If the player is fouled under this rule, the

opponent faces an open table.

(I) TIME ALLOWED

(1) A player has a maximum of 60 seconds to play a shot.

(2) The referee will start timing when all the balls have come to rest from the previous shot.

(3) If the first 30 seconds have elapsed before the shot is played, the referee will call, Thirty

Seconds Remaining, as a warning to the player. This warning must be made the instant

The thirty seconds has expired. A referee should not postpone the call because it appears

That the player is about to play a shot.

(4) If a shot is not made within 60 seconds, it is a Non Standard Foul. The incoming player

Is awarded two visits from:

(a) where the Cue Ball lies, or if the player wishes,

(b) from Baulk

(5) The referee may decide to grant "Time Out" , being a period when timing ceases.

(a) At the request of the player (For example, something is obstructing the player,

Or the player needs to leave the playing area.) and/or

(b) Because the referee deems that it is warranted. (For example, the referee may

Call time out when making a close foul snooker decision or when searching

For a piece of equipment requested by the player.

(J) FOULS

There are 4 types of Fouls - Standard Fouls, Non-Standard Fouls, Serious Fouls, and Loss of

Frame Fouls. A player can only be penalized for one foul at a time. If two or more fouls are

Committed during a shot, the foul that carries the most severe penalty will apply.

(K) STANDARD FOULS

Standard Fouls are to be called by the referee as soon as they occur and the

Fouled player loses control of the table immediately. The referee then awards two

Visits to the opponent.

(1) Potting the Cue Ball - "In Off" (except on a fair break - see (F) The Break(4)

( c )(1) ). The incoming player plays from Baulk (see (E) Playing From Baulk(d)(1) )

(2) Playing from outside Baulk when obliged to play from Baulk

(see (E) Playing From Baulk (2)(a) ).

(3) Potting an opponents ball (except when it is the properly nominated ball following a Foul Snooker or a Foul Jaw Snooker).

(4) Failing to cause the Cue Balls initial contact with a ball to be with a "Ball On".

(5) Accidentally striking the Cue Ball with any paet of the cue ball other than the tip.

(6) Accidentally striking an object ball with any part of the cue.

(7) Playing a shot before all balls have come to rest from a previous shot.

(8) Playing a shot before any balls that require spotting, have been spotted.

(9) (a) Touching the table while having a cigarette (lit or unlit) in hand or mouth

(b) Causing a cigarette (lit or unlit) to touch the table, or enter the space

directly above the table.

( c)Touching the table while having a beverage container in hand.

(d) Causing a beverage container or beverage to touch the table or enter the

space directly above the table.

(10) Touching the table when not in control of the frame. (see - ( c) Definitions (9) - Player in Control). Exception -

When a players turn is finished, that player has a maximum

of 10 seconds to move away from the table

(see (11) below)

(11) Not moving away from the table within 10 seconds of the time

that all the balls stopped moving from the final shot of a turn at the table.

(K) Standard Fouls (Continued)

(12) Coaching - During a Frame, A player is required to play, without

receiving advice from other persons relating to the playing of the

frame. Should a team member, or bone fide supporter of a player offer

advice, the referee will issue a "First and Final Warning" to that

person that a repetition will result in the player being penalized via

a Standard Foul. Because it may not always be possible for the referee

to hear if a statement made to a player is advice, the referee may

issue the First and Final Warning on the grounds that any statement

made to a player, other then general barracking is deemed to be

coaching.

In a Tournament Setting, A First and Final Warning may be given once

Only, before commencement of the days play as a block warning to the

Players and spectators.

(13 Leaving the playing area without permission. If a player needs to

Leave the playing area during a game or match, "Time Out" must first be granted by the referee (see (1) Time Allowed (5) ).

(14) Playing a shot after neglecting to nominate the choice of colour when

The obligation and the right to do so existed. (see - (H) Deciding

Colours (1) (d) ).

(15) Playing a "Push Shot" or "Double Hit" of a type defined in (O) Push

shots and Double Hits.

(16) Failing to perform a "Legal Shot" (see (G) Legal Shot )

(17) After being awarded a Foul Snooker, or Foul Jaw Snooker - playing an

opponents ball or the eight ball without firstly nominating that ball.

(18) Playing a shot while not having at least one foot touching the floor.

(19) Failing to "Play Away" from a touching ball. (see (T)Touching Balls

((1)(a) ).

(20) A Ball remaining on the table ( see (U) Balls Remaining on the Table

(1)(a) ).

(21) Players body or clothing touching any ball

(L) NON - STANDARD FOULS

Non-Standard Fouls are to be called by the referee as soon as they

Occur, and the fouled player immediately loses control of the table.

The referee will then impose the relevant penalty. Non Standard Fouls

Are so called because the penalty and/or options of the incoming player

May vary.

(1) Failure to perform a Fair Break ( see (F) The Break(4)(a)&(b).

(2) Failure to play a shot within 60 seconds of the time that the balls come to rest from the previous shot.(see (1)Time Allowed (4) ).

(3) Potting the Cue Ball on a Fair Break. (see (F)The Break(4)(c)(1) ).

(4) An opponents ball falling without being hit while the player is in control (see (V)Balls falling without being hit(b) ).

(M) SERIOUS FOULS

Serious Fouls are to be called by the referee as soon as they occur

And the fouled player immediately loses control of the table. The

Referee will replace the balls as near as possible to the positions

They were in before the Serious Foul was committed and award two

Visits to the opponent.

(1) Playing a shot out of turn (either accidentally or deliberately)

(2) Deliberately striking a ball other than the Cue Ball with the tip of the cue.

(3) Deliberately causing any ball or balls to be moved in a manner other than that which may result from playing a normal shot.

(4) Deliberately striking the cue ball with other than the tip of the cue.

(5) Deliberately causing the cue ball to jump over any ball.(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.

(6) Deliberately interfering, by word or action, so as to disrupt an opponents play.

(N) LOSS OF FRAME FOULS

(1) Committing a foul on the same shot that the eight ball is potted ( except on the

Break.

(2) Potting the eight ball when a ball or balls of the players own Colour are still on the table. (except on the Break ).

(3) Potting the Eight Ball and the last ball or balls of the players own Colours in the same shot.

(4) Committing two Serious Fouls in the one frame.

(5) Committing a serious foul that disrupts the balls to such an extent that the referee deems it impossible to replace them as close as possible to their original positions. (except a shot played out of turn accidentally. In this case the referee will give the opponent the choice of either playing the balls from where they lie or replaying the frame. If the frame is replayed, the same player is to break again.

(6) Any deliberate attempt to prevent the opponent from potting the eight ball, when the opponent is on the eight ball, by way of a Serious Foul, or other unsporting manoeuvre.

(7) If a player breaches the "Spirit of the Game" to such an extent that the frame (or match ) should be awarded to the opponent.

(O) PUSH SHOTS AND DOUBLE HITS.

(1)Definitions: Most shots commonly known as "Push Shots" in the game of snooker

are allowed in the game of Eight Ball Pool. Generally, any shot played with speed

will not be deemed to be a Push Shot regardless of the fact that the cue tip may have

come into contact with the Cue Ball more than once.

(2) Exceptions that are Standard Fouls :

(a) When during the playing of a shot, the cue strikes the Cue Ball twice,

And the referee is actually able to see such contact.

(b) When during the playing of a shot, a player plays the cue so slowly

Through the Cue Ball that the cue tip remains in contact with the Cue Ball so as to be visibly pushing it along.

(c ) When the Cue Ball is played into a touching object ball. (see (T)

Touching Balls ).

(P) SNOOKERS

(1) Definition: A player is "Snookered" when it is impossible to play the finest cut

possible on both sides of any of that players own colour by way of a "straight - line" shot. Snookering an opponent is not a foul..

(2) A player cannot be snookered by a ball of the players own colour. That is, if one of the players own coloured group is an obstructing ball, it will be ignored for the purposes of determining a snooker.

(3) A player cannot be snookered on an Object Ball if the cue ball is touching that object ball.

(4) A player cannot be snookered by the straight sections of the cushions. If a straight section of a cushion is preventing the finest possible cut on the side of an Object Ball, that section of cushion will be deemed not to exist for the purposes of determining a snooker on that Object Ball.

(5) If an Object Ball is partly obscured by a curved section of a cushion, (Jaw) this in itself does not constitute a snooker

(Q) TOTAL SNOOKERS

(1) Definition: A player is in Total Snooker when it is impossible to play any part of the

players own Colour by way of a "Straight - Line" shot. Leaving an opponent in a Total Snooker is not a foul.

(2) If a player believes that a Total Snooker exists, the player may ask the referee for a

ruling.

(3) If the referee rules that a Total Snooker exists, the players obligations under the Legal Shot Rule are relaxed as follows - The player need only cause the Cue Ball's initial contact to be with a ball "On". The requirement to pot a ball and / or cause a ball to strike a cushion is waived.

(R ) FOUL SNOOKERS

(1) Definition: When an opponent plays a foul shot and this results in the incoming player

being snookered, the incoming player is deemed to be Foul Snookered.

(2) If a player believes that a Foul Snooker exists, the player may ask the referee for a ruling.

(3) If the referee rules that a Foul Snooker exists, the player initially has the following options

(a) Play the Cue Ball from where it lies (see (4)(a) below ). Or

(b) Ask the referee to remove the Cue Ball so as to allow the player to play from Baulk (see (4)(b) below)

(4) (a) (1) If the player chooses to play the Cue Ball from where it lies, the player may,

if the player wishes, nominate the Eight Ball (but see (5) below) or any one

of the opponents colours. The player can nominate a particular ball by verbal

description of it or its position or by pointing at it. The referee may ask for

further information if any doubt exists as to which ball has been nominated.

(2) Once nominated, a ball is deemed to "become one" of the players Colours

for the first shot of the first visit. The player may then play any of the players

own colour or the nominated ball. If any of the players Colour and / or the

nominated ball are potted, the player continues the first visit.

(b) If the player chooses to play the Cue Ball from Baulk, a Foul Snooker may no longer exist. In this case, the procedure under the heading (E) Playing from Baulk (2)(d)(2) & (2)(e) should be followed. If the referee decides that a Foul Snooker does still exist, the player may nominate a ball and follow the procedure in (4)(a) above.

(5) If the Eight Ball is nominated it may be played, but potting it will mean loss of

frame

(6) (a) If a player is "On" the Eight Ball and Foul Snookered, the player may play a

nominated ball or the Eight Ball and pot either or both of these balls, directly,

or indirectly in any pocket or pockets.

Assuming the player does not commit a foul:

(1) If neither the Eight Ball or nominated ball is potted, the players first visit is

Is complete.

(2)If the nominated ball is potted and the Eight Ball is not, the player continues

with the first visit.

(3)If the nominated ball and the Eight Ball are potted, the player wins the

the frame.

(4)If the Eight Ball is potted and the nominated ball is not, the player wins the

frame.

(7) If a Foul Snooker exists, and the Cue Ball is touching the opponents ball or balls, the may, but is not obliged to,

nominate one of those touching balls.

(S) FOUL JAW SNOOKER

If an opponent fouls and the Cue Ball comes to rest on or near a Jaw (curved part of

Cushion ), and that Jaw is preventing the player from playing the finest cut possible on

Both sides of that players own colour by way of a straight line shot, the player is

Deemed to be Foul Snookered, and all the rules pertaining to Foul Snookers will apply.

(T) TOUCHING BALLS

(1) General:

(a) If the Cue Ball is touching an Object Ball the player is obliged to "play Away" from that Object Ball at an angle of more than 90 degrees. (That is, play the shot without causing the Cue Ball to make any further contact with that Object Ball ).

(b) If when playing away from a touching ball, the touching ball rocks or moves without being contacted further, but simply because the cue ball is no longer there, no penalty will apply.

(2) When Colours Have Been Decided:

(a) Playing away from a touching Object Ball of the players own colour - The

Instant a player plays away from a touching Object Ball of the players own colour the player is deemed to have played that ball. .Therefore the player needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfill all the requirements of a Legal Shot.

(b) Playing away from a touching object ball or the opponents colour - The player

Must play away from the touching bal land then meet all the requirements of a legal shot.

( c) (1) Playing away from the touching Eight Ball when "On" the Eight Ball the

player must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then need only

cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfill the requirements of a Legal

shot.

(2) Playing away from the touching Eight Ball when not "On" the Eight

Ball - The player must play away from the touching Eight Ball, and

Then make all the requirements of a Legal Shot.

(1) If any of the touching Object Balls are of the players colour the player

Will be deemed to have played away if the player plays away from any one of the touching balls of the players Colour. That is, the player may play into any of the other touching balls. The player needs then to only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfill the requirements of a Legal Shot.

(2) If none of the touching Object Balls are of the players coloured group, the

Player must play away from all the touching balls, and then meet all the requirements of a legal shot.

(3)When Colours Have Yet To Be Decided

(a) Playing away from a touching Coloured Ball - The instant a player plays away

From a touching Coloured Ball the player is deemed to have played that ball. Therefore, the player needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfill all the requirements of a Legal Shot.

(b) Playing away from a touching Eight Ball - The player must play away from the

Touching Eight Ball and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.

(c ) Playing away from two or more touching Object Balls - If the player plays

away from any of the touching coloured balls the player is deemed to have

played that ball. That is, the player may play into any of the other touching

object balls. The player needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a

cushion to meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.

(U) BALLS OFF THE TABLE

(1) It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface (other than being potted) and remains off the playing surface or doesn't return by its own means.

(2) Definitions / Examples

(a) "Playing Surface" - the playing surface of the table is the flat part of the table between the cushions.

(b) "By its Own Means" -

(1) It is not a foul, if the ball leaves the playing surface, runs along the top of the cushion, drops back onto the playing surface and comes to rest there or falls into a pocket.

(2) It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, comes into contact with a person or object that is not part of the table and then returns to the playing surface.

(c ) "Off the Table" - It is a Standard foul if the ball leaves the playing surface

and comes to rest on other than the playing surface (eg: On the floor or

on top of a cushion)>

if this is not possible, as near as possible to the spot in a direct line between the spot and the centre point of the cushion that lies the greatest distance from the Baulk Line. If any of the following balls require spotting, they are spotted in the following order:

(1) Eight Ball, then

(2) Red Balls in any order (or balls numbered 1 - 7 in numerical order ) then

(3) Yellow Balls in any order (or balls numbered 9 - 15 in numerical order )

Spotted Balls should be placed as close to each other and any intervening balls as possible without touching.

(3) If a ball leaves the playing surface, and remains off the playing surface it shall be returned to the table -

(a) If it is the cue ball it is to be played from Baulk

(b) If it is an Object Ball or Balls it is to be spotted.

(V) BALLS FALLING WITHOUT BEING HIT

(1) The Player in Control ( see (C ) Definitions (9) ) is responsible for any stationary ball that subsequently falls into a pocket without being hit by another ball.

(a)If one of the Players own Colour falls the player is deemed to have potted

that ball and the player in control continues with that visit.

(b)If one of the opponents Colour falls while the player is in control it is a

Non - Standard Foul that is penalized by the turn passing to the opponent.

Original position. If any other balls are moved in these circumstances they shall also be replaced as near as possible to their original position and the player in control continues with that visit.

(W) INTERFERENCE

(1) If any balls are moved during a frame -

(a) By a person other than the players taking part in the frame, or

(b) As a direct result of one of the players being bumped, or

(1) An Act of God, such as an earthquake etc

(2) Tip falling off a cue or end falling off a spider etc

The referee will replace the balls as near as possible to the positions they were in before the incident occurred, no penalty shall be imposed on either of the players and the frame shall continue.

(2) (a) The referee will prevent any un authorized marking of the table.

If a player causes a block of billiard chalk or other foreign matter to be

On any part of the table, it is not a foul. However the referee will ensure

That the item is removed.

(b) If a player repeatedly causes a block of billiard chalk or other foreign

matter to be on any part of the table, the referee may deem that the player

has breached the "Spirit of the Game" and award the frame to the

opponent.

(c ) Exception to (a) above - A cigarette or beverage container (see (K)

Standard Fouls (9) ).

(X) IMPOSSIBLE SHOT

A situation may arise during a frame where it is impossible for a player to play a

Shot without fouling. In such a situation the player has no other option but to foul.

(Y) STALEMATE

The referee may declare a stalemate if both the player and the opponent have three

Turns in succession where the cue ball fails to make contact with an Object Ball.

In such a case the frame will be replayed with the same player breaking.

(Z) REFEREES GUIDELINES AND DUTIES

The referees guidelines and duties listed below supplement those directions contained in

Various other sections of these rules.

(1) The referee's decision is final except where the players have been advised that it is possible to appeal to a Head Referee or a Higher Authority.

(2) Information to be disclosed / not disclosed by a referee -

(a) A player is responsible for knowing the rules of the game. It is not the

Referees duties to explain or quote the rules to a player.

(b) A referee, if asked by a player, may divulge certain information pertaining to the frame in question under the guidelines of the "Past Present and Future Rule". A referee may divulge any information pertaining to any past event or present situation in the frame. For example "Who's turn is

it? - Present. "Was that a foul? - Past . "Which Colour am I On ? -

present. However, "If I play this shot will it be a foul? Is a question

regarding the Future, and the referee should advise the player that the

referee cannot answer this type of question.

(3) The referee shall toss a coin to determine the break and announce the result.

(4) If an Object ball or balls are potted on the break the referee will advise both players of this fact by announcing the balls that were potted. When Colours are decided for the first time, the referee will announce "Player A on Red (or Yellow) Balls." When that players turn is complete, the referee will advise the incoming player of the situation by announcing "Player B on Yellow (Red) Balls".

(5) (a) The referee will call fouls as soon as they occur and the fouled player

immediately loses control of the table.

(1) The call for a Standard Foul is "Foul, Two Visits"

(2) The call for a Non - Standard Foul is "Foul" (and announce the relevant penalty ).

(3) The call for a Serious Foul is "Serious Foul Two Visits"

(4) The call for a Loss of Frame foul is "Loss of Frame".

(b) After a player has been awarded two visits the referee will make no call until

until the player fails to pot a ball On (Except for 30 second time warnings and

for any fouls that may occur).The referee will then call "Second Visit" to

advise the player that the first visit is complete, and the second visit is about to

begin.

(6) The referee will call any instance when the cue ball is touching a ball "On".

(7) In the absence of ant competition / tournament rules to the contrary, two referees

will referee each frame. One referee will make the standard calls such as "Second

Visit" and "Player A on Red (or Yellow ) Balls" while the other referee will keep

The time. Both referees will be involved in the refereeing of the frame and either

Can call fouls. If one referee calls a foul , the other referee cannot overrule the

Call.

That is, the two referees have equal authority.