General Rules

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Hua Hin Pool Leagues General Rules

Committee involvement
• Scheduling all matches including the draws for knockout tournaments and the individual tournaments.
• Administration of all scoring, and reporting the status of all tournaments on a regular basis, usually weekly after league matches. Cup and Shield match results will appear in the next week’s newsletter.
• Preparation of rules and formats and making changes found to be necessary or are wanted by the majority of the competing players and constantly thinking of ways to make the matches more enjoyable.
• Recording notifications of any rescheduled matches that are informed to them by Email or SMS.
• Following up and dealing with any complaints that are reported to them. The committee will only get involved as a last resort to make a decision when two teams cannot arrive at a mutually agreeable solution themselves. The committee cannot send a representative to a match. If a dispute cannot be resolved by the teams then a re-start of the rack must be taken.
• Monitor and consider any suggestions and constructive criticism that are given to them by the competing members or those who would like to compete in the future. These must be received one month before the start of a tournament. Any late suggestions will be recorded and raised in time for the next season.
• Maintaining the relationship with Halex, the prime sponsor, and recruiting additional secondary sponsors.
• Provision of all awards not covered by sponsors and organisation of the Awards Presentation Evening.
• Assist players finding a venue to play for if they have a problem with the current venue or they join late.

What the committee cannot do
• Get involved with re-scheduling. This must be done by the two teams involved. The committee are quite happy to give details of event dates so that reschedules can be done without a clash. Please remember that the requesting team must get a new date when asking for a reschedule or they take the risk that a suitable date cannot be provide and the other team will be awarded a walkover.
• Get involved with disputes either internally between team member or between two teams. If no information is provided by the teams and no scoresheet is handed in explaining the result both teams will be awarded one point and the match will be considered a draw.
• Answer calls on match nights. All of the members of the committee are involved in playing pool themselves. In a very urgent situation an SMS message can be sent and a follow up call will be made as soon as possible.
• Get involved in dialogues with individual players. The contact to the committee must be made via the venue owner, the venue manager or their chosen representative. Suggestions from anybody are always welcomed and will be collated for use before the next season starts. Many of the best ideas have been passed on this way.
• Hold discussions in the street or in their homes or work places unless by appointment. If anybody cannot get to email then an SMS message is acceptable.

ALL COMMITTEE DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND NOT NEGOTIABLE.

Tournaments
New tournaments are always being discussed by the committee and suggestions from players are always welcome. The primary sponsor for all tournaments will continue to be Halex with secondary sponsors providing awards for individual divisions. The 2007 tournaments that have currently been planned are detailed below.

9-Ball tournaments
9-Ball league
The 2007 league consists of 2 divisions. They are Division A of 8 teams and Division B of 6 teams. The tournaments started in December and continue on until February taking up a period of 10 weeks only. Most matches in Division A will be played on a Wednesday but there will be 4 in January and February that will have to be played on Monday evenings to accommodate the extra 4 matches needed in that division. If popular opinion requires that this tournament is held at least once per year then minor changes will be made in the future to avoid Monday matches.
9-Ball Individuals’ Tournaments.
The best performing individuals will compete in end of season knockout or league or a mixture of both. This event will only take place is there is sufficient time and it is wanted by the players. The details will be published when it is known how many players wish to compete.
9-Ball Inter-League Tournament.
A tournament will be held between the top two teams of the two 9-Ball leagues to decide the overall Hua Hin 9-Ball champions.8-Ball tournaments

8-Ball tournaments
8-Ball League
There will be an 8-Ball league that is expected to have five divisions of 8 teams. A promotion and relegation system is used at the end of each season which will be completely dependant upon what teams remain at the start of the new season. There will be 2 league tournaments in 1 year. The first starts in February and continues until July and the second starts in August and continues until November. The divisions of the league will be named after their secondary sponsors. In the first 2007 season there will be a maximum of 32 teams. If more wish to join they will have to go onto the waiting list and if there are enough teams a fifth division will be created.
Every effort is made to keep the divisions to eight teams each but if total numbers dictate it may become necessary; to have 6 of 10 team divisions. In all divisions each team will play the other teams in their division twice, once home and once away with the possibility of a third match in 6 team divisions. 10 team divisions may have to play on alternative nights to catch up with the eight team divisions.
The Halex Toby Charnaud Memorial Cup.
The first two rounds of the Cup will reduce the number of teams to 16. The first round will be seeded so that the higher placed teams do not meet in the first round. All rounds of the Cup up until the Semi Finals will be single leg contests with the home venue being that of the team that is pulled from the hat first. The Semi Finals and Final will be a single leg contest on a neutral venue.
A points draw in a Cup or Shield tie will require a best of 5 rack tiebreaker to determine the winner. 5 players from each team must be available for the tiebreaker. A walkover point will be awarded per missing player to the opposing team if there are not the 5 required players. (I.e. if one team has only 4 players remaining for the tiebreaker then the other team will get a 1 point head start straight away, with just 4 racks left to play).
The Halex Shield Tournament.
All teams that are knocked out of the first two rounds of the Cup and any late joiners will be eligible to compete in the Shield Tournament. The Shield Tournament will then progress in the same manner as the Cup with a preliminary round, single leg rounds and a Semi Final followed by the Final both played at a neutral venue. The format & rules will be exactly the same as that of the Cup.
Individuals’ Tournaments.
An individual tournament will be held for both ladies and men. The top performing league players from all divisions will meet in tournament to decide an overall winner.

Match & Team Rules.
Rules of all games.
Specific game rules will be published in separate documents and will constantly use input from local players and worldwide trends as a guide to any changes required.
The World Standardized Rules http://www.bca-pool.com/play/tournaments/rules/rls_gen.shtml will be used in all games unless contradicted in this document or any of the Format or Rules Documentation that is supplied by HHHPL (Halex Hua Hin Pool Leagues). The significant difference in Hua Hin is that we do not use the call shot option except on the 8-Ball.
Placing the cue ball with ball in hand.
The player can place the cue ball anywhere on the table (unless the rule for a situation specifically otherwise) and use the cue as well as their hand to achieve the desired position. If their hand, clothing, cue or the cue ball touches another ball while the cue ball is being placed it is a foul and a ball in hand will be given to the other player.
Balls moving spontaneously.
Balls should be given five seconds to rest after they have appeared to have stopped moving, before the next shot is attempted. Please ensure that fans are switched off or not directed towards the table and that the cloth is in good condition. If a ball does move slightly and there has been no direct contact then no foul has been committed but the opposing team may call for a re-rack. If the shooting player makes contact with the table after the five seconds and a ball drops into the pocket it is a foul and ball in hand is given to the opponent. If the teams can agree on whether or not contact was made then the contest must be restarted.
Touching ball.
If it is agreed by both players and Captains that the cue ball is touching an object ball then the following rules apply depending upon the ball that the cue ball is touching. If it is the player’s own, then the player can play the cue ball away from that ball without moving it or play the cue ball into the object ball. If he chooses to play away it is deemed to be a legal shot even if he does not contact another ball so long as all other rules are adhered to and at least one ball hits a cushion or a ball is potted. If the cue ball is touching the opponent’s ball or the 8-Ball then he must play away and make first contact with a ball from his own group.
Infractions.
All infractions of the rules must be called before another shot is taken or else it will be deemed that no infraction has occurred. If a player knows or suspects that he has fouled it is his duty to call it himself. If the player is unsure he should ask the opinion of his opponent or his Captain. If a mutually agreeable decision cannot be reached then there must be a re-rack. If a foul has been committed and neither the player nor his Captain calls it, then the opposing Captain may call. The cue ball should only ever be taken off the table by either the referee or the player who has made the foul shot but not the opponent. The cue ball must never be touched until all balls have come to rest. This applies even to the cue ball even if the last ball has been potted. Any resulting dispute will be dealt with as described below.
Access to documentation.
All venues must have access to all documentation supplied for the current season. Failure to be able to produce the documentation in the event of a dispute entitles the visiting team to claim a win. Home venues should provide a scoresheet for themselves and for the visiting team.
Time constraints.
A shot should be taken within two minutes of the previous player leaving the table and within one minute of the incoming player approaching the table. If a player repeatedly takes more time than that then the Captains should discuss the matter and if necessary time the shots. If the player still takes more than allocated time periods a foul penalty is awarded to the opponent. The clock should always be stopped if a player visits the bathroom or a dispute is being discussed between the two Captains.
Disputes over rules or scores
Disputes must always be dealt with by the two teams involved and in serious cases should be reported to the committee by email after the match has been completed. The committee supplies rules that cover all expected types of dispute. No committee member will be contactable whilst matches are being played as all of them are involved in matches themselves. A dispute over rules must be solved by reading the rules document that will always be available at every participating venue. If the dispute relates to an event (e.g. was first contact with the players own ball or another) then the rack must be restarted as soon as possible. Time should not be wasted arguing over a situation that cannot be resolved. If a dispute arises over scoring and the match is completed then all details should be recorded by both teams and passed to the committee and a decision on the outcome will be made. In the event of a match not being played for any reason the committee will award both teams one point each unless they have a very good reason not to do so. No bonus points or individual scores will be recorded.
Behaviour
Swearing or threatening behaviour should be avoided. Respect must be given to any other customers who are in the venue at the time. The committee will expel any team that has substantiated complaints made against them. Complaints of a not too serious nature that are upheld will be recorded and a warning notice will be sent to the team involved. Three warnings and the team will be disqualified.
It must be remembered at all times that the Hua Hin Pool Leagues main purpose is to provide fun evenings for residents and tourists alike. Nobody should take the tournaments too seriously.
Attendance and rescheduling.
Rescheduling
Teams are expected to play all matches in all tournaments on the scheduled date. If a team wishes to change the date they must make contact with the other team and then inform a committee member of the decision. A change can only be made if the opposing team agrees to it. If both teams agree to play on another date then it must be played before the next match in that tournament. The team that makes the request initially is the requesting team and the other team is the opposing team.
If a date is not agreed at the time of request but the team agrees to a postponement then the requesting team takes the risk that the opposing team cannot agree a date in the required timescale. In this situation a walkover is handed to the opposing team.
In a league match it is possible to agree a date after the next league match but the committee must be informed by both parties. Cup and Shield matches must be played before the next round is scheduled. The committee must be informed of any rescheduling. If the opposing team cannot agree to a change they will be awarded a walkover if the match is not played. It is highly recommended that teams contact each other at least 24 hours before all fixtures to confirm their attendance or to request a postponement. As this league will be played through the busy season it is not expected for bars to provide food but any that do so will sure to be appreciated.
Attendance
Before commencement of any match, all the names of the intended players for the next set must be filled in on the scoresheet by each team. The names must be entered in the same way for each set. Changes can only be made later with the agreement of the opposing Captain.
It is permissible to fill in names of players who are not yet present and are on their way. However if those players have not arrived by the time they are due to play then someone else from the team will have to take their place and the bonus points will be counted accordingly.
If a player has played his rack/s he may leave the venue but must be aware that in the event of a tie breaker there must be five of the playing team available. If any players are missing for a play off then a walkover point will be awarded to the opposing side.
The bonus points will be awarded in all cases on who actually played the racks. The number of different players in each set is counted and the minimum number is used to calculate the bonus points.
Walkovers
Failure to field a team without prior arrangement with the opponents for any match results in a walkover. The team that attended must list, on the scoresheet, all players that attended and were intending to compete along with the claimed bonus. The match points recorded will are stated in the Tournament Format Document. Bonus points claimed will be added to this score. A signature must be obtained from the person in charge of the venue on the night. If both teams fail to attend the fixture must be rearranged before the next scheduled fixture, or the match will be void and neither team will be awarded any points. No individual scores are recorded for a walkover or void match. All teams should be allowed a 30 minute grace period before a walkover can be considered. Please inform committee of any waiting over 10 minutes before the first team member turns up. Constant latest will result in a written warning to the offenders.
Team drop outs
If a team drops out or is disqualified, all of their results will be voided. The points and individual scores of the teams that played them will also be voided. The committee has the right to suspend any team from all competitions for unacceptable behaviour or continually failing to provide a team.
Player eligibility
A player can normally only play for one team during the season. If a player, for any reason, wants to change his or her team they should make the new Captain aware of their intentions and the Captain should then report to the committee. If the move is approved by the committee the individual scores can be maintained and carried over to the new team.
Match Days
League matches are normally played on Wednesdays, starting at 08.00 PM. In certain circumstances matches will be played on Thursday evenings at the same. It is recommended that matches be played on the scheduled date.
Venues.
Equipment
Venues are expected to keep their table in as good a condition as possible and ensure that there are suitable cues, chalk and powder available. All moveable items should be taken away from the playing area so that there are no obstructions. Venues should ensure that their pool table and cues are regularly maintained. The table are not expected to be of tournament standard but ripped cloth and worn or broken cues need to be attended to before a match takes place.
Playing area.
NO TEAM MEMBER INCLUDING THE CAPTAIN CAN OFFER UNSOLICITED ADVICE.
NO CONTACT WITH PLAYERS IS PERMITTED WHILST PLAYERS ARE AT THE TABLE.
ONLY THE SHOOTING PLAYER IS ALLOWED IN THE PLAYING AREA.
AFTER YOUR VISIT TO THE TABLE IS OVER YOU MUST LEAVE THE PLAYING AREA
ANY PLAYER IS PERFECTLY WITHIN HIS RIGHTS TO REQUEST THAT ANY PERSON OR OBSTRUCTION IS MOVE AWAY FROM THE PLAYING AREA.
There are two exceptions to these rulings.
• If it is unclear what pocket has been nominated on the 8-Ball the opposing Captain has the right to hold up the shot get clarification from the player or his Captain.
• If at any time in the match the Captain of either team is unavailable then any member of either team (preferably the Deputy) can hold up the play until both Captains are available to discuss the issue.
If any of these infringements not included in the exceptions take place the opposing Captain can claim a re-rack and restart the rack.
• Players ARE permitted to seek advice from their Captain or his fellow team members and a discussion may take place with the team before taking the shot but only at the request of the player, bearing in mind the exceptions listed above and ensuring that the time constraints are adhered to.
• Mobile phones should be switched off or switched to silent wherever possible. If the mobile phone has to be left on then it should not be carried when playing a rack.
• Venue owners should advise their staff not to walk through the playing area whilst a shot is taking place.
Team Captains.
EVERY TEAM MUST HAVE A CAPTAIN.
The Captain’s responsibilities are:
• Nominating a Deputy who is stand in Captain if the main Captain cannot be available for a match or even if he is away from a match for a for period.
• To ensure that the rules are known and passed to the players.
• To have access to a copy of the rules while a match is played. The rules and format documents must be kept and made easily accessible at all venues. This is the responsibility of the venue owner but is the responsibility of the Captain to check with the venue before commencement of the game.
• Submitting scoresheets within 24 hours of completion of an away or neutral venue match. Failure to do this will result in the home team being awarded 2 points and a win of 10 – 5 plus any bonus points claimed by the home team will be recorded. Under no circumstance must scoresheets be left in post boxes. They must always be handed to a member of staff. A number of venues will be made available depending upon the tournament.
• Managing rescheduling. This should only be done in extreme circumstances. The committee do not need to get involved with rescheduling but must be kept informed by email or SMS.
• To ensure that each match has a referee appointed and agreed upon by the 2 team Captains. If no referee is available then the 2 Captains will act as referees.
• Informing their players of their expected commitments including their Individual Tournament dates and venues.
Refereeing.
The Captain’s responsibilities regarding home matches are described above. In a neutral venue event the venue with support from the committee will provide a referee. The decision of the appointed referee is final. The referee can order the rack to be restarted ay any time if he decides it is the best solution in a dispute. The decision must be accepted by both teams.

Terminology

Venue

The bar or guest house that a team uses as its home for home matches.

Neutral venue

A venue that has a pool table that is sometime used when a home advantage to one team is not desired. This is usually in Finals.

Captain

The player in charge of the team that must be present at all matches at all times.

Deputy

The player in charge when the Captain is not available.

Team member

A player that always plays for a team when available.

Guest

A player that plays for a team for one or two matches only. These players will be excluded from certain events.

Footspot

A position on the lower half (foot end) of the table. It can be determined by getting two pieces of cotton stretched from the centre of each middle pocket to the corner pocket diagonally opposite. The spot is positioned where the pieces of cotton cross.

League

A number of divisions playing in the same tournament.

Division

A sub-section of a league.

Match

A contest comprising of sets of racks and completed in one session.

Leg

A match that is one part of a complete contest. Usually 1 of 2.

Contest

A best of n or race to n series of racks.

Set

A group of racks of the same type.

Rack

One single game of pool, sometimes known as a frame. The term also applies to the group of balls themselves that make up the pack before the start of the match or the triangle or diamond that is used to position the balls.

Best of n

A contest where the winner is the determined by the player or team that scores the most wins in the n number of racks. The number is always an odd number. In reality is that the contest is over when the first team or players has won more than half of the number of racks being played. A best of 11 is also known as a race to 6 contest.

Headspot

A position upper half (head end) of the table. The position is determined exactly in the same manner as the Footspot but at the other end of the table.

Headstring

The line (also known as the baulk line) that passes through the Headspot from one side of the table to the other parallel to the head cushion and at 90° to the side cushions.

Long String

This is an imaginary line that runs from the foot cushion to the centre of the table. It runs through the footspot and is parallel to the side cushions. It is used only in 9-Ball when the 9-Ball is potted illegally or is shot off the table and when another ball is occupying its position. The 9-Ball is then placed on the Long String as close to its original position as possible.

Bank

To play a ball against a cushion before making first contact with the object ball.

Scratch.

The cue ball going into a pocket or going off the table. The cue ball must be allowed to drop into the pocket before being retrieved.

Playoff

An extension to a tournament to decide interdivisional winners or promotion and relegation places.

Tiebreaker

An extension to a match that ends in a draw and a result need to be decided that evening.

Cup

The trophy with the full name of The Halex Toby Charnaud Memorial Cup that is temporally awarded to the winners of that knockout competition.

Shield

The trophy that is awarded to a team on a permanent basis to the winners of that knockout competition. It is contested by teams that got knocked out in the early stages of the Cup competition.

Table and 8-Ball Layout.
PLEASE NOTE.
The balls should be racked as per the picture in the Hua Hin 8-Ball Pool Rules document.
The spots at the side of the table do not always line up correctly. The method of positioning the Headspot and Footspot are described above.

9-Ball Layout

Venue	The bar or guest house that a team uses as its home for home matches.
Neutral venue	A venue that has a pool table that is sometime used when a home advantage to one team is not desired. This is usually in Finals.
Captain	The player in charge of the team that must be present at all matches at all times.
Deputy	The player in charge when the Captain is not available.
Team member	A player that always plays for a team when available.
Guest	A player that plays for a team for one or two matches only. These players will be excluded from certain events.
Footspot	A position on the lower half (foot end) of the table. It can be determined by getting two pieces of cotton stretched from the centre of each middle pocket to the corner pocket diagonally opposite. The spot is positioned where the pieces of cotton cross.
League	A number of divisions playing in the same tournament.
Division	A sub-section of a league.
Match	A contest comprising of sets of racks and completed in one session.
Leg	A match that is one part of a complete contest. Usually 1 of 2.
Contest	A best of n or race to n series of racks.
Set	A group of racks of the same type.
Rack	One single game of pool, sometimes known as a frame. The term also applies to the group of balls themselves that make up the pack before the start of the match or the triangle or diamond that is used to position the balls.
Best of n	A contest where the winner is the determined by the player or team that scores the most wins in the n number of racks. The number is always an odd number. In reality is that the contest is over when the first team or players has won more than half of the number of racks being played. A best of 11 is also known as a race to 6 contest.
Headspot	A position upper half (head end) of the table. The position is determined exactly in the same manner as the Footspot but at the other end of the table.
Headstring	The line (also known as the baulk line) that passes through the Headspot from one side of the table to the other parallel to the head cushion and at 90° to the side cushions.
Long String	This is an imaginary line that runs from the foot cushion to the centre of the table. It runs through the footspot and is parallel to the side cushions. It is used only in 9-Ball when the 9-Ball is potted illegally or is shot off the table and when another ball is occupying its position. The 9-Ball is then placed on the Long String as close to its original position as possible.
Bank	To play a ball against a cushion before making first contact with the object ball.
Scratch.	The cue ball going into a pocket or going off the table. The cue ball must be allowed to drop into the pocket before being retrieved.
Playoff	An extension to a tournament to decide interdivisional winners or promotion and relegation places.
Tiebreaker	An extension to a match that ends in a draw and a result need to be decided that evening.
Cup	The trophy with the full name of The Halex Toby Charnaud Memorial Cup that is temporally awarded to the winners of that knockout competition.
Shield	The trophy that is awarded to a team on a permanent basis to the winners of that knockout competition. It is contested by teams that got knocked out in the early stages of the Cup competition.