USAPL Fair and Fun for Everyone! Welcome to the USA Pool League The USA Pool League (USAPL) is designed to provide every player the utmost fun and excitement. By using the proven Fairplay handicap system, the USAPL provides an even playing field for players of all skill levels. Players compete weekly in a fair and fun format for cash, prizes, and a chance to play in postseason events culminating in the USAPL National Championships. The proprietary Fairplay handicap system uses a mathematical formula based on simple game statistics to calculate player ratings. It provides the most accurate player ratings and has a success rate of more than 70% of matches ending in a hill-hill conclusion. Each new player receives a temporary rating until he or she completes three (3) matches, after which players receive a national rating based on the Fairplay formula. Player statistics, team standings, and league records are managed by our web-based league management system - LeagueSys. LeagueSys is provided at no charge and is available at any time for League Managers or players to review their league information. Team play consists of three (3), four (4), or five (5) players competing in a head-to-head format. After being selected by the team captains, players meet in a one-on-one race to their rating. The match continues until all players have completed their sets. Every shot counts because bonus points are awarded based on the margin of victory. Additionally, it is completely FREE to join the USAPL! There are NO annual membership fees! We are confident that the USAPL will provide you with the most exciting and competitive league experience. For more information on how to join a league or become a USAPL League Manager, contact us at (702) 719-7665 or visit www.playusapool.com.
USA Pool League (USAPL) Match Play Rules Table of Contents Starting the Match...3 Forfeits...3 Duplicate Player Policy...3 Order of the Break...4 Choice of Table...4 Two Table Play...4 One-on-One Score Sheet Instructions...4 8-Ball Scoring...6 9-Ball and 10-Ball Scoring...6 Winning Ball Rule 8-Ball...8 Scorekeeping Responsibility...8 Missed Shots...8 Team Totals Score Sheet Instructions...9 Example Margin of Victory Calculation...10 The Official Rules of CueSports International...11 Player Ratings...11 Coaching Regulations...12 Roster...13 Players Eligible on More Than One Team...13 Proof of Identity...13 Illegal Substitution...13 Scoring a Forfeit...13 Rescheduling and Make-up Matches...14 Scoring Bye Weeks...14 Team Responsibility for Fees...15 Eligibility for Post-Season USAPL Tournaments...15 Drop-out Teams...15 Replacement Teams...15 Unsportsmanlike Conduct...15 Penalties for Unsportsmanlike Conduct...16 Authority to Alter Rules...17 Slow Play...17 League Standings and Results...17 2
Starting the Match The match begins with a coin toss between the team captains. The winner of the toss may either choose a member of their team to play the first set or require the opposing team to choose their player first. Once the first player is chosen, the opposing team chooses a member of their team to be the opponent. The order of choice will alternate for each set. The first team to choose a player for any set may change the player until the opponent is chosen and the first team informed. Neither team may make a change after the opponent has been chosen and the first team informed. Forfeits Teams are expected to be present and ready to begin matches at the scheduled time. The forfeit time for a team with no players present is fifteen minutes past the scheduled time. A team may begin a match with only one player present, but the following time limits apply to the arrival of additional players: a. The second player must arrive by 30 minutes past the scheduled start time or it is a forfeit. b. At 45 minutes past the scheduled start time, all sets for players not present are forfeited. To receive a forfeit, a team must have a player present that has not previously played a set. If a set ends after the match has already started and no player is present to begin the next set, a team may have the privilege to delay a set up to fifteen minutes to wait for a player's arrival if any of the following apply: a. No prior sets have been forfeited or delayed for any amount of time under this rule. b. There is no other team member present who has not yet played. A team cannot use this rule to wait for a specific player. c. The privilege is used on an infrequent basis only. League management may deny a team the privilege to delay a set if that team has repeatedly taken advantage of this rule. If a team must forfeit a set after the match has begun, it must be scored as the last set of the match that has not been scored. For example, a team is not allowed to choose to forfeit the fourth set and play the fifth set. All sets actually played must be listed before forfeited sets. There may be a case in which a team will lose more points by playing a higher-rated player that is present than they would by having a lower rated player forfeit. A team may choose to forfeit at any time even if an available member is present. Duplicate Player Policy To avoid forfeits, a player may play twice during a match or may play for both teams during a match. The following stipulations apply: a. You must notify the opposing team before the match starts that you will be using a duplicate player during the match. b. You may only have one duplicate player per team per night. c. The opposing team will choose which player will play twice. All of the players that played for the team that was short a player must be available to be chosen or the policy may not be used. d. Player must pay the fees for both players (teams may have their own policy if all team players want to chip in to pay for the short player). e. Player will only get credit for one week of league play for eligibility towards USAPL state, regional, or 3
national tournaments. f. Player will get MVP points (win or lose) only for the first set that they played (the upper name slot in LeagueSys). Example: If he/she plays in sets #2 and #4, only set #2 will count towards the MVP standings in LeagueSys. The match played in set #4 will be listed as No Player and the League Manager will put the player s actual rating at the time in the HCP box in LeagueSys. i. These rules also apply if a player plays for two different teams. The second match will also be listed as No Player. g. League Managers may limit the number of times during a session a team may use this option or prohibit the use of this option. The Duplicate Player option will not be in effect at any USAPL state, regional, or national event. Order of the Break After players have been chosen for a set, they lag for the opening break. The Official Rules of CueSports International, Rule 1-12 applies. The break will alternate between players for all subsequent games of the set. Choice of Table At locations with more than one pool table, the home team has the right to choice of table and type of cue ball to be used. Whenever possible, poorly maintained equipment should be avoided. See The Official Rules of CueSports International, Rule 1-2 and Applied Ruling 1-2 for further guidance. League management may implement local regulations regarding table sizes. Two Table Play Matches may be played on more than one table if both teams agree. If the teams do not agree, the following applies: a. At the beginning of a match, either team may require that play proceed on only one table for a minimum of one hour and no reason is required. The decision to play on one table must be made before play starts. If a match begins with play on multiple tables, single-table play may not be implemented after the start of the match. b. If single-table play is implemented one hour or later after the scheduled (not actual) start time, either team may require that play proceed on two tables if a second table is available. No reason is required. There is no requirement to wait until the end of a game or set to require a change to multiple tables. If a team properly requires play on two tables, the teams must make their player selections immediately. Consideration for late players is not required; normal forfeit rules apply. One-on-One Score Sheet Instructions Terms and entries: 8-Ball, 9-Ball, & 10-Ball Team: Rating: Visiting Player: Home Player: Game Number: Game Score: List team name and/or number. The player s individual rating is listed on the bottom of the Team Totals score sheet. If a nonrated player is playing, the notation "NR" should be made near the rating entry box (to avoid confusion with a player who is actually rated at 50). Name of the player on the visiting team Name of the player on the home team. The sequential number of each individual game in the set. The number of points scored in each individual game. Additional options include: BR (Break and Run): Entered for winning a game with a break and run. The opposing player 4
never comes to the table. In 9-Ball and 10-Ball, a minimum of five balls must be pocketed (including the break) to be considered a BR. TR (Table Run): Entered for the non-breaking player running the table on their first turn. In 9- Ball and 10-Ball, a minimum of five balls must be pocketed. Total Score: Missed Shots: Totals: Winner Box: WZ (Win Zip): Winning player wins on their second turn or later and holds their opponent to zero points. The cumulative total of points scored for the entire set. Number of times a player misses in a single game (see Missed Shots ). The total scores and total missed shots for the entire set are entered in the boxes on the far right side of the score sheet. Check the player that wins the set. Sample On-on-One Score Sheet 8-Ball 5
8-Ball Scoring In each set, the players race to their rating number. Players score one point for each ball of their group pocketed. The winner of each game receives fourteen (14) points regardless of how the game is won. Pocketing the 8-ball out of turn is loss of game (except on the break). The winner of the game receives fourteen (14) points while the person who pocketed the 8-ball out of turn scores one point for each ball in his/her group that was pocketed. If the 8-ball is pocketed out of turn before groups have been established, the winner of the game will choose one group and the opponent is assigned the other group. Scores are then calculated accordingly. Each game is numbered across the top of the score sheet. There is a row for Game Score and a separate row for Total Score. The game score will reflect the score for each individual game while the total score will be the cumulative total for the set. If the winning player earns an RO, TR, or WZ, enter those symbols in the appropriate Game Score box and count them as fourteen (14) points. If a player s score has met or exceeded their rating at the end of a game, they have won the set. If a player reaches their rating before the end of a game, the game must still be completed. If both players meet or exceed their rating, the winner of the last game is the winner of the set, regardless of how far each player exceeds their rating. 9-Ball and 10-Ball Scoring In each set, players race to their rating. The winner s score will always be fourteen (14) regardless of how the game is won. The loser of the game will receive one point for every ball legally pocketed. Each ball that is legally pocketed is marked out in the score sheet with an X. If the losing player illegally pockets any ball during a push out or on any foul, including a scratch on the break, it is considered a dead ball for scoring purposes, and the losing player does not receive a point for that ball. All balls illegally pocketed are not returned to the table unless it is the game winning ball, in which case it is spotted. Since the winner of the game is usually unknown when balls are illegally pocketed, dead balls are indicated by marking them on the score sheet with a circle instead of an X. At the end of the game, if the losing player has any dead balls indicated they are omitted from the losing player s total points for that game. 6
Sample One-on-One Score Sheet (9-Ball) If one player has met or exceeded their rating at the end of a game, they have won the set. If a player reaches their rating before the end of a game, the game must still be completed. If both players meet or exceeded their rating, the winner of the last game is the winner of the set, regardless of how far each player exceeds their rating.. Game Number Team Rating Visiting Player 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Styx 70 John Doe Game Score 14 7 7 14 7 7 14 Totals Winner Total Score 14 21 28 42 Even 49 though 56 70Tom 70 outscores John 76-70, Missed Shots I II II 0 I III 0 9 Set # 1 John wins the set because John won the last game. Game Score 7 14 14 6 14 14 7 Totals Winner Team Rating Home Player Total Score 7 21 35 41 55 69 76 76 Racks 70 Tom Smith Missed Shots ll II I II 0 I II 10 One-on-One Score Sheet Hill-Hill Example Anytime a player is within 14 points of their rating at the beginning of a game, they are on the hill. If both players are within 14 points of their rating at the beginning of a game, it is the Hill-Hill game. In a Hill-Hill set, the player that wins the last game wins the set, regardless of which player has the most points at the end of the last game. In the example set above, both John and Tom enter Game #7 on the hill. Even though Tom ends up with more points than John (76-70), John wins the set because John won the last game. 7
Winning Ball Rule 8-Ball USA POOL LEAGUE (USAPL) MATCH PLAY RULES Any ball that brings your total score or your team s total score to a point that wins a set, must be legally pocketed. If a ball that would normally achieve that score is illegally pocketed, the following procedures apply: a. Your inning ends. Any foul in conjunction with the illegally pocketed ball is applied normally. b. The point for the illegally pocketed ball is deferred until you legally pocket another ball. c. If you do not legally pocket any more balls in that game, the illegally pocketed ball is not scored. d. If you legally pocket another ball in that game, you are credited with the illegally pocketed ball. e. If more than one ball is illegally pocketed in such a situation, illegally pocketed balls are scored immediately up to the point at which one more ball is needed to win the game or match. The remaining illegally pocketed ball is deferred (Example: two balls are needed to win, and two balls are illegally pocketed. The first illegally pocketed ball is scored immediately; the second illegally pocketed ball is deferred.) Scorekeeping Responsibility Good scorekeeping is essential for accurate ratings. The following is a listing of recommendations: a. Any person may keep score and they do not have to be a member of the team. However, team captains are encouraged to have their players share scorekeeping responsibilities since it will help members to learn league rules and strategies. b. Each team must score each set. If a match is played on two tables, each team is required to score both tables. This is essential for protection against errors or abuse. Independent data is essential for accuracy. Scorekeepers must pay close attention to the game in progress and make judgments on missed shots as they occur. Simply copying the opponent's sheet is not acceptable and defeats the purpose of the process. c. Check with the other team frequently to avoid conflicts and errors, but do not allow another team to pressure you into changing any missed shot scoring you believe is correct. If there are mathematical errors other than missed shots and two score sheets differ, league management will resolve the dispute. d. Be sure to list complete player information in each set. Include the player's team number, player rating, points scored, missed shots per game, total points scored per set, and total missed shots per set. The data will be transferred to the Team Totals score sheet to determine the final score of the match. e. Captains or authorized persons must sign both score sheets at the end of the match to signify that they are accepting the results. Both score sheets must be signed even if there are discrepancies. League management will take the necessary steps to make sure the discrepancy is resolved. Missed Shots There is a score sheet column to record Missed Shots. This is an important part of the rating formula and must be given proper consideration. Although each team s score sheet should be similar with regard to scoring missed shots, we realize that there will be judgments made in every match. Remember that missed shots are only relevant to player ratings and do not affect the outcome of a match. League management expects that score sheets will have some differences and the system has safeguards to prevent discrepancies from affecting player ratings. The break is never a missed shot. Following the break, use the following guidelines to determine whether to score a missed shot. Please note that there is an additional condition for 9-Ball. 8
MARK A MISSED SHOT WHEN: a. The conditions below are met and the intended ball is not pocketed: i. The player has a direct line of sight to the object ball, AND ii. The object ball has a clear path to the pocket, AND iii. The shot can be made with a normal / typical stroke (i.e., no kick shot, massé shot, jump shot, or bank shot involving more than one cushion). Note that the shot may be straight in, cut, carom, billiard, combination, or a one rail bank. b. Any intended ball is pocketed and there is a scratch or other foul during the shot. c. ADDITONAL 9-BALL CONDITION: When the shooter s intention is to pocket a ball by playing a hard shot, on a single ball or group of balls, in the hope of a lucky occurrence. DO NOT MARK A MISSED SHOT WHEN: a. Any break shot, regardless of the result or any fouls that occur b. Any safety c. Any shot that is clearly defensive in nature or the player states is defensive d. Any bank shot involving more than one cushion e. Any jump, massé, or kick shot. Jump and massé shots include any shot where the straight line from the cue ball to the object ball is impeded by any part of an object ball or mouth of a pocket. f. Player has an easy shot to pocket a ball but chooses a much more difficult shot g. Player intentionally fouls Missed shots are recorded in the Missed Shots column of the score sheet using standard tally marks. Be sure to leave adequate space between sets of tally marks so there are no scoring errors caused by inadequate room. If a scorekeeper is in doubt as to whether to mark a missed shot, they should check with their team's captain or designated assistant. Team Totals Score Sheet Instructions The information from each set will be transferred to the Team Totals sheet to calculate the team scores. The information includes player names, team numbers, ratings, and final set scores. The left (shaded) side of the sheet will be used by the visiting team and the right side is the home team. At the end of the match, both team captains are required to sign the score sheets and ensure the score sheets and league fees are delivered to the prescribed drop off point provided by league management. Terms and entries Rating: Score: Margin: Add-On: Win Bonus: Total: Rating number of each player in that set Actual number of points scored in the set The amount the losing player is held under their rating (the losing player's rating minus their score). Do not enter if the margin is zero or less (see Margin of Victory explanation below). Margin multiplied by three (3). If both players meet or exceed their rating, there are no addon points (see Margin of Victory explanation below). The winner of each set receives 100 Win Bonus points. Add Score, Add-On Points, and Win Bonus to determine the total score. Total Team Rating: Add the five (5) individual player s ratings together to get the total team rating. The 9
following team rating limits are used to calculate the items that follow: Open Division 300 Team Rating Limit Advanced Division 400 Team Rating Limit Masters Division 500 Team Rating Limit Under Rating Limit: If a team is under the Total Team Rating limit, they receive one point for each point under the limit. Over Rating Limit: If a team is over the Total Team Rating limit, they are penalized five points for every point over the limit. Bonus/Penalty Pts: Points calculated based on team s over/under the team rating limit Total Set Points: Add total scores of all five (5) sets. Team Point Total: Total Set Points +/- Bonus/Penalty Points = Team Point Total Margin of Victory Calculation - Example Tom and Cindy are both rated 50. Cindy wins the set by a score of 52-45. Since Tom s score was 45, which is 5 points under his rating, Cindy s Margin of Victory is 5. Therefore, Cindy enters 5 in the Margin column on the score sheet. This number is then multiplied by 3 for a total of 15 Add-On points (5 x 3 = 15). For guidance for scoring forfeited sets, see the Scoring a Forfeit section. 10
The Official Rules of CueSports International Unless superseded by these regulations, The Official Rules of the CueSports International will govern play. Please note the following rule changes for the 2015 2016 USAPL league year. 9-Ball If a player makes the 9-Ball on the break (in any of the 6 pockets) without fouling, it counts as a 14-0 win. 9-Ball & 10-Ball You lose the game if you commit three successive fouls in one game. Player Ratings Player ratings are produced by a proprietary formula based on performance. a. Range and Limits. Ratings range from 30 to 125. Player's race to their rating number each set. b. Changes in Rating. The rating formula averages a large amount of data. Because of this, a single score will seldom affect the rating of an established player by more than a few points. However, a rating can sometimes change significantly for new players. Although not common, it is possible for a rating to rise after a loss or drop after a win. If that happens, do not assume there is a scoring error or a flaw in the formula. Ratings are determined by several factors. c. New Teams or Seasons. Once a player has an established rating, the score history follows them throughout their USAPL participation. If they join a new team or continue into a new season, the formula uses their most recent scores from USAPL play. No matter how long a player may be inactive, they will pick up where they left off. 11
d. Non-Rated Players. New USAPL players with no established rating will initially be rated NR until they have played three sets. Any player rated NR will race to 50 for three sets or matches. Please note that 50 is an arbitrary number not a rating. e. Team Rating Limit. To discourage teams from being completely composed of highly-skilled players, a team rating limit for each division is as follows: Open 300; Advanced 400; Masters 500. In any given match, a team whose ratings add up to a total exceeding the limit will incur a penalty in team points. See USAPL Rule 7, Team Totals Score Sheet Instructions for details. Coaching Regulations One of the main purposes of the USA Pool League is for players to interact and have fun. The USAPL coaching regulations are designed to provide players the opportunity to receive coaching while still preserving the integrity of one-on-one play. When it is not their turn at the table, a player may engage in a quiet conversation with their team about anything, including strategy. When their opponent's turn is over, all communication of any kind concerning the game must stop immediately. A player s turn is over when they have missed and all balls in play have stopped rolling. Coaching from the area around the table is not permitted during a player s turn at the table. No person in the area around the table (except the opponent), including the shooter's coach or team captain, may call a foul, tell their player that they are shooting the wrong ball, or offer other advice or instruction of any kind concerning the game or match. Each team begins with three time-outs per set. Time out regulations are as follows: a. Each team is allowed a maximum of ten time-outs for the entire match with no more than one time-out per team in any game and no more than three time-outs per set. b. A time-out may be called by the shooter or anyone on the shooter s team, and it must be acknowledged by the opposing player only. Opposing team members who are not playing may not acknowledge timeouts. If a time-out is called and the shooting team has no time-outs remaining, any member of the opposing team may issue a warning. If the warning is given, no time-out may be taken and there is no further penalty. If no warning is given before the opposing player acknowledges the time-out, the timeout will be granted. The opposing player may check with their team to verify the availability of timeouts. c. Time-outs are limited to 90 seconds. d. Any player on a team s roster may be a coach, regardless of whether they are playing in the match. However, a coach cannot simultaneously play in a set on one table and coach on another table. e. Once a time-out is called and the coach is named, only that coach may confer with the shooter. No other player may offer an opinion or advice to the shooter or to the coach. f. The shooter will designate the coach on each instance and may change coaches throughout the set. g. The coach is allowed to point to or touch the table while offering advice but may not mark the table in any way or touch any ball. The coach must leave the table before the shot. After leaving the table, the coach cannot stand in the shooter s line of sight. h. Once a time-out is called and acknowledged, it must be taken at that time if any time-outs are available. If not taken when called and acknowledged, it is still charged to the player and the team. Items (a)-(h) above are recommended by the USAPL National Office. League Managers are authorized to modify the recommended procedures to fit the needs of their leagues. Violation of coaching rules is considered unsportsmanlike conduct. The first offense during a match will result in ball-in-hand for the opposing player. Subsequent offenses during a match will result in a loss of game to be scored as 14-0. 12
Roster Rosters are limited to two times the number of players that compete each match. Teams are allowed to make changes to their roster during the first five (5) weeks of each session. From the sixth (6 th ) week until four (4) weeks before the session s end, a team may only change its roster for survival and all changes must be approved by league management. Rosters changed after the fifth (5 th ) week can have no more than seven (7) players. No changes to the roster are allowed for any reason during post-season play. A team must obtain a new player s rating from the USAPL office. Players Eligible on More Than One Team Many players may choose to play in more than one division during a session. However, when post-season tournaments combine teams from several divisions, your local USAPL Manager may require that a player may play on only one team in an event. At the USAPL Nationals, players will be allowed to play on multiple team rosters. Proof of Identity All players must be able to provide proof of their identity. Requests for proof may be made before or after, but not during a set. Contact league management for assistance if a player cannot provide proof of identity. If a player is refused entry into a location, no exception will be made concerning forfeitures. Illegal Substitution If a team is found to have played a person using another player s name and rating, that team will lose all points for the entire match. The opposing team is allowed the option of accepting the results of the match or accepting a fiveset forfeit. For an illegal substitution during post-season play: the team is disqualified from any further play for that season and must forfeit all prize money earned to that point. Remember that players are required to provide proof of their identity. When unable to obtain proof of an opponent s identity, continue play and notify league management as soon as possible. Write down a detailed description of the player. League management will take the necessary steps to resolve the situation. Scoring a Forfeit The team receiving a forfeit will receive 200 points, which will be marked in the game #1 score box. There are no Win Bonus or Margin Add-on points awarded for forfeited matches. Every forfeited match will have No Player in each name slot on the score sheet and a forfeited match will never affect any player s rating. Team receiving forfeit enters Player rating of any eligible player that is present and has not played. Team receiving forfeit enters 200 points in the box for the first game. No Win Bonus or Margin Add-On points are ever entered. No Player entered for both names Forfeiting team s cumulative Player Rating up to the point of forfeited game (in this example, 102 + 46 + 50 + 67 = 265. Forfeiting team enters Player Rating equal to difference between Team Rating Limit and Player Rating total up to that game, if any (in this example, 400 265 = 135.) 13
No Win Bonus or Margin Add- On points are ever entered for a forfeited game. Bonus Points can never be awarded, but if the forfeiting team s cumulative up to the point of the forfeited game exceeded the Team Rating Limit, then Penalty Points would be entered. SCORING A FORFEITED SET (sample figures taken from LeagueSys) When the forfeited match comes up, calculate the forfeiting team s Team Rating up to that point. If their Team Rating is less than the Team Rating Limit, enter a rating for the No Player entry that will bring their Team Rating up to the Team Rating Limit. If their Team Rating is equal to or greater than Team Rating Limit, enter zero for the No Player rating. The receiving team s No Player Player Rating entry is the Player Rating of any team member that is present and eligible to play but has not yet played. The team receiving the forfeit will receive 200 points, which will be marked in the Game #1 score box. There are no Win Bonus or Margin Add-on points awarded for forfeited matches. When calculating the team match scores, the forfeiting team incurs normal Penalty Points if they are over the Team Rating Limit. Rescheduling and Make-up Matches There are various reasons for teams to re-schedule a match. A make-up may consist of a full match or specific sets. Scheduling make-ups is the responsibility of the two teams involved. If information is needed to contact a team or trouble is encountered in making an agreement, contact league management. No make-ups are allowed less than seven (7) days before the last scheduled date of regular season play. Teams are required to give at least five (5) days notice to league management before playing a make-up. A team requesting a make-up must make every reasonable effort to accommodate the other team s wishes in re-scheduling. If the teams are not able to agree on a date before the end-of-season deadline, neither team will receive points for the match and both teams will be responsible for weekly fees. However, if league management determines that one of the teams willfully caused the deadline to pass, the other team will receive a forfeit. Scoring Bye Weeks If a division has an odd number of teams, one team will have a scheduled bye each week. Byes will rotate until each team has had one bye and then the cycle will repeat. During a complete cycle of byes, no points are awarded for a bye. If a cycle is incomplete (i.e. some teams have more bye weeks than others), each team with a bye will be awarded the average number of points per match that they have scored up to that point in the season. 14
Team Responsibility for Fees USA POOL LEAGUE (USAPL) MATCH PLAY RULES Teams are responsible for their weekly dues. Prize money will be withheld from any team that owes money (including returned checks) until all dues are paid. Eligibility for Post-Season USAPL Tournaments In order to help ensure fairness of competition during USAPL national, regional, and state events, there are minimums for the number of times that each player must have played with their team. Weeks in which an entire team forfeits or is scheduled for a bye may not be counted toward the required minimums. The minimum numbers to qualify for national, regional or state post-season events play are as follows: Singles Events Team event, meeting the original player requirement. Team event, NOT meeting the original player requirement. 8 regular weeks of league play in a single session in a singles division. 8 regular weeks of league play with the same team during the Spring session. 8 regular weeks of league play with the same team during the Summer or Fall session. During a qualifying year, a player can receive credit for one match played as a member of their team for a forfeit received during a match. No more than one match can be credited regardless of how many times that player has received forfeits. For eligibility requirements to qualify for session-end or annual tournaments administered by individual leagues, please consult your League Manager. Drop-out Teams Teams that drop out during a season can create problems for the league. It can have an uneven or unfair effect on the division standings and reduce the prize money for the other teams. Although no one can be forced to play, a team that has started a season is responsible for the full season s fees. The captain of a drop out team will not be allowed to play on future league teams until all fees are paid. Team members other than captains are responsible for 20% of total fees owed before being allowed to rejoin the league. If a replacement team is not found, league management will do everything possible to minimize the effects on the remaining teams in a league. Possible methods include: wiping out some or all of past matches; awarding average points; converting played matches to byes; awarding the maximum points scored against the drop-out to all teams; any other equitable method. The particular methods used are at the discretion of league management and may be any one or a combination of these. Replacement Teams If practical, league management will fill the vacancy created by a dropout team with a replacement team. The replacement team will accept the points earned by the dropout and continue the season. If time and scheduling constraints permit, replacement teams will also have the right to play up to three make-up matches for bye weeks created by the dropout team. Unsportsmanlike Conduct Having fun is the main objective of most players that join a pool league. Good sportsmanship can go a long way towards achieving this goal. Winning with class, losing with grace, shaking your opponent s hand, and congratulating the winning team all play a large part in this process. 15
Unsportsmanlike Conduct The USA Pool League will not tolerate unsportsmanlike conduct. In addition to the rules regarding sportsmanship as specified in The Official Rules of CueSports International, specific attention and scrutiny will be given to the following situations: a. Failure to comply with league rules b. Displays of anger or poor sportsmanship in general c. Rating manipulation (sandbagging) d. Illegal coaching to avoid taking a time-out Penalties for Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct may range from a warning to permanent expulsion. Any pattern or history of unsportsmanlike conduct may affect this decision. Some specific possible penalties include: a. Warning: Any warning to an offending member or team should include a clear indication that further violations will lead to more severe penalties. b. Rating assignment: If league management is convinced that a player is intentionally playing below their ability, they may assign that player a rating that will remove any unfair advantage. c. Forfeiture of points: Points may be deducted for any game, set, or match. In the case of manipulating ratings, forfeiture of standing points earned in previous matches may be imposed. d. Removal as captain or coach: A league member that is frequently involved in disputes may lose the privilege to act as a team captain or coach. e. Disqualification from post-season tournaments: a team may be prohibited from participation in postseason play for that season. Forfeiture of any prize money for that season may be included. f. Suspension: A member or team may be suspended from all league events for a period to be determined by management. The period of a suspension may be defined or may be open-ended. g. Expulsion: A member or team that has shown themselves to be unfit to participate may be expelled from the league. Their membership will be revoked, they will not be allowed at any league event, and they will not receive any refund of league fees. Right of Appeal If provided for by local league by-laws, members who have been penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct have the right to appeal before a committee of neutral league members from the same division. It must be recognized that this cannot be done immediately and that the league management s decision is binding until the appeal is heard. The penalty being appealed may be upheld or overruled, or a different penalty may be imposed (more or less severe). If a more severe penalty is imposed, it is not subject to further appeal. In addition, the committee may define a future penalty to be imposed if the player or team commits a future offense. The decision of the committee is final. Unsportsmanlike Conduct during Tournaments When an authorized league representative is present at an event, penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct may be imposed immediately. Tournament personnel may impose penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct per The Official Rules of CueSports International. 16
Authority to Alter Rules USA POOL LEAGUE (USAPL) MATCH PLAY RULES The USAPL strongly recommends that leagues play by The Official Rules of CueSports International and the USAPL Match-Play rules and make as few modifications as possible. This will provide consistency for teams that compete in national, regional, and state events. However, we recognize the need for League Managers to make adjustments to suit their players. While modifications are permitted, League Managers should make every effort to ensure teams competing in national, regional, or state events are aware of the differences. Slow Play Continual or excessive slow play can often take the fun out of the game for everyone. For this reason, we encourage every player to enjoy the game at a reasonable pace. 8-Ball can sometimes create a number of different scenarios and some shots will require more time than others. Therefore, when reviewing slow play, average shot time must be considered. See The Official Rules of CueSports International - Applied Ruling 1.16 for more information. Complaints concerning slow play should be made to league management as soon as possible. League management is responsible for resolving complaints and arranging for the implementation of a shot clock if necessary. For complete shot clock procedures, see The Official Rules of CueSports International - Rule 1.16. League Standings and Results The League Manager is responsible for all league statistics, standings, schedules, and individual rankings. These should be available to all league members at www.leaguesys.net/usaplxxxx (4 digit league number). 17