APPA 

PLAYER 

HANDBOOK

 

2009-2010

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

            Ø      Preface

            Ø      Code of Conduct

            Ø      Divisional PlayØ     

            Ø      Player of the Year

            Ø      Travel Points

            Ø      Rules for Changing Divisions

            Ø      Rules for Tournament Play

            Ø      Nine Ball Rules

            Ø      Eight Ball Rules

           Ø      History

2009-2010

APPA Board of Directors:

 

President                                                       Bob Reed

Vice President                                              Steve Farley

Secretary – Webmaster                               Lisa Marr

Treasurer - Statistician                                Sarah Weaver 

                                                        Kenny Ridgeway

                                              Ken Uttley

                                                  Larry Dudley

                                                    Ron Davidson

                                                         Lynn Smith          

                                                                                        Bob Schmidt                                       

                                                           

 

PREFACE

The APPA  Players Manual has been designed to provide information concerning

membership, rules, policies, and procedures of the Arkansas Pool Players Association.

The APPA wishes to promote pool in the state of Arkansas in the positive and respected

manner it deserves.

Code of Conduct

1.            Members of the APPA must not make or cause to be made any statements (whether in writing or     otherwise) or take or cause others to take action which will or may, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, bring that member, the APPA or the game of billiards into dispute.

2.         Players will be responsible for following all the rules and procedures at every sanctioned event especially when variances from the printed rules are noted in the mandatory players meetings.

 

3.   Players must be aware that you may be under scrutiny at any time whether at an Official   function, or otherwise, and that you must be on your best behavior.  The Board of Directors may  take action against any member that brings  discredit upon themselves, the APPA, or the sport, through their behavior.
 

Examples of behavior subject to discipline are loud, abusive or profane languages at a tournament site or some other official function, public drunkenness, and the like.  

 

4.         Good sportsmanship during all your matches is important.  The Board of Directors may take action against any member whose sportsmanship, in the opinion of the Board, reflects poorly upon those parties involved.  Such examples include, but are not limited to: abusive language, abuse of equipment, profanity, causing distractions, relentless conversation, or intentional sharking, etc.

 

5.         A player shall not address criticism of fellow players, tournament personnel, equipment or facilities to the public or press.  All such complaints should be submitted in WRITING to the designated APPA representative who is in the best position to review the complaint, or sent directly to the APPA Board of Directors c/o Bob Reed, APPA, 14 Crestview, Cabot, AR 72023 or  bobreed@arkansaspool.com

 

6.         During play or in a public area, blatant abuse of profane language will not be tolerated.  If the tournament         director observes that a player is persistently behaving in a an disruptive or unsportsman like manner, they may penalize the player in any way they chose, including calling a foul, awarding the game or match to the opponent, or forfeiting all the player’s remaining matches. A written complaint should be presented to the Board of directors for their consideration of further penalties.

 

7.                  Dress Code: Players should wear clothing that does not detract from the image of the APPA or pool in general. Improper clothing includes but is not limited to: tank tops, clothing with abusive, offensive obscene or sexual language or images. It is the responsibility of the tournament director to enforce the dress code.

 

Penalties
 

Three (3) conduct offenses which occur in separate incidences by a player during one event will be grounds for instant disqualification from the event by the Tournament Director.

The Board may issue warnings, suspend, or expel a member from the APPA.  Suspensions may range from a period involving just one tournament, to a period of a year, to a ban for life.  Any Player not in good standing with the APPA will not be allowed to participate in APPA sanctioned events, as well as non sanctioned events under the direction and promotion of individuals who agree to abide by the Board of Directors ruling concerning that player member.

Appeal
 

If a player feels that they have not been fairly treated by the Board of Directors, they may make a written appeal to the Appeals Board.  Upon receiving an appeal, the Appeals Board shall, within 30 days, give written notice to the player of their decision.  During the 30 day appeal period the player must abide by the Board of Directors original decision. 

Three Divisional Play
 

The APPA Tournament Program of both 8-ball and 9-ball tournaments provides the players a variety of games, and the three Divisions match players of similar ability in double elimination competition. 

 

At the beginning of the season, the APPA Board of Directors has reviewed each player from the previous season of play and recommended divisional placement based on their performance. 

 

The APPA has provided three levels of competition for our members and one level for non-members.  They are as follows:

 

Masters Division:  Open to members from all divisions and for non-members.

 

Advanced Division or “A” Division:  Open to APPA members in the advanced division or Intermediate or Novice Division. Rated 6 or 7.

 

Intermediate Division or “B” Division:  Open to APPA members in the intermediate and/or novice division.  Rated 3 to 5.

0

New members with known ability will be placed accordingly.  Members 12 years of age or younger, which will qualify for initial placement in the B Division.  The Tournament Director will use their discretion in placing new members in the tournament.  The Board of Directors reserves the right to move a player, at any time, to a different level of competition due to incorrect initial placement.  Reasons for this include having shown extra ordinary playing ability, regardless of age.

 

Non-members will pay a $ 5.00 non-member fee plus the regular tournament fee for each APPA  tournament.  A non-member will be allowed to play in more than one APPA tournament, and must pay the $5.00 non-member fee each time. Exceptions: $12 entry fee tournaments will allow non members to play without having to pay the additional non member fee. Additional exceptions will be determined on a case by case basis by the A.P.P.A. Board of Directors.

 

 
Player of the Year Award
 

At the end of each APPA season, the top player in each division will receive recognition as Player of the Year. Player of the Year will be determined by the total of the player’s best 20 Regular Season Tournament finishes, up to 80 Travel Bonus points, and the player’s  State Championship Tournament points for their division or higher division. If a player is moved up a division during the season their lower division state championship points will not count toward the new division player of the year.  POY points will be the points accumulated through March 19th plus points from the State A, B, and M Division 9 Ball tournaments. No other April tournaments will count towards POY.   Awards will be presented at the end of the season at the Harold Schmidt Invitational Tournament.  In addition to the POY award, a plaque will be given to any player that plays in 100 tournaments. Also, any player playing in 40 tournaments will be given free entry into the Harold Schmidt Tournament.

State Championships

 

During the Season, a player must play in a minimum of 4 APPA sanctioned qualifying tournaments by OCTOBER 31st in order to qualify for the 8-ball Sate Championships, and special straight pool and one pocket championships. A player must compete in 8 APPA sanctioned qualifying tournaments by March 19th  in order to qualify for the 9-Ball State Championships.  The member may play these minimum tournaments in any division in which the member is qualified to play. The State Championship will be seeded tournaments with the possibility of some of the higher seeds getting a first round bye. 

 

The seedings will be based on the Total Points Scored by a member during the Regular Season tournaments only.  All points scored in all the Divisions played in will count as long as it was an Official APPA Sanctioned Tournament.  The player with the highest point total entered in the State Championships will be seeded #1; and the second highest point total entered will be #2, and so on.  This system is designed to reward the players who have contributed to the success of the APPA and have helped to make the APPA a success in the past. 

 

Players wishing to obtain a higher seed in the State Championships and in the competition for divisional Player of the Year honors, will undoubtedly want to play as many tournament as possible.  Players may also score more points by earning Travel Bonus Points by playing at the different APPA Satellites. 

 

A player must play in a tournament to receive credit for that tournament and to receive any points acquired for that tournament.  A player must complete one match to be considered as having played in that tournament. In the event a chapter closes, no points or tournaments will be given to the player for that satellite after the date of closure.  

Recommend Guidelines for Initial Placement of New APPA Members Handicap
Rank Expected Ability of Player
10 Plays all phases of the game well.  Run-out threat at all times, breaks and runs-out 25% of the time.
9 Plays all phases of the game well.  Run-out threat at all times, breaks and runs-out 20% of the time.
8 Plays all phases of the game well with better than average ability.  Run-out threat at all times.  Breaks and runs-out 15% of the time.
7 Above average player consistently runs 5 to 7 balls.  Breaks and runs-out 10% of the time.
6 Above average knowledge and ability consistently runs 4 to 6 balls.  Ability to break and run-out occasionally (less than 10% of the time) plays 2 of 3 phases of the game well.
5 Average knowledge of the game consistent 2 to 5 ball run.  Seldom breaks and runs-out.
4 Basic knowledge of the game.  Consistent 1 to 3 ball run with occasional 4 ball run.  Never breaks and runs-out.  Knowledge of the game but lacks necessary skills to execute proficiently.
3 Beginner player with little or no knowledge of the game.  1 to 2 ball run with occasional 3.  Never breaks and runs-out.

* Knowledge of game consists of ability to play position, safeties, and   pocket balls.

** Three phases consist of position, safety, and pocketing balls.

 
Travel Bonus Points
 

A player will receive a one time 10 point bonus for each different chapter played. Up to 80 travel bonus points will count toward a player’s player of the year points.

 

Rules for Changing Division or Ranking

 

Anytime a member elects to play in a higher division tournament, the member may do so without immediate penalty for finishing in the money or doing well.  Regardless of how the player finished, they will be allowed to return to their original Division of play.  At any point during the season after not finishing in the money in six consecutive tournaments, a player may petition the APPA Board in writing to be moved down.  At this point, the APPA Board will review the player’s record and make a decision on whether to move the player.  Exception: at the request of a chapter director, the APPA Board will review without the required number of tournaments being played. 

 

Throughout the regular season, the APPA Board of Directors will hold meetings for the expressed purposed of moving players up or down in ranking. Players having tournament finishes below the average for their ranking may be given the option of moving down. Players showing dominating ability may be moved to a higher ranking. A player moved up or down by the APPA Board will automatically be reviewed after playing in six tournaments at the new ranking.  Particular notice will be given to the Novice Division players during these review sessions, as this division is intended primarily for beginners and young pool players.   Any decision is meant to be a compliment to the player, not a penalty, but a promotion.  All players are encouraged to try higher levels of competition at any time. 

The Board will use the following factors in its evaluation:           


Size and strength of field                              Experience and skill

Opponents played                                      Money finishes

Number of matches won and lost               Observation of play

 


Any player who has not met the qualifications for the 9-ball State Championship by Dec. 31 will be subject to review by the Board of Directors.  The Board can make changes and/or corrections to the division placement of a player who has not met the qualifications until the day before the State 9-Ball Championship.  Members promoted after the 8-ball state championship will not be allowed to enter their previous Division’s State Championship Tournament.

 

APPA Tournament Points Scoring System

Place

1

2

3

4

5-6

7-8

9-12

13-16

17-24

25-32

33-48

49-64

4

8

6

4

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

12

10

8

6

4

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

16

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

 

 

 

 

32

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

 

 

64

24

22

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

 
Cue Specifications
 

q       Players may bring a maximum of 3 cue sticks to a match.

q       Width of the tip: 9mm minimum/14mm maximum

q       Weight:  No minimum/25oz. Maximum

q       Length:  40 inches minimum/no maximum

q       Ferrule, if of metal material, may not be more than 1 inch in length

q       The cue tip on any stick used to perform a legal jump shot must be composed of either a leather, synthetic leather or  phenolic material.

 

Rules for Tournament Play
All rules of play are B.C.A. unless specifically stated as different.

1.1  Player responsibility.  It is the player’s responsibility to be aware of all rules, regulations and schedules applying to his competition.  While tournament officials will make every reasonable effort to have such information readily available to all players as appropriate, the ultimate responsibility rests with the player himself.  (For exceptions to this rule see: Rule 2.16 in the BCA Rule Book).  The player has no recourse if such information is not volunteered; the responsibility for knowing his situation and/or rules lies with the player himself.

 

1.2   APPA_Rule:  It is the player’s responsibility for marking/scoring his or her own game.  If you do not do so before the break of the next game, you forfeit the right to mark that game.  

1.5  APPA Rule: Any player who intentionally causes a ball to move by illegal means (pushing the bed cloth, bumping or slapping the table, or intentionally moving, pocketing or picking up an object ball without first attempting to make a legal hit on the cue ball) will loose the game. A repeat offense will be loss of match.

 

1.6  No practice during a match.  While a match is in progress practice is not allowed.  Taking a shot that is not part of that match is a foul.  
 

1.8  Assistance not allowed.  While a match is in progress, players are not allowed to ask spectators for assistance in planning or executing shots.  If a player asks for and receives such assistance, he/she loses the game. 

1.9 Observation of play. Any person, except for the opponent, who spontaneously offers any significant help to a player, verbal or non-verbal will be removed from the area.

 

1.14 Concession.  If a player concedes, he loses the match.  That is, if a player attempts to unscrew his jointed playing cue stick while the opponent is at the table and during the decisive game of the match, it will be considered a concession of the game.  No warning from the referee is required in case of a concession.

 

1.16.2 Jump and masse shot foul.  If a match is not referred, it will be considered a 

cue ball foul if during an attempt to jump, curve or masse the cue ball over or around an impeding numbered ball that is not a legal object ball the impeding ball moves

 (regardless of whether it was moved by hand, cue stick, follow through or bridge).

 
General Rules of Pocket Billiards

3.8 Deflecting the cue ball on the games opening break.  On the break shot, stopping or deflecting the cue ball after it has crossed the head string and prior to hitting the racked balls is considered a foul and loss of turn.  The opponent has the option of receiving the cue ball in hand behind the head string or passing the cue ball in hand behind the head string back to the offending player.  (Exception: 9-ball, see rule 5.3-B:  “Cue ball in hand anywhere on the table”).  A warning must be given that the second violation during the match will result in the loss of the match by forfeiture.  (See rule 3.28 in the BCA Rule Book).

 

3.11 Position of balls.  The position of a ball is judged by where its base (or center) rests.

 

3.12 Foot on floor.  It is a foul if a player shoots when at least one foot is not in contact with the floor.  Foot attire must be normal in regard to size, shape and manner in which it is worn.

 

3.39 Cue ball in hand foul.  During cue ball in hand placement, the player may use his hand or any part of his cue (including the tip) to position the cue ball.  When placing the cue ball in position, any forward stroke motion contacting the cue ball will be a foul, if not a legal shot.

 

3.40 Interference.  If the non-shooting player distracts his/her opponent or interferes with the opponent’s play, he has fouled.  If a player shoots out of turn, or moves any ball   except during his inning, it is considered to be interference.

 

3.41 Devices.  Players are not allowed to use a ball, the triangle or any other width-measuring device to see if the cue ball or an object ball would travel through a gap, etc. 

Only the cue stick may be used as an aid to judge gaps, etc. so long as the cue is held in the player’s hand.  To release your cue from your hand in order to measure a shot is a foul and un-sportsmanlike conduct.  (Also see rules 1.3, 1.4 and 2.15 in the1998 BCA Rules Book).

 

3.43 ILLEGAL MARKING If a player intentionally marks the table in any way (including the placement of a cube of chalk) to assist in executing the shot, it is a foul. 

 

NINE BALL

 

Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply.

5.1   Object of the game. Nine Ball is played with nine object balls numbered one through nine and a cue ball. On each shot the first ball the cue ball contacts must be the lowest-numbered ball on the table, but the balls need not be pocketed in order. If a player pockets any ball on a legal shot, he remains at the table for another shot, and continues until he misses, fouls, or wins the game by pocketing the 9-ball. After a miss, the incoming player must shoot from the position left by the previous player, but after any foul the incoming player may start with the cue ball anywhere on the table.  Players are required to call the 9-ball except on the break.  If you make the 9-ball on the break you win.  If the shooting player pockets the 9-ball and did not call it and any other numbered ball is pocketed on a legal hit, the 9-ball is spotted and the player continues to shoot from where the cue ball lies.  If only the 9-ball is pocketed and not called, the nine ball is spotted and the opposite player has the option to shoot or force his opponent to shoot from where the cue ball lies.  A match ends when one of the players has won the required number of games.

 

5.2 Racking the balls. The object balls are racked in a diamond shape, with the one ball at the top of the diamond and on the foot spot, the nine ball in the center of the diamond, and the other balls in random order, racked as tightly as possible. The game begins with cue ball in hand behind the head string.

 

5.3 Legal break shot. The rules governing the break shot are the same as for other shots except:        

 

a.            The breaker must strike the 1-ball first and either pocket a ball or   

                        drive at least four numbered balls to the rail.

 

b.            If the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, or the  

            requirements of the opening break are not met, it is a foul, and the     

            incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.

 

c.                  If on the break shot, the breaker causes an object ball to jump off the table, it is a foul and the incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. The object ball is not repotted (exception: if the object ball  is  the 9-ball, it is re-spotted).  

5.4 Continuing play. Winner of the lag has the option to break. During individual competition, players will alternate breaking on each subsequent game. On the shot immediately following a legal break, the shooter may play a "push out." (See Rule 5.). If the breaker pockets one or more balls on a legal break, he continues to shoot until he misses, fouls, or wins the game. If the player misses or fouls, the other player begins his inning and shoots until he misses, fouls, or wins.  The game ends when the nine ball is pocketed on a legal shot, or the game is forfeited for a serious infraction of the rules. The player must call the pocket prior to making the nine ball.

 

5.5 Push out. The player who shoots the shot immediately after a legal break may play a push out in an attempt to move the cue ball into a better position for the option that follows. On a push out, the cue ball is not required to contact any object ball nor any rail, but all other foul rules still apply. The player must announce his intention of playing a push out before the shot, or the shot is considered to be a normal shot. Any ball pocketed on a push out does not count and remains pocketed except the 9-ball. Following a legal push out, the incoming player is permitted to shoot from that position or to pass the shot back to the player who pushed out. A push out is not considered to be a foul as long as no rule is violated (except rules 7 & 8). An illegal push out is penalized according to the type of foul committed. After a player scratches on the break shot, the incoming player cannot play a push out.

 

5.6 Fouls. When a player commits a foul, he must relinquish his run at the table and no balls pocketed on the foul shot are respotted (exception: if a pocketed ball is the 9-ball, it is respotted). The incoming player is awarded ball in hand; prior to his first shot he may place the cue ball anywhere on the table. If a player commits several fouls on one shot, they are counted as only one foul.

 

5.7 Bad hit. If the first object ball contacted by the cue ball is not the lowest- numbered ball on the table, the shot is foul.

 

5.8 No rail. If no object ball is pocketed, failure to drive the cue ball or any numbered ball to a rail after the cue ball contacts the object ball on is a foul.

 

5.9 In hand. When the cue ball is in hand, the player may place the cue ball anywhere on the bed of the table, except in contact with an object ball. He/she may continue to adjust the position of the cue ball until a shot is taken.

 

5.10 Object balls jumped off the table. An un-pocketed ball is considered to be driven off the table if it comes to rest other than on the bed of the table. It is a foul to drive an object ball off the table. The jumped object ball(s) is not re-spotted (exception: if the object ball is the 9-ball, it is re-spotted) and play continues.

 

 

5.11 Jump and masse shot foul. If a match is not refereed, it will be considered a cue ball foul if during an attempt to jump, curve or masse the cue ball over or around an impeding numbered ball, the impeding ball moves (regardless of whether it was moved by a hand, cue stick follow-through or bridge).

 

5.12 Three consecutive fouls. If a player fouls three consecutive times on three successive shots without making an intervening legal shot, he loses the game. The three fouls must occur in one game. A warning must be given between the second and third

fouls. A player's inning begins when it is legal for him/her to take a shot and ends at the end of a shot on which he/she misses, fouls or wins, or when he/she fouls between shots.

 

End of game. A game starts as soon as the cue ball crosses over the head string on the opening break. The 1-ball must be legally contacted on the break shot. The game ends at the end of a legal shot which pockets the 9-ball; or when a player forfeits the game as the result of a foul.

EIGHT BALL
 

Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply.

 

4.1 Object of the game. Eight Ball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and fifteen object balls, numbered 1 through 15. One player must pocket balls of the group numbered 1 through 7 (solid colors), while the other player has 9 through 15 (stripes). THE PLAYER POCKETING HIS GROUP FIRST AND THEN LEGALLY POCKETING THE 8-BALL WINS THE GAME.

 

4.2 Call shot.  In Call Shot, obvious balls and pockets do not have to be indicated. It is the opponent's right to ask which ball and pocket if he is unsure of the shot. With bank shots and/or combination shots, care should be taken in calling both the object ball and the intended pocket. When calling the shot, it is NEVER necessary to indicate details such as the number of cushions, banks, kisses, caroms, etc. Any balls pocketed on a foul remain pocketed, regardless of whether they belong to the shooter or the opponent.  The opening break is not a "called shot." Any player performing a break shot in 8-Ball may continue to shoot his next shot so long as he has legally pocketed any object ball on the break.

 

4.3 Racking the balls. The balls are racked in a triangle at the foot of the table with the 8-ball in the center of the triangle, the first ball of the rack on the foot-spot, a stripe ball in one corner of the rack and a solid ball in the other corner.

 

4.4 Alternating break.  Winner of the lag has the option to break. During individual competition, players will alternate breaking on each subsequent game.

 

4.5 Jump and masse shot foul.  While "cue ball fouls only" is the rule of play when a match is not presided over by a referee, a player should be aware that it will be considered a cue ball foul if during an attempt to jump, curve or masse the cue ball over or around an impeding numbered ball that is not a legal object ball, the impeding ball moves (regardless of whether it was moved by a hand, cue stick follow-through or bridge).

 

4.6 Legal break shot. (Defined) To execute a legal break, the breaker (with the cue ball behind the head-string) must either (1) pocket a ball, or (2) drive at least four numbered balls to the rail. If he fails to make a legal break, it is a foul, and the incoming player has the option of (1) accepting the table in position and shooting, or (2) having the balls re-racked and having the option of shooting the opening break himself or allowing the offending player to break again.

 

4.7 Scratch on a legal break. If a player scratches on a legal break shot, (1) all balls pocketed remain pocketed (exception, the 8-ball: see rule 9), (2) it is a foul, (3) the table is open. PLEASE NOTE: Incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the head string and may not shoot an object ball that is behind the head string, unless he first shoots the cue ball past the head-string and causes the cue ball to come back behind the head-string and hit the object ball.

 

4.8 Object balls jumped off the table on the break.  If a player jumps an object ball off the table on the break shot, it is a foul and the incoming player has the option of (1) accepting the table in position and shooting, or (2) taking cue ball in hand behind the head string and shooting.

 

4.9 8-Ball pocketed on the break. If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, the breaker may ask for a re-rack or have the 8-ball spotted and continue shooting. If the breaker scratches while pocketing the 8-ball on the break, the incoming player has the option of a re-rack or having the 8-ball spotted and begin shooting with ball in hand behind the head-string.

 

4.10 Open table. (Defined) The table is "open" when the choice of groups (stripes or solids) has not yet been determined. When the table is open, it is legal to hit a solid first to make a stripe or vice-versa. Note: The table is always open immediately after the break shot. When the table is open it is legal to hit any solid or stripe first in the process of pocketing the called stripe or solid. However, when the table is open and the 8-ball is the first ball contacted, it is a foul and no stripe or solid may be scored in favor of the shooter. The shooter loses his turn; the incoming player is awarded cue ball in hand; any balls pocketed remain pocketed; and the incoming player addresses the balls with the table still open. On an open table, all illegally pocketed balls remain pocketed.

 

4.11. Choice of group. The choice of stripes or solids is not determined on the break even if balls are made from only one or both groups. THE TABLE IS ALWAYS OPEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BREAK SHOT. The choice of group is determined only when a player legally pockets a called object ball after the break shot.

 

4.12. Legal shot. (Defined) On all shots (except on the break and when the table is open), the shooter must hit one of his group of balls first and (1) pocket a numbered ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact a rail.

 

PLEASE NOTE: It is permissible for the shooter to bank the cue ball off a rail before contacting his object ball; however, after contact with his object ball, an object ball must be pocketed, OR the cue ball or any numbered ball must contact a ail. Failure to meet these requirements is a foul.

 

4.13. "SAFETY" Shot. For tactical reasons a player may choose to pocket an obvious object ball and also discontinue his turn at the table by declaring "safety" in advance. A safety shot is defined as a legal shot. If the shooting player intends to play safe by pocketing an obvious object ball, then prior to the shot, he must declare a "safety" to his opponent. If this is NOT done, and one of the shooter's object balls is pocketed, the shooter will be required to shoot again. Any ball pocketed on a safety shot remains pocketed.

 

4.14. Scoring. A player is entitled to continue shooting until he fails to legally pocket a ball of his group. After a player has legally pocketed his entire group of balls, he shoots to pocket the 8-ball.

 

4.15. Foul penalty. Opposing player gets cue ball in hand. This means that the player can place the cue ball anywhere on the table (does not have to be behind the head-string except on opening break). This rule prevents a player from making intentional fouls, which would put his opponent at a disadvantage. With "cue ball in hand," the player may use his hand or any part of his cue (including the tip) to position the cue ball. When placing the cue ball in position, any forward stroke motion contacting the cue ball will be a foul, if not a legal shot. (Also see Rule 39 in the General Rules of Pocket Billiards).

 

4.16 Combination shots. Combination shots are allowed; however, the 8-ball cannot be used as a first ball in the combination.

 

4.17. Illegally pocketed balls. An object ball is considered to be illegally pocketed when:

(1)   that object ball is pocketed on the same shot a foul is committed, or

(2)   the called ball did not go in the designated pocket, or

(3)   a safety is called prior to the shot.  Illegally pocketed balls remain pocketed.

 

4.18. Object balls jumped off the table. If any object ball is jumped off the table, it is a foul and loss of turn, unless it is the 8-ball, which is a loss of game. Jumped object balls are not re-spotted.

 

4.19. Playing the 8-ball. When shooting at the 8-ball, a scratch or foul is not loss of game if the 8-ball is not pocketed or jumped from the table. Incoming player has cue ball in hand. Note: A combination shot can never be used to legally pocket the 8-ball.

 

4.20. Loss of game. A player loses the game if he commits any of the following infractions:      

a)      Fouls when pocketing the 8-ball (exception: see 8-Ball Pocketed On the break).

b)      Pockets the 8-ball on the same stroke as the last of his group of balls.

c)      Jumps the 8-ball off the table at any time.

d)      Pockets the 8-ball in a pocket other than the one designated.

e)      Pockets the 8-ball when it is not the legal object ball.

 

Note: All infractions must be called before another shot is taken, or else it will be deemed that no infraction occurred.

 

4.21 Stalemated game. If, after 3 consecutive turns at the table by each player (6 turns total), the referee judges (or if no referee, both players agree) that attempting to pocket or move an object ball will result in loss of game, the balls will be re-racked with the original breaker of the stalemated game breaking again. The stalemate rule may be applied regardless of the number of balls on the table. PLEASE

NOTE: Three consecutive fouls by one player is not a loss of game.

 

A Brief History of the APPA

 

The Arkansas Pool Players Association was created by R. R. McGuire in 1983 as an organization to promote a State Championship.  R.R. McGuire and Cat Ritchie ran the APPA for about five years.  Since that time, the director ship has fallen into the able hands of several members.  The first four seasons were strictly played with just one division of play.

 

After a time, a few top players were winning most of the tournaments and as a result the membership declined. In order to increase membership the APPA implemented the two-division system in 1987. It was an immediate success.  Two more innovations took place during the 1991 season. First, the APPA added another division, the C or Novice division. The second was to begin a satellite system. This allowed poolrooms around the state to hold qualifying tournaments.

 

The first satellite chapter was Lee’s Billiards in Mountain Home. In 1992, the number increased to four and then to twelve in 1994.  In 1994, the APPA introduced its first APPA Calendar, which included a complete tournament schedule as well as valuable information about each tournament sponsor. 

 

The 1999-2000 season ended with 325 members.  210 APPA sanctioned tournaments were held, with $42,561.00 being paid out in prize money to 1,981 entries. 

 

We are hoping for an even bigger and better year in 2008-2009.  We have shortened the races to accommodate those who travel long distance to play, so that they may return home sooner.  The APPA Board welcomes your comments and suggestions to develop the APPA into a better pool playing association.  Please direct all correspondence to: 

 Arkansas Pool Players Assoc. (APPA)

 c/o Bob Reed   14 Crestview Drive

Cabot, AR 72023

(501) 843-8970  or e-mail  to: bobreed@arkansaspool.com