Rotherham & District Pool League – Rules of Play

Last updated: 2025/26 AGM

1.0 The Object of 8 Ball Pool

1.1 The game is played with two groups of seven balls, a black ball, and a cue ball. The groups may be unmarked red and yellow balls, or Pro Cup balls. For simplicity, the rules refer to red and yellow balls.

1.2 The groups are known as object balls. The player who successfully pockets all balls of their colour group and then legally pockets the black ball wins the game.

2.0 Start of Play

2.1 The object balls are racked alternately red and yellow around the sides, with the black ball in the centre of the third row, on the spot (intersection of centre and corner pockets).

2.2 A nominated referee (see Rule 8.0), alternately provided by home and away teams, is responsible for controlling the game and ensuring players are familiar with the rules.

2.3 Order of play is decided by coin flip. The referee flips a legitimate coin after giving the opposition the choice of side.

2.4 Players must not place chalk on the table before or during an opponent’s shot. The referee will remind players to remove chalk if needed.

2.5 The opening player breaks the triangle of object balls using the cue ball from anywhere on or behind the baulk line.

2.6 The opening player must pocket a ball or drive at least two object balls to hit a cushion. Failure to do so gives the opponent a choice to:

  • Ask the opening player to re-break, or

  • Take two shots and an open table from the cue ball’s current position, or ask the referee to move it behind the baulk line. After the free shot (Rule 5.0), the opponent may pot a colour group to claim that colour.

2.7 Actions during a break:

  • If an object ball is pocketed, the table is considered open. The breaker may choose to pot a colour ball to claim it or play a safety.

  • If no balls are pocketed, play continues alternately until one of the rules in this section applies.

2.8 If a foul occurs during open play with no object balls pocketed, the opponent proceeds per Rule 4.1. After the free shot (Rule 5.0), they may pot a colour group or play a safety.

2.9 The first legally pocketed object ball determines the player’s colour group. If a combination of red and yellow balls is pocketed, the table remains open.

2.10 If a foul occurs when the first object ball or combination is pocketed, those balls are ignored, and the opponent proceeds per Rule 4.1.

2.11 If the black ball is pocketed or leaves the table on the break, no penalty is incurred; balls are re-racked, and the break is repeated.

3.0 Scoring

3.1 A legally pocketed ball entitles the player to an additional shot, continuing until they:

  • Fail to pocket a ball of their colour group

  • Pocket the black ball to win

  • Commit a foul (Rule 4.0)

4.0 Fouls

4.1 After a foul, the offending player loses their turn. The opponent is entitled to a free shot (Rule 5.0) and may play the cue ball from its position or behind the baulk line.

4.2–4.19 Foul cases include:

  • 4.2 ‘In Off’ – pocketing the cue ball

  • 4.3 Hitting an opponent’s ball directly (except free shot)

  • 4.4 Hitting the black ball before pocketing all own balls (except free shot)

  • 4.5 Failing to hit any ball (except break shot)

  • 4.6 Pocketing opponent’s ball (except free shot)

  • 4.7 Push shot (see Rule 11.0)

  • 4.8 Moving a touching ball (Rule 12.0)

  • 4.9 Jump shot

  • 4.10 Ball leaving the table

  • 4.11 Playing before ball is re-spotted

  • 4.12 Playing before balls come to rest

  • 4.13 Playing with any ball other than the cue ball

  • 4.14 Playing out of turn

  • 4.15 Touching or interfering with balls

  • 4.16 Player not having at least one foot on the floor

  • 4.17 Striking cue ball more than once, or with any part other than the tip (except break)

  • 4.18 Break shot with fewer than two balls hitting cushions (opponent may re-break or treat as foul)

5.0 Free Shot

5.1 A free shot allows one strike only, after which normal play resumes.

5.2 The player may play any ball or combination, including the black ball if eligible (see Rule 6.0).

6.0 Pocketing the Black Ball

6.1 A player may pocket the black ball only after clearing their colour group.

6.2–6.5 The referee ensures players nominate a pocket for the black ball each shot. Failure to nominate will result in loss if pocketed. Free shots may include hitting opponent’s balls, but the black ball rules still apply.

7.0 Loss of Game

A player loses if they:

  • 7.1 Pocket the black ball before clearing their own balls (except on break)

  • 7.2 Pocket the black ball while committing a foul

  • 7.3 Pocket the black ball in a non-nominated pocket

  • 7.4 Black ball leaves table (except on break)

  • 7.5 Receive a second warning during a game (see Rule 9.0)

  • 7.6 Put the cue away before the end of the game (unless clearly replacing it)

8.0 Referee

8.1 Referees must know all rules and be impartial.

8.2 Decisions are final, though players may discuss a ruling with both the referee and opponent. Any unresolved disputes are referred to the Disputes Committee.

9.0 Deliberate Foul

Deliberate fouls are judged by the referee.

9.1–9.3 Includes intentionally pocketing an opponent’s ball or manipulating play unfairly. A first warning is issued; a second warning results in loss of game.

10.0 General

10.1 Player in control – from addressing the cue ball until opponent addresses it.

10.2 Cue ball in hand – player may place cue ball anywhere on or behind the baulk line; ferrule use is a foul.

10.3 Snooker – player cannot hit any part of object ball.

10.4 Drawn frame – stalemate declared if no legal shot is possible or game progression is blocked; frame is replayed.

11.0 Push Shot

A push shot occurs when:

  • Cue tip remains on cue ball during forward motion

  • Cue tip contacts cue ball at object ball hit

  • Shooting toward a touching ball (Rule 12.0)

12.0 Touching Ball

  • Player must play away from touching balls.

  • Rules vary depending on the colour of the touching ball and whether a free shot applies.

13.0 Coaching

  • Not allowed.

  • May result in a warning to the player/team.

14.0 Ball Drop

  • Balls dropping into pockets without player influence are re-spotted to the nearest position.

15.0 Harassment or Abuse

  • No harassment or abuse of opponents/teams (including sexism, racism, ageism, etc.).

  • Violations result in a minimum 12-month league ban.