A. Balls and Racking

• Game uses 1 cue ball + 15 object balls.
• Balls racked in a triangle: 8-ball in center, one stripe and one solid in corners.
• Objective: legally pocket all of your group (stripes or solids), then the 8-ball to win.

B. Break Shot

• Home team breaks 1st & 3rd rounds; visitors break 2nd & 4th. Break can be passed.
• Legal break: 4+ balls to cushion or 1+ balls pocketed.
• Illegal break options for opponent: shoot table as-is, re-rack & break, or force original breaker to rebreak.
• Cue ball deflection before hitting rack = foul; loss of turn.
• Scratch on break: balls stay down (except 8), cue ball in hand anywhere on the table, table open.
• Improper cue ball placement must be pointed out by opponent before shot.
• 8-ball on break: rerack or spot & continue. Cannot win or lose on break.
• No balls made on legal break: opponent shoots on open table.
• Jumped ball off table on break = foul; opponent chooses cue ball in hand or table as-is. Jumped balls are spotted.

C. Open Table

• Table is “open” until group (stripes/solids) is chosen.
• Legal to hit any ball first while table is open except the 8 ball. Hitting the 8 ball first is a foul.
• Group is determined only after a called object ball is legally pocketed.

D. Game / Calling Shots

• Call banks & combos; obvious balls/pockets don’t need calling.
• Balls pocketed on fouls remain down.
• Opening break is not a “call.”
• When shooting the 8-ball, clearly indicate pocket verbally or physically.

E. Play

• Pocket opponent’s balls by accident: stays down; loss of turn only if called ball not pocketed.
• Continue shooting while legally pocketing own balls (except on safety).
• Failing to hit 8-ball = foul, opponent gets ball in hand.
• Balls falling due to interference: replaced to near original position (player causing the 8-ball to fall this way = loss of game).
• Jumped object balls = foul & loss of turn (8-ball = loss of game).
• Slow play: >1 min/shot after warning = foul; 3rd infraction = loss of game.
• Stalemate: 3 consecutive fouls per player, mutual agreement → re-rack & breaker repeats.
• Coaching: 1 individual coaching call/game, plus up to 4 team coaching calls/match (1 per round, via designated Coach/Assistant Coach). Each call is up to 1 minute.

F. Loss of Game

• Pocketing 8-ball illegally (wrong order, wrong pocket, jumped off table, slow play).
• Failing to clearly designate pocket for 8-ball.
• Pocketing cue ball while shooting 8-ball = ball in hand for opponent.

G. Legal Shots

• Must hit your group first; then:
  
  • Pocket a group ball or
  • Cue ball/any other ball hits rail.
• Kick shots allowed.
• Safety: declare before shot; balls stay down.

H. Fouls

• Called by opponent before next shot (except scratch).
• Fouls include:
  
  • Illegal shot, scratching, deflecting cue ball before break
  • Cue ball in pocket/off table, double hits, slow play >1 min
  • Jumped balls off table (8-ball = loss)
  • Touching/moving balls illegally
  • Cue tip touches ball illegally
  • Coaching violations
• Frozen ball (to a rail): must meet 1 of 4 conditions or foul; must be agreed as frozen.
• Frozen ball (to your own object ball): shooting into it is legal if a ball then pockets or hits a rail; shooting away without moving it doesn’t count as a hit.

I. Penalty for Fouling

• Opponent gets cue ball in hand anywhere on the table, including after a break foul.
• Stop shooting immediately when foul called.
• Three consecutive time fouls = loss of game.

Pool Table Etiquette
Play fair. Be respectful. Keep the game fun.

• Treat opponents the way you’d like to be treated
• Wish your opponent good luck before the match
• Stay clear of the table and your opponent’s line of sight while they shoot
• Avoid talking to opponents during their shot
• Call your own fouls and show good sportsmanship
• Let your opponent know when they have ball in hand
• Pay attention to your match and be ready when it’s your turn
• Keep your cue assembled until the match is finished
• Respect your opponent, win or lose
• Cheer for teammates—without rooting against opponents

Respect the venue and equipment (ANAF Unit #5):

• Be courteous and polite to staff
• Take care of tables, balls, cues, and equipment
• No jump shots
• Avoid digging your cue tip when breaking
• Do not slam balls or bang cues
• Keep drinks off the tables
• Do not sit on the rails; keep one foot on the floor when shooting
• Be aware of your surroundings and politely ask others to move if needed

Following these guidelines helps ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and competitive night for everyone.