I want to address a couple issues that have been brought to my attention over the past few weeks. The 1st one is pool etiquette, and the 2nd is close hit situations. I saw a few of these issues this past weekend during tri-cups and were going into the World Qualifier in a couple weeks as well. These are also issues I would like to correct on a weekly league night, so we don't have misunderstanding and hurt feelings. Part of my responsibility is to get everyone one ready for the big event. We want to have fun, and part of that is understanding rules, etiquette, and procedures so they are familiar to you and your team.  

I feel I also need to remind players that we are playing in bars. Condations in our host locations are that of a bar atmosphere, so with that being said, most bars are loud, and noisyand our host locations may have other events going on that can be distracting. You as a player need to learn to play with the back ground noise distractions.

ETIQUETTE Many billiards enthusiasts are unfamiliar with the unwritten rules of pool etiquette. Breaking one of these rules can result in arguments and hard feelings between players and teams. Please show good sportsmanship and common courtesy to both your opponents and the Host Location by observing these basic etiquette guidelines:

• Treat your opponent as you would like to be treated.

• Wish your opponent good luck before the match begins.

• Stay away from the table and out of your opponent’s line of sight when they are shooting. (Also be aware of matches going on around you, don't stand at a table that has another match going on.)

• Do not engage your opponent in conversation while they are shooting.

• Call your own fouls – don’t wait for a foul to be called on you, or to be asked if you committed a foul. Players with integrity call their own fouls and tell their opponent when they have ball-in-hand or hand their opponent the cue ball.

• Pay attention to your match. • Be ready to shoot when it is your turn.

• Do not break down your cue until your match is over.

• If you are expected to play the next match, have your cue and enough quarters for the table (if needed) ready.

• Begin your match as soon as the previous match is over.

• Observe all time guidelines.

• Shake your opponent’s hand, win, or lose.

Cheering for your teammate is part of the fun, but don’t root against your opponent. Observing these guidelines and displaying good sportsmanship helps ensure a fun and competitive evening of League play.

CLOSE HIT SITUTATIONS: I called the national office on this one this morning to find out how the national refs are instructedto handle close hit situations at the national level tournaments.

This is what is the refs are instructed to do when called to watch for a double hit at the National level.

Inform the non-shooting player that you are going to advise the shooter how to shoot the shot in order to lessen the chances of committing a double hit foul. Ask the non-shooting player if they still want you to watch the shot. If they say no, then leave the area and DO NOT watch the shot. If they still want you to watch the shot, then proceed to advise the shooting player that they “can lessen the chance of committing a double hit by hitting the cue ball into the object ball at an off angle, or by elevating the butt of their cue 30 degrees.” Do not discuss anything else.

Pg #50 OTM Note: If a 3rd party is not asked to watch the hit, and the hit is disputed, the call will tend to favor the shooter.