Rule of the Week - Switching Coaches During a Timeout

March 27, 2024 7:20 PM

Rule of the Week - Switching Coaches During a Timeout

March 27, 2024 7:20 PM

Situation: My opponents team calls a timeout and one of the players on the team starts to give the timeout. After the coach has already talked to the player at the table they switch coaches to someone else on the team. Is this allowed?

No, during their turn at the table, the shooter may discuss strategy only with the coach designated for that time-out. A coach may get a group consensus from other players on their team and pass it on to the shooter, but only the designated coach may pass it on.

A team can change coaches from timeout to timeout but not during a timeout. In addition this is the only non-shooting Ball In Hand foul (see page 54 section f of the OTM).

Rule: Official Team Manual (OTM) page 28-30 “Coaching”: https://media.poolplayers.com/TMRB/Team-Manual-English.pdf

This section also covers:

Ineligible players
What is considered a timeout and what is not
Number of timeouts based on SL and divison format

You can submit a "Rule of the Week" to the league office:

Email to sandiego@apaleagues.com.
Email Subject Line must read “SDAPA Rule of the Week”
Clearly state the rule/situation and if you know where the answer is found please provide those details.

World Qualifier (Cities): Qualification Can Be Lost

1/7/26 - 7:00 pm

Official Team Manual (OTM) “Tournament Information and Rules”: Players Must Maintain Current Membership If your membership is not current, you are not eligible to participate in the World Championships. If any of your teammates are not available at renewal time, consider renewing for them so they do not get dropped from the roster and become ineligible. Notify your Local League Management immedia

When is a Timeout a Timeout - Rule of the Week

1/5/26 - 6:00 pm

Situation: My opponent during their turn at the table requests a timeout. The team/coach indicated it wasn't necessary and didn't take it. Isn't this still a timeout? No, if the shooter requests a time-out, the coach may refuse it and no time-out will be charged. However, if any member of the team suggests a time-out to the shooter, the time-out will be charged. Rule: Official Team Manual (OTM)

Pocketed Balls (outside forces) - Rule of the Week

12/29/25 - 6:00 pm

Situation: While shooting my opponent doesn't make a ball but one of their balls sits on the edge of the pocket. They walk away from the table and it falls into the pocket. Is it still their turn? No, Once a ball has stopped all motion, it cannot move again without outside forces affecting it. Therefore, if a ball which has been hanging in a pocket for more than a few seconds suddenly drops, it