Rule of the Week - Stalemates

November 24, 2024 11:05 PM

by San Diego APA

Rule of the Week - Stalemates

November 24, 2024 11:05 PM

by San Diego APA


Situation: During our match we get to a point were neither myself nor my opponent is attempting to make a legal hit. Is this a stalemate? 

No, not until both players no longer make use of ball in hand does the rack become a stalemate. Meaning if at least one player is hitting the cue ball into another ball on the table even if it is not a legal hit, then the game continues. Your opponent maybe gradually moving balls into position to eventually take a legal shot therefore the game is still in progress.

In the unlikely event that a game should become stalemated, meaning that neither player can, or wants to, make use of ball-in-hand, the balls are reracked and the player that had the break at the start of the stalemated game breaks again.

There is no minimum number of turns that must occur before a game is stalemated.

Rule: Official Team Manual (OTM) page 51 “Stalemates”: https://media.poolplayers.com/TMRB/Team-Manual-English.pdf

This section also covers:
  • Scoring a 8 or 9ball game once a stalemate is determined.

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.


Spring Session 2026 is Around the Corner
12/3/25 - 12:00 am
Be(e) On The Lookout Sun–Thurs Spring Session Divisions Early Release (Coming Soon) The purpose of posting early / pre-release divisions is to give teams a chance to review and request any needed changes before the official Spring Session schedules are released. Please note: Accounting and SLs may not be fully updated until we post the official Spring Session schedules shortly before the session
Marking the Pocket - Rule of the Week
12/22/25 - 6:00 pm
Situation: I marked my pocket and didn't realize the marker was slightly over the bumper. When I shot the 8ball it hit my marker and went in, what happens? NOTE: Contacting a pocket marker with the 8-ball is not a foul and the shot stands. However if the cue ball hits the marker if the 8ball is pocketed it is loss of game. If the 8-ball isn't pocketed then it is Ball in Hand. See page 54 section
Reminder: Playoff Fees No Longer Reduced
12/16/25 - 8:00 pm
As announced in the last few players meetings, effective last 2025 Summer session, the APA no longer allows league areas to reduce playoff fees. Therefore, all teams participating in playoffs are now required to pay the full $50 team fee, regardless of how many individual matches are played. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. San Diego APA(619) 303-0183sandiego@apaleagues.com