Rule of the Week - Not Trying to Make a Ball

March 13, 2025 3:30 AM

by San Diego APA

Rule of the Week - Not Trying to Make a Ball

March 13, 2025 3:30 AM

by San Diego APA


Situation: My opponent took a shot that didn't appear as thou they were attempting to make a ball. We asked the shooter and they said it wasn't a defensive shot, what do we do?

Mark the defensive shot, A Defensive Shot is any shot taken without the intent to legally pocket a ball. This definition includes, but is not limited to, shots taken in an attempt to hook the shooter’s opponent. The shooter’s INTENT is the determining factor. Unless the shooter declares that their shot was a Defensive Shot, it is up to the scorekeeper to decide if the shooter intended to try and pocket a ball. Consistently and correctly marking Defensive Shots ensures the effectiveness of The Equalizer®.

Defensive shot as stated above is when the shooter isn't trying to make the ball not just when they are trying to hook you. Meaning if you believe the shooter regardless if they left you a good shot or not didn't try to truly pocket their ball this should be marked as a defensive shot.

Rule: Official Team Manual (OTM) page 31-32 “Defensive Shots”: https://media.poolplayers.com/TMRB/Team-Manual-English.pdf

This section also covers:
  • Ethical and unethical defensive shots
  • Attempting a defensive shot and making your ball
  • Two-way shots

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.


Pocketed Balls (outside forces) - Rule of the Week
6/30/25 - 5:00 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
Rescheduling a Match - Rule of the Week
6/23/25 - 5:00 pm
Situation: I have requested a makeup match ahead of the necessary 24-hour notice to my opponent. They are telling me I have to let them know who will be playing the makeup match(es). Is this true? Yes, when requesting 1-2 makeup matches the team needing the makeup must indicate who will be playing those matches. The same requirement is true for Pre-Play matches. Rule: Bylaws page 4-5 “Rescheduli
Singles Regional Qualified Players
6/19/25 - 6:48 pm
Please remember you MUST remain on a team in the FORMAT you are QUALIFIED to maintain ELIGIBILITY. Players who have won a San Diego local singles board between Jan 1st - June 15th 2025 should be listed here: Click Here -> 2025 Fall Singles Regional Qualified Players List If you do not see your name and believe you qualified, please contact the tournament director who ran your board immediately