Situation: The team you are playing is requesting to split tables, are we required to do so?

Yes - A team match is normally played on one table. Occasionally, lengthy matches make it logical to split a team match onto a second table, if a second table of the same size is available. If the fourth match has not started by two hours after the official League start time, teams should put up their next player and start play on a second table. The fifth match would then be played on the first table that becomes available. If the fifth player is not present, a forfeit cannot be called until the fourth match has concluded.

A team is subject to penalties if it deliberately prevents a second table from being available, or resists using the second table to split the match. The option to split matches can only be waived if both teams agree to complete the match on one table.

The word "should" does not imply that a team can refuse to split tables. This wording is used because if both teams agree not to split, then splitting isn't necessary. However, if either team requests to split and a table is available, then splitting is required.

Rule: Official Team Manual (OTM) page 27 section 17 “Splitting Matches”: https://media.poolplayers.com/TMRB/Team-Manual-English.pdf

Note: A host location is NOT required to make a second table available if they want to make it available for other customers.

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.