Coaching (helping aim) - Rule of the Week

February 11, 2026 8:38 PM

by San Diego APA

Coaching (helping aim) - Rule of the Week

February 11, 2026 8:38 PM

by San Diego APA

Situation: During a timeout the coach places a piece of chalk on the rail to give the shooter a place to aim, is this allowed?

Yes, it is permissible for a coach to place an item on the rail to indicate where to aim.

In addition a coach can aid the shooter by pointing where on a ball to hit or even help guide their cue stick during the coaching. However no coaching can continue to occur such as pointing or guiding during the execution of the shot itself. The coach should leave the playing area before the shooter attempts their shot.
Rule: Official Team Manual (OTM) page 28-30 section 18 “Coaching”: https://media.poolplayers.com/TMRB/Team-Manual-English.pdf

This section also covers:

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.

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