Every now and then, questions come up about how the APA time guidelines work and how teams should manage them. Let’s clarify the intent behind these rules so we can all enjoy a smooth, timely night of pool.

The Guidelines: Flexibility vs. Overstep

The APA outlines specific timeframes to keep matches moving efficiently:

• Timeouts: 1 minute
• Standard Shots: 20 seconds
• Difficult Shots: 45 seconds

The word "guideline" is used intentionally to allow for a little flexibility—it does not mean you can ignore the clock entirely.

Where is the line?

What’s okay: Going slightly over occasionally (e.g., a 1-minute 10-second timeout, or a 25–30 second standard shot here and there). We get it, and so should others.
What’s NOT okay: Consistently pushing past the limits (e.g., a 1-minute 45-second timeout, or standard shots taking nearly a minute).

Repeatedly abusing these timeframes is a sportsmanship violation. It stretches the night out unnecessarily and disrespects your opponent’s time.

How to Manage the Clock Properly

We often get asked how teams should handle timing during a match. Here is the best practice:

• Before the limit is reached: Do not countdown or call out reminders (e.g., "10 seconds left!"). Both teams should be tracking the time independently.
• When the limit is reached: Once the 1-minute mark for a timeout is hit, it is completely acceptable and encouraged for the opposing team to politely announce, "One minute has been reached, tie it up."

The Big Picture: Work Together

These guidelines exist for one main reason: to ensure everyone has a great night of competitive pool and still gets to go home at a reasonable hour.

An occasional extension is perfectly fine, but it requires cooperation from both sides. Let’s respect the guidelines, respect each other, and keep the game moving!

Official Team Manual Page 8 "Time Guidelines": https://media.poolplayers.com/TMRB/Team-Manual-English.pdf