General League Rules

New Players

• New players without a Fargo rating receive a starter rating.
• Email the League Manager 24 hours in advance to allow time for an accurate determination.
• Starter ratings are based on prior tournaments, TD evaluations, observations by established FargoRate players, skill in other leagues, and League Manager input.

Calling Players for Matches

• Weekly matches have a designated start time (e.g., 7:00 PM). First match should be called and ready within the first five (5) minutes of start time; delays may result in forfeits.
• At start time, the Home Team (top team in BCAPL Scorer app) calls first; Visiting Team calls immediately after. Continue selections without delay between rounds.
• Call order alternates by round: R1, R3, R5 by one team; R2, R4 by the other.
• The throwing Captain may change their called player only if the responding Captain has not yet called a player. The responding Captain may change their called player at any time before the balls are broken. Once the balls are broken, no changes may be made, and any over-limit violations may then be processed.
• Accommodations: If someone needs to shoot early, calls must still follow the normal order. Misleading about the next player is unsportsmanlike. Conversations are not binding until a player is officially called.
• After a player has played a singles match, they are not eligible for another singles match in that team match.

Match Races

All match races shall be determined using the FargoRate app and the default race charts outlined below.

• 8-Ball, 9-Ball, and Ladies Divisions:
  • If Either player has a rating of 400 or Higher, the race chart shall be R4 Medium.
  • If both players have ratings of 399 or lower, the race chart shall be R3 Hot.
  • 8-Ball tie-breaker matches shall be played using the R3 Hot race chart, regardless of player ratings.
• Skillz Division:
  • Default race chart is R5 Medium.
  • If both players have ratings of 399 or lower, the race chart shall be R4 Hot.

Scorekeeping

• Both teams keep score in the BCAPL Scorer app and reconcile after each individual match.
• Always fill in the Race Definition (most common error). Repeated violations may lead to disciplinary action.
• Use only WIN and WF buttons. Do not use BR, TR, WB, or WZ.
• For forfeits: first forfeit must be Round 5, then Round 4, etc. Choose players who won’t exceed caps. Set Race Definition to 1–1; score winner with WF; loser remains 0.
• Submit the match. If errors appear, review each game/round and correct.

Lagging

• Every match starts with a lag—no coin flips. Closest ball to the starting rail wins.
• The players will lag again if the lag is a tie, or if one player strikes the ball after the other player’s ball has contacted the foot cushion.
• Automatic lag loss if your ball touches a side rail, pockets, or crosses into opponent’s half or contacts their ball. If unclear, use a neutral judge or re‑lag.
• 8‑Ball & 9‑Ball: winner racks and breaks first. Skillz & Ladies: winner may choose game format (where applicable) or first break.

Rosters & Caps

Roster Limits

• 8-Ball & 9-Ball Teams: Maximum of eight (8) players
• Ladies Teams: Maximum of seven (7) players
• Skillz & Trios Teams: Maximum of five (5) players

Roster changes are permitted through Week 9 of the session.

Player Qualification Requirements

Qualification requirements are based on the division and game format being played. Match totals may be combined across multiple teams within the same format and are not tracked separately by team.

To qualify for End-of-Session and Year-End events, players must meet the following minimum participation requirements during the session:

• 8-Ball Division: Four (4) 8-Ball matches
• 9-Ball Division: Five (5) 9-Ball matches
• Ladies Division: Four (4) Ladies matches totaling a minimum of eight (8) sets
• Skillz Division: Five (5) Skillz matches

Players may compete on multiple teams on the same night provided the teams participate in different divisions.

General Match Rules

• Alternating break in all divisions
• Rack-Your-Own in all divisions
• Triangle racks only; template racks are not permitted

Format	# of Players	Fargo Cap
8‑Ball	4	1900
9‑Ball	5	2300
Skillz	3	1700
Ladies	4	1600
Trios	3	1400

Game Rules

8‑Ball

• Rack: 8‑ball in center; head ball may be any solid/stripe; back corners are one solid & one stripe.
• Break: Cue ball on/behind middle‑diamond side rail line. Legal if ≥4 balls hit a rail and one passes headstring (or a ball is pocketed). 2nd‑ball break allowed. No soft breaking.
• Break fouls: Scratch → Ball In Hand Anywhere if otherwise legal. Illegal break → re‑rack & loss of break (opponent still breaks next game). Miscue guidance as listed; breaker may stop cue pre‑headstring on miscue.
• On the break: You cannot win or lose. If 8 is made → spot 8; breaker has open table. If 8 is made and scratch → spot 8; opponent Ball In Hand Anywhere.
• Open table after break. First called shot made sets groups. A called safe‑in on the first post‑break shot keeps table open for incoming player.
• Players may use open combos to begin their run while table is open. Once groups are declared, players may only contact their group first.
• Call all shots. Safe‑in allowed any time (shooter may pocket their ball and yield turn).
• Jump cues allowed unless venue prohibits.
• Combos allowed if first contact is legal and object ball is called.
• 8‑ball is never neutral. Touching 8 first (unless on the 8) → BIH foul. Game cannot end if 8 is still on table.
• Scratch while on the 8 is not a loss unless 8 is pocketed too. 8 in wrong pocket is loss. Any ball off the table stays down; if 8 leaves table → loss.

9‑Ball

• Rack: 1 at head, 9 in middle, 2 in back.
• Break: Cue on/behind side‑rail line. Must strike 1 first; ≥4 balls to a rail (or a ball pocketed). No soft breaking.
• Break fouls: Scratch → BIH anywhere if otherwise legal. Fewer than 4 to a rail → re‑rack & loss of break (opponent still breaks next). Miscue guidance as listed.
• On the break: Cannot win/lose. 9 on break → spot 9; breaker remains at table.
• Push option: Only on first shot after break. Must hit cue ball; can leave anywhere; rails not required; announce clearly. Incoming player may take or pass back. Fouls during push are only scratch/ball off table.
• Call all shots. If an uncalled (slopped) ball drops, incoming player may take the shot as lies or give it back.
• Any ball off the table stays down and is BIH foul. If 9 leaves the table → foul; spot 9; BIH to opponent.
• Jump cues allowed per venue. Three‑Foul Rule in effect. Lowest numbered ball must be struck first. Triangle racks only; no templates or personal racks.

10‑Ball

• Rack: 1 at head, 10 in middle, 2 and 3 in the back corners.
• Break: Cue on/behind side‑rail line. Must strike 1 first; ≥4 balls to a rail (or a ball pocketed). No soft breaking.
• Break fouls: Scratch → BIH anywhere if otherwise legal. <4 to a rail → re‑rack & loss of break (opponent still breaks next; maintain rotation). Miscue guidance as listed.
• On the break: Cannot win/lose. 10 on break → spot 10; breaker remains at table.
• Push option: Only first shot after break; same rules as 9‑Ball.
• Call all shots and safes. If a called ball is missed or a ball is slopped in, incoming player may take table as is or give it back. When a safe is called and a ball drops, incoming player still has take‑or‑give‑back option; there is no safe‑in in 10‑Ball.
• Any ball off table stays down and is BIH foul. If 10 leaves table → foul; spot 10; BIH to opponent.
• Jump cues allowed per venue. Three‑Foul Rule in effect. Lowest numbered ball must be struck first. Triangle racks only.

Trio Division

Three‑Foul Rule (9‑Ball & 10‑Ball)

• Three consecutive fouls by a player result in loss of game.
• After the second foul, the opponent must clearly notify the shooter (e.g., “You’re on two”). Without notice, the game cannot end via Three‑Foul.
• Any legal hit resets fouls to zero. The player attempting Three‑Foul may pocket balls between safeties.

Other Fouls

• No rail contact after cue‑to‑object‑ball hit → BIH foul (after a kick, a ball must contact a rail).
• Failure for frozen ball to contact a new rail or failure for cue ball or non-frozen object ball to contact a rail → BIH foul.

Disturbed Balls

Cue Ball Fouls Only

These rules apply when a player accidentally touches or moves a ball during a game. They are intended to keep play fair while avoiding unnecessary penalties for minor, accidental contact that does not affect the shot.

Single Object Ball Moved Accidentally

If a player accidentally touches or moves one stationary object ball, it is not a foul unless that ball affects the outcome of the shot.

When the Shot Is Affected

A disturbed ball affects the shot if:

• The disturbed ball contacts any ball that was set in motion by the shot; or
• Any moving ball passes through the area where the disturbed ball originally sat. That area is treated as a circle approximately 7 inches wide centered on the ball’s original position.

If the Disturbed Ball Does Not Affect the Shot

If the disturbed ball does not affect the outcome of the shot, the opponent may choose to:

• Leave the disturbed ball where it came to rest; or
• Restore the disturbed ball to its original position before the next shot.

If the ball is restored, it may be restored by a referee, by the opponent, or by the player who moved it only with the opponent’s permission. Touching or restoring the ball without permission is a foul.

If the Disturbed Ball Does Affect the Shot

If the disturbed ball affects the outcome of the shot, it is a foul. The opponent does not have the option to restore the ball.

Disturbed Ball and Another Foul on the Same Shot

If a player accidentally disturbs one object ball and also commits another foul that is unrelated to the disturbed ball, the player is penalized for the foul. The opponent still has the option to leave or restore the disturbed ball if that disturbed ball was not part of the foul.

If a Disturbed Ball Falls Into a Pocket

If a single disturbed object ball falls into a pocket and does not affect the outcome of the shot, the opponent has the option to restore it.

If the disturbed ball is the game-winning ball, it must be restored if it did not affect the shot. If the game-winning ball falls into a pocket, or affects the outcome of the shot, it is loss of game.

Automatic Fouls

It is always a foul if a player:

• Disturbs the cue ball;
• Disturbs more than one object ball;
• Disturbs a ball that contacts any other ball; or
• Disturbs a ball that is already in motion.

In these situations, the opponent has no restoration option. If the game-winning ball is disturbed during one of these violations and falls into a pocket, it is loss of game.

Intentional Diversion

Intentionally stopping, deflecting, or attempting to stop any ball in motion, including placing a hand, cue, or body in a pocket or path of a ball (such as attempting to catch a scratching cue ball), results in BIH, table left as is.

Intentional Disruption

Intentional disruption includes actions such as throwing a cue, ball, or other object onto the table, or deliberately disturbing multiple balls out of frustration or to gain advantage. These actions result in Loss of Game.

If the behavior involves hostility, aggression, or unsportsmanlike conduct, additional penalties may be applied under the league’s disciplinary policies.

Close / Questionable Hits

• Record close hits in slo-mo for review. Only players may request a watched hit; railbirds cannot.
• Any League member present may record; a rostered player may do so only if both players agree. The recorder’s call is final.
• If the non-shooter does not ask for a watcher before the shot, the call goes to the shooter.
• Frozen cue ball to object ball. When the cue ball is frozen to an object ball (touching), a straight-through shot is legal, provided the cue tip contacts the cue ball only once and no push shot occurs.
• Close but not frozen (chalk-width guideline). If the cue ball and object ball are less than one chalk width apart, the balls are not considered frozen. In this situation, the shooter must not shoot straight through and must instead use a clearly angled stroke (approximately 45°) away from the object ball to avoid a push shot or double-hit foul. Jacking up and striking downward in a straight line at a chalk width distance will be considered a foul.
• Object ball frozen to a rail. When an object ball is frozen to a rail and that ball is contacted first, at least one ball must subsequently contact a rail for the shot to be legal.
• Players are expected to call their own bad hits and fouls.

Stalemates

If both players execute three consecutive shots where balls move less than a hand‑span (including BIH passes), declare a stalemate. Re‑rack and have the original breaker break again. Do not record the stalemated rack in BCAPL Scorer.

Timeouts

1. Eligibility

All players are permitted to take timeouts.

2. Timeout Allowances by Rating

Timeout allowances are determined by individual player rating as follows:

• Players with a rating of 399 or lower are allowed two (2) timeouts per game.
• Players with a rating of 400 or higher are allowed one (1) timeout per game.

3. Duration

Each timeout is intended to last no more than sixty (60) seconds.

4. Calling a Timeout

• A timeout may be called by anyone, including the player at the table or a teammate on the rail.
• A legally called timeout cannot be refused.
• Loud, excessive, or disruptive sideline coaching or strategy discussion outside of a called timeout is considered unsportsmanlike conduct.

5. Exceeding Available Timeouts

Penalties for calling a timeout when none are available are applied as follows:

• First offense: Verbal notification that no timeouts remain.
• Second offense: Ball in Hand (BIH) foul awarded to the opponent.
• Third offense: Penalized as unsportsmanlike conduct.

For playoff and tournament matches, calling a timeout when none are available results in an immediate Ball in Hand (BIH) foul.

6. Coaching During a Timeout

During a legal timeout, a coach or teammate may:

• Place or move the cue ball when Ball in Hand is awarded.
• Demonstrate a shot line, aiming point, or intended english.
• Briefly relay information from teammates.

Under no circumstances may a coach or teammate mark the cloth, rails, or any table surface.

7. Between-Shot Communication

During regular session play, brief communication between teammates between shots is permitted but must cease immediately when it becomes the player’s turn at the table.

Tournament and playoff matches are subject to seating, conduct, and communication restrictions as listed elsewhere in this rulebook.

Forfeits

• Exceeding total Fargo cap results in loss of that match and any subsequent matches that cannot be played (e.g., 8‑Ball: selecting in Match 3 can force Match 4 ineligibility → both forfeited).
• Forfeits do not count toward the five‑match eligibility requirement unless specifically allowed by League Operations.
• Enter player‑absence forfeits in Round 5 (then Round 4, etc.). Follow the Scorekeeping steps.
• Late start thresholds: 10 min = 1 forfeit; 20 min = 2 forfeits; 30 min = match forfeited. This is the only time early‑round forfeits are valid.
• Teams owing a forfeit must pay the opposing team’s weekly dues for that match that night (payments flow through the website; captains handle reimbursement).
• Breaking down any cue during a match is conceding → loss unless it is done during your turn to Jump, Break, or Change Shafts. Breaking a cue down during your opponents turn when they are “on the hill” will be considered sharking and concession. Switching playing cues is fine without breaking the first down.
• Disqualified players forfeit their match; ineligible/suspended players cause point forfeiture and disciplinary review.

Player Recycle Rule (Summer Session)

The recycle rule allows a team that is short players to complete matches by having one player play twice.

• A recycle is permitted only when a team cannot fill all match slots due to missing players.
• Use of a recycle requires agreement from both team captains.
• Recycles are not permitted during the final five (5) weeks of the session.
• Each team may use one (1) recycle per match, applied to an unfilled slot.
• The opposing captain selects the recycled player from those present and eligible at match start.
• If additional eligible players arrive before the recycled match is played, the opposing captain may change their selection from the updated pool of available players.
• The eligible player pool includes all rostered players present at match start and any who arrive before the recycled match is played.
• Once the recycled match has begun, the selection is final.
• The lineup must remain within handicap limits, or the match is forfeited.
• The recycle must be declared before match play begins and cannot be withdrawn.
• A player may only be recycled once per night.
• Any remaining unfilled matches are recorded as forfeits.
• Qualification and Scoring:
  • Only one (1) match per player per night counts toward qualification.
  • Additional matches count toward team results only and do not apply to eligibility totals.
  • Recycled player games do not count toward tie-breakers.
• Enforcement:
  • Teams must make a good faith effort to field all available players and may not withhold players to influence recycle selection.
  • Violations may result in forfeits, loss of recycle privileges, or additional penalties.
  • League Operator decisions are final.

Rescheduling / Make‑up Matches

To maintain fairness and consistency across all divisions, the following procedure governs the rescheduling of league matches:

• Mutual Agreement Between Captains: Team Captains must communicate and mutually agree on a new match date and time. A reschedule is not valid unless both captains agree. If captains cannot reach an agreement, the league operator will make the final determination, which may include assigning a new date or enforcing a forfeit.
• Notice Requirements: Standard reschedule requests require at least 24 hours’ notice. Weather-related issues or emergencies require at least 2 hours’ notice. Failure to provide proper notice may result in a forfeit at the discretion of the opposing captain or the league operator.
• Weather Policy: Matches are generally expected to be played as scheduled. If driving conditions are unsafe, captains may mutually agree to reschedule. The league recognizes safety as a priority, but weather does not automatically cancel league play.
• Make-Up Match Timeframe: All rescheduled matches must be completed within 14 days of the original match date unless an extension is approved by the league operator. Failure to complete the match within that timeframe may result in a double forfeit or a forfeit assigned to the responsible team.
• Scheduling Restrictions: Matches may not be rescheduled during the final two weeks of the session or during playoffs, championship rounds, or other designated post-season events, except with specific approval from the league operator.
• Official Notification Requirement: All approved reschedules must be reported to the league office. Notification must include the teams involved, the original match date, the new agreed-upon date and time, and any location change if applicable. Notice may be submitted through the league website, app, email, text message, or direct contact with the operator.
• Failure to Comply: If a match is not properly rescheduled, not reported, or not completed within the allowed timeframe, it may be ruled a forfeit. Repeated violations may result in additional disciplinary action.
• Captain Discretion and Sportsmanship: Captains are encouraged to act in good faith and demonstrate sportsmanship when handling reschedule requests. Reasonable flexibility is encouraged when possible, but is not required.

Equipment

• Players may bring legal equipment: cues (one‑piece/two‑piece), jump/break cues, extensions, bridges, gloves, chalk, cases, claws.
• Venue provides cue balls, object balls, and triangle racks—no substitutions; no template racks. No training aids/mechanical/laser devices.
• Headphones allowed during regular sessions only. Observe venue chalk color restrictions. House cues are allowed.
• “Players can bring whatever equipment they want to entertain us to the table that will not damage the felt.”

Payments

• Pay via the League Website. Weekly dues: $11 per player per match. Team payments only (no per match individual payments).
• If you cannot pay online, email tcmabe@freedomleagueusa.com immediately with your name, team, and division to report issues.
• Late payments: once a team is two weeks behind, points from those weeks are forfeited until current.
• Teams not current at session end are ineligible for playoffs, End of Session tournaments, and payouts.

Pace of Play

• Most shots should be within 30 seconds; special situations within 60 seconds.
• Team matches should finish within four (4) hours (Skillz tournament team matches: three (3) hours).
• Report slow play or slow captain calling. Progressive penalties: verbal → written → points deduction (or tournament shot‑clock by referee).

Playoffs / Tournament Qualification

End‑of‑Session Tournaments

• North & South divisions each aim for 16‑team brackets (variations possible for byes/wildcards/forfeits).
• Final standings (tiebreaker: win percentage) determine seeding & first‑round matchups.
• Multiple locations/brackets may be used based on total qualified teams.

8‑Ball & 9‑Ball Qualification by Division Size

Year‑End Championships (State / Multi-State)

• Teams must have four (4) players from the roster that qualified in an End‑of‑Session event.
• Qualified teams do not have to remain active through subsequent sessions.
• Qualifying twice: team receives session prize money plus overall top seed at Year‑End. Ties broken by total games won across qualifying sessions.
• If teams have reformed, and have shooters that double qualify they may group into two teams that contain at least 4 original members.

Grievance Process

• Possible actions: verbal/written warnings, suspension, expulsion. League investigates all complaints.
• Process: Player/Captain emails League Manager → Manager decides → optional appeal to Board → Board votes (2‑2 tie broken by League Owner) → decision delivered.
• Suspended/expelled players may not participate in any Freedom League USA events.

Disciplinary Procedures

Minor Infractions

Examples: ignoring game rules, poor etiquette, payment delinquency, Social Media & Public Conduct violations, repeated scoring errors, excessive forfeits.

Protocol: assess → decide → notify → document/apply → inform leadership if needed.

Major Infractions

Examples: threats or harm, disrespect to players or venue staff, playing while suspended/ineligible, false ID, equipment damage/theft, blatant rule/rating manipulation, unwanted sexual contact.

Protocol: Manager reports to Board → Board votes (Owner breaks ties) → decision delivered. Penalties include warnings, suspension, or expulsion. Egregious incidents may trigger immediate action.

Prize Money Payouts

• Payouts occur at the end of your team’s (or individual’s) last match; signature required. Goal: reduce cash on hand at events.
• Cash payouts ≤ $599 per individual.
• Check payouts ≥ $600 per individual require Photo ID, signed W‑9, and will result in a 1099 at year end. Checks only to qualified & eligible players.

Disclaimer

Freedom League USA may make adjustments or addendums as needed to improve fairness and clarity as the billiard scene evolves. Any changes will be posted on the Official League website at the start of each session.