Article I: Match Night Rules

1.       Fixtures

o    All matches will be played according to the fixtures list issued at the start of the season.

2.       Time of Match

o    Matches will commence at 20:00 hours on the date specified in the fixture list.

3.       Player ID Cards

o    All players must be able to show or present their Pool ID cards if asked by the opposing team. This can be via a photo or in person. Failing to show this or any picture ID will result in that player being ineligible to play.

4.       Match Night Rules

o    We will be playing according to the current EPA Rules, which are International Rules.

§  Shot Clock: Shot clock will not apply on a league match night

5.       Lagging

o    To determine which team breaks first, the first two players will lag before the first frame. The winner of the lag chooses who breaks first.

6.       Frames

o    The match consists of fifteen single frames with alternate breaks. The 15 frames will be divided among 5-15 players, with no player playing more than 3 frames in one night. Players can play in any order, but only registered players are eligible to play.

7.       Insufficient Players

o    If a team cannot supply five players, they forfeit any unfulfilled frames.

§ If both teams cannot provide five players but supply the same number, the score will stand unless it is a draw.

§ If a draw occurs, one player from each team will play a deciding frame to determine the winner.

8.       Cost of Table

o    The home team will pay for the table if necessary.

9.       Referee

o    The home team must allocate one member to referee each frame. The referee's decision is final.

10.   Failing to Turn Up

o    Teams failing to arrive for a match will result in a walkover and will be fined. The result will be 15-0. There will also be a £20 fine. £10 of which goes to the home team venue if the away team failed to turn up.

11.   Late to Match

o    A team arriving late forfeits one frame every ten minutes late. If not present by 20:45, the other team can claim the match with a score of 15-0.

12.   Coaching

o    Players must play without advice from teams or spectators. Interference could result in loss of frame. The referee should manage this.

13.   Disagreements

o    Issues are settled by the game referee. If unresolved, team captains settle it. If still unresolved, protests must be sent in writing to the league secretary within 48 hours.

14.   Refreshments

o    Optional for the home team. The league is not responsible if the away team does not show up.

15.   Results

o    Results must be text to 07788717669 by both teams in the following format: Home team x – x away team (x being the result).

16.   Points Awarded

o    The winning team gets 2 points, losing team gets 0 points. Frame difference decides league positions if points are equal. If still tied, the two teams’ results against each other will decide. If still tied, a playoff at a neutral venue will decide the winners.

Article II: Cancelled Matches

1.       Exceptions

o    Matches can only be cancelled for:

§  Death of a team player.

§  Extreme weather (league secretary to be advised by 18:00 hours on match day).

2.       Forfeit for Cancelling

o    Cancelled matches must be rearranged by both team captains.

3.       Unfinished Match

o    If a match starts but cannot finish due to uncontrollable reasons, it will be replayed from the start.

4.       Final Match Date

o    No league match can be played after the final date on the fixture list.

Article III: Equipment

1.       Table/Triangles

o    Allowed sizes: 6’ x 3’, 7’ x 4’, 9’ x 4’ with the same pocket and ball size and weight meeting current EPA rules.

o    American pool tables are not allowed.

o    The same equipment should be used to set up the balls for both teams

2.       Balls

o    Standard Red and Yellow Aramith balls to be used. These are supplied to the venue by the league

o    Pro cup balls can be used with the home team's permission.

Article IV: Competition Playing Rules

1.       Paperwork/Entries

o   All entries must be on the correct form with names of all participants. Only registered players can play in competitions. Payment for the competition must be paid before participating in that competition

o   Failing to provide a captains contact name and number will result in no players being able to enter any single or team competitions.

2.       Tournament Rules

o   All tournaments will follow EPA International rules.

§  Time Fouls: Only applied on finals night with a referee.

3.       Giving Dates

o   Each venue/Captain will be issued a list of each of the corresponding league’s team captain’s mobile contact numbers

o   Home players must contact the away player’s team captain and offer 4 dates in 2 different weeks. Monday nights cannot be giving as a date.

§  The away player confirms the date and time via phone or message with at least 24 hours’ notice.

§  Failure to provide dates results in the away player advancing to the next round.

§  If the home player fails to contact the away player in a timely manner and cannot provide two alternative dates in two different weeks, the away player will have the right to claim the match.

4.       Time Allowance

o   If a player does not arrive within 30 minutes of the agreed time, the opponent can claim the match unless otherwise agreed.

5.       Divisional Matches

o   Best of nine frames.

6.       Men’s Singles/ Men’s Doubles

o   Best of seven frames.

§  Players cannot change partners after playing their first match.

§  During a doubles match, once a player touches the table, they can no longer communicate until the end of that players visit.

7.       DP Singles

o   Best of eleven frames.

§  Players must have played a minimum of 6 league matches to enter.

8.       Ladies Singles/Mixed Doubles

o   Best of five frames.

§  Players cannot change partners after playing their first match.

§  During a doubles match, once a player touches the table, they can no longer communicate until the end of that players visit.

9.       Results

o   Winning team/player texts the result to the league secretary. Failure to text the result will result in the away player advancing to the next round.

10.   Draw Error

o   If a player is drawn more than once, they must fulfil the first fixture and the opposing player gets a bye for the second fixture.

11.   Semi-Finals/Finals Dates

o   Announced at the first draw of the season. Players unable to attend should withdraw as soon as possible.

§  Failure to attend Semi-finals/finals night results in a 6-month ban and a fine as determined by the committee unless it is because of a work commitment or sickness

§  Valid reasons for absence must be communicated in advance to avoid penalties.

12.   Winers Advancements

o    Winners of the Men’s and Ladies singles can choose to enter the E.P.A Champion of Champions Competition. There entry will be paid for by the league. If interested they must contact the league secretary.

Article V: Knockout Cup Playing Rules

1.       Fixtures

o   Played based on both a home and away fixture. Both legs will be best of 15 frames.

2.       Date Giving

o   Home team must offer 4 dates within 2 weeks for the first leg, played by the second Friday following the draw. They must allow 48 hours before giving the first date. They cannot give a Monday as a night as it is a league night. Second leg must be arranged at the first match with the other teaming giving 2 dates in 2 separate weeks before the result must be submitted.

§  Failure to play results in loss of the tie.

3.       15-15 Draw

o   If the match is level after both legs (15-15), one player from each team plays best of three to decide the winner. A lag will determine who breaks.

4.       Walkover

o   If the first leg isn’t played, the second leg becomes a walkover.

5.       Landlords

o   Landlords can only play for one team in the knockout cup per season.

6.       Registered Players

o    Players cannot be signed late in the season to just play the semi finals and final of the knock out cup.