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.

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 the 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 texted to 07788717669 by both teams in the following format: Home team x – x away team (x being the result).

16.   Points Awarded

o    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   If there is available space on the night of the tournament, players may enter singles and doubles events, which will be capped at 128 participants.

o   The entry fee on the night will be double the usual rate.

2.       Tournament Rules

o   All tournaments will follow EPA International rules

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

3.       Dates

o   Competition dates will be scheduled at the beginning of the season. Singles and doubles matches will be held on Thursday nights. All players must be present on the night before the draw starts. Time for the draw will be published on Facebook in advance of the competition

4.       Singles and Doubles

o   Men's singles and doubles matches will be best of five frames (first to three).

o   Doubles matches will be played using the scotch doubles format (alternate shots). Once a player touches the table then that team can no longer communicate until the shot has been played.

5.       Coin Toss/Lag

o   The playing order will be determined by a coin toss or lag.

6.       Draw Error

o   If a player is drawn more than once in a competition, they must play the first fixture. The opponent in the second fixture receives a bye.

Article V: Knockout Cup/Plate Playing Rules

1.       Fixture

o   The first two rounds of the knockout cup will be fulfilled as the first two fixtures of the league

o   The Knockout Cup will be played as a single fixture, arranged by the home team.

o   Teams knocked out of the first round will automatically be entered into the Plate competition.

2.       Format

o   Single match of fifteen frames in the same format of the league match night rules

3.       Dates

o   The home team must offer four dates over two different weeks within the specified timeframe. Thursdays are excluded from these dates.

4.       Landlords/Landladies

o   Landlords or landladies are restricted to playing for only one team in the Knockout Cup per season.

5.       Final Night Dates

o   Dates for finals night will be on fixture sheet at the start of the season. Players unable to attend should not partake in competitions

§  Failure to attend 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.