2026-2027 BALL IN HAND POOL LEAGUE RULES

STANDINGS AND SCHEDULES ARE AVAILABLE AT www.acmemusic.co and on the Compusport app.

PRESIDENT KARL SONTHEIMER 816-262-2484

VICE PRESIDENT BILL SAMPLE 816-351-5939

LEAGUE COORDINATOR GWEN SILL 816-261-0836

Revised August 2026

TEAMS/PLAY

Ball In Hand League starts at 7:00 P.M.

All league players must be at least 21 years old.

All teams must have five (5) individual players, but no more than nine (9) players on the team’s roster.

If a player needs to leave the match early, a maximum of one player per team will be allowed to play through. The player/s shooting through are expected to leave when their games are done. Players shooting through will be identified on the score sheet. Players will not be allowed to shoot out more than four (4) times per season.  If players from each team are shooting out, the player of the home team will shoot out first.

Open subs will continue. Subs will be identified on the score sheet.

Teams cannot have more than one master player in the Summer League.

MONEY/ENVELOPES FOR FALL LEAGUE

NOTE: EACH PLAYER WILL PAY $10.00 PER PERSON, TOTALING $50.00 PER TEAM. THE TEAM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR MONEY EACH WEEK AS FOLLOWS:

· BOTH HOME AND VISITING TEAMS: $38.75 IN ENVELOPE, $11.25 IN THE TABLE

· Note: In case of a bye week or a forfeit week, the team needs to pay $38.75 ($7.75 per player) for that week or it can come out of the team’s payback. If the team wants ball count, a scoresheet with five (5) team members’ names must be turned in the same week as the bye or forfeit. Late scoresheets will result in no ball count.

MONEY/ENVELOPES FOR SUMMER LEAGUE

NOTE: EACH PLAYER WILL PAY $10.00 PER PLAYER, TOTALING $30.00 PER TEAM. THE TEAM

IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR MONEY EACH WEEK AS FOLLOWS:

· BOTH HOME AND VISITING TEAMS: $23.25 IN THE ENVELOPE, $6.75 IN THE TABLE.

· Note: In case of a bye week or a forfeit week, the team needs to pay $23.25 ($7.75 per player) for that week or it can come out of the team’s payback. If the team wants ball count, a scoresheet with three (3) team members’ names must be turned in the same week as the bye or forfeit. Late scoresheets will result in no ball count.

DELIVER YOUR ENVELOPES TO: ACME MUSIC CO., 1701 FREDERICK AVE., ST. JOSEPH, MO 64501. There is a mail slot on the right side of the garage door on Frederick next to the Show Room. Place your envelope there if it is after hours. Envelopes should be in no later than 8:00 a.m. on Friday. If envelopes are not returned by this time, it may result in forfeiture of all points won. Each team is responsible for their envelope.

CAPTAIN'S DUTIES

COLLECTING FEES: It is each captain's duty to make sure that the envelopes have the full amount of money in them each week. Any amount of money that is short will be deducted from the team's winnings at the end of the season.

OFFICIATING: Only the player involved may call a foul. A player must stop shooting when a foul is called. If a player refuses to yield to a foul call, the opposing player may protest. All fouls must be called and acknowledged before the next shot is taken.

REFEREEING GUIDELINES: A “referee” that is mutually agreed upon by both players, can be called by any player to judge a potentially controversial shot before the shot is taken. When called, the “referee” is in control of the game and makes the final decision on the shot. He/she makes all decisions, and they are final, unless the penalized player cites rules that substantiate a protest, in which case the referee may reverse his/her decision.

SCHEDULING

All rescheduling of games must be by mutual consent of the League Coordinator, both team captains and the location. In an emergency, opposing captains may also delay or reschedule their games by mutual consent. All make-up games must be arranged with the League Coordinator and played no later than two weeks after the originally scheduled match. When games are not played, the money to the league must still be paid or it will be deducted from your winnings at end of the season.

RULE DISPUTES/PROTESTS

Should there be a question about a rule or a dispute concerning a shot during league play, the players are encouraged to stop the game for clarification. The team captains are to review the written rules in their packets and if possible, reach a mutual agreement prior to resuming play. If necessary, the captains or the involved players can call the League President or Vice-President for rule clarification. A decision will be rendered at that time, which may include having the game replayed.

Should the captains still not be able to reach an agreement, a protest may be filed per the Protest Procedure. NOTE: A captain's signature implies acceptance of the match's outcome. On Compusport, when the captain clicks on the green checkmark (Send for Approval) on the scoresheet, it indicates the captain’s acceptance of the matches outcome. NOTE: If a captain intends to protest, he/she should not accept the outcome of the score sheet.

PROTEST PROCEDURE: Authority to protest rests with the captain. A protest must be in writing and be presented to the President or League Coordinator within 24 hours after the match. Protests shall include a $50.00 deposit. If the protest is not upheld, the deposit will be forfeited.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS/GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE

Elections will be held during the league meeting preceding the start of the season. The President and Vice President will be elected from the players in the league. Their duty is to render decisions on rules and protests, help run any league meeting, and aid in the organization of the league. Decisions on protests, misconduct, or removal of a player from the league are made by the Grievance Committee. The Grievance Committee is comprised of the President, Vice President, League Coordinator and the League Owner.

MEETINGS AND PAYBACK

League meetings will be held at the President’s sponsoring bar. Only team captains will attend league meetings, unless otherwise indicated. Paybacks will be held at the league winner’s bar. In the case of a tie in the number of games won, a play-off match will be played the following Wednesday in a neutral bar to determine the location of the payoff.

TEAM MATCHES AND LINE-UPS

There will be 15 games played; 5 games per round; 3 rounds per match. The same 5 players must play all 3 rounds. The player who is breaking is indicated on the score sheet.

HANDICAPS

Handicaps will start the 2nd week of pool league.

The handicap is determined by team position in the standings. The handicap is calculated by subtracting the number of your team’s position from the position number of the opposing team. This number is then multiplied by 2, which will give you the handicap per round. The maximum amount of balls given is fifteen (15) balls.

Examples:

The 2nd place team plays the 1st place team 2 – 1 = 1 1 x 2 = 2 balls given per round

The 5th place team plays the 1st place team 5 – 1 = 4 4 x 2 = 8 balls given per round

The 8th place team plays the 2nd place team 8 – 2 = 6 6 x 2 = 12; 12 balls given per round

The 9th place team plays the 2nd place team 9 – 2 = 7 7 x 2 = 14; 14 balls given per round

The 11th place team plays the 2nd place team 11 – 2 = 9 9 x 2 = 18; only 15 balls are given

SCORING

Each player receives 1 point for each of his groups of balls (stripes or solids) legally pocketed, plus 3 points when the 8-ball is legally pocketed. A player is always credited with 10 points when he wins a game. If the shooter pockets the 8-ball before it is legal to do so, the opponent receives 10 points. The loser cannot score more than 7 points. In case of a tie in points, the team winning the most games wins the round.

RULES OF PLAY

BALLS AND RACKING

The balls are racked in a triangle at the foot of the table with the 8-ball in the center, the first ball of the rack on the foot spot, a stripe ball in one corner of the rack and a solid ball in the other corner.

THE BREAKER WILL RACK THE BALLS PRIOR TO THE BREAK. (RACK YOUR OWN)

THE BREAK

1. The breaker must drive four (4) or more balls to a cushion, or pocket one (1) or more object balls, or the 8-ball. If the breaker fails to do so, the opponent has the option of (1) accepting the table in position and shooting, or (2) re-racking and shooting the break or having the original breaker rebreak.

2. Stopping or deflecting the cue ball prior to hitting the rack is considered to be a foul and loss of turn. The opponent will receive cue ball in hand behind the headstring.

3. When positioning the cue ball for the break shot, the entire ball must be behind the headstring. If the cue ball is not positioned fully behind the headstring, the opposing player must inform the breaking player of the improper position of the cue ball before the shot is made. If the breaker is not informed, the break is considered legal. If the shooting player is informed of improper positioning, they must reposition the cue ball.

4. If a player scratches on the break: (1) all balls pocketed remain pocketed (exception, the 8-ball); (2) it is a foul and (3) the table is open. The incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the headstring and may not shoot an object ball whose base is not outside the headstring, unless he first shoots the cue ball past the headstring and causes the cue ball to come back behind the headstring and hit the object ball. If a player positions the cue ball completely and obviously outside the kitchen and shoots, it is a foul, if called by the opponent.

5. If the breaker makes a legal break and does not pocket a ball, his opponent then shoots, having an open table.

6. NOTE: Making the 8-ball on the break, or making the 8-ball and scratching, or knocking the 8-ball off of the table during the break WILL NOT be a loss, even if there is more than one break. When the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, the breaker may opt for a re-rack or have the 8-ball spotted and continue shooting. Should the breaker pocket the 8-ball and scratch or knock the 8-ball off of the table during the break, the incoming player has the option of spotting the 8-ball or re-racking and assuming the break.

7. NOTE: If the 8-ball is made on the break, the breaker will pay to retrieve the 8-ball. If the breaker refuses to do so, he/she will forfeit the game.

8. If a player jumps an object ball off the table on the break shot, it is a foul and the incoming player has the option of (1) accepting the table in position and shooting, or (2) taking cue ball in hand behind the headstring and shooting. Multiple balls jumped off the table are spotted in numerical order.

CHOICE OF GROUP

The choice of stripes or solids is not determined on the break even if balls are made from only one or both groups. The table is always OPEN immediately after the break shot. The choice of group is only determined when a player legally pockets a called object ball after the break shot.

The table is open when the choice of groups (stripes or solids) has not yet been determined. When the table is open, it is legal to hit a solid first to make a stripe or vice-versa. NOTE: The table is always open immediately after the break shot. When the table is open, it is legal to hit any solid or stripe or the 8-Ball first in the process of pocketing the called stripe or solid. (NOTE: This is the only time the 8-Ball can be used as the first ball in a combination).

THE GAME

In Call Pocket, obvious balls and pockets do not have to be indicated. It is the opponent’s right to ask which ball and pocket is being attempted if they are unsure of the shot. Banks and combinations are not considered obvious, and both the object ball and the pocket must be called or it is a loss of turn. When calling the shot, it is NEVER necessary to indicate details such as the number of cushions, banks, kisses, caroms, etc.

THE PLAY

1. If a shooter inadvertently pockets the opponent’s ball, it remains down, however, if the shooter does not legally pocket one of his own group, he/she loses his turn.

2. The player continues to shoot as long as they legally pocket an object ball. (Exception: calling a safety). Should a player fail to pocket their designated ball, they shall lose their turn.

3. If a player fails to hit the 8-ball while shooting at it, it is a foul and the game continues. When the 8-ball is the object ball, a scratch or foul is not a loss of game if the 8-ball is not pocketed or jumped off the table. Incoming player has cue ball in hand.

4. In the event the cue ball or an object ball stops on the edge of the pocket, then falls into the pocket because of vibrations, fan or stamping of feet, it shall be replaced on the edge of the pocket as near as possible to its position before interference. Players split coins to retrieve the ball. 

5. The player who pockets their entire group and legally pockets the 8-ball, wins the game. BEFORE SHOOTING THE 8-BALL, THE SHOOTER MUST INDENTIFY THE INTENDED POCKET.

6. STALEMATED GAME: If in three consecutive turns at the table by each player (six turns total), they purposefully foul or scratch and both players agree that attempting to pocket or move an object ball will result in an immediate loss of game, the game will be considered a stalemate. The balls will be re-racked with the players splitting quarters and the breaker of the stalemated game will break again. NOTE: Four consecutive fouls by a player is not a loss of game.

LOSS OF GAME

1. Pocketing the 8-ball when it is not the legal object ball except on an opening break.

2. Pocketing the 8-ball on the same stroke as the last of the group of balls.

3. Scratching while pocketing the 8-ball is a loss of game.

4. Jumping or knocking the 8-ball off of the table, except for on the break. (See "THE BREAK' section, #6)

5. Pocketing the 8-ball in a pocket other than the one designated.

6. Fouling while pocketing the 8-ball in the designated pocket.

7. Failure to identify the intended pocket for the 8-ball.

8. If the 8 ball is accidently pocketed with a player's hand or any part of the cue, it is a loss of game.

LEGAL SHOTS

1. On all shots (except on the break and when the table is open) the shooter must hit one of their group of balls first and (1) pocket any group ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any other ball to contact a rail.

2. It is permissible for the shooter to bank the cue ball off a rail before contacting the object ball (kick shot); however, after contact with the object ball, any group ball must be pocketed, OR the cue ball or any other ball must contact a rail.

3. If the object ball is "frozen" to a rail, the player must either drive the object ball to another rail; hit a different ball, which in turn hits a rail; or drive the cue ball to the rail after it touches the object ball. If the cue ball strikes the rail first or hits both the rail and object ball simultaneously, then it would be an illegal shot unless some ball went to a different rail.

4. “Safety” Shot: For tactical reasons, a player may choose to pocket an obvious object ball and also discontinue his/her turn at the table by declaring “safety” in advance. A safety shot is defined as a legal shot. If the shooting player intends to play safe by pocketing an obvious object ball, then prior to the shot, the shooter must declare a “safety” to the opponent or verbally declare a pocket other than the one in which the shooter intends to shoot the ball. If this is not done, and one of the shooter’s object balls is pocketed, the shooter will be required to shoot again. Any ball pocketed on a safety shot remains pocketed.

FOULS

NOTE: All fouls must be called and acknowledged before the next shot is taken (exception: scratching). Only the players involved may call the foul.

The following results in a foul:

1. Failure to make a legal shot as noted above.

2. Shooting the cue ball into a pocket or off of the table.

3. It is a foul when a player scratches on the break, or deflects the cue ball prior to hitting the racked balls. The incoming player receives cue ball in hand behind the head string.

4. When placing the cue ball in position, any forward stroke motion contacting the cue ball will be a foul, if not a legal shot.

5. Shooting without at least one foot touching the floor.

6. Coaching is a foul and not allowed around the table. During a player’s turn, conversation about the game is considered to be coaching. Conversation is allowed away from the table when it is not the shooter’s turn. It is considered to be your turn as soon as your opponent has completed his turn.

7. Object ball frozen to Cushion or Cue Ball. This applies to any shot where the cue ball’s first contact with a ball is with one that is frozen to a cushion or to the cue ball itself. After the cue ball makes contact with the frozen ball, the shot must result in either: a) A ball being pocketed, or; b) The cue ball contacting a cushion, or; c) The frozen ball being caused to contact a cushion attached to a separate rail, or; d) Another object ball being caused to contact a cushion with which it was not already in contact.

8. Accidentally moving or touching any ball is not a foul unless: a) the moved ball is the cue ball; b) a moved ball makes contact with the cue ball; c) a moved ball that is jumped off the table or pocketed or causes any ball to be jumped off the table or pocketed.

Note: If the 8-ball is jumped off the table or pocketed (other than during the break), it is a loss of game.

9.  Only the opponent may replace the ball moved as closely as possible or leave it where it rests. If the shooter replaces the moved ball, it will be considered a foul.

10. If a player accidentally moves a ball during a shot and it moves into the path of the cue ball, it is a foul if those balls collide.

11. If a player touches a ball other than the 8-ball, and it falls into a pocket, it is a foul.  The opponent has the choice of leaving the ball down or replacing it on the table as closely as possible to its original position.

12. If a player intentionally touch a ball, it is a foul. Example: resting your hand on a ball to stabilize your bridge.

13. Picking up and/or shooting the cue ball while any balls are still in motion is a foul.

14. With cue ball in hand, touching any object ball with the cue ball is a foul, or touching any object ball with your hand while touching the cue ball is a foul.

15. Jumping object balls off of the table is a foul. The object ball is spotted.

16. After a scratch on a legal break, if a player positions the cue ball completely and obviously outside the kitchen and shoots, it is a foul.

17. If your opponent commits a foul and you did not receive their acknowledgment of such foul prior to touching the cue ball, you have committed a foul, except for scratching.

18. Intentional illegal jumping (scooping) is a foul.

19. Push shots are fouls. A push shot foul is when the cue ball is pushed by the cue tip, with contact being maintained for more than the momentary time involved in a stroked shot. With a cue and object ball frozen, shooting the shot from any angle other than at least 45 degrees above, or at least 45 degrees to the right or left of center from the straight line of the frozen balls is a foul.

20. Double hits are fouls. A double hit occurs when the cue ball is struck a second time by the cue tip in the course of the same shot.  If a ball is made during a double hit, the ball remains pocketed.

BRIDGE

The use of a bridge is allowed in league play. Illegal shots when using the bridge will be ruled the same as if it were a player's hand.

BAD SPORTSMANSHIP

Bad sportsmanship may be grounds for forfeiture of the game, the match, or expulsion from the league. Physical violence WILL result in expulsion of the player(s), and/or the team from the league, with a forfeiture of money paid. Bad sportsmanship should be reported to the League President and/or the League Coordinator.

Bad sportsmanship includes:

1) Foul or abusive language; name calling;

2) Harassment from players or spectators;

3) Abuse of equipment or unethical conduct;

4) Intentionally changing the position of the balls in play other than by a shot;

5) Intentional attempts to distract the opponent either by talking to the opponent or placing yourself in the opponents view while he/she is shooting;

6) Physical intimidation or violence.