Ground Rules

(BILLIARD SPORTS)

I. PARTICIPANTS
The participants for the event shall be students in the secondary
private and public schools. They should pass the athletes eligibility based on DepED
NSAC Guidelines.

II. REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS

A. Players shall register before the event proper with proper
documentation as to confirm the player’s identity to the Screening Accreditation
Committee.
B. Players must present their “DELEGATION ID” to the Tournament
Manager for verification purposes at the start of each match.
III. PLAYERS REQUIREMENTS
A. Each player shall be required to bring at least one of the following equipment during the event. Lending or
borrowing of such equipment is strictly prohibited.
1. Break Cue
2. Cue Stick

B. Each player shall allowed to bring the following optional equipment. Lending of equipment during the match is
prohibited. However, the player can borrow from his/her team mates.
1. Jump Cue
2. Chalk/Gloves
3. Tapper

C. Players Dress Code

BOYS
- Delegation Uniform/Collared Polo (in the absence of delegation uniform)
- Long Pants
- Black shoes with rubber soles/delegation shoes

GIRLS
- Delegation Uniform/Collared Polo (in the absence of delegation uniform)
- Long Pants
- Black shoes with rubber soles/delegation shoes
IV. MODE OF COMPETITION

Disciplines that will be played during the Regional Meet would be 9- ball and 8- ball
singles. Single elimination or knock-out system is being applied. The match will be race to four
(3) for the elimination round, race to five, (5)for semi-final and race to seven (6) for the
championship round. The championship for Group A will play against the champion of Group
B to determine the gold and silver medalists respectively. While the 1st Runner-Up of Group A
will play against 1st Runner-Up of Group B to determine the bronze medalist in a race of
single match for 9 balls. The Regional Meet Technical Committee reserves the right to
increase the number of race depending on the number of participating area. Furthermore,
the following are the mode of play to wit:
a) The players will be group into two (2) – Group A and Group B
b) Drawing of lots shall be done to determine the groupings; and
c) A single elimination or knock-out system shall applied in the competition.
V. RULES OF THE GAME

A. The general ruling is anchored on the ruling set by the World Pool Association and
Palarong Pambansa Guide Book 2017.
B. The ruling set by the Regional Meet Technical Committee will be followed, to wit:
1. A player must bring the necessary equipment including snacks and beverages during
the match. Extra equipment and snacks may be allowed i.e. tapper et al. during the
break.
2. If the cue tip of the players’ cue stick is accidentally broken, the player may borrow
from the venue or from his/her team mates. He is not allowed to borrow from the
opponent’s cue stick.
3. If a player unscrewed his/her cue stick while the opponent takes turn in running the
table, the player who unscrewed the cue stick automatically LOSES THE MATCH.
4. Verbal communication between the coach and the player is strictly prohibited
during the match. Coaches shall keep distance from the playing player.
5. Each player is allowed to take one (1) time-out of FIVE MINUTES (5 minutes) in
every match in either 8-ball or 9-ball competition. It is only granted when it is the
player’s inning or turn to break.
6. COACHES and AUDIENCES are not allowed to interfere with referees’ decision.
7. If a player feels that the referee has made an error in judgment, he may ask the
referee to reconsider his call or lack of call. However, the referees’ decision on
judgment calls is final.
8. No bringing of gadgets such as cellphone, headphone and etc. during the match
9. A player is given 40-second shot clock and a 30-second extension per inning.(Conditional)
10. For slow play, 1st offense warning, 2nd offense loss of rack, 3rd offense loss of the match.
11. Winners’ break in both 8-ball and 9-ball events.
12. Protest Ruling If a player needs a decision to be taken, the first person to be contacted is the
referee. The referee will form his decision by all means that seem suitable to him. If the player wants to
protest against that ruling, he may contact the head referee and after that the tournament director. In
any regular tournament, the tournament director’s decision is binding and final. In the WPA World
Championships, there may be a further appeal to the WPA Sports Director, if he is present. A deposit of
$100 from the protestor is required for such an appeal and it will be forfeited in case of an adverse final
decision. A player is allowed to ask for a reconsideration of a factual decision by the referee only one
time. If he asks for reconsideration of the same matter a second time, it will be treated as
unsportsmanlike conduct.
1. Unsportsmanlike Conduct The normal penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct is the same
as for a serious foul, but the referee may impose a penalty depending on his judgment of
the conduct. Among other penalties possible are a warning; a standard-foul penalty,
which will count as part of a three- foul sequence if applicable; a serious-foul penalty; loss
of a rack, set or match; ejection from the competition possibly with forfeiture of all prizes,
trophies and standings points.
Unsportsmanlike conduct is any intentional behavior that brings disrepute to the sport or
which disrupts or changes the game to the extent that it cannot be played fairly. It
includes
(a) distracting the opponent;
(b) changing the position of the balls in play other than by a shot;
(c) playing a shot by intentionally miscuing;
(d) continuing to play after a foul has been called or play has been suspended;
(e) practicing during a match;
(f) marking the table;
(g) delay of the game; and
(h) using equipment inappropriately.
8-Ball Rules

13. At least three (3) object balls must be driven or contacted to any rails.
14. Shots Required to Be Called On each shot except the break, shots must be called
as explained in 1.6 Standard Call Shot. The eight ball may be called only after the
shot on which the shooter’s group has been cleared from the table.
1.6 Standard Call Shot
In games in which the shooter is required to call shots, the intended ball and pocket
must be indicated for each shot. Details of the shot, such as cushions struck or other balls
contacted or pocketed are irrelevant. Only one ball may be called on each shot. For a
called shot to count, the referee must be satisfied that the intended shot was made, so if
there is any chance of confusion, e.g. with bank, combination and similar shots, the
shooter should indicate the ball and pocket. If the referee or opponent is unsure of the
shot to be played, he may ask for a call. In call shot games, the shooter may choose to call
“safety” instead of a ball and pocket, and then play passes to the opponent at the end of
the shot. Whether balls are being spotted after safeties depends on the rules of the
particular game.
9-Ball Rules:

15. After the break, 3 object balls are required to pass the head string. This does not
include the cue ball.
16. pocketed balls count, therefore:
a. If a breaking player makes one ball on the break, only two would then be required
to pass the head string.
b. If a breaking player makes two ball on the break, only one would then be required
to pass the head string.
c. If a breaking player makes three ball on the break, no one would be then required
to pass the head string.
17. Balls are not required to come to rest the head string so a ball that strikes a rail and
returns across the head string back down table would a legal ball
18. A ball that passes the head string and subsequently pocketed count as one ball
19. A pocket 9 ball only wins the rack if at least 2 other balls passes the head string
or are pocketed.
20. For the avoidance of the doubt, crossing the head string is defined as
any part of the ball clearly crossing the baulk side.
21. The penalty for an unsuccessful break as per the above guidelines is a
loss of visit for the player
22. The incoming player will have the option:
a. Playing the lowest numbered ball.
b. Putting the other side back in, and the original players
can’t do push out.
23. “Push out” shot may only be called after the break. A player must make
his intention known to the referee, otherwise appropriate penalty be called.
24. On a Push Out, the cue ball does not have to contact the lowest
numbered ball first, or any object ball at all; no ball has to contact a cushion.
I. CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER, WRITE LETTER ONLY.
1. If a player still taking a shot, and the opponent stands and
distract the other player, it is:
a. standard foul b. ordinary foul c. unsportsmanlike
conduct
2. A designed shot or routine used for practice.
a. cut shot b. stun shot c. aim d. drill
3. the sliding support created with your hand to guide the cue.
a. hand bridge b. mechanical bridge c. jump cue
cue stick
4. The best skills to be develop in training a player in billiard,
a. pocketing, safety and ball placement b. aim and safety
c. ball placement and safety d. target and
pocketing
5. Plan and approach for running racks and playing defense.
a. ball placement b. strategy c. stroke d. aim
6. These regulations address dress requirements, protests, scheduling issues, and
other items that are not part of the actual Rules of Play but need to be regulated for the
individual event.
a. Referee b. Administrative Discretion c. Coaches d. Players
7. The_________ will determine all matters of fact relating to the rules, maintain
fair playing conditions, call fouls, and take other action as required by these rules.
a. Referee b. Administrative Discretion c. Coaches d. Players
8. Unless specified otherwise by the tournament organizer, each player is allowed to
take one time out of _______ minutes during matches played over 9 (for eight ball) and
13 (for nine ball) games. If matches are shorter there is no time out.
a. 15min. b. 10min. c. 5min. d. 3min.
9. Which of the following doesn’t belong to The Three Point Break Rule
(1) On the break shot, a minimum of three object balls must either be pocketed, or touch the
head string line, or a combination of both. For example, if one object ball is pocketed, then at
least two object balls must touch the head string line; or if two object balls are pocketed, then
at least one object ball must touch the head string line.
To touch the head string line means that the edge of the object ball must reach (break) the
string line.
(2) If a player fails to meet the requirements in (1), but otherwise makes a legal break, the
incoming player has the choice to accept the tables as is, or hand the shot back to his
opponent.
(3) In accepting the table as is, the incoming player is permitted to play a "push-out", he
must play a legal shot to the ball on.
(4) If the table is handed back to the breaker, the breaker is permitted to play a push-out. If
so, his opponent will then have the choice to either play the shot, or hand it back.
a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4
10. If the cue ball strikes a legal object ball and a non-legal object ball at approximately the same instant,
and it cannot be determined which ball was hit first, it will be assumed that the legal target was struck first.
a. Split Hits b. Frozen Ball c. Jawed Ball d. Touched Ball
11. If a player needs a decision to be taken, the first person to be contacted is the referee. The referee will
form his decision by all means that seem suitable to him. If the player wants to protest against that ruling, he
may contact the head referee and after that the tournament director. In any regular tournament, the
tournament director’s decision is binding and final. In the WPA World Championships, there may be a further
appeal to the WPA Sports Director, if he is present. A deposit of $_____ from the protestor is required for such
an appeal and it will be forfeited in case of an adverse final decision.
a. 50 b. 100 c. 150 d. 200
12. It is the _________ responsibility to be aware of all rules, regulations and schedules applying to
competition. While tournament officials will make every reasonable effort to have such information readily
available to all players as appropriate, the ultimate responsibility rests with the player.
a. Referee b. Coach c. Player d. Tournament Manager
13. Which of the following is not considered a standard foul?
a. touch ball c. push out
b. scratch ball d. cue stick on the table
14. If a player unscrews his jointed playing cue stick while the opponent is at the table and during the
opponent’s decisive rack of a match, it will be considered a ___________.
a. default b. unsportsmanlike c. disqualification from the tournament
d. Concession of the match.
15. If no foul is committed on the break shot, the shooter may choose to play a “push out” as his shot. He
must make his intention known to the referee, and then rules __________________ and ________________
are suspended for the shot. If no foul is committed on a push out, the other player chooses who will shoot next.
a. wrong ball first and no rail after contact
b. wrong ball first and scratch
c. driven off the table and no rail after contact
d. touch ball first and no rail after contact
16. Which of the following is not a serious foul?
a. Three Consecutive Fouls b. Unsportsmanlike Conduct c. Slow Play

17. If the referee observes that no progress is being made towards a conclusion, he will announce his
decision, and each player will have three more turns at the table.
a. concession b. loser c. winner d. stalemate
18. Which of the following is not Legal in a Break Shot in 9 Ball
a. the cue ball begins in hand behind the head string;
b. if no ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven to one or more rails, or the shot
is a foul
c. additionally, and only when Three Point Break Rule is used, if no ball is pocketed, three balls
must cross the head string, or the break is considered ‘dry break’. (See
Regulation 18, Three Point Break Rule.)
d. Hitting any ball during the break shot
19. When the table is _________, any object ball may be struck first except the eight
ball.
a. ready b. close c. open d. new
20. Which of the following is not legal in 8 Ball?
a. If the eight ball is pocketed or driven off the table on the break, it will be
spotted or the balls will be re-racked.
b. The shooter remains at the table as long as he continues to legally pocket
called balls, or he wins the rack by pocketing the eight ball.
c. Pockets the eight ball before his group is cleared.
d. If the shooter legally pockets his called ball, the corresponding
group becomes his, and his opponent is assigned the other group.
21. If the breaker pockets the eight ball and scratches the opponent has the option of,
` a. accepting the table and shot anywhere in the table
b. he can do a push out
c. Re-breaking or re-spotting the eight ball and shooting with cue ball in hand
behind the head string;
22. The shooter losses the rack if
a. pockets the eight ball and no fouls.;
b. pockets the eight ball after his group is cleared;
c. pockets the eight ball in a called pocket; or
d. drives the eight ball off the table.
23. Which of the following does not belong to Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
a. marking the table
b. distracting the opponent
c. using equipment inappropriately
d. borrowing cue stick
24. A lag shot is bad and cannot win if the shooter’s ball:
a. not crossing the long string;
b. contacts the foot cushion once;
c. is pocketed or driven off the table;
d. never touches the side cushion;
25. If a player feels that the referee has made an error in judgment, he may ask the referee to reconsider
his call or lack of call, but the referee’s decision on judgment calls
a. can be change
b. is final
c. depends on the Jury
 Billiard Referee Rules
• Definition of Referee
• Referee is a billiards term that is a part of Game Rule Terminology.
• The referee is the official in charge of the billiard game. The main
responsibility of the referee is to ensure and monitor the adherence of both
players or teams to the applicable rules of the game being played. Beyond the
referee's main responsibility, is their secondary responsibilities. They include
maintaining the equipment associated with the table excluding the player's
cues, re spotting balls, racking each frame, controlling the crowd, and
controlling the players.
 Billiard Referee Instructions and Rules
In league and tournament play, there will be issues that occur which require the
expertise, judgment of a billiard referee. In order to make the best decisions
and judgments, billiard referees have the following billiard referee instructions
and Rules and guidelines to follow.

 Billiard Tournament Officials and/or Referees

As mentioned above, much of the job of a billiard referee is subjective, and
relies on the referees discretion and best judgment. These rules are meant to
take this in to consideration. Additionally, since billiards is meant to be a
gentleperson's sport, all tournament or league officials are also given discretion
as secondary referees as appropriate.
 Billiard Referee's Authority

t's the referee is in fact the final authority in all matters of judgment. Matters of judgment include situations
where it must be determined whether or not:
• a player's conduct is unsportsmanlike;
• a player meets the dress code requirements of the BCA;
• an instance of coaching has occurred;
• outside interference has occurred;
• the rack or equipment is suitable for play;
• the table was illegally marked;
• conditions are suitable for play;
• a shot was considered to be obvious within the constraints of rule 1.17;
• opposition can be restored;
• a ball is in a certain position with respect to any one such as in or out of the kitchen or rack;
• a player has won or lost the lag;
• an open break was attempted or actually occurred;
• a ball is frozen to a cushion or another ball;
• a ball did or did not contact cushion during the course of the shot;
• a shot was illegal or legal;
• a hit was legal or illegal;
• a stroke was illegal or legal.
 Responsiveness of the Billiard Referee
A billiards referee is responsible to be completely and
willingly responsive to objective-type inquiries by players.
Objective inquiries include, but are not limited to the
following:
• what the count is at any given time during the match,
• whether or not the inquiring player or his or her
opponent are on a foul,
• Whether or not a ball is in the kitchen,
• which rule would apply if a particular shot is executed,
• whether or not a ball will be in the rack,
• and how many points are required for a victory.
When the billiard referee is asked to provide clarification on a rule,
the referee shall explain the rule to the best of his or her ability. It
should be noted that if a billiard referee makes an error or a mis-
statement, the requesting player is not protected from subsequent
enforcement of the correct or actual rule. When explaining a rule, or
answering any other objective question, the billiard referee must
remain 100% objective, and refrain from providing subjective advice
that may affect strategy or play. This includes advice such as whether
a combination shot can be made, the playing conditions of the billiard
table, and whether or not a "good" hit can be made on a potential
shot.
 Higher and Final Tournament Authority

The billiard referee rules and instructions outlined here will cover the majority
of situations that will arise in tournament and other competitive play. There
may be situations, however, where there will be a need to appeal to a higher
authority for interpretation of the rules or when a referee has incorrectly
applied a rule. The "Tournament Director" or equivalent official who assumes
final responsibility for the operation of the tournament shall be the official who
hears appeals and makes decisions on these uncommon situations. This official
does not have authority over a billiard referee's judgment calls on non-rule
situations. Any time a director makes a decision on a rule or its's application to
a situation, their decision is final, and may not be challenged or appealed.
 Preparation of Equipment by Billiard Referees

Generally speaking, the billiard referee is responsible for the cleaning of the
tables and balls, or of requesting that it be done if there are designated
cleaners at an event. The billiard referee must also ensure that mechanical
bridges, chalk, and powder are available. They shall also have marked, or
mark, the spots, the long string, the head string, and the outer edge of the
triangle, directly on the playing surface according to specific billiard game
rules.
 Billiard Referee Racking

The referee shall rack the balls prior to each game. When this task is
complete, the players may review and examime the balls as they are racked
before beginning play, but they may not request a re-rack. The billiards
referee is the final authority regarding a rack's suitability for play.
 Shot Calling and Billiard Referees

There may be instances where a referee makes an incorrect call on a shot.

Depending on the specific game's rules, a player must ask for the correction
before executing his or her next shot. When a referee call has been made
against a shot and then it is determined that the call was incorrect, the shot is
to be credited. Again, this is done only when the referee judges their call to
be incorrect and the affected shot to be legally executed.
 Billiard Referee and Calling Fouls

Billiard referees must call out fouls as soon after they occur as possible.
Once a foul is called, play must cease until a final decision on the foul has
been rendered by the referee and both players or teams have been
adequately informed. Included in the notice of foul should be an indication
to the incoming player, where specific game rules apply, whether or not
ball-in-hand occurs. The referee should also retrieve the cue ball and hand
it to the incoming player. The ball-in-hand announcement may be a simple
declaration of the words "ball-in-hand" to the players or teams. Should the
offending player continue play after the initial call of a foul, his or her
conduct may be considered unsportsmanlike by the referee, and a loss of
game may be handed down.
 Split Hit Situations and Billiard Referees

In situations where it is observed that the cue ball strikes a legal object
ball as well as a non legal object ball at the same instant, it shall be
considered a split hit. In a split hit, it can not be humanly determined
which ball was hit first, and judgment shall be dealt in favor of the
shooting player or team.
 Billiard Referees Pocket Clearing

The billiard referee is responsible for ensuring that all pockets have remaining
capacity. This comes in to play on tables which do not have ball return
systems. It is the shooting player's responsibility to ensure that this task is
performed when needed. Since the onus is on the player, he or she has no
recourse should a ball rebound from a full pocket. This rule applies to pockets
that are "nearly full" or "full."
 Cleaning of Balls by Billiard Referees

The players have the right to request a cleaning of one or more visibly soiled
balls during a game. If such a request is made, the billiard referee will perform
the task.
 Spotting of Balls by the Referee

As needed throughout the tournament, the billiard referee shall spot balls
according to game rules. The proper way to spot of all is to spot the ball with
the number facing upward. This type of placement gives the player maximum
visibility and ensures that the player will rely as little as possible on the
referee for guidance.
 Solicitation of Information

Billiard fouls and other plays can be assessed differently from different
vantage point throughout the tournament floor. As such the billiard referee
may not have as clear a view as possible, while foul or other play. The BSCP
billiard referee rules grant the referee the ability to solicit information in
effort to form a decision.
 Inappropriate Use of Equipment

The billiard referee scope. With regards to the inappropriate use of

equipment shall be based upon the definitions of appropriate equipment
under the BSCP equipment specifications document. The billiard referee
should be on the lookout at all times for use of the legal equipment. In
addition, the billiard referee must watch for the use of equipment or
accessories in a manner which they were not intended. In most used for
games, there is typically no penalty applied for inappropriate use of
equipment. However, if a player persists in their use of inappropriate
equipment, after having been advised that such activity is not permissible,
the referee may deem this action as unsportsmanlike conduct or
insubordination. In such cases, the billiard referee or higher tournament
official may take action against the player as appropriate.
 Mandatory Referee Warnings

In most used word games, the billiard referee is responsible for warning the shooting player
when they are about to commit a serious foul. Serious fouls include a player's continuous
shooting after a foul has been called, a three consecutive foul situation, or the request of
coaching assistance. It is noted that this rule shall only apply in circumstances where the
referee has the time to call the foul. If the referee does not have time to warn the player of a
serious foul the foul shall be considered a standard foul. A perfect example of this would be
with the three consecutive foul rule. If the player has already had two consecutive fouls in the
referee can not warn the player of the third consecutive foul on the horizon, the player shall
be fouled as though they had only one consecutive foul and not two. Any warning issued by
the billiard referee during the stroke or immediately before the stroke shall not be considered
an appropriate warning. In such instances the warning will be considered not to have been
issued. Finally it is mandatory that the billiard referee notify the player when the ball is
considered to be touching the rail. It's as warning is not given any contact on that ball during
the shot will be considered to have driven that ball to the rail.
 Restoring a Position - Billiard Referee Rules

Is the billiard referee's responsibility to return balls to their original spot on

the table after cleaning or restoration, to the best of his or her ability.
Although the billiard referee may request information for this purpose from
whichever source he or she may deem appropriate, it is his or her final
decision and players must accept the referee's judgment with regards to the
placement.
 Rulings Regarding Outside Interference

Billiard referees must be aware of outside interference occurring during the

execution of the shot. When such interference occurs as the billiard referee's
responsibility to restore all affected balls to the positions they had before the
shot began. The player is to then replay the shot. For cases where the
disturbed balls have no reference with regards to the shot to be executed
referees shall simply restore the disturbed balls before play continues. If for
some reason the referee is unable to return to affected balls to their original
placement, the game shall be restarted with the original breaking player
breaking.
 Illegal Causes of Ball Movement
The BCA has given the referee much discretion when it comes to this rule. If
unintentional ball movement is caused by the player in an illegal manner in
the referee's judgment, a player shall lose the game and or forfeit the match.
Pumping were slapping the table were pushing on the cloth are examples of
illegally causing ball movement. The referee need not give the player any
prior warning in such cases as this falls under the judgment and discretion of
the referee under the unsportsmanlike conduct rule.
 Billiard Referee and Judging Double Hits
As defined in the billiard terms directory a double hit is an illegal shot
whereby the cue stick's tip strikes the cue ball twice in the same stroke. In
order to fairly judge such situations special care is required of the billiard
referee. The general referee guidance in such a situation is that if the cue ball
follows through the object ball more than a distance of one half of the length
of a ball, it shall be considered a double hit foul.
 Out of Head String Warnings

Some ball in hand situations require the player shoot from behind the head
string. Is the billiard referee's responsibility to warn the player before he or
she shoots the referee determines that the cue ball has been placed on or
within one half of a ball's width outside of the head string. If after the warning
the shooting player decides to execute a shot anyway a foul shall be assessed.
If the shooter places the cue ball outside of the head string beyond the
specified limit as noted above, no warning is required and the stroke is
considered a foul. Penalties for this type of infraction vary by rule type.
 Remaining in Player's Chair

In order to prevent interference during play, players are to remain in their

designated chair while their opponent is at the table. Referee permission must
be requested and received if the player must leave the playing area during a
match. Should a player leave the playing area during the match without the
permission of the billiard referee, the act of leaving shall be considered a
concession and thus a loss of game. For any granted instances of leave from a
match the billiard referee shall take all reasonable precaution to ensure that
player is not abusing the privilege. This serves to prevent the abuse of a leave
in order to unsettle an opponent.
 Referee Prohibiting Outside Assistance

Under BCA and Palarong Pambansa rules for most games it is illegal for a player
to accept any type of plane advice during a particular match. This includes both
nonverbal and verbal communication with anyone other than the referee, the
tournament official, or the opponent during play or during timeout periods. Any
required communication such as the requesting of food or drink must be
communicated through a tournament official. Alternatively the billiard referee
may all allow direct communication under their observation. When any player
violates these rules, the unsportsmanlike rules shall apply to any situation
where the referee deems the player knowingly accepted outside assistance in
any form regarding play of the game or match.
 Non-Player Harassment and interference

The referee must be prepared for interference by non-players during a match.

Should such interference occur is referees responsibility to request that the
interfering individuals be removed from the playing area by tournament
security.
 Slow Play Regulations

A shot clock may be requested at any time during a match by a tournament

official or either player involved in that match. The tournament director or
other appointed official decides whether to use a shot clock or not. Should a
shot clock be introduced, both players will be “on the clock” and there will be
an official timekeeper for the duration of the match. As a recommendation,
players will have 35 seconds per shot with a warning when 10 seconds remain.
Each player will be allowed one 25-second extension during each rack. The shot
clock will be started when all balls come to rest, including spinning balls. The
shot clock will end when the cue tip strikes the cue ball to initiate a stroke or
the when player’s time expires from the shot clock. If a player runs out of time,
it will be a standard foul. After the opening shot the time cap may be extended
but cannot exceed the 60 seconds.
 Referee Actions During Protest
Turn the players have the right to request the interpretation of a rule or to
protest a referee's failure to call a foul. The protest shall be made to the
appropriate tournament authority however the protest must be made
immediately and before the next shot is executed. If this is not done the
request will not be entertained, and the foul is considered not to have
occurred. Since this is considered a matter of fact the referee has final say in
all matters such as these. If however one or both of the billiard players feels
that an incorrect application of the rules has occurred the referee must
escalate the protest to that tournament director. Play is typically stopped until
the dispute is resolved and once a final decision has been handed down from
the tournament director, that decision is final. If either player fails to observe
the halted play they shall be disqualified or forced to forfeit the game or
match due to the exhibition of unsportsmanlike conduct.
 Suspension of Play

The billiard referees given full control at all times during the match to
suspend play where it may be deemed necessary. Some examples of
situations where it may be necessary for the referee to suspend play
include the interruption of the game or interference by an unruly spectator.
It may be necessary to suspend the game while the unruly spectator is
removed from the premises
 Unsportsmanlike Conduct

The billiard Congress of America demands that its referees ensure that all
matches are free of unsportsmanlike conduct. Unsportsmanlike conduct
includes behavior which is disruptive embarrassing or detrimental to the other
players and officials the sport in general or other hosts. Players deemed to have
engaged in unsportsmanlike conduct may be penalized or disqualified by the
billiard referee without advance warning.

References :
 BCA
 WPA
 PALARONG PAMBANSA GUIDE BOOK