SECTION 4 – SPECIFIC RULES FOR COMPETITIONS

 

LEAGUES

 

ALL DIVISIONS

 

1.      League trophies shall be competed for; the said trophies to be held for twelve months, members of winning teams who have played at least half of the League matches shall receive souvenirs if funds permit. (was rule 4)

2.      Where teams / individuals are level on points in a Divisional League table, places will be arranged according to the following criteria:

Team Snooker Leagues

a.      Highest frame difference, followed by

b.      Highest number of match wins, followed by

c.      Best head to head record

 

Individual Billiards Leagues

a.      Highest points difference, followed by

b.      Highest number of match wins, followed by

c.      Best head to head record

 

In the event that a tie still exists to determine trophies, promotion or relegation places, for snooker a deciding match will be played under Knockout rules at a neutral venue selected by the League Fixtures Secretary. For billiards, a deciding match at a neutral venue will be played under usual league rules.

3.      The League aggregate award, previously awarded as a percentage, is decided on the highest number of frames won. In the event of a tie between two or more players, an outright winner will be determined through frame win percentage (applicable if a player wins the same number of frames having played fewer frames than the other tied player(s)) then, if this fails to separate the players, head-to-head record between the tied player(s) during the regulation league season.  If this second criteria fails to separate the tied players, the aggregate award will be shared between the relevant players.

PREMIER DIVISION

1.           The Premier Division will consist of no more than six teams playing each other up to four times. Each team will have their players ranked 1, 2, 3 and 4. A team may have reserves who will be ranked 5, 6, etc.

2.           The top four ranked players will only ever play each of an opposing team’s top four ranked player once in the league. The players will be ranked within each team according to their aggregate frames won in the previous season. The home captain will decide the playing order within each match. The opponents for each player will be played in the following order:

 

Quarter 1Quarter 2Quarter 3Quarter 4
1v3, 4, 2, 3, 42, 3, 4, 2, 34, 2, 3, 4, 21, 1, 1, 1, 1
2v4, 3, 1, 4, 31, 4, 3, 1, 43, 1, 4, 3, 12, 2, 2, 2, 2
3v1, 2, 4, 1, 24, 1, 2, 4, 12, 4, 1, 2 , 43, 3, 3, 3, 3
4v2, 1, 3, 2, 13, 2, 1, 3, 21, 3, 2, 1, 34, 4, 4, 4, 4

If a top four ranked player is not present, a reserve will simply take his place. It is possible for a reserve to play the same opponent more than once.

If more than one reserve is used in a match by either team, the home captain will decide on who the reserves play.

When it becomes clear that a non-top four ranked player will become a regular for their team, it is the responsibility of the team captain to advise the League Fixtures Secretary so that a revised playing order can be produced. In the event that this has not been done, the following will apply:

a)      If a reserve plays five consecutive matches in place of one top four ranked player, the reserve will then become the team ‘regular’ instead of who has

been replaced.

b)      If a reserve plays five consecutive matches in place of more than one team ‘regular’, the reserve will replace the one who has played fewest matches at

that point. In the event of this being more than one player, the team captain will nominate who is being replaced.

c)      If a team uses more than one reserve in the above circumstances, players will be replaced based on their fewest appearances, and should this be

equal, the League Fixtures Secretary will determine the new playing order.

3.           Each player will play three frames, being awarded one point for each frame won. In addition, two bonus points will be awarded to the team obtaining the higher amount of frames, with one bonus point awarded to each team in drawn matches.

4.           The control of the games will be shared between both teams, with the home team refereeing eight frames.

5.           The miss rule as stated below should be applied in full in all matches. The referee’s decision on all points regarding the facts of the game shall be final.

6.           Promotion / relegation. The top team from the First Division will automatically be promoted in place of the bottom Premier team.

OTHER SNOOKER DIVISIONS

1.           The number of divisions and in which division teams will play will be decided at the first full meeting of the General Committee after the A.G.M.

2.           At the commencement of all League matches, by 7:15 both captains shall place the names of their players on the scorecard as follows:

(a)         In any lower division that consists of up to six teams, the top four ranked players will only ever play each of an opposing team’s top four ranked player once in the league. The players will be ranked within each team according to their aggregate frames won in the previous season. The home captain will decide the playing order within each match. The opponents for each player will be played in the following order:

Quarter 1Quarter 2Quarter 3Quarter 4
1v:3, 4, 2, 3, 42, 3, 4, 2, 34, 2, 3, 4, 2 1, 1, 1, 1, 1
2v:4, 3, 1, 4, 31, 4, 3, 1, 43, 1, 4, 3, 12, 2, 2, 2, 2
3v:1, 2, 4, 1, 2 4, 1, 2, 4, 12, 4, 1, 2, 43, 3, 3, 3, 3
4v:2, 1, 3, 2, 13, 2, 1, 3, 21, 3, 2, 1, 34, 4, 4, 4, 4

If a top four ranked player is not present, a reserve will simply take his place. It is possible for a reserve to play the same opponent more than once.

If more than one reserve is used in a match by either team, the home captain will decide on who the reserves play.

When it becomes clear that a non-top four ranked player will become a regular for their team, it is the responsibility of the team captain to advise the League Fixtures Secretary so that a revised playing order can be produced. In the event that this has not been done, the following will apply:

i)          If a reserve plays five consecutive matches in place of one top four ranked player, the reserve will then become the team ‘regular’ instead of who has

been replaced.

ii)         If a reserve plays five consecutive matches in place of more than one team ‘regular’, the reserve will replace the one who has played fewest matches

at that point. In the event of this being more than one player, the team captain will nominate who is being replaced.

iii)        If a team uses more than one reserve in the above circumstances, players will be replaced based on their fewest appearances, and should this be

equal, the League Fixtures Secretary will determine the new playing order.

(b)         In any lower division where teams meet each other three times, the opponents for each player will be played in the order below. Where there are an odd number of teams, a random, blank week will occur for each team in each rotation.

Rotation 1Rotation 2Rotation 3
1v:3, 4, 2, 2, 3, 4, 22, 3, 4, 2, 2, 3, 41, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1
2v:4, 3, 1, 1, 4, 3, 11, 4, 3, 1, 1, 4, 32, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2
3v:1, 2, 4, 4, 1, 2, 44, 1, 2, 4, 4, 1, 23, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3
4v:2, 1, 3, 3, 2, 1, 33, 2, 1, 3, 3, 2, 14, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

(c)        In any lower division where teams meet each other twice, the playing order will be determined by a blind draw, with each captain placing the names of their players on the scorecard in the order they wish.

(d)        In the event that circumstances dictate a change to the written playing order is required prior to the commencement of the match, the following will occur:

                                                    i.     The original match order is scrapped;

                                                   ii.     The blind draw is redone, factoring in the change in circumstances on either / both side(s);

                                                  iii.     The match is played using the revised playing order.

Once the match has started, the match draw cannot be altered, unless by agreement of the home captain.

3.           Each player will play two frames, one point for each frame won plus two bonus points awarded to the team obtaining the higher amount of frames. One bonus point to each team in drawn matches.


4.           The control of the games will be shared between both teams, each team to referee an equal number of frames.


5.           Only point 1 of the miss rule stated below should be applied in the First Division, namely should a player fail to hit an unobstructed ‘ball on’, this is automatically called as a ‘foul and a miss’.

The miss rule is not applied below the First Division.

The referee’s decision on all points regarding the facts of the game shall be final.


6.           Promotion and relegation shall consist of two up and two down between Divisions (except to the Premier – see Premier Division Rule 6).

BILLIARDS INDIVIDUAL LEAGUES

1.           The individual Billiards League(s) to operate as a straight and handicap competition simultaneously as follows:

(a)         At the start of the match, both players will start with no score and play the Straight competition to 200 up.

(b)         On completion of the Straight match, both players will add their handicap to their scores to determine the Handicap result.

2.           Two points to be awarded to the winner of each game, one point for each player in the event of a tie in the Handicap League.

3.           All players must fulfil all of their fixtures. If a player postpones a match, he / she must arrange a new date in agreement with the opponent and the League Fixtures Secretary for no later than two weeks after the original date (or no later than the last day of the published league fixtures). Failure to do so will lead to maximum points being awarded to the opponent, and may result in suspension from team league matches and future Individual Leagues.

 

KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS

ALL COMPETITIONS

 

1.           G.B. & S.A. Knockout draws will be made at a meeting between the League Fixtures and Competition Secretaries. All clubs will be issued with a copy of the master draw sheet for each competition, before these competitions commence.

2.           The Competition Secretary will send notification of knockout matches to the players concerned by email, using the address supplied on the entry form. Should a player have no access to email, a mobile number should be given to allow text or verbal notification. Knockout fixtures will be available on the web site and will also be sent to Club Reps for placement on Club notice boards.

3.           If a player is scheduled to play either a league or knockout match at a club which he / she is banned from entering, it is at the sole discretion of the club whether to allow the player in to play their match. In the event of this happening for an individual knockout match, the banned player will be withdrawn from the competition if the club will not allow entry. In the event of this happening in a pairs knockout match, the banned player may be replaced by a reserve as per rule 6 of the Spillane Trophy.

4.           Junior players (under 18 years old) will enjoy home advantage at all times.

INDIVIDUAL ISLAND SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP

1.           The trophy is presented with the idea of fostering the game of snooker in the Island and is open for competition to all bona-fide native cueists.

2.           The term “native” shall be held to include all persons who have been in permanent residence in the Island or whose legal domicile shall have been in the Island for a period of not less than six months immediately preceding the closing date for entries.

3.           All matches shall be best of 5 frames, except the semi-finals which shall be best of 7 frames and the final which shall be the best of 9 frames.

4.           All matches before the final to be played on the table of the first player in each pairing shown in the master draw sheet. The final to be played at a venue and table selected at the start of the season by the GB&SA Executive Committee.

5.           With the exception of the semi-finals and final, refereeing may be performed by the players in each match if the home player is unable to provide a referee. The home player should make every effort to supply a referee in the interest of both players. Referees for the semi-final and final will be appointed by the Competition Secretary, and must be fully conversant with the Miss Rule and should be either:

(a)         A past or present Premier registered player; or

(b)         A qualified referee; or

(c)          A recognised GB&SA official.

In all matches where a First Division player is playing, only point 1 of the miss rule stated below should be applied, namely should a player fail to hit an unobstructed ‘ball on’, this is automatically called as a ‘foul and a miss’.

The miss rule is not applied in matches where a player plays below the First Division.

The referee’s decision on all points regarding the facts of the game shall be final.

6.           The top eight players by aggregate of the previous season’s Premier Division will be seeded into the last 32, using the following criteria: 1 v 8; 4 v 5; 3 v 6; 2 v 7.

7.           Closing date for entries will be no later than 31st July.

8.           Any other points not included in the above shall be interpreted by the Executive Committee.

LADIES SNOOKER INDIVIDUAL ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP

1.           The trophy is presented with the idea of fostering the game of ladies snooker in the Island and is open to all bona-fide native female cueists.

2.           The term ‘native’ shall be held to include all persons who have been in permanent residence on the Island or whose legal domicile shall have been in the Island for a period of not less than six months immediately preceding the closing date for entries.

3.           All matches shall be best of 3 frames, except the final, which shall be best of 5 frames. In the event of not attracting many entries, the General Committee may deem that a round robin tournament be played, following which the top two players shall contest the final.

4.           All matches before the final to be played on the table of the first player in each pairing shown in the master draw sheet. The final to be played at a venue and table selected at the start of the season by the GB&SA Executive Committee.

5.           With the exception of the final, refereeing may be performed by the players in each match if the home player is unable to provide a referee. The home player should make every effort to supply a referee in the interest of both players.

6.           Closing date for entries will be no later than 31st July.

7.           Any other points not included in the above shall be interpreted by the Executive Committee.

INDIVIDUAL ISLAND BILLIARDS CHAMPIONSHIP

1.           The trophy is presented with the idea of fostering the game of Billiards in the Island and is open for competition to all bona-fide amateur native cueists.

2.           The term “native” shall be held to include all persons who have been in permanent residence in the Island or whose legal domicile shall have been in the Island for a period of not less than six months immediately preceding the closing date for entries.

3.           All matches to be 1 frame 300 up, except semi-finals which shall be 1 frame 400 up and final which shall be 1 frame 500 up.

4.           All matches before the final to be played on the table of the first player in each pairing shown in the master draw sheet. The final to be played at a venue and table selected at the start of the season by the GB&SA Executive Committee.

5.           With the exception of the final, refereeing may be performed by the players in each match if the home player is unable to provide a referee. The home player should make every effort to supply a referee in the interest of both players.

6.           Closing date for entries will be no later than 31st July.

7.           Any other points not included in the above shall be interpreted by the Executive Committee.

NORMAN WALE INDIVIDUAL SNOOKER HANDICAP COMPETITION

1.           The competition will be open to all bona-fide members of the affiliated clubs who are also members of the G.B. & S.A.

2.           All matches shall be best of 3 frames, except the semi-finals and the final, which shall be best of 5 frames.

3.           All matches before the final to be played on the table of the first player in each pairing shown in the master draw sheet. The final to be played at a venue and table selected at the start of the season by the GB&SA Executive Committee.

4.           With the exception of the final, refereeing may be performed by the players in each match if the home player is unable to provide a referee. The home player should make every effort to supply a referee in the interest of both players.

In all matches between Premier players, the miss rule as stated below should be applied in full in all matches.

In all matches where a First Division player is playing, only point 1 of the miss rule stated below should be applied, namely should a player fail to hit an unobstructed ‘ball on’, this is automatically called as a ‘foul and a miss’.

The miss rule is not applied in matches where a player plays below the First Division.

The referee’s decision on all points regarding the facts of the game shall be final.

5.           Closing date for entries will be no later than 31st July.

6.           Any other points not included in the above shall be interpreted by the Executive Committee.

INDIVIDUAL BILLIARDS HANDICAP

1.           The competition will be open to all bona-fide members of affiliated clubs who are also members of the G.B. & S.A.

2.           All matches to be 1 frame 200 up, with both players putting their handicap on the scoreboard at the start of the match.

3.           All matches before the final to be played on the table of the first player in each pairing shown in the master draw sheet. The final to be played at a venue and table selected at the start of the season by the GB&SA Executive Committee.

4.           With the exception of the final, refereeing may be performed by the players in each match if the home player is unable to provide a referee. The home player should make every effort to supply a referee in the interest of both players.

5.           Closing date for entries will be no later than 31st July.

6.           Any other points not included in the above shall be interpreted by the Executive Committee.

SNOOKER PAIRS HANDICAP

1.           The competition will be open to all bona-fide members of the affiliated clubs who are also members of the G.B. & S.A.

2.           All matches shall be best of 3 frames, except the semi-finals and the final, which shall be best of 5 frames.

3.           All matches before the final to be played on the table of the first player in each pairing shown in the master draw sheet. The final to be played at a venue and table selected at the start of the season by the GB&SA Executive Committee.

4.           Should a pairing be made up of players from two different clubs, they will be required to play all home matches from one club only. They will have to notify the Competition Secretary of the club of their choice.

5.           In this competition the players will receive half of their Norman Wale combined handicap; if this totals up to a half point it will be raised to the next complete point. Players will pick their own partners and the option to break will be gained by the toss of a coin, after which each side opens alternate frames. Players may change the order of play at the beginning of each frame.

6.          

In the event of a reserve standing in for a player, he will use his Norman Wale handicap. In the event of a reserve not having a Norman Wale handicap, the pairing should inform the Competition Secretary at the earliest opportunity, so that an appropriate handicap can be awarded.

Should the Competition Secretary have insufficient notice to make a decision, then the following will apply:

Players with previous experience as a registered Premier Division player will be awarded a 28 handicap.

All other players will be awarded a 49 handicap.

7.           Closing date for entries will be no later than 31st July.

8.           Any other points not included in the above shall be interpreted by the Executive Committee.

9.           Refereeing will be performed by the players in each match.

In all matches between Premier players, the miss rule as stated below should be applied in full in all matches.

In all matches where a First Division player is playing, only point 1 of the miss rule stated below should be applied, namely should a player fail to hit an unobstructed ‘ball on’, this is automatically called as a ‘foul and a miss’.

The miss rule is not applied in matches where a player plays below the First Division.

The referee’s decision on all points regarding the facts of the game shall be final.

TEAM SNOOKER STRAIGHT

1.           A Snooker team competition on the Knockout principle and open to any number of teams from each of the affiliated clubs.

2.           The first team of each pairing shown on the master draw sheet shall play at home up to the final. The final to be played at a venue and table selected at the start of the season by the GB&SA Executive Committee.

3.           Each team will consist of four players, each to play two frames. Match to be decided on number of games won.

4.           In Knockout matches both captains will list his players in the order in which he wishes them to play, and place it on the table.

5.           The refereeing to be shared equally between both teams.

In all matches between Premier teams, the miss rule as stated below should be applied in full in all matches.

In all matches where a First Division team is playing, only point 1 of the miss rule stated below should be applied, namely should a player fail to hit an unobstructed ‘ball on’, this is automatically called as a ‘foul and a miss’. The miss rule is not applied in matches where a team plays below the First Division.

The referee’s decision on all points regarding the facts of the game shall be final.

6.           In the event of a tie each Captain will nominate his/her selected player to play a deciding frame by writing the name of the selected player on a piece of paper and placing it on the table.

7.           Closing date for entries will be no later than 31st July.

8.           Any other points not included in the above shall be interpreted by the Executive Committee.

TEAM SNOOKER HANDICAP

1.           A Snooker team competition on the Knockout principle and open to any number of teams from each affiliated club.

2.           The first team of each pairing shown on the master draw sheet shall play at home up to the final. The final to be played at a venue and table selected at the start of the season by the GB&SA Executive Committee.

3.           Each team will consist of four players, each to play two frames. Match to be decided on number of games won.

4.           In knockout matches both captains will list his players in the order in which he wishes them to play, and place it on the table.

5.           The refereeing to be shared equally between both teams.

In all matches between Premier teams, the miss rule as stated in the handbook should be applied in full in all matches.

In all matches where a First Division team is playing, only point 1 of the miss rule stated below should be applied, namely should a player fail to hit an unobstructed ‘ball on’, this is automatically called as a ‘foul and a miss’. The miss rule is not applied in matches where a team plays below the First Division.

The referee’s decision on all points regarding the facts of the game shall be final.

6.           In the event of a tie each Captain will nominate his/her selected player to play a deciding frame by writing the name of the selected player on a piece of paper and placing it on the table.

7.           All players participating in this competition to be handicapped per frame. In the event of a reserve standing in for a player, the team captain should inform the Competition Secretary at the earliest opportunity, so that an appropriate handicap can be awarded.

Should the Competition Secretary have insufficient notice to make a decision, then the following will apply:

Players with previous experience as a registered Premier Division player will be awarded a 28 handicap.

All other players will be awarded a 49 handicap.

8.           Closing date for entries will be no later than 31st July.

9.           Any other points not included in the above shall be interpreted by the Executive Committee.

 

TOURNAMENTS

GUERNSEY MASTERS formerly INDIVIDUAL SNOOKER LEAGUE

1.         The top eight players by aggregate of the previous season’s Premier Division to be invited to play in the Guernsey Masters, except where the previous season’s Masters winner qualifies automatically. In such a case, the leading seven aggregates excluding the defending champion will be invited. In the event that two or more players are tied for qualifying positions, Premier Division results between the players involved will be used to decide who is invited. If still tied, qualification will be decided on count back.

2.         If a player declines the invitation, his place will be offered to the next ranked player in the aggregates, and so on until eight players are established.

3.         The Executive Committee will decide on the venue to be used, with the tournament being held on one day.

4.         The eight players will be drawn without seeding into four quarter finals played over five frames, with the semi-finals determined according to the draw sheet. The semi finals will be played over seven frames. The winners of the semi finals will progress to the final to be played over nine frames.

5.         The miss rule as stated in the handbook should be applied in full in all matches. The referee’s decision on all points regarding the facts of the game shall be final.

6.         The winner will gain automatic qualification to the next season’s Masters, so long as he / she plays in the team snooker league.

GUERNSEY OPEN

1.         The Executive Committee will decide on the venue to be used, with the tournament being held on one day.

2.         A maximum of 32 players can enter the tournament, on a first come first served basis. A reserve list will be held if it is oversubscribed.

3.         The tournament is open to anyone resident in the island at the time of the event.

4.         The 32 players will be drawn without seeding into the first round, with subsequent rounds determined according to the draw sheet.

5.         Each round up to the semi finals will be played over three frames. The winners of the semi finals will progress to the final to be played over five frames.

6.         Once the tournament is underway, losers of matches must referee the following match on their table.

7.         The miss rule as stated in the handbook should be applied in full in all matches. The referee’s decision on all points regarding the facts of the game shall be final.

SNOOKER SHOOTOUT

1.         The Executive Committee will decide on the venue to be used, with the tournament being held on one day.

2.         The tournament is open to anyone resident in the island at the time of the event.

3.         Each round will be drawn, without seeding, prior to the round being played.

4.         Once the tournament is underway, the two players of each match must referee and time keep the following match on their table.

5.         A plate competition will be held to ensure that all entrants play a minimum of two frames.

The full and official World Snooker Shootout rules:

1.           Each match lasts a maximum of 10 minutes from the opening break-off.

2.           Players 'lag' to decide who breaks off. This involves both players simultaneously striking a cue ball from the baulk line to hit the black end cushion and rebound back down the table. The player whose ball finishes nearest to the baulk cushion wins the lag and decides who breaks.

3.           There is a shot clock of 15 seconds throughout the duration of the frame. If the cue ball is not struck within this time period, there is a five point penalty and the incoming player receives the cue ball from the referee and plays from 'in hand'.

4.           The shot clock is started as soon as the balls come to rest or after a ball 'off the table' has been correctly re-spotted. When the balls have come to rest is the decision of the referee.

5.           Following all fouls, the cue ball is played from 'in hand', meaning the cue ball can be placed and subsequently played from anywhere on the table. The player does not have the option of asking his opponent to 'play again'. The shot clock starts when the incoming player receives the cue-ball from the referee.

6.           At least one ball must strike a cushion or enter a pocket in every stroke. Failure to do so will result in a foul with a five point penalty awarded and the incoming player will receive the cue ball from the referee and play from 'in hand'. 

7.           There is no foul and miss rule.

8.           If a player asks the referee to clean a ball, the shot clock will not be stopped and ball cleaning will take place during the player's shot time. However the referee can always call 'time out' if, for instance, the referee decides that multiple balls need cleaning.

9.           Should the scores be tied at the end of the 10 minute frame, a sudden death blue ball shoot out will commence. The blue ball will be placed on its spot and the cue-ball must be struck from on or within the confines of the D. The player who won the lag in the frame will have the choice of who plays first in an equal number of alternate attempts. The first player to make an unequalled pot will win the frame.

10.        In the case of a 'stalemate' the players are responsible for resolving the situation within the allocated timescale. There are no re-racks.

11.        Provided a stroke commences within the allotted 'stroke' and 'frame' time the completed stroke will be permitted to stand along with any score or penalty points resulting from it.

SCOTCH DOUBLES HANDICAP SNOOKER

1.         The Executive Committee will decide on the venue to be used, with the tournament being held on one day.

2.         The tournament is open to anyone resident in the island at the time of the event.

3.         Allocation of handicaps will be the same as the Snooker Pairs Handicap knockout.

4.         The pairs will be drawn without seeding into the first round, with subsequent rounds determined according to the draw sheet.

5.         Each round up to the semi finals will be played over three frames. The winners of the semi finals will progress to the final to be played over five frames.

6.         Once the tournament is underway, losers of matches must referee the following match on their table.

7.         The miss rule as stated in the handbook should be applied in full in all matches. The referee’s decision on all points regarding the facts of the game shall be final.

QUICKFIRE SNOOKER

This is a fun game and everyone must enter it in the spirit it is intended. A trophy is donated for the outright winner and also one for the player with the highest score during the whole competition.

The following rules will be strictly adhered to during the competition.

1.           Each frame has a time limit of 15 minutes.

2.           The first player must split the pack.

3.           No safety play will be accepted; only when there is a touching ball and no attacking stroke can be played will this be allowed.

4.           Any other deliberate safety play will be penalised as a foul stroke.

5.           Deliberate time wasting will be penalised as a foul stroke.

6.           No snookering will be allowed except when one player cannot win with the maximum points on the table.

7.           Persistent disregard of these rules will lead to disqualification.

8.           Referees to be appointed by the G.B. & S.A. and their decisions will be final.

9.           When the time bell sounds the game finishes, but if a player has struck the white ball before the bell sounds anything he scores counts.

10.        In the case of a tie the black will be re-spotted, the players will toss for the break, and there will be no time limit.

 

MISS RULE

 

With effect from the 2011 / 2012 season, the Executive Committee of the Guernsey Billiards & Snooker Association recommends that the application of the Miss Rule will depend on which division the player or team is currently playing in. How the Miss Rule is applied is noted under each competition, and can be described as follows:

  • Matches between Premier players and teams: The full miss rule below should be applied.

  • Matches between First Division players / teams or First and Premier Division players teams: Only point 1 of the miss rule below should be applied.

  • Matches involving Players / teams below the First Division: The miss rule is not applied.

We request that affiliated clubs ensure that they have up to date copies of the Rules of Snooker and Billiards.

The main points to remember are highlighted below:-

1.           Should a player fail to hit an unobstructed ‘ball on’, this is automatically called as a ‘foul and a miss’

2.           Should a player in attempting to get out of a snooker, whether indirect or direct, play short on the ball, this is a ‘foul and a miss’

3.           Should a player hit the effective snookering ball, this also is a ‘foul and a miss’

The shot should always be played with sufficient strength to hit the ‘ball on’ and the referee should take into account the ability of the player when making a ‘miss’ call in circumstances other than those listed above.

A ‘miss’ unless intentional, i.e. making no attempt to hit the ‘ball on’, should not be called if either player requires ‘snookers’ before, or as a result of, the foul.

In a situation where a player (or pair, in the event of a pairs match contested between four Premier League players) commits a foul stroke which, after application of the appropriate penalty points, results in a position where the value of points remaining on the table is equal to the points difference between the two players/pairs on the scoreboard, a foul and miss can be called, as the player/pair who is behind in this situation could still win the frame without the aid of penalty points by potting the remaining balls (with blacks if reds remain on the table at that point) to tie the frame, then winning it on a re-spotted black (either by potting it themselves to win it or their opponent committing a foul stroke to forfeit it).

NOTE: Following a ‘miss’ call, the opponent always has three options. He does not have to request that the cue ball is replaced but may opt to play from where the cue ball comes to rest, or request that the offending player plays again from the position left.