CODE OF SPORTING CONDUCT AND ETIQUETTE FOR PLAYERS
Introduction
The purposes of this code of sporting conduct and etiquette are as follows:
a) To serve as a reminder for GB&SA members of the standards of sporting conduct expected from its members;
b) To serve as a reminder for GB&SA members of the standards of behaviour expected from its members at GB&SA events;
c) To serve as a reference point for any reported incidents of conduct contrary to that outlined in this document;
d) To inform non-members of the GB&SA of the standards of sportsmanship and general conduct expected of its members;
e) To serve as an assurance to potential members that the GB&SA places high value on sporting conduct in all competitive activities within its remit.
It should be stressed that the points that follow are guidelines, not rules, of behavioural standards the Association expects its members to adhere to whilst playing in or spectating GB&SA or Channel Islands Billiards & Snooker Control Council (CIBSCC) competitive fixtures or when attending GB&SA events such as awards presentations.
The Guidelines
Members should conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times, both during matches and at GB&SA events. Members should act as ambassadors for Guernsey snooker and billiards, demonstrating excellent standards of behaviour, sportsmanship, etiquette and respect.
Players should arrive for a match punctually.
Players should arrive for a match dressed appropriately, with respect for the Club’s dress code.
Players should arrive for a match in an appropriate state of sobriety. Arriving for a match drunk, for example, is disrespectful to your team colleagues and opponent(s).
Prior to commencement of any match, opponents should shake hands.
Players should try their best at all times during a match.
Show respect for your opponent at all times. They will be trying to beat you (or should be) so show appreciation of good play.
Do not judge a player’s performance by their handicap. Handicaps are calculated based on past performance for the individual concerned; everyone has moments or matches where they ‘outperform’ their handicap. Players should respect this and not complain when an opponent plays a shot or sequence of shots that exceeds their handicap level.
Showing appreciation for good play during a match is encouraged, as long as it is not over-zealous or has the potential to be off-putting for the player receiving the gesture of appreciation (for example, if it breaks a player’s concentration for their next shot).
The non-striker (or non-strikers in a pairs match) should avoid any form of distraction whilst an opponent is playing his/her shot. This includes talking at a volume which is distracting to the opponent at the table, whistling, standing/moving in the direct line of an opponent’s shot or any other means of potential distraction. If a player elects to play a shot with his opponent in his/her line of vision, remain still until the shot has been completed.
Players should control their temper at all times. Physical or vocal displays of temper are not tolerated, including mistreatment of own or Club equipment, use of foul language that may cause offence to other players or spectators, or any actions that may put other players or spectators at risk.
Players should respect the Club’s playing facilities at all times. Tables and ancillary equipment (rests, extensions etc.) should be used with care and treated with respect. Players should refrain from criticising playing conditions during the course of a match as this can be off-putting to their opponent.
Players should not openly curse their own misfortune or the good fortune of an opponent. Luck is part of the game and should be accepted as such.
Similarly, spectating members of an opposition team should refrain from commenting on an opponent’s luck, good or bad.
Players are encouraged to apologise for good fortune they receive and not celebrate it!
It is proper etiquette to concede a frame only when it is the conceding player’s turn at the table, or if the conceding player offers the concession to his/her opponent at the start of their turn.
As per WPBSA rules, a frame should not be conceded whilst it is mathematically possible to win it without snookers being required.
Whilst it is not against the rules for a player/pair to continue playing on in a frame when they require several snookers, that player(s) should not unduly hold up the match if the likelihood of attaining the required snookers is nil or close to nil. Consideration should also be given to the players waiting to follow the match in question.
Splitting the pack from the break-off or during a frame is disrespectful to your opponent(s) and is discouraged at all times.
Respect the referee’s decision at all times. Awarding a ‘foul and miss’ during a frame is at the sole discretion of the referee. Players or their teammates should not attempt to influence a referee’s decision to award a ‘miss’ through use of persuasive comments or body language. It is unacceptable to pressurise a referee into awarding a ‘foul and miss’.
A player should always own up to making a foul stroke if they know they have done so.
Players should play at a reasonable pace, not deliberately slowly as a psychological tactic.
Spectating team members should refrain from offering advice to a team colleague during a frame in progress. Any decision taken by a player must be theirs alone.
Smoking breaks must be kept to a maximum of three minutes to avoid a) significant disruption of the flow of matches and b) undesirably late match finish times.
At the end of any match, opponents should shake hands and the losing player/pair should congratulate the winning player/pair.
At the end of any team match, all players on each side should shake hands with each of their opponents.
Breaches of this Code
Witnesses to any breaches of the above guidelines are entitled to report these to the GB&SA Committee, whereupon the Committee will consider the incident(s) in question and take action as it deems appropriate. As stated in the Introduction section, these are guidelines, not rules; however, as outlined in GB&SA Section 1 Rules, it is a duty of the Executive Committee to take necessary steps to maintain good conduct and to take appropriate action in the event of misconduct.