Frequently Asked Questions – Rules
Below you'll find some common questions that arise during regular league play.
For General FAQs, click here.
For General FAQs, click here.
If a ball bounces off the table during an 8-ball match, does it get spotted?
In 8-ball, if the 8-ball is knocked on the floor it results in a loss of the game. Other object balls are spotted. If a player pockets one of his/her object balls and also knocks a ball on the floor, it is still the player's turn and the ball is not spotted until the player misses. If the ball on the floor is one of the shooter's balls, then it is spotted when the shooter has pocketed all of his or her other balls, or misses.In 9-ball, an object ball that gets knocked off the playing surface is immediately spotted on the foot spot.
How many players on our team must be present for the matches to start?
A team may begin play with one player present. Upon completion of each individual match, the team must have another player available for play or the remaining matches will be forfeited.
My team tied with another team at the end of the session. Who gets the trophies and the slot to the Local Team Championship?
Teams finishing in 1st place at the end of the regular session earn the following: The Division Trophies for finishing in 1st place; a slot in the Local Team Championship; and any prize money designated for finishing in 1st place. In the event of a tie for 1st place, both teams receive equal shares of 1st-place and 2nd-place prize money. The "tiebreaker" rule would determine who wins the trophies and the slot to the Local Team Championship. For more information about the tiebreaker rule, refer to your Official Team Manual.
If I'm shooting at the 8-ball and miss it, do I lose the game?
In 8-ball, if you are shooting at the 8-ball and miss it altogether, you have fouled and your opponent has ball-in-hand, but you don't lose the game.
When racking for 8-ball, does the 1-ball have to be in front?
No, the 1-ball can be placed anywhere in the rack (except in the center). All balls should be frozen (touching) as tightly as possible. Balls are racked with the front ball on the foot spot and the 8-ball in the center of the triangle. No other special order is required.
If I have ball-in-hand, can I position the cue ball with the tip of my cue stick?
Yes, players can position the cue ball with the tip of the cue stick. A foul may be called only if the player fouls the cue ball while actually stroking the cue ball.
What is considered a legal break?
In both 8-ball and 9-ball, players must break from behind the headstring and at least four object balls must be driven to the rails or a ball must be pocketed. In 8-ball, you may strike the head ball or second ball first on the break. In 9-ball, you must strike the head ball first.
What happens if a ball isn't pocketed and four object balls don't hit a rail after the break?
Your opponent re-racks and you break again. If four balls don't hit a rail after the break and you scratch, you must re-rack and your opponent breaks.
What can be done about an opponent who disrupts me while I'm shooting?
If your opponent intentionally disrupts you or displays other acts of poor sportsmanship, first discuss the situation with your Team Captain and allow him or her to try to resolve the dispute with your opponent's Team Captain. If the problem cannot be resolved you may file a complaint with the league office. Local league management will investigate the complaint and take reasonable action, if necessary.
Is it a foul to accidentally move an object ball with my hand or cue stick?
No. Accidentally moving an object ball is not a foul unless it comes in contact with the cue ball.
Do my opponent and I have to lag at the same time?
Yes, both players must lag at the same time. If a player's ball hits the side rail or falls in a pocket, that player loses the lag. If the balls hit each other, both players must lag again.
Get the Rules
If you've got questions about APA rules for 8-ball or 9-ball, chances are good that you'll find the answers in The Official 8-Ball and 9-Ball Game Rules Booklet.
If you are the Captain of an APA team you probably already have a copy of the booklet. If not, you can easily download it by visiting poolplayers.com.
If you are the Captain of an APA team you probably already have a copy of the booklet. If not, you can easily download it by visiting poolplayers.com.
Got a Question?
Have you encountered an odd situation during weekly league play and can't find the answer in your rules booklet? Let us know!
We might include it on our FAQs page.
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Good Sportsmanship
If a dispute occurs during a league match, remember to keep your cool and practice good sportsmanship at all times. Most disputes can easily be settled by calmly discussing the matter with your opponent or by checking the official rules booklet.