If you're playing in Calgary against a pool player the game has always been VNEA rules for barbox 8. 8 doesn't count on the break, re-spot or re-break. You can contact the 8 first on an open table to combo or carom for an opener. Ball in hand on fouls, except off the break where it is played behind the headstring. Table is always open after the break. Call pocket.
Now we have a venue with Diamond boxes and we play BCA rules at that hall. Only difference's I know between the two are, cueball can be placed anywhere after a foul break, and you cannot contact the 8 first for a combo or carom to designate.
Last, if you're playing in a bar against bangers, usually its bar rules and it seems everybody's got their own!