How about a 35 seconds timer that counts down with a digital display.
The incoming player starts the clock upon reaching the table after their
opponent misses the clock. At 30 seconds the timer beeps letting the
player know they have 5 secs. remaining to stroke the cue ball.
30 secs. Is plenty of time to analyze the table, choose the shot & execute.
If you need more time than that, don’t enter the tournament because you
are a slow paced player it’s that simple. Either pick up your pace of play or
sit in the stands with the other observers because you simply play too slow.
Now a player should have 15-20 seconds to reach the table when it is their
turn. If a player fails to activate their clock within 30 secs., then forfeit the
inning or else the referee or their opponent may activate their shot clock.
A player failing to execute their shot within the allotted time is a foul and
the opponent gets BIH. This will keep players on their toes and speed the
pace of play. If you can’t handle this tempo, you aren’t suited for tournaments.
Slow play is ruinous, boring, and totally unnecessary except for a beginner that
needs to learn to keep with the traffic flow of the tournament or else just watch.
