Rule Question

[Celophanewrap]

Watching the U.S. Open this past weekend I heard the commentators talking about Dennis Orcullo breaking. When he was breaking he was folding a piece of paper and putting it under his bridge hand, for some purpose? Maybe a bit more traction or something? Anyway... they commented that this was a rule violation and he was told as much. Apparently you can’t have anything under your bridge hand, allowing for wearing a glove or something similar.

Many of you read OMG’s web page. Not long ago she was telling about a match she went to in a small room with few seats. The match was between Oscar Dominguez and Santos Sambajon. During this match both players used a mechanical bridge, not like a mechanical bridge, but as a base to increase the height of the bridge hand, it looks like in order to bridge over a ball, (there are pictures, “schadenfreude” By Adhesive Remover, on October 3rd, 2012). Since this is a mechanical bridge, but being used in a slightly different manner than intended, would this be within the rules? Like the sheet of paper, it was aiding the bridge hand in some way.

I realize this wasn’t a match n the U.S. Open or anything like that so the rules may be slightly different, but in general, would doing this be within the rules. It looked like a clever use of the bridge, and I’d never thought of it. So I was just wondering

 

[$TAKE HOR$E]

If Earl gets wind of this he may start putting a sandbag on top of his bridge hand while breaking.

 

[Razor]

I don't know if it is against the rules or not, but I once saw Corey D. lay a bridge on the table and place his fingers on the shaft of the bridge, either to gain height to bridge over a ball or execute a jump shot, can't remember. This was in some type of "official" tournament (whatever that means) and no foul was called. I have not looked at the pictures on OMG's website, so this may or may not be the application you are referring to...

I either have Corey doing this on DVD somewhere or watched it on Youtube. It may have been the one-pocket match where Corey smashed the balls wide open against Shannon Daulton, maybe? Sounds right by memory.

Anyway, it was interesting and hopefully someone else can clarify the rules (or dig up the Corey footage).

Peace.

~Razor

 

[Jobba786]

Watching the U.S. Open this past weekend I heard the commentators talking about Dennis Orcullo breaking. When he was breaking he was folding a piece of paper and putting it under his bridge hand, for some purpose? Maybe a bit more traction or something? Anyway... they commented that this was a rule violation and he was told as much. Apparently you can’t have anything under your bridge hand, allowing for wearing a glove or something similar.

Many of you read OMG’s web page. Not long ago she was telling about a match she went to in a small room with few seats. The match was between Oscar Dominguez and Santos Sambajon. During this match both players used a mechanical bridge, not like a mechanical bridge, but as a base to increase the height of the bridge hand, it looks like in order to bridge over a ball, (there are pictures, “schadenfreude” By Adhesive Remover, on October 3rd, 2012). Since this is a mechanical bridge, but being used in a slightly different manner than intended, would this be within the rules? Like the sheet of paper, it was aiding the bridge hand in some way.

I realize this wasn’t a match n the U.S. Open or anything like that so the rules may be slightly different, but in general, would doing this be within the rules. It looked like a clever use of the bridge, and I’d never thought of it. So I was just wondering

This is what I found on wpa-pool.com: 18. Mechanical Bridge
The mechanical bridge, also called rake, crutch or rest, is an accessory of the billiard sports table and consists of a stick with a bridge head mounted at its end to support the shaft of the cue stick replacing the hand bridge during shots difficult to reach. The stick or handle of the mechanical bridge is very similar in shape to the cue stick. The bridge
head has notches or grooves, usually at various heights, in which the cue shaft can rest. The contour of the bridge head should be smooth in order not to mar the cue shaft or rip the threads of the table-cloth when being used.
and
1.3 Player’s Use of Equipment
The equipment must meet existing WPA equipment specifications. In general, players are not permitted to introduce novel equipment into the game. The following uses, among others, are considered normal. If the player is uncertain about a particular use of equipment, he should discuss it with the tournament management prior to the start of play. The equipment must be used only for the purpose or in the manner that the equipment was intended. (See 6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.)
(a) Cue Stick – The player is permitted to switch between cue sticks during the match, such as break, jump and normal cues. He may use either a built-in extender or an add-on extender to increase the length of the stick.
(b) Chalk – The player may apply chalk to his tip to prevent miscues, and may use his own chalk, provided its color is compatible with the cloth.
(c) Mechanical Bridges – The player may use up to two mechanical bridges to support the cue stick during the shot. The configuration of the bridges is up to the player. He may use his own bridge if it is similar to standard bridges.
(d) Gloves – The player may use gloves to improve the grip and/or bridge hand function.
(e) Powder – A player is allowed to use powder in a reasonable amount as determined by the referee.

It says to "support the shaft/ cue", so in this case it will support the cue/shaft indirectly - The equipment must be used only for the purpose or in the manner that the equipment was intended. (See 6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.)

Not completely sure, but I would think it is against the rules to put your bridge hand on a mechanical bridge.

-Jon Birger

 

[Jobba786]

I sent the following question to wpa: Dear Sir/ Madam,
I have a question regarding the use of a mechanical bridge involving rule 18 - mechanical bridge and 1.3 - Player's use of equipment:

May a hand bridge be placed on the top of the mechanical bridge and the cue be stroked through the hand bridge, or would that be seen as a violation (due to non intended use of mechanical bridge)?

Thank you in advance,
Jon Birger Gursli
jbATgursliDOTeu

 

[Celophanewrap]

I sent the following question to wpa: Dear Sir/ Madam,
I have a question regarding the use of a mechanical bridge involving rule 18 - mechanical bridge and 1.3 - Player's use of equipment:

May a hand bridge be placed on the top of the mechanical bridge and the cue be stroked through the hand bridge, or would that be seen as a violation (due to non intended use of mechanical bridge)?

Thank you in advance,
Jon Birger Gursli
jbATgursliDOTeu

Thanks Jobba, be looking forward to that answer

 

[Tramp Steamer]

I asked the owner of our local pool room, Tommy "The Stakehorse" Farantino, about that very thing.
He said he didn't give a big rat's ass what I did with my hands as long as I kept them off the waitresses. :smile:

 

[Celophanewrap]

I asked the owner of our local pool room, Tommy "The Stakehorse" Farantino, about that very thing.
He said he didn't give a big rat's ass what I did with my hands as long as I kept them off the waitresses. :smile:

ever tried to use a bridge on a waitress? they hate that

 

[blah blah]

I don't know the answer to the OP's question, but the conversation did remind me...

I was told once that there was a rule limit on the number of mechanical bridges that you may stack on top of each other for additional height. Apparently that number is three.

 

[bdorman]

I recently saw a match between Earl S and someone on youtube in which Earl used "finger extenders". They were rubber extensions that rolled over his fingers to heighten his bridge hand. I assume they are legal since this was tournament play. I don't remember what match it was but based on Earl's appearance it was at least 10 years ago.