International 9-Ball Open Rules-2018

kkdanamatt

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2018 INTERNATIONAL 9-BALL OPEN – DETAILS
• Tournament Dates: October 21-27, 2018
• Sanctioned by: World Pool Association (WPA) Tier 3 Event. Size of Field: 128 Players
• Added Money: $50,000. 1st Place Prize: $40,000. 32nd place pays $2,250. Entry Fee: $1,000
Format: Double Elimination; Winner Breaks; Race to 11; Finals: Race to 13.
Site: Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
Major Sponsors: Diamond Billiard Products, Simonis Cloth, Aramith Balls
• Equipment: 9-foot Diamond Tables, Pro-Cut Pockets, Simonis 860 Tournament Blue Cloth,
Aramith Balls, Measle Cue Ball, Accu-Rack 9-Ball Racking Template
OFFICIAL RULES
It is each player’s responsibility to follow these rules.
Players are required to conduct themselves as professionals at all times.
Unsportsmanlike conduct may be subject to penalties administered by the Tournament Director.
I. Format
Double Elimination
Winner Breaks.
Race to 11.
Finals: Race to 13.
II. Racking
The Accu-Rack is the only authorized rack. Referees will rack the 1-Ball in front, the 9-Ball
on the spot, and the 2-Ball behind the 9-Ball. All other balls will be randomly placed. The
breaker may visually inspect the rack, but may not touch any ball or request a re-rack,
unless the 1-Ball, or 9-Ball or 2-Ball are not racked in their correct positions.
If the breaker disturbs the rack or touches any ball after the Referee has racked, the
breaker automatically forfeits that game. The referee will then re-rack for the opponent.
The Accu-Rack may be removed after the break if both players agree to do so. After it’s removed,
the Accu-Rack cannot be placed on the rail. Upon request, at any time during the match, the
Referee may be called upon to assist in removing the Accu-Rack, but it is the Referee’s decision
as to whether the Accu-Rack can or cannot be safely removed.
III. Breaking
Players must lag for the opening break.
Players must break from the designated break box, which is 9" to the left and 9" to the right of
the head spot. A minimum of 3 object balls must either be pocketed, or touch the head string
line, or a combination of both. To "touch the head string line" means that the edge of the object
ball must reach (break) the string line.
An illegal break is not a foul. The incoming player has the option to either accept the table in
position, or require his opponent to shoot from that position.
Neither player may push out after an illegal break.
Pocketing the 9-Ball on a legal break in any pocket wins the game immediately.
Pocketing the 9-Ball on an illegal break requires that the 9-Ball be re-spotted immediately.
IV. Fouls
The “all ball fouls” rule applies.
This tournament is being played with “area” Referees; each Referee may be responsible for
several tables simultaneously (except on the Accu-Stats TV Arena Table).
Generally, the non-shooting player acts as the referee. However, either player may ask the area
Referee to watch a shot or to clarify a rule. The Referee’s decision is final once summoned to the
table, either before or after a shot has been taken.
3 consecutive fouls is an automatic loss of game. A clearly audible warning of “on 2 fouls”
must be given to the incoming player as he approaches the table.
When the 9-Ball is the last remaining object ball on the table, if you pocket the 9-Ball and scratch
or foul, the 9-Ball is spotted and the incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the head string.
V. Dress Code
Dress-type shirt (with or without a collar) or a dress-type sweater
Dress slacks; no sweat pants, warm-up pants, jogging pants, cargo pants, or jeans
Dark shoes or dark-colored tennis or walking-type shoes; no white or light colored soles; no
sandals, slippers or open-toed shoes
No headphones, earphones, earplugs, iPod, Bluetooth devices, hats, caps, or headgear
Hearing aids are permitted.
Note: Any dress code exception to the above requires a medical doctor’s note and must
be approved by the Tournament Director prior to the Tournament.
VI. Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Devices
Players must completely turn off (use the airplane mode) cell phones and all personal
electronic devices during the entire match.
Smoking and the use of E-cigarettes is not allowed anywhere in the tournament rooms.
VII. Forfeit Time
Both players must be in the tournament room at their scheduled match time, even if their
scheduled match table is currently in use.
Forfeit time is 15 minutes after the scheduled match time, or when the table becomes available,
whichever is later. If a player is not present at his table a few minutes after the starting time, his
opponent must notify the Referee. Only the Tournament Director can declare a forfeit.
VIII. Time-Outs
Each player may take one 5 minute time-out per match. The Referee must be notified
when a time-out is being taken. A time-out may only be taken during your inning or if you are
breaking. Smoking and the use of E-cigarettes is prohibited during any time-out.
IX. Slow Play
Referees will monitor the pace of play on all tables.
Referees will issue a speed-up warning after 1 hour if the pace is not satisfactory
(approximately 10 games should be completed after 1 hour). If the pace remains unsatisfactory,
the Referee may implement a 40 second shot clock, with one extension per player per game.
X. Concession Penalty
Concessions are not permitted at any time. The penalty for a concession is the loss of
the conceded game, and also a one game deduction from the offending player’s score.
XI. Cues and Bridges
Jump cues are allowed. The jump cue must have a minimum length of 40 inches.
Cue extenders are allowed. Players may use their own bridge, provided it is legal in all aspects.
XII. Ball Cleaning
Once a game is in progress, only the Referee, upon request, is permitted to clean any ball.
 

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Good to see that refs will be racking every match. That should eliminate some of the problems.

I assume that the WSR apply when not in conflict with the above rules. I think it is unfortunate that you are still using the spot shot for scratches on the nine.
 
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Good to see that refs will be racking every match. That should eliminate some of the problems.

I assume that the WSR apply when not in conflict with the above rules. I think it is unfortunate that you are still using the spot shot for scratches on the nine.

Thanks, Bob, for your comments.
Yes, the World Standard Rules apply when not in conflict with the above rules.
Referees racking every rack should eliminate controversy about racking.
Sorry that you don't approve of the spot shot on the 9-Ball.
It's similar to a sudden death soccer penalty shot and the WPS spot shots.
Most fans like it.
 
I like these rules a lot. I wish there was a shot clock on every match. Will there be a shot clock at all times on the TV table?
 
... I think it is unfortunate that you are still using the spot shot for scratches on the nine.

... Sorry that you don't approve of the spot shot on the 9-Ball. It's similar to a sudden death soccer penalty shot and the WPS spot shots.
Most fans like it.

kk -- But if you are going to do it, why not make a modest, logical extension to that rule -- if the 9-ball is the only remaining ball, and you have BIH, the 9-ball gets spotted and it's BIH behind the line. That will create a spot shot on the 9-ball when the foul occurs pocketing the second-to-last ball as well as when pocketing the 9-ball. Why do it for some of the BIH's on the 9-ball but not for others?

No need to wait for future years for this.

[I first suggested this extension to you in July, 2017.]
 
I’m going. Haven’t been to the US Open since 2003 but I’m excited to see this. Strong field at the last 7 or 8 US Opens some say stronger than any World Championship and I agree. Curious how many are going from Azbilliards??? Maybe Pat can lower the entry fee to $500 next year to draw more dead money and expand field to 256. I don’t see many regional players or top short stops taking a $1000 stab at a field comprised of at least top 50 players in the world.

How many agree that lowering the entry to $500 and expanding the field to 256 would draw at least 60-80 top regional players??? Or would you have to lower the entry to $100-$250??? Anyway it’s gonna be first class and a blast to watch and hopefully lots of top regional players show up to gamble.

One last question wonder if Qmaster Billiards will be Open 24 hours during tournament and basically cater to the tournament going on??? Since they cut ties to this tournament. I’m just curious and would be lying if I said I didn’t go to watch and participate in late night action too.

If this has been mentioned already I apologize in advanced. Is there any other nice places open late besides Qmaster close to this event???

SORRY!!! Just realized this was a rules thread not a discussion about the EVENT.
 
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"When the 9-Ball is the last remaining object ball on the table, if you pocket the 9-Ball and scratch or foul, the 9-Ball is spotted and the incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the head string."

I don't think this rule makes sense, unless I'm reading it wrong. If one player scratches, the oponent is left with a long shot for no fault of his own. Scratching on the 9 should always be automatic loss of game.

Julian
 
"When the 9-Ball is the last remaining object ball on the table, if you pocket the 9-Ball and scratch or foul, the 9-Ball is spotted and the incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the head string."

I don't think this rule makes sense, unless I'm reading it wrong. If one player scratches, the oponent is left with a long shot for no fault of his own. Scratching on the 9 should always be automatic loss of game.

Julian
Has to be dumbest rule i've ever heard of.
 
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I like the rule. I imagine the thinking goes something like this: Player A breaks and makes a ball. He then works his way through an amazing rack but gets out of line on the 9, but he somehow still manages to stab it in, only to have the cue ball come around 3 rails and scratch. Should Player B just get the rack win without doing anything? Pat says no and I agree.
 
Has to be dumbest rule i've ever heard of.

It's right up there for sure.

How many refs per 12 tables or however you'd like to state it please?

PS-Please regularly replace the Accu-Racks for each table.
 
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I like the rule. I imagine the thinking goes something like this: Player A breaks and makes a ball. He then works his way through an amazing rack but gets out of line on the 9, but he somehow still manages to stab it in, only to have the cue ball come around 3 rails and scratch. Should Player B just get the rack win without doing anything? Pat says no and I agree.

But that's 9-ball. If you want to change the rules to prevent that, you should also change the rules to prevent someone from running out and then missing the 9-ball. Or play it like bank pool and the first to make 5 of the 9 balls wins.

Eh, my guess is that it happens one time in 200 games anyway. No big deal.
 
I like the rule. I imagine the thinking goes something like this: Player A breaks and makes a ball. He then works his way through an amazing rack but gets out of line on the 9, but he somehow still manages to stab it in, only to have the cue ball come around 3 rails and scratch. Should Player B just get the rack win without doing anything? Pat says no and I agree.

No they should have to shoot the nine in w BIH. If you wanna make it With BIH 'from the box', I'd be ok with that but to have them have to make a spot shot is just too damn difficult. I might play safe on it-lol
 
If it's no big deal then this small rule change isn't either.

I disagree. I think it's bad for each tournament director in each event to make up rules that are used nowhere else. I suspect it is actually a violation of the sanction agreement with the WPA. I imagine all the foreign players are saying, "Stupid Yanks."
 
"The breaker may visually inspect the rack, but may not touch any ball or request a re-rack,unless the 1-Ball, or 9-Ball or 2-Ball are not racked in their correct positions."

Perhaps I'm reading this incorrectly but the breaker cannot request a re-rack? That means *period*? What if all balls are not frozen? I get that with the accurack all balls should be frozen but what if they're not for whatever reason? Or what if the ref racked at a slight tllt? The breaker is forced to break anyway? I'm probably missing something somewhere, but...
 
"The breaker may visually inspect the rack, but may not touch any ball or request a re-rack,unless the 1-Ball, or 9-Ball or 2-Ball are not racked in their correct positions."

Perhaps I'm reading this incorrectly but the breaker cannot request a re-rack? That means *period*? What if all balls are not frozen? I get that with the accurack all balls should be frozen but what if they're not for whatever reason? Or what if the ref racked at a slight tllt? The breaker is forced to break anyway? I'm probably missing something somewhere, but...
It clearly says no re-racks. That includes even if there are gaps. There seems to be no rule against informing the ref about how many gaps they left last time. It also is not clear whether the player is forbidden to point out gaps while the ref is racking.

I'm pretty sure the tables will be marked for accurate placement of the template so tilting should be less of a problem than with a triangle rack. The template is aligned to marks before the balls are placed.
 
QMaster Hours.............

I’m going. Haven’t been to the US Open since 2003 but I’m excited to see this. Strong field at the last 7 or 8 US Opens some say stronger than any World Championship and I agree. Curious how many are going from Azbilliards??? Maybe Pat can lower the entry fee to $500 next year to draw more dead money and expand field to 256. I don’t see many regional players or top short stops taking a $1000 stab at a field comprised of at least top 50 players in the world.

How many agree that lowering the entry to $500 and expanding the field to 256 would draw at least 60-80 top regional players??? Or would you have to lower the entry to $100-$250??? Anyway it’s gonna be first class and a blast to watch and hopefully lots of top regional players show up to gamble.

One last question wonder if Qmaster Billiards will be Open 24 hours during tournament and basically cater to the tournament going on??? Since they cut ties to this tournament. I’m just curious and would be lying if I said I didn’t go to watch and participate in late night action too.

If this has been mentioned already I apologize in advanced. Is there any other nice places open late besides Qmaster close to this event???

SORRY!!! Just realized this was a rules thread not a discussion about the EVENT.
I msg'd them and they said they will be open 24hrs Wed-Sat during the Int'lOpen.
 
It clearly says no re-racks. That includes even if there are gaps. There seems to be no rule against informing the ref about how many gaps they left last time. It also is not clear whether the player is forbidden to point out gaps while the ref is racking.

I'm pretty sure the tables will be marked for accurate placement of the template so tilting should be less of a problem than with a triangle rack. The template is aligned to marks before the balls are placed.

Bob - Drifting into semantics here, but I am assuming if there ARE gap/s and the breaker simply makes the ref aware of it ( considering the ref did not see it / them while racking which only makes sense ), then the ref can re-rack per their own judgment and it would not be considered as "requesting a re-rack" by the breaker.

As for tilting, point well taken however, being a game of millimeters as we all know, and given the human element, there is always some tiny chance the rack could be tilted, if only very slightly and if the breaker sees that, then... it would appear to fall into the same category as gaps in the rack, i.e. bring it to the ref's attention and not be considered as requesting a re-rack.

Man... making rules is hard.
 
I think these racking rules are good. Just go and break. Takes away all things that are annoying for spectators and rules are fair when there is neutral racker. If you give someone chance to mess around rules in pool on U.s they try take advantage on that. I learned that on Derby. No gentleman rules.
So don´t let anyone bend rules. I like it.
p.s if there is gaps there might be gaps when your opponents break too. So just deal with it. Templates should make racking easy for everyone. If rack is tilted one can change side of break..
 
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