My title says it all. The question came up whether a ref in a pro event would warn the player if they were about to break illegally, or if they'd wait and then call foul. Or suppose a player reached for a jump cue when no jump cues were allowed in the tournament. Would they let the player jump the ball and then call foul?
What is their policy? Thanks!
The ref must not warn the player that the cue ball is outside the box. Or at least, that is the rule now for playing from the kitchen. Similarly, the ref should not offer advice about how to play including how to avoid equipment fouls.
The player can ask about in/out for the cue ball's position.
If a player has gotten to the table without knowing whether jump cues are allowed or not, someone has made a mistake.
From the WSR Regulations about the ref's duties:
... He must not give advice on the application of the rules, or other points of play on which he is not required by the rules to speak. He may assist the player by getting and replacing the mechanical bridge. If necessary for the shot, the referee or a deputy may hold the light fixture out of the way. ...
The referee shall answer players’ inquiries regarding objective data, such as whether a ball will be in the rack, whether a ball is behind the head string, what the count is, how many points are needed for a victory, if a player or his opponent is on a foul, what rule would apply if a certain shot is made, etc. ...
The World Standardized Rules and Regulations are available here:
https://wpapool.com/
It used to be that if the player placed the cue ball outside the kitchen when he had ball in hand (in the kitchen), the ref had to warn him before he shot. That is no longer the rule. It is the player's responsibility to place the cue ball correctly.
