Break with one shaft, shoot with another ?

[Mickey Qualls]

Hi everyone, and thank you in advance for your responses.

My teammate was watching a local tournament match (race to three) while waiting for the brackets to catch up to him. He noticed that one of the players on another table was switching shafts immediately after his break.
Basically, the guy had one butt and two shafts. He used one for the break, and the other to shoot with.

This wasn't a league-type tournament. No sanctioning body or anything.
It was at a tavern with four tables. That being the case, I suppose the TD/bar owner can determine the rules as he sees fit.

As he relayed the details to me, I couldn't help but wonder if this was legal to do in, say, the US Open..... or Turning Stone..... or The Seminole Tour.....

Now, I realize that it's one thing to switch shafts because of a loose tip, or some other type of maintenance issue. That being said.....

Does any sanctioning body (or tournament) have a specific rule for or against the above situation of switching shafts during a match for two different applications ?

 

[GADawg]

As far as I know, no rule against changing shafts during a match for whatever reason.

Only exception I know of is if your opponent is on the hill and shooting, you cannot break down your playing cue.

 

[Houstoer]

I've been told in bca as soon as you break down your cue you're done. No shaft switching allowed...although not positive.

 

[evanandpeaches]

Its to stop players from sharking by breaking down the cue before the match is over but if it is to switch between a playing shaft and breaking shaft it is not illegal if you go to your opponent and let him know what you are doing. I have switched shafts a few times during tournys, APA matches, and BCA with no problem what so ever. There is a difference between changing shafts and breaking your cue down early.