Eight ball rule question - spotting ball.

[lowcel]

I can't remember a rule so I was hoping you all would help me. The question is regarding pocketing one of your balls and scratching. The way I have always played is if the table isn't a pay table (or if the table is unlocked) that if a ball (your ball) is pocketed and you scratch that you spot the ball and the other player gets ball in hand.

I can't remember how it was handled when we played in Vegas in the VNEA but my dad tells me that we spotted them. Another player was shooting with me at my house and says that was only done when we played in the tournaments at the Moose, it was never done in league play.

I just can't remember what the actual rule is so I would appreciate some help.

 

[dfweyer]

Never heard of a major league association doing this... If it falls it stays down unless it was bumped with your hand or something. Even then the opponent has the option to leave it or replace it.

 

[lowcel]

Thanks for the information, I appreciate it. I've been searching and I can't find anything saying either way so I would assume that it would just stay pocketed but I just wanted to make sure. However, when it comes to trying to convince my dad I need as much "proof" as I can get. He's getting pretty stubborn in his old age.

 

[ne14tennis]

BCAPL Rules

As far as the BCAPL rules apply, if the 8 is pocketed on the break it comes back out or if a ball falls on it's own or is accidently knocked in. Anytime during the game, any normal object ball stays down

 

[lowcel]

Just got off of the phone with my dad, he said that it was good to know. He didn't put up any arguement at all. I just always assumed that he was right, hadn't really put much thought into it. I'm glad to know the rule now though. Knowing it will avoid a lot of arguements and hard feelings in the future.