I was sitting around taking a break from working on one of my websites and spare some of my vision (yet here I am still stuck to the screen) and an idea ran through my head... Let's make an official unofficial list of etiquette! Maybe it could be just a bit of fun to let out some of our pet peeves, but who knows? Perhaps we could make a standard list owners of pool rooms and whatnot could stick next to their "No Whining" signs at the least.
Regardless of whether or not a list is just a bit of a laugh, I believe a basic list could be beneficial to new players because good etiquette really sets the tone of the match and maybe even the entire night. I say "basic list" because many things fall under morals and ethics, which is an entirely different subject.
I'll begin with a few things I practice when playing/entering a match:
Its definitely a work in progress. Maybe sections and sub-categories like Tournament play and Bar or League play can be broken down into more detail like how to put quarters down without upsetting anyone (that's happened to me a couple times lol). Anyway, let's add to it a bit!
Regardless of whether or not a list is just a bit of a laugh, I believe a basic list could be beneficial to new players because good etiquette really sets the tone of the match and maybe even the entire night. I say "basic list" because many things fall under morals and ethics, which is an entirely different subject.
I'll begin with a few things I practice when playing/entering a match:
- Know the rules before you play. The standardized rules can be found online at http://www.bca-pool.com/play/tournaments/rules/rls_gen.shtml, however many places (bars in particular) do not play according to the BCA, so it is best to ask what is allowed and what isn't.
- Always give your opponent a rack you would want yourself - Make sure the balls are as tight as they can be even if it takes an extra minute.
- When it is not your turn to be at the table, then there is no reason to be near it. Many players find that "hovering" is distracting and interfering, so it is best to sit when it isn't your turn.
- Furthermore, when you aren't shooting there is no reason to chalk your cue. This can be mistaken as "sharking" and may interfere with or infringe upon your opponent's concentration.
- Other physical actions like talking and moving (such as getting up from your seat) during your opponent's shot is very disrespectful. Be courteous to your opponent.
- The game is not over until your opponent has made all possible legal shots or you express a notion of forfeit especially when spoken. When your opponent is on his/her last ball or has not yet shot, statements like "good game" is a forfeit and in some formats or instances an automatic loss of game. If you do not forfeit, then allow your opponent to legally pocket their ball(s) uninterrupted.
Its definitely a work in progress. Maybe sections and sub-categories like Tournament play and Bar or League play can be broken down into more detail like how to put quarters down without upsetting anyone (that's happened to me a couple times lol). Anyway, let's add to it a bit!