Ok I've never seen this happen but it could. What would be the ruling if a guy goes to jump and stick his handle form his 3 piece cue in the pocket and a ball hits it? I've watched numerous people do this hell I did it myself yesterday. Somebody asked what would the ruling be?
The specific instance is addressed by BCAPL Rule 1-3-1 and BCAPL Applied Ruling 1-3 Situation 3. It is a foul if a ball strikes the butt while it is in the pocket. The foul is on the player that left the butt.
Rule 1-3-1 clearly puts the responsibility for equipment at the table on the owner/user. There is only exception is a player's personal chalk which, if left on the rail, is considered a hazard for both players equally regardless of ownership. CB/OB goes on rail and hits chalk it is a foul regardless of who shot or whose chalk it is.
For the butt, there is no definitive ruling for the situation in WSR. Will research a little more and edit later concerning WSR.
There was a previous thread akin to this subject concernning the Magic Ball Rack. I will get an answer from the BCAPL national office soon concerning the MBR and have an answer for you (certainly before July) and probably will have good intel on a ruling for Tunica before U10BC starts (WSR, not BCAPL). Will pass on whatever I find out.:smile:
Buddy Eick
BCAPL National Head Referee
BCAPL Director of Referee Training
Technical Editor, BCAPL Rule Book
bcapl_referee@cox.net
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