Mosconi Cup: Did the Referee make and error ?

[Blue Jam]

sjm,

You did make absolute statements in your post that I quoted. I merely responded to your absolutes, namely "never" and "must".

By the way, there is no such thing as "strict enforcement" of the rules, there is only enforcement or no enforcement. When people start accepting "gray" areas problems occur.

When gambling at 9 ball I will warn an opponent one time not to touch the cueball as it's moving after shooting in the 9. That's all that's ever been required.

ONB

Your post is confusing.

 

[Blue Jam]

The ref was clearly wrong for picking up a player's cue while the cueball was in motion.


ONB

Which rule is that, specifically?

 

[Bob Jewett]

Which rule is that, specifically?

Actually, that's a good point. There is no specific rule that says the referee must not provide physical assistance to prevent a foul. The rules specifically allow the referee to explain rules to the player and to hold the light out of the way in case it is in the way of the stroke. They forbid the referee from offering opinions on whether a good hit is likely or a shot is possible. The rules evidently need to be clarified in this matter, since the referee should not be providing such direct assistance. I guess it did not occur to the editors of the current WSR that such an event might happen.

The situation is kind of covered under the very general requirement for the referee to "maintain fair playing conditions" and I think it's reasonable to say it is unfair for the referee to actively intervene to prevent a foul.

 

[Bob Jewett]

I'm curious about your opinion on this Bob. Would you have called a foul on Neils, with the ball rolling harmlessly into the center of the table and the crowd cheering?

I'm glad I wasn't the referee. I would not have liked to be an American referee in that particular situation. But if I were the referee, it would be my duty to enforce all the rules and certainly I would not have touched the equipment while a shot was in progress. I hope I would have the courage to call a foul.

Players need to learn the rules one way or another. I think it would have been a good learning experience for the audience as well if a foul had been called. I wonder if any of the American side saw/understood what was going on.