So last night was the league finals at my home room and during one of the final games of match, I saw something that I thought was inexcuseable. One of the players was safed and as he approached the table, he stepped up to the adjacent table and playfully shot the cueball into the pocket.
Now, just to make things clear, this was NOT the match table but the table nearby. There was nothing to suggest the shot served any purpose than to simply clear the table and it could only be viewed as a casual silly act. However, I thought it was inexcuseable because it could have been ruled a foul or even worse, a loss of game for practicing while a match was in session.
My point (I hope he reads this) is that you must always protect yourself during competition. Of course, there will be the occasional lapses in concentration but you can't compound that with casual etiquette. It will only get you in trouble. Always try to adhere to the below list. Anyone wishing to add to it, feel free.
1. Sit in your chair and remain still until it's your turn to shoot.
2. Get out of your opponent's way BEFORE he asks
3. Don't reach for your water when your opponent is down on a shot.
4. Always take a bathroom/smoke break when it is your turn at the table.
5. Always verify ball-in-hand.
6. Get acknowledgement from your opponent when announcing a call (pushing, safeties, unusual shots)
7. Turn your cellphone off
The important thing here is, don't be casual about etiquette. Competition is always formal and you owe it to yourself, your teammates and your friends to let your game be the determinant and nothing else.
Now, just to make things clear, this was NOT the match table but the table nearby. There was nothing to suggest the shot served any purpose than to simply clear the table and it could only be viewed as a casual silly act. However, I thought it was inexcuseable because it could have been ruled a foul or even worse, a loss of game for practicing while a match was in session.
My point (I hope he reads this) is that you must always protect yourself during competition. Of course, there will be the occasional lapses in concentration but you can't compound that with casual etiquette. It will only get you in trouble. Always try to adhere to the below list. Anyone wishing to add to it, feel free.
1. Sit in your chair and remain still until it's your turn to shoot.
2. Get out of your opponent's way BEFORE he asks
3. Don't reach for your water when your opponent is down on a shot.
4. Always take a bathroom/smoke break when it is your turn at the table.
5. Always verify ball-in-hand.
6. Get acknowledgement from your opponent when announcing a call (pushing, safeties, unusual shots)
7. Turn your cellphone off
The important thing here is, don't be casual about etiquette. Competition is always formal and you owe it to yourself, your teammates and your friends to let your game be the determinant and nothing else.
