Chapter I General Principles
This general principles list the items which are not included in the rules of the game , but need to be arranged in the actual games, including the requirement of dressing, the course of appeal and the schedule of competitions. The content of general principles such as the quantity of game in a round, the order of breaking is different from the former one in every competition. The competition committee has the right of defining and carry out this principles according to this general principles before the games. Relatively, the rules of competition need to be carried out strictly in the process of the competition.
1. The Rules of Competition Special case of competition rules is not allowed to be free to change, unless the Chinese eight-ball Tournament Organizing Committee of the international master licensed, a written explanation of the temporary change in the rules should be published before the players’ meeting.
2. Players’ Clothing RequirementsThe clothing of each player must meet the competition requirements and neat and clean. If the players are not sure if their clothing is in accordance with the requirements, they can ask the tournament director for confirmation before the game. Final decision rests with the tournament director on the clothing requirements. If there are any special circumstances, Tournament Director may allow the unsatisfactory players participating in the competition, such as flight baggage lost, the players’ special physical condition and so on. Players may be disqualified because of the undesirable dressing .If no clothing requirements being announced before the game, use the following clothing requirements by default.
2.1 For Men Male players can wear any pure color of collared shirt. Shirts must be bundled in trousers.Deep colors for trousers is welcomed. (Shorts is not allowed).The shoes must be black formal and matching costume style, it is not allowed to wear sandals.
2.2 For WomenWomen player can wear POLO shirt, or other elegant style. No special requirements on the trousers color, women players can wear a skirt. The shoes must be formal and matching costume style, it is not allowed to wear sandals.
3. Referee regulations.
3.1 Referee’s responsibility:
(a) The sole judge of the game, to make judgments on anything happened in the game;
(b) Responsible for enforcing the rules of the game and maintain the competition smoothly;
(c) The referee shall answer player’s questions about the objective facts and the rules of the game;
(d) While contrary to the principles of fair play, the referee has the right to postpone the game, this power also applies to the case of disputes;
(e) If the rules do not cover the special circumstances during the race, the referee can make judgements under the principles of fair play;
(f) If being required ,the referee can tell hitting player if the round is closed or not.
(g) Clean any balls on the table in reasonable request; for game has time limitation for shooting, the cleaning ball time will be counted to player’s shooting time.
(h) To assist the players to take, or put back the rest and other auxiliary equipment.
3.2 Referee can not:
(a) Answer any questions unrelated to any rules;
(b) Prompt the players of the hitting may occur fouls;
(c) Provide suggests and opinions which is enough to affect the game;
3.3 If the referee did not notice a dispute, he can refer to the presence of scorers and other event staff or the audience stands in which the best position to make a ruling.
4. Racking or tapping of balls
In the Chinese eight-ball game, a triangle or a template is used to racking the balls. At the beginning of a round, all balls are placed in the triangle or placed in the holes in the template and then set at the balls area. The advantages of using a triangle or template is fast and close. What equipment to rack the ball is determined by the tournament organizers. Racking balls is the responsibility of the referee, player can not rack the ball on their own, unless the tournament organizers have explicitly requested.
5. The declaration of appressed the cushion and appressed balls.
The referee should observe carefully and then announce if the object ball is appressed to the cushion or the cue ball appressed to the object ball. The players could remind referee for a declaration of such cases. Players must give the referee enough time to make a ruling. In the time-limited game. The declaration time will not count in the player's time.
6. To Prevent outside Interference
The referee should avoid competition being interferenced, such as interference from a nearby table players or spectators. If necessary, game could be suspended or postponed. Interference from physical or language. If the player’s foul due to outside interference, the opponent player has no responsibility.
7. Factors which can not be avoided.
Something maybe appear in the game which the rules is not listed and can not be expected. When this occurs, the referee will make a judgment under the principle of fair competition, if necessary, a game may be moved to other tables, while the position of the ball can not be moved. The referee could announce the round as an impasse.
8. The Coach
It’s allowed for players to accept guidance from the coach. But when the player is continuous hitting, this situation won’t be allowed, because it will influence the continuity of the game. The referee and the organizing committee reserves the right to set this additional restrictions. Players have the right to request to stop the game and ask coach for teaching. But the coach can not close to the table. If the referee thought a coach interferenced or influenced the game, he can instruct the coach away from the game.
9. The case of accepting the default equipment.
After the start of the game, the player has no right to question the quality and authority of the equipment which were provided by the organizers .Any related protests must be put forward before the match.
10. The using of players’ equipment.
The equipment must follow the rules of the international association of Chinese eight-ball. Generally, the players can't use other new kinds of equipment. The following mentioned equipment is legal. If a player has any questions to a special equipment, he should ask the tournament organizing committee and get a definite reply before the game. In addition to the use and the design of the equipment itself, players may not change their uses.
(a) Cues: Allow players to change their cues during the game, such as the breaking cue, jump cue and ordinary cue. Players can use the built-in or external cues to extend the length.
(b) Chalks: player can use chalks to prevent the tip from sliding, and can bring their own chalks, but the color should matching to the cloth.
(c) Rest: player can use more than two kinds of rests at the same time to support the cue. Players can use their own rest, but this must comply with the regulations or accepted by the referee.
(d) Gloves: player can use gloves to help holding cue or hand rest.
(e) The talcum powder: Reasonable dosage talcum powder is allowed to use if the referee accepted.
11. Being Late for Games
Players must be in the provision of game time table and ready to start game. If a player does not appear in the specified time,. If two players are all late,the organizing committee will punish them according each of their reason and satuation. For the player who is often late ,more strict punishment will be given.
12. The order of breaking
The organizing committee have the right to decide the order of breaking. Such as the victor breaks or by turns.
13. For the player who is not hitting.
When one player is in play, the other player should stay at the designated seating areas. When players in play (including between rounds) need to leave the area, he had to get the permission from the referee. If the player leave without acceptation, that will be regarded as against the spirit of sports behavior.
14. Shooting within Limited Time
Chinese eight-ball often use the time-limited mode of play. The organizing committee limite time for each game or each shot, for each rack or each game, the extension period and extension times will be stated clearly. usually the time is 45 seconds or will be decided by organizing committee (30 seconds for fast mode). There will be a staff (the referee or another staff) or special timing devices for timing, usually remaining when 10 and 5 seconds left. Timing start from all ball stops, and end up with the tip hit the cue ball. Each player can call once extension in each rack, the extension period is usually for 30 seconds(20 seconds for fast mode); If the player didn’t hit in stipulated time ,that will be a foul.
15. Time outIn addition to the provisions of the organizing committee, in a more than 13 rounds game, players can ask for a 5-minute-pause. Players should tell referee the purpose of the pause, and confirm that the referee has realized the fact, and then record and take notes on the record form.(This provision could be arranged by the organizing committee before the game)
If the player has any inappropriate behavior during the pause, his right of pausing will be deprived. If the circumstances are serious, he will be punished as against the spirit of sports. Players could ask for pause between rounds, except special circumstances. If a player feels unwell because of drug or other special circumstances, the director can adjust the time and times of pause. When something appears that influenced the fair and continuity, the referee should take the measures at once to stop the game, until the situation disappear. If this happens in the process of a round, the referee must ensure all the balls being originally positioned. Until the pause is over, then the game continue. If because of the objective causes that balls cannot be kept originally, the referee or tournament organizing committee reserves the right to inform the players round canceled, and restart the game when feasible. Players are not allowed to call time out personally, the time out is only set by organizing committee according to the game situation.
16. Inappropriate Behaviors
Refusing a round, or the referee thought the player has intentionally or continued improper behavior, including continuous wasting time or impolite behavior ,the referee should worn him. If the player don’t ameliorate, then will be judged lost.
17. Punishments of violating the sport spirits
For the behaviors of violating the sport spirits, the game rules and general principles gives enough and flexible space to the referee and event officials. The punishment can base on the following aspects: the player’s behaviors before, the warning in advance, the seriousness of the behavior, and if the behavior was warned on the player’s meeting etc. In addition, the level of the game can also act as a consideration, because a good athlete should have both excellent skills and appropriate words.
18. Rules of Appeal
If players has need of the ruling matters, he should first communicate with the referee, and the referee will make the most appropriate judgment. If the player has an objection to award, he could appeal to the head judge or the game director. In normal competition, the game director has the right to make final judgments. Every time, before the appeal, players need to pay, if the appeal failed, fees will not be returned, the detail amount of the fee should be confirmed on the Rules Manual or on the players’ meeting. One player has only one chance to appeal in the same problem, and if he appeals the second time with the same problem, this action will be regarded as against the spirit of sports behavior and will be punished.
This general principles list the items which are not included in the rules of the game , but need to be arranged in the actual games, including the requirement of dressing, the course of appeal and the schedule of competitions. The content of general principles such as the quantity of game in a round, the order of breaking is different from the former one in every competition. The competition committee has the right of defining and carry out this principles according to this general principles before the games. Relatively, the rules of competition need to be carried out strictly in the process of the competition.
1. The Rules of Competition Special case of competition rules is not allowed to be free to change, unless the Chinese eight-ball Tournament Organizing Committee of the international master licensed, a written explanation of the temporary change in the rules should be published before the players’ meeting.
2. Players’ Clothing RequirementsThe clothing of each player must meet the competition requirements and neat and clean. If the players are not sure if their clothing is in accordance with the requirements, they can ask the tournament director for confirmation before the game. Final decision rests with the tournament director on the clothing requirements. If there are any special circumstances, Tournament Director may allow the unsatisfactory players participating in the competition, such as flight baggage lost, the players’ special physical condition and so on. Players may be disqualified because of the undesirable dressing .If no clothing requirements being announced before the game, use the following clothing requirements by default.
2.1 For Men Male players can wear any pure color of collared shirt. Shirts must be bundled in trousers.Deep colors for trousers is welcomed. (Shorts is not allowed).The shoes must be black formal and matching costume style, it is not allowed to wear sandals.
2.2 For WomenWomen player can wear POLO shirt, or other elegant style. No special requirements on the trousers color, women players can wear a skirt. The shoes must be formal and matching costume style, it is not allowed to wear sandals.
3. Referee regulations.
3.1 Referee’s responsibility:
(a) The sole judge of the game, to make judgments on anything happened in the game;
(b) Responsible for enforcing the rules of the game and maintain the competition smoothly;
(c) The referee shall answer player’s questions about the objective facts and the rules of the game;
(d) While contrary to the principles of fair play, the referee has the right to postpone the game, this power also applies to the case of disputes;
(e) If the rules do not cover the special circumstances during the race, the referee can make judgements under the principles of fair play;
(f) If being required ,the referee can tell hitting player if the round is closed or not.
(g) Clean any balls on the table in reasonable request; for game has time limitation for shooting, the cleaning ball time will be counted to player’s shooting time.
(h) To assist the players to take, or put back the rest and other auxiliary equipment.
3.2 Referee can not:
(a) Answer any questions unrelated to any rules;
(b) Prompt the players of the hitting may occur fouls;
(c) Provide suggests and opinions which is enough to affect the game;
3.3 If the referee did not notice a dispute, he can refer to the presence of scorers and other event staff or the audience stands in which the best position to make a ruling.
4. Racking or tapping of balls
In the Chinese eight-ball game, a triangle or a template is used to racking the balls. At the beginning of a round, all balls are placed in the triangle or placed in the holes in the template and then set at the balls area. The advantages of using a triangle or template is fast and close. What equipment to rack the ball is determined by the tournament organizers. Racking balls is the responsibility of the referee, player can not rack the ball on their own, unless the tournament organizers have explicitly requested.
5. The declaration of appressed the cushion and appressed balls.
The referee should observe carefully and then announce if the object ball is appressed to the cushion or the cue ball appressed to the object ball. The players could remind referee for a declaration of such cases. Players must give the referee enough time to make a ruling. In the time-limited game. The declaration time will not count in the player's time.
6. To Prevent outside Interference
The referee should avoid competition being interferenced, such as interference from a nearby table players or spectators. If necessary, game could be suspended or postponed. Interference from physical or language. If the player’s foul due to outside interference, the opponent player has no responsibility.
7. Factors which can not be avoided.
Something maybe appear in the game which the rules is not listed and can not be expected. When this occurs, the referee will make a judgment under the principle of fair competition, if necessary, a game may be moved to other tables, while the position of the ball can not be moved. The referee could announce the round as an impasse.
8. The Coach
It’s allowed for players to accept guidance from the coach. But when the player is continuous hitting, this situation won’t be allowed, because it will influence the continuity of the game. The referee and the organizing committee reserves the right to set this additional restrictions. Players have the right to request to stop the game and ask coach for teaching. But the coach can not close to the table. If the referee thought a coach interferenced or influenced the game, he can instruct the coach away from the game.
9. The case of accepting the default equipment.
After the start of the game, the player has no right to question the quality and authority of the equipment which were provided by the organizers .Any related protests must be put forward before the match.
10. The using of players’ equipment.
The equipment must follow the rules of the international association of Chinese eight-ball. Generally, the players can't use other new kinds of equipment. The following mentioned equipment is legal. If a player has any questions to a special equipment, he should ask the tournament organizing committee and get a definite reply before the game. In addition to the use and the design of the equipment itself, players may not change their uses.
(a) Cues: Allow players to change their cues during the game, such as the breaking cue, jump cue and ordinary cue. Players can use the built-in or external cues to extend the length.
(b) Chalks: player can use chalks to prevent the tip from sliding, and can bring their own chalks, but the color should matching to the cloth.
(c) Rest: player can use more than two kinds of rests at the same time to support the cue. Players can use their own rest, but this must comply with the regulations or accepted by the referee.
(d) Gloves: player can use gloves to help holding cue or hand rest.
(e) The talcum powder: Reasonable dosage talcum powder is allowed to use if the referee accepted.
11. Being Late for Games
Players must be in the provision of game time table and ready to start game. If a player does not appear in the specified time,. If two players are all late,the organizing committee will punish them according each of their reason and satuation. For the player who is often late ,more strict punishment will be given.
12. The order of breaking
The organizing committee have the right to decide the order of breaking. Such as the victor breaks or by turns.
13. For the player who is not hitting.
When one player is in play, the other player should stay at the designated seating areas. When players in play (including between rounds) need to leave the area, he had to get the permission from the referee. If the player leave without acceptation, that will be regarded as against the spirit of sports behavior.
14. Shooting within Limited Time
Chinese eight-ball often use the time-limited mode of play. The organizing committee limite time for each game or each shot, for each rack or each game, the extension period and extension times will be stated clearly. usually the time is 45 seconds or will be decided by organizing committee (30 seconds for fast mode). There will be a staff (the referee or another staff) or special timing devices for timing, usually remaining when 10 and 5 seconds left. Timing start from all ball stops, and end up with the tip hit the cue ball. Each player can call once extension in each rack, the extension period is usually for 30 seconds(20 seconds for fast mode); If the player didn’t hit in stipulated time ,that will be a foul.
15. Time outIn addition to the provisions of the organizing committee, in a more than 13 rounds game, players can ask for a 5-minute-pause. Players should tell referee the purpose of the pause, and confirm that the referee has realized the fact, and then record and take notes on the record form.(This provision could be arranged by the organizing committee before the game)
If the player has any inappropriate behavior during the pause, his right of pausing will be deprived. If the circumstances are serious, he will be punished as against the spirit of sports. Players could ask for pause between rounds, except special circumstances. If a player feels unwell because of drug or other special circumstances, the director can adjust the time and times of pause. When something appears that influenced the fair and continuity, the referee should take the measures at once to stop the game, until the situation disappear. If this happens in the process of a round, the referee must ensure all the balls being originally positioned. Until the pause is over, then the game continue. If because of the objective causes that balls cannot be kept originally, the referee or tournament organizing committee reserves the right to inform the players round canceled, and restart the game when feasible. Players are not allowed to call time out personally, the time out is only set by organizing committee according to the game situation.
16. Inappropriate Behaviors
Refusing a round, or the referee thought the player has intentionally or continued improper behavior, including continuous wasting time or impolite behavior ,the referee should worn him. If the player don’t ameliorate, then will be judged lost.
17. Punishments of violating the sport spirits
For the behaviors of violating the sport spirits, the game rules and general principles gives enough and flexible space to the referee and event officials. The punishment can base on the following aspects: the player’s behaviors before, the warning in advance, the seriousness of the behavior, and if the behavior was warned on the player’s meeting etc. In addition, the level of the game can also act as a consideration, because a good athlete should have both excellent skills and appropriate words.
18. Rules of Appeal
If players has need of the ruling matters, he should first communicate with the referee, and the referee will make the most appropriate judgment. If the player has an objection to award, he could appeal to the head judge or the game director. In normal competition, the game director has the right to make final judgments. Every time, before the appeal, players need to pay, if the appeal failed, fees will not be returned, the detail amount of the fee should be confirmed on the Rules Manual or on the players’ meeting. One player has only one chance to appeal in the same problem, and if he appeals the second time with the same problem, this action will be regarded as against the spirit of sports behavior and will be punished.