What do you fell is player responsibility at tournaments

[CocoboloCowboy]

I thought I would pose this question to those on this forum for there ideas, input, and opinions. What do you fell is player responsibility at tournaments.

I have been to several tournaments recently where we have had some what I will call new players for better choice of terms who don't seem to know the basic rules for 8, or 9 balls, do not understand ball in hand fouls, and do not sit in the area of play when it is not their turn watching for fouls etc. They go off and talk to friends, etc.

If you were playing such a new players do you feel it is your obligation, or responsibly to teach them the rules, call fouls upon yourself, or advise them of balls in hand situations, when they are not in the immediate area of play watching the game they are involved in.

No I am not talking about say a time-out for a rest room break, where both parties understand the other party has ask that play stop for a rest room break.

 

[Pushout]

This is really the tournament director's responsibility. I have brought people like you're describing to the director's attention before, especially when their "entourage" is in the playing area where they are not supposed to be. I try to help people out, but in the end, it's the td's responsibility.

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

This is really the tournament director's responsibility. I have brought people like you're describing to the director's attention before, especially when their "entourage" is in the playing area where they are not supposed to be. I try to help people out, but in the end, it's the td's responsibility.

I also this it is the player responsibility to know the rules, and stay in the area of play.

 

[Seminole Pro Tour]

Although I believe it should be brought to the TD's attention ASAP, it is also the players responsibility to stay in the playing area etc. If they leave the playing area during play, we side with the shooter on any rule discrepencies that may arise on the Seminole Pro Tour. The shooter does not have to stop playing either. It is the player's responsibility to know the rules and stay in the playing area, as well as the TD's responsibility to have a player's meeting to answer questions and be available throughout the event to help out if needed.

Kevin
Seminole Pro Tour

 

[hang-the-9]

The person who runs the weekly tournament usually re-states some rules if he sees new people. If not I remind him that there are some new people and the rules should be summarized. Once I see people being clueless about the rules, it tends to mean they are also new at playing, so I don't penalize them for the first few mistakes. I have had people pick up the cueball after a push in 9ball that I just explained to them that it's not ball in hand, put the ball back and let them play from there.

As long as there are no "well, that's not how we play in fartneck bar" responses, things go pretty well as far as lack of arguments over the rules.

If it's a higher level tourney, say an AB one, if you pick up a ball when you should not, or make a bad hit, I am calling it, and so should most people.

 

[ScottW]

In events like that, where newer folks are coming in, the TD should have copies of the rules PRINTED OUT and available for folks to take.

You may well read the rules out to the players before the match begins, but that's no guarantee that folks are a) listening and b) don't have early onset of Alzheimer's, etc.

Put it down on paper. Tell folks "HERE ARE THE RULES" and wave the rules around a bit. Be 100% clear it is the players' responsibility to KNOW THE RULES and those printouts are there for their use. And then enforce the rules without exception.

 

[randyg]

12,00 entries-BCA Nationals-One set rules.

It's a players responsibility to know the rules. It's the TD's job to suppy and enforce them....SPF=randyg

 

[Tom In Cincy]

We have the 'house rules' printed and posted on the wall.

But, now you are assuming the players can READ and understand what the rules are about.

Remember... there isn't a 'pushout rule' in 8 ball even in those 'fartnect' bars.
Or, are there?

Put it down on paper. Tell folks "HERE ARE THE RULES" and wave the rules around a bit. Be 100% clear it is the players' responsibility to KNOW THE RULES and those printouts are there for their use. And then enforce the rules without exception.

 

[ironman]

We have the 'house rules' printed and posted on the wall.

But, now you are assuming the players can READ and understand what the rules are about.

Remember... there isn't a 'pushout rule' in 8 ball even in those 'fartnect' bars.
Or, are there?

Have a players meeting before start time to go over such things. If they have no questions after that, it is on them. They will learn very quickly.

 

[BRKNRUN]

My hunch is that this is a weekly something and under tournament.

Quite often someone in the room or at the bar holding this tournament will not even be aware there is a tournament until an announcement is made and they opt to sign up.

These people are obviously not going to know all the rules and procedures for a tournament....

I have played many a first timer when I played in "something and unders"...Usually they were very friendly and sometimes even more on the sociable side...and not there to be "all business"...some were just brand new to competition...but wanted to improve...

I can say I never lost one of these matches...and actually helped them out by letting them know what the rules were in a friendly way...

What I did was say to them..."Just so you don't run into trouble down the road you are not supposed to do this or that etc et...I would say I am telling them so they don't run into some dick down the road that calls a foul on them...

A sure fire spot that someone is new is when they put thier quarter at the wrong end of the table.

I have let double hits and other obvous fouls go...I had one guy acidentally bump his CB and then grab it and put it back in place and then continue to take his warm up stroke...I just let it go...but I mentioned it after the match...

I have yet to run into someone that did not know the rules that signed up for an "open" non weekly event.

Some people actually sign up for weekly "something and under" events just to be sociable....When I see someone like that sign up...I get very loose on rule enforcement.....and I have yet to lose one of those matches...

But I do tell them the rules in a tactful way...or...If I think they may take it the wrong way...I will just mention it to the TD and say someone needs to edumacate this guy/girl.

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

In events like that, where newer folks are coming in, the TD should have copies of the rules PRINTED OUT and available for folks to take.

That would be very nice.

 

[Brian in VA]

I don't think anyone has mentioned that the first rule in the rule book , under rules for tournament play, states:

1.1 Player Responsibility

It is the player's responsibility to be aware of all rules, regulations and schedules applying to competition. While tournament officials will make every reasonable effort to have such information readily available to all players as appropriate, the ultimate responsibility rests with the player.

I think that covers it properly.

Seriously, I run a league, assist with several city and state tournaments, and I'm amazed at how many players can't seem to grasp this. Much like the rules of golf, knowing them can actually help you in a match.

BTW, if anyone wants a copy of the rules that is small enough to fit in your cue case, I'm down to about 300 copies that I've received from BCA and ACS. I'll be glad to send one to you.

Brian in VA

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

I don't think anyone has mentioned that the first rule in the rule book , under rules for tournament play, states:

1.1 Player Responsibility

It is the player's responsibility to be aware of all rules, regulations and schedules applying to competition. While tournament officials will make every reasonable effort to have such information readily available to all players as appropriate, the ultimate responsibility rests with the player.