Fighting Cocks

Summer/Autumn 2026 League

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Fighting Cocks Pool League Ruleset

Last updated 28/05/2026

Based on the Old EPA 8 Ball Pool rules, paraphrased for local league use.

Rules Changelog

Old EPA rules

This section is a change summary only. The full league rules are listed below.

  • Rules have been realigned to the Old EPA 8 Ball Pool ruleset.
  • Black on the break now means re-rack with the same player breaking again, not loss of frame.
  • A legal break must pot a ball or drive at least two object balls to cushions.
  • After any foul, the incoming player receives two visits and may move the cue ball to baulk.
  • The first shot after a foul may be played onto any ball without penalty.
  • Object balls or the black leaving the table are now re-spotted.
  • Potting the black with another ball is loss of frame, except for the specific Old EPA post-foul exception.

1) General Principles

  • Matches are played in the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.
  • The referee is the judge of fair and unfair play during a frame.
  • In any situation not covered here, the league organiser's decision is final.
  • The league may revise these rules, and players will be told of any changes.

2) Object of the Game

  • Each player is assigned one group of balls: reds or yellows.
  • A player wins the frame by legally potting all balls in their group, then legally potting the black.

3) Break Rules

  • The cue ball is played from on or behind the baulk line.
  • A legal break must either pot an object ball or cause at least two object balls to hit a cushion.
  • If the break is illegal, the balls are re-racked and the opponent breaks with two visits.
  • If the black is potted from the break, the balls are re-racked and the same player breaks again. There is no penalty.
  • If no object ball is potted from a legal break, play continues on an open table until a legal pot decides groups.

4) Determining Groups

  • The first legal pot of a red or yellow determines that player's group.
  • If balls from both groups are potted on the first legal pot, the player must nominate which group they are taking before play continues.
  • If a foul occurs before groups are decided, any balls potted during that foul do not decide groups.
  • After such a foul, the incoming player may play any ball on the first shot; the first legal pot then decides groups.

5) Continuing a Visit

  • Potting one or more legal balls entitles the player to continue their visit.
  • A visit ends when the player fails to pot one of their own balls, or commits a foul.
  • Combination shots and cannons are allowed if the first ball contacted is legal for that shot.

6) Fouls

  • Potting the cue ball.
  • Failing to hit any ball with the cue ball.
  • Hitting an opponent's ball first, except on the first shot after a foul.
  • Hitting the black first before all balls in your group have been potted, except on the first shot after a foul.
  • Potting an opponent's ball, except on the first shot after a foul.
  • Any ball leaving the table.
  • Touching any ball with body, clothing, hand, or cue, except where cue-ball-in-hand applies after a foul.
  • Not having at least part of one foot on the floor when playing a shot.
  • Playing out of turn, playing before balls have stopped, double-hitting, push shots, jump shots, or striking the cue ball with anything other than the cue tip.
  • Failing to nominate when required after balls from both groups are potted on the first legal pot.

7) Penalty After a Foul

  • After any foul, the incoming player receives two consecutive visits.
  • The player may either play the cue ball from where it lies, or move it to any position on or behind the baulk line.
  • Moving the cue ball to baulk after a foul does not count as a shot.
  • On the first shot only of the first visit, the player may play any ball without penalty, including an opponent's ball or the black.
  • If a ball is potted on that first shot, the player continues the first visit.
  • If no ball is potted on the first visit, the player's second visit begins with their next shot.
  • The black may not be potted on the first shot after a foul unless the player is already legally on the black.

8) Loss of Frame

  • Potting the black before all balls in your group have been potted, except on the break.
  • Potting the black and going in-off on the same shot.
  • Potting the black and any other ball on the same shot, except for the specific post-foul situation where only the black and opponent's balls remain.
  • Clearly making no attempt to play a legal ball.

9) Balls Leaving the Table

  • If any object ball or the black leaves the table, it is a foul and the ball is re-spotted.
  • If the cue ball leaves the table, it is a foul and the incoming player has cue ball in hand from baulk.
  • A ball is considered off the table if it comes to rest anywhere other than on the bed of the table.

10) Touching Ball

  • If the cue ball is touching a ball the player is entitled to play, the player may play away from it and be deemed to have contacted it.
  • If the cue ball is touching an opponent's ball or the black, the player must still play a legal ball, except on the first shot after a foul.
  • Care must be taken to avoid a push shot or double hit.

11) Cue Ball in Hand

  • When cue ball in hand applies, the cue ball is played from on or behind the baulk line.
  • The cue ball may be played in any direction from baulk.

12) Stalemate

  • If a legal shot is impossible, or neither player is allowing the frame to progress, the frame may be restarted.
  • The player who originally broke the frame breaks again on the restart, unless the restart follows a foul break.

13) Match Officiating

  • All matches must be officiated by a neutral third party where possible.
  • The referee may advise on the rules if asked.
  • The referee's decisions on fouls, ball order, and rule interpretation are final for the duration of the frame.