Pool league formats
A pool league is a season of matches between teams from pubs and clubs, played on one fixed night each week. A match is a set of single frames, and the team that wins more of them takes the points.
A typical match
| Part of the match | What happens |
|---|---|
| First set of singles | Each player plays one frame against an opponent |
| Doubles | Pairs play frames, taking alternate visits |
| Second set of singles | The players meet again in a different order |
Team sizes and the number of frames vary. Five or six players a side is common, and some leagues play singles only.
Team sheets
Each captain writes down the order of players before the match. In many leagues the home captain names a player first for the opening set and the away captain names first for the second, so neither side can pick every match-up.
Who breaks
Leagues use one of three methods.
- The home player breaks in the first frame and breaks then alternate.
- The players lag: each plays a ball up the table and back, and the one finishing nearer the baulk cushion breaks.
- A coin is tossed.
Refereeing
A player from the team not at the table usually referees. The referee calls fouls, says how many visits a player has and settles disputes.
When there is no referee, the two players are expected to agree. A foul that neither player saw has not happened.
Rules that leagues add
| Rule | Why it exists |
|---|---|
| A time limit on each shot | To stop slow play |
| No coaching once a frame has started | To keep singles frames individual |
| A stalemate rule | To restart a frame in which neither player can make progress |
| Deliberate fouls lose the frame | To stop tactical fouling |
Knockout cups
Most leagues also run cup competitions. Matches are usually races, where the first player or team to win a set number of frames goes through. Singles, doubles and team knockouts often run alongside the league season.
Before your first match
- Ask which rule set the league uses, and read its foul rules.
- Find out whether you must nominate a pocket for the black.
- Arrive in time to practise on the match table. Pub tables vary a great deal in speed and in how the pockets play.