Our Rules Are As Follows:

1. Format: Matches will be home and away. Starting time is 7:30 p.m. (1/2 hour grace period). 17 games per match. Six to twelve players per team.

2. *** Johnstown League declares you must be 21 or older to play in the League! ***

3. Meetings: Each bar must have a representative present at each meeting with dues.

4. Scheduled Playoff Days: At the conclusion of the regular season, playoffs will run on consecutive Wednesdays until a champion is crowned.

5. Players per Game: A team can play one match per season with five players; after that, six or more players must play or there will be a $25.00 fine for the second time. The third time, the team is out of the league.

6. Games per Player: Six team members must shoot a minimum of three games each and no player can shoot more than six games. The exception will be if a team has only five players.

7. Consecutive Players: No player can shoot in consecutive games during a match.

8. Repeat Partners: The same two players can not shoot more than twice together during a match. The exception will be if a team has only five players.

9. Opening Break: The captains will flip a coin for the opening break. Thereafter, teams will alternate the break.

10. Coaching and Calling Fouls: Coaching and calling of fouls is allowed only by the captain and the two players. The captain may designate any team member to stand in for him/her when he/she is shooting or otherwise unavailable. Fouls called by other players will result in the loss of turn and ball-in-hand condition. Only the shooter can touch the cue ball to set up the next shot.

11. Legal Cue Ball: Any cue ball is legal. The cue ball must be kept at the establishment at all times to allow opposing players wishing to practice to have access to it. The game cue ball must be on the table by 6:30 p.m.

12. Scratch on Break: A scratch on the break is a ball-in-hand behind the headstring. All other fouls are ball-in-hand.

13. Miscue on Break: If balls are undisturbed, then rebreak. If the rack is disturbed, it is the opponent's choice on whether or not to rerack.

14. Safety Breaks: Safety breaks are not allowed.

15. Automatic Wins and Losses: Making the eight ball on the break wins. Scratching on the eight ball shot loses.

16. Choice of Group: The choice of solids or stripes is not determined on the break, even if balls are pocketed. The table is always open immediately after the break. The choice of group is determined when a player legally pockets an object ball after the break.

17. Straight Eight Ball: The shooter and only the shooter must call his/her shot. If the object ball kisses off other balls (or etc.) then calls in the pocket, the shot will be considered good. Exception: The eight ball must be made clean (no kisses, etc.).

18. Safe Shots: The cue ball, the object ball or contact ball, which is all balls on the table, must touch a rail after contact. A ball falling in a pocket is the same as hitting a rail. NOTE: Initial contact ball must be called.

19. Neutral Balls: The eight ball and opposing balls are not neutral. You must hit your ball first. The eight ball and opposing balls can be used in combinations or as kisses except on the eight ball shot.

20. Ball Hanging in Pocket: If the ball hangs in a pocket for more than five seconds, you must forfeit your turn.

21. Slow Play: Slow play will be taken into consideration against repeat offenders.

22. Stalemate Games: Three chances each at a shot and the game will be played over.

23. Unresolved Calls: If the captains of both teams can not resolve a disputed call, rerack and replay the game.

24. Points: Matches are based on a seventeen game format. Each game represents on point.

25. Playoffs: The top eight teams with the best records in each division will shoot in the "Winners Bracket" playoff. The teams with the best win-loss record will shoot at their home table. Playoff format is as follows: 1-8, 2-7, 3-6, 4-5. Consolation playoffs will shoot in consolation matches following the same format as the winners bracket.

26. Eligibility for Playoffs: To qualify for the playoffs, a player must shoot a minimum of six matches during the regular session.

27. Playoff Officials: Playoff games will be officiated by a neutral observer. Definition of Terms: Fouls: Touching a ball is legal. The ball must move noticeably in order to call a foul. Fouls can only be called by the two players or the captain (or the designated captain for the game). Fouls include bad hits, missing the object ball, bad safe shots and scratches. If the cue ball comes to rest against another ball after a foul, the team with ball-in-hand can require the opponent to pick up the cue ball and give it to them in order to avoid moving the resting ball. IF not requested and the resting ball moves, a foul results. Otherwise, only the shooter can touch the cue ball to set up the next shot. The shooter can move the cue ball with the cue stick or hand as desired until ready to shoot without fouling. Object Ball: Any called shot or group of same balls that a safe shot is being implemented. Safe Shot: A safe shot is made by hitting your called object ball first, then any ball on the table must hit a rail.