Rule 4.9

Dear BCA League Operators, Referees and Players:

In the new BCA rules, as standardized by the World Pool-Billiard Association, the new rule for "Open Table" in 8-Ball that was approved at the WPA General Assembly in December, 1999 (after a six-year moratorium on rules changes) was stated as follows:

4.9 Open Table

(Defined) The table is "open" when the choice of groups (stripes or solids) has not yet been determined. When the table is open, it is legal to hit a solid first to make a stripe or vice-versa. Note: The table is always open immediately after the break shot. When the table is open, it is legal to hit any solid or stripe or the 8-ball first in the process of pocketing the called stripe or solid. However, when the table is open and the 8-ball is the first ball contacted, it is a foul and no stripe or solid may be scored in favor of the shooter. The shooter loses his turn; any balls pocketed remain pocketed; and the incoming player addresses the balls with the table still open. On an open table, all illegally pocketed balls remain pocketed."

The intent of the new WPA/BCA is to make the shot a foul if the first object ball contacted when the table is "open" is the 8-ball. By reading the above rule, which now appears in the 2000 BCA Rulebook and the 2000/2001 BCA League Players Handbook the league players will receive this year, the rule is contradictory and confusing.

At its July board meeting in Cardiff, Wales, the WPA corrected the wording of the rule so that it now is clear in its objective. The new wording includes:

1). Taking out the words "or the 8-ball" in the fourth sentence
2). and adding a clause to the sixth sentence so that it now reads:
"...loses his turn; the incoming player is awarded cue ball in hand; any balls pocketed..."

The new rule now reads:

4.9 Open Table

(Defined) The table is "open" when the choice of groups (stripes or solids) has not yet been determined. When the table is open, it is legal to hit a solid first to make a stripe or vice-versa. Note: The table is always open immediately after the break shot. When the table is open, it is legal to hit any solid or stripe first in the process of pocketing the called stripe or solid. However, when the table is open and the 8-ball is the first ball contacted, it is a foul and no stripe or solid may be scored in favor of the shooter. The shooter loses his turn; the incoming player is awarded cue ball in hand; any balls pocketed remain pocketed; and the incoming player addresses the balls with the table still open. On an open table, all illegally pocketed balls remain pocketed."

This should now help you clarify any confusion from players questioning the wording as it appears in the 2000 BCA rulebooks and league player handbooks until the next editions.

- John Lewis, League & Program Director