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Welcome to this issue of “Off the Break”. The magazine for the USA Pool League Player. The USAPL is a nationally structured handicapped league designed to accommodate all players from the beginner to the advanced. Whether you are a beginner just looking to have fun with friends or a top amateur looking to win your way to the USAPL National Championships, this is the league for you. Also, there is no annual membership. You read right...membership is FREE! The USAPL uses Online League Management Software. This is a “real-time” state of the art pool league management system that all USAPL members can access 24/7. All USAPL players can view team standings, MVP point standings, schedules, rosters, every match score sheet from every match ever played, player histories and stats,….plus much more. LeagueSys is interfaced with the Fairplay handicap system and player’s ratings will be updated and changed as soon as that week’s score sheets are entered. So what will you find inside? Inside each issue you’ll find pictures of local and distant league players. We’ll spotlight one player per issue on our “Player of the Month” page. It could be you! You’ll find articles and pictures covering league playoffs, instructional tips, player appreciation parties and so much more. With our Q & A page, we’ll answer your questions on rules, techniques and playing strategies. So turn the page, check out and enjoy the contents and give us your feedback.
Thank you! Jeff Gardner / Editor Owner - Eastern New England USA Pool League
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The USA Pool League (USAPL) is designed to provide every player the utmost fun and excitement. By using the proven Fairplay handicap system, the USAPL provides an even playing field for players of all skill levels. Players compete weekly in a fair and fun format for cash, prizes, and a chance to play in post-season events culminating in the USAPL National Championships. The proprietary Fairplay handicap system uses a mathematical formula based on simple game statistics to calculate player ratings. It provides the most accurate player ratings and has a success rate of more than 70% of matches ending in a hill-hill conclusion. Each new player receives a temporary rating until he or she completes three (3) matches, after which players receive a national rating based on the Fairplay formula. Player statistics, team standings, and league records are managed by our web-based league management system - LeagueSys. LeagueSys is provided at no charge and is available at any time for League Managers or players to review their league information. Team play consists of three (3), four (4), or five (5) players competing in a head-to-head format. After being selected by the team captains, players meet in a one-onone race to their rating. The match continues until all players have completed their sets. Every shot counts because bonus points are awarded based on the margin of victory. Http://www.playcsipool.com/usapl-rules.html 4 | Off The Break Magazine
Eastern New England USAPL
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Welcome to the Las Vegas edition of ‘Off the Break’ pool magazine! The pool magazine for the USA pool player. This edition covers the 5th Annual USA Pool League (USAPL) National Championships. This year events included 8-ball singles and team events, 9-ball singles and a women’s 3-player team 8-ball event. The USAPL has shown very strong growth over the last several years and is now present in 25 states. Our presence on social media has also expanded, with over 36,000 likes on Facebook. Thank you, Roy Pastor, owner of the New England USA Pool League, for all your help in bringing the USA Pool League Facebook page to a new level! The National Championships were held at the all-suite Rio Hotel in wonderful Las Vegas, Nevada. Between 8-ball, 9-ball, singles and mini mania tournaments, everyone had an amazing time. Congratulations to all the winners and we’ll be looking forward to seeing you at the 2016 USA Pool League National Championships next year! A SPECIAL ‘THANK YOU!’ to this year’s photographers for helping out and donating so much time and energy to make this issue a great success! Photos by Roy Pastor. Steve Booth, Linda Utley Harrington and Jeff Gardner
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NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
2015
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8 Ball 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Teams
1st Place Dead Stroke from Oklahoma
2nd Place Moose Knuckles from Connecticut
3rd Place Chalk is Cheap from New Hampshire
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9 Ball 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Teams
1st Place Deep Pockets- Massachusetts
2nd Place Still Strokin - Louisiana
3rd Place 10 Pointers - Massachusetts
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8 Ball Woman’s Teams
1st Place Magic Racks - Ayer Massachusetts
2nd Place Just for Fun - Manchester, New Hampshire
3rd Place Sassy Strokes - New Hampshire
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SINGLES WINNERS Tier 1 1st Place Geoffry Quezada - Colorado (LEFT)
2nd Place James Aston - New Mexico (BELOW)
3rd Place George Specht Jr.- Nevada - no pic available
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SINGLES WINNERS Tier 2 1st Place Shawn Smith Oklahoma
2nd Place Cheryl Kraft - Nevada
3rd Place Sam Fitzgerald - Nevada - no pic available
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SINGLES 9 BALL WINNERS 1st Place
Geoffry Quezada - Colorado - no pic available
2nd Place Jimmy Doyle - Florida - no pic available
3rd Place Jeff Himes - Colorado - no pic available
MORE PIC’S FROM THE 2015 USAPL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
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10 Reasons to Join the USA Pool League! Why is Eastern New England USA Pool the league for you and your friends? 1. It is FREE to join the USAPL. 2. Teams and individuals are eligible to win trophies, cash and participate in the USAPL National Championships, held in Las Vegas alongside the BCAPL Nationals. 3. Tired of playing on Father’s Day, Mother’s day, Memorial Day and other holidays? The USAPL has more flexibility in scheduling, team structure and events. 4. Can’t get a hold of your League operator or division rep but have an issue on league night? A representative of the Eastern New England USA Pool league will be on-call during league nights to answer questions and respond to concerns as they arise. 5. The “Fairplay” handicap system ensures that all players, from the beginner to the experienced will be able to have fun and compete each and every week. 6. Players are able to go on-line 24/7 to view individual and team stats. 7. No need to break up teams because of a numerical limit. Both USAPL players and teams are subject to handicaps, allowing all teams to compete fairly regardless of team makeup. Stay with your friends and make league night your night! 8. The USAPL uses rules designed to help the player improve while having fun. BCA rules apply. Play the games the pros play. 9. 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, One-Pocket and Straight Pool formats are offered. Additionally, the USAPL has 3, 4 and 5 person team formats. With only three or four player match formats, be home in time to take care of your “life” needs without sacrificing your night out with friends. 10. Eastern New England USA Pool League members will be offered FREE “clinics” taught by BCA accredited Instructors during the first two sessions of play.
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General Rules Lag Each player begins with a ball in hand behind the head string on either side of the long string. Players shoot approximately the same time. Each player’s ball must strike the foot cushion and return towards the head rail. The player whose ball lands closest to the head rail wins the lag. The winner of the lag can choose to break or can require their opponent to break. The winner of each rack has the break on the subsequent rack. A player will lose the lag if their ball: Hits a side cushion; is pocketed or jumps off the table; crosses the long string.
Racking You must rack for yourself when breaking. The balls should be racked as tightly as possible. Your opponent may inspect the rack and require a re-rack if not satisfied.
Except for the break, the shooter must call the intended object ball and intended pocket before the shot is made. This is a “Gentleman’s Call Pocket” game. The shooter is not required to call obvious shots, even if shooting the 8-ball, 9-ball or 10-ball. If the called object ball falls into the called pocket, it is a legal shot even if the object ball unintentionally contacts another ball or a cushion prior to going into the pocket. As a general rule, bank shots and combination shots should be called as they may not be obvious to one’s opponent. If an object ball goes into an unintended pocket, the ball stays in the pocket and the shooter’s turn is ended. Although the game of 9-ball is a “Slop” game, We require that the 9-ball be called in order to win a game. Otherwise, 9-ball will be played according to the Rules of the USAPL and the BCAPL.
Legal shot For a shot to be legal, the cue ball must first strike a legal ball (as determined by the game being played) and, after contact:
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1. A ball must be pocketed, or
Jump shots and Masses
2. Any object ball or the cue ball must strike a cushion.
Jump shots and jump cues are permitted unless otherwise prohibited by the “house rules” of the host establishment. All jump shots must be legal by striking down on the cue ball. “Scooping” the cue ball is illegal and will result in a foul.
Coaching 1. Players in the MASTER DIVISIONS will have one time out per match. 2. Any player that has not yet played three matches and established a skill level rating may have two time outs per rack. 3. Players with a skill level of 35 and below may have two time outs per rack 4. Players with a skill level of 36-59 may have one time out per rack 5. Players with a skill level rating of 60 and above may have a total of three time outs per match Time outs should not exceed 60 seconds. A time out may be called by the shooter or anyone on the shooter’s team roster and it must be acknowledged by the shooter’s opponent. Once a time out is called, the shooter will name the member of his/ her team to act as coach and only that coach may confer with the shooter. No other player may offer advice to the shooter or to the coach. The coach may point to and touch the table but may not mark the table or the rail in any way and must not touch the cue ball or an object ball. The coach must leave the table area before the shot is made.
Safeties A safety must be called by the shooter prior to making the shot. If a safety is called in 8-ball and a legal object ball falls into a pocket during the safety, the object ball stays in the pocket and the shooter’s turn is ended. If a safety is called in 10-ball and an object ball falls into a pocket then the shooter’s opponent has the option of returning the shot to the shooter or taking the shot him or herself. Calling a safety in 9-ball (except when shooting the 9 ball) has no effect on the validity of the shot. It affects only the determination of the shot as a “missed shot”.
Split hits A split hit occurs when the cue ball strikes both a legal and an illegal object ball at the same time. If the referee (or the shooter in the absence of a referee) can not tell which ball is struck first, it is a legal hit.
Unsportsmanlike conduct The USA Pool League (USAPL) has been designed to provide every player the utmost fun and excitement from their pool league experience. By using the proven “Fairplay” handicap system, the league provides an even playing field for all players. Weekly competition between players of diverse skill levels is fun and fair as they compete for cash, prizes, and a chance to play in post-season events culminating in an exciting National Championship Tournament. Inappropriate and unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated. This behavior includes, but is not limited to actions that are embarrassing, disruptive, or detrimental to other players, spectators, officials, referees or the sport in general. Players may be penalized for such behavior with or without warning. Penalties may include a warning, loss of game, loss of match, suspension from league play or disqualification from future league play.
Ball in hand fouls If a player commits a foul, his/her opponent will begin their turn with ball in hand anywhere on the table. The following acts are ball in hand fouls:
1. Failure to complete a legal hit. 2. Violation of the rules on coaching. 3. Scratching with the cue ball. This includes not only the situation where the cue ball falls into a pocket, but also when the player accidentally
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touches or moves the cue ball other than with the tip of the cue in a stroking motion or when the player touches an object ball with his/her hand and is also holding the cue ball. 4. It is a foul if you cause any ball to be jumped off the table. 5. It is a foul if you strike the cue ball more than once with the cue. This is known as a double hit and commonly occurs when the cue ball and target object ball are very close together or touching each other. 6. It is a foul if the player shoots while any balls are still in motion from the previous shot. A spinning ball is a ball in motion. 7. It is a foul if the shooter or his/her coach marks the table or rail in any way to aid in the execution of the shot. This includes placing chaulk on the rail to provide an aiming target for the shooter. 8. It a foul if the shooter disturbs more than one object ball or a disturbed object ball touches any other ball. The opponent does not have the option to restore the balls to the previously undisturbed position.
Disturbed object ball It is not a foul if the shooter accidentally touches or disturbs a single object ball with any part of the body, clothing or equipment (Unless the shooter is holding the cue ball, in a ball in hand situation, or the object ball touches another ball after being disturbed). The opponent has the option of leaving the disturbed object ball where it is or restoring it to its previous undisturbed position.
Calling a foul A foul may only be called by a player playing in a game or a referee (BCAPL Rule 1-23). In Higher Level play (Playoffs and in Nationals) a violation of this rule is itself a foul. See BCAPL rule 1-41. However, during normal weekly league play, a foul called by someone other than a player playing in a game or a referee may result in a Sportsmanship Violation.
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Repeated intentional violations may result in sanctions including, but not limited to loss of a rack or a match.
Rules suspended or modified for weekly league play The USA Pool League is, above everything else, a recreational league. While there are plenty of opportunities to compete on the local, regional and national level, the primary purpose of the league is to create an atmosphere of fun and fellowship. In that spirit, there are some rules which, while perhaps appropriate for a regional or national tournament, will be modified or suspended during normal weekly league play. The following rules will be so modified:
BCAPL rule 1.3 makes it a ball in hand foul for any player to use a cell phone, electronic devise or earpieces of any kind. The purpose of this rule is to avoid unauthorized communication, and presumably coaching, between the player and his or her teammates. This rule is suspended for weekly league play. However, use of a cell phone or electronic device by a player during a match which delays a match could be considered a sportsmanship violation. BCAPL rule 1.8 makes it a ball in hand foul if the player or any of his or her teammate’s practice while a match is in progress. This rule is suspended for weekly league play. Members of a team who are not involved in a match are encouraged to practice and enjoy the evening. Players who are involved in an active match may be committing a sportsmanship violation if their actions unreasonably delay the match.
Eastern New England USAPL
Weekly Dues and Score Sheets Captains of each team are responsible to collect the weekly dues from the players and to send those dues to the League. Score sheets and dues should be forwarded to the league as soon as possible after the match is played. Team standings and individual handicaps cannot be updated unless the score sheets are received in a timely manner: 1. Score sheets may be sent in by US Mail, Fax or e-mail. Score sheets sent in by US Mail should be mailed no later than the day following the day the match was played. 2. Weekly team dues must be received prior to the next weeks scheduled matches. 3. eams that send in both score sheets and dues within the stated time frame will receive 100 bonus points. Teams will not receive the 100 point bonus if their dues are received after the divisions next scheduled week of matches.
must be pocketed or at least four object balls must contact a cushion.
1. If the shooter fails to pocket a ball or to drive four balls to a cushion then the opponent may: Rerack and take the break for him or herself or require the original shooter to rerack and rebreak. 2. If the original shooter, on the break, hits four balls to a cushion or pockets a ball but scratches or commits a another foul, then the opponent receives a ball in hand and any pocketed balls remain pocketed. 3. In all cases on the break, balls jumped off the table, other than the 8-ball, are not returned to the table except in the event of a re-rack.
8-ball on the break
8-Ball Rules
Pocketing the 8-ball on the break does not win the game. Conversely pocketing the 8-ball on the break and scratching is not a loss of game. If the shooter, on the break, pockets the 8-ball, he/she has the option of either spotting the 8-ball and continuing with the their turn or re-racking the balls and breaking again. If the shooter pockets the 8-ball on the break and commits a foul then the opponent has the option of either having the 8-ball spotted and taking a ball in hand or re-racking and taking the break.
The rack
Table open after break
The rack should be placed so that the apex ball rests on the foot spot. The 8-ball must be placed in the middle of the triangle and the remaining balls should be placed randomly except that that the ball at each rear corner of the rack must be from a different group (stripes or solids) from the ball located at the opposite corner.
The table is always open after the break even if the shooter pockets one or more balls. Groups are established when the shooter pockets a ball of one category on a shot after the break.
4. Teams must be up to date on all weekly dues to qualify for playoffs, wild card selection or any higher level tournament.
Break requirements The incoming breaker/shooter must place the cue ball behind the head string. There is no requirement to call a ball on the break or to strike any particular ball first. For a legal break to occur an object ball
Loss of game It is a loss of game when: • The 8-ball is illegally pocketed, i.e.- the shooter calls a safety but sinks the 8-ball, the 8-ball is pocketed before all the balls in the players category, the shooter pockets the 8-ball on a shot that is not obvious and did not call the shot.
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• The 8-ball is jumped off the table, except on the break.
and the opponent comes to the table with a ball in hand.
• The 8-ball is pocketed and the shooter disturbs the cue ball, disturbs a ball in motion, disturbs more than one object ball or the disturbed object ball strikes another ball.
Push out
• The shooter scratches on the 8-ball only if the 8-ball is pocketed as well as the cue ball. If the shooter scratches on the 8-ball but the 8-ball is not pocketed the inning ends and the opponent comes to the table with a ball in hand.
9-Ball Rules The rack The 1-ball must be placed at the apex of the triangle and on the foot spot. The 9-ball must be placed in the center of the rack. All other balls are placed at random.
Break requirements The shooter must place the cue ball behind the head string. The cue ball must contact the 1-ball first. After striking the 1-ball an object ball must be pocketed or at least four balls must strike a cushion. If the shooter fails to hit the 1-ball first or does not pocket a ball or does not cause at least 4-balls to strike a cushion, then the balls must be re racked. The opponent has the option of taking the break or having the shooter break again.
If no foul occurs on the break then the player taking the first shot after the break has the option to “Push”. On a push out: 1. The shooter must first announce to the opponent that a push out is being shot and the opponent must acknowledge the announcement. 2. The cue ball does not have to strike the lowest numbered object ball first or any object ball at all. The cue ball also is not required to hit a cushion or to cause any ball to strike a cushion. 3. All other rules and fouls apply. 4. After a push shot is taken, the opponent has the option of accepting the table position and shooting or requiring the original shooter to shoot again with the table in its current position.
Three foul rule A rack may be won if the player’s opponent commits three consecutive fouls and the opponent is advised, prior to making the third foul, that he/ she has just committed two consecutive fouls. If the shooter commits three consecutive fouls, after receiving a warning prior to the third foul, then the rack ends and the game points are awarded to the opponent. Please remember that a scratch or a foul on the break counts as “one” foul for purposes of the three foul rule.
Jumped balls Balls that are caused to be jumped off the table are not returned to the table, except for the 9-ball. If the 9-ball is jumped off the table it is returned and spotted.
10-Ball Rules
9-ball on the break
Racking
Legally pocketing the 9-ball on the break does not win the rack. The 9-ball is spotted. The shooter will continue his/her turn even if the 9-ball is the only ball pocketed. If the 9-ball is pocketed on the break and a foul is committed, then the 9-ball is spotted
The 10-ball rack appears in a triangle shape, using balls numbered 1-10. It is racked like an 8-ball rack without the last row of five balls. The One-ball is placed at the apex of the triangle on the foot spot. The 10-ball is placed in the middle and the 2-ball and
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10-Ball rules are exactly the same as 9-ball except for the following:
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the 3-ball are placed in the corners at the base of the triangle. The 2-ball and the 3-ball may be placed in either of the corners.
10-ball is a call pocket game Please refer to the General Rule Summary at the beginning of this document for the definition of “Call Pocket”. Any ball not legally pocketed is a “Dead Ball” and no point is awarded to the shooter.
Illegally pocketed ball In the event that a ball is pocketed illegally then the shooter’s opponent has the option of taking the shot or retuning it to the original shooter. In the event that a ball is pocketed illegally and there is also a foul committed by the shooter then the opponent must take the shot (with a ball in hand) and does not have the option of returning the shot to the original shooter.
Safety If the shooter calls a safety and then pockets a ball, the Illegally pocketed ball rule above applies.
Division Playoffs To qualify for end of the session playoffs, a player must meet the following criteria:
A player should have an established skill level A player is considered to have an established skill level after having played six (6) times in the USA Pool League in the game being played in the playoffs. For instance, a player must have played at least 6 times in 8-ball if it is a 8-ball playoff. The purpose of this rule is simply to attempt to have players play with a skill level that at least approaches an accurate rating.
Minimum team play A player must have played at least four (4) times on a team to be allowed to play on that team during the playoff tournament. Because a player may “Sub” on more than one team during the session, this rule is meant to assure that a player is really
“Part” of the playoff team.
Vegas National Tournament Requirements “Go to Vegas” tournaments A team may qualify to compete in the New England USAPL “Go to Vegas” tournament in either the Summer, Fall or Spring Sessions. However, the qualifying team will Play in the “Go to Vegas” Tournament using its Spring Roster.
Spring Roster There must be at least three “Original” members of the qualifying team on the spring roster to qualify to play in the Vegas tournament.
Vegas Winning Team In the event a team wins a trip to Play in Las Vegas for the USAPL Nationals, It may supplement its roster (up to the predetermined team limit) by adding up to two players, from any team, in its respective division. However, a team may not intentionally exclude any member of its own spring roster team who is available and willing to attend the National Competition. Only in the event that a team member is unable or unwilling to attend, may the team supplement their roster from elsewhere in the division.
USAPL National Play Requirements In order to compete in the USAPL National Vegas Competition, a player must have played either eight (8) matches, in the appropriate game format, in the same division and in the same session. At least three players on the team must be “original” members of that team. Those three players must qualify in the same session and the same team to be considered original team members. The National tournament is held in July and the league year runs from June 1st to May 31st of each year.
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