I just want to remind everyone that fouls must be called and acknowledged before a player is awarded ball in hand. The exception is a cue ball scratch or a cue ball landing and remaining off the table. Please be sure to communicate clearly with your opponent when calling and/or acknowledging a foul.
ACS Rule 1.23 FOULS NOT CALLED
Any foul not called before the next stroke is taken is considered to have not occurred. The failure to call a foul on any previous shot does not restrict the ability to call a similar foul on any future shot.
Scenario with Multiple Fouls
Situation: Player A commits a foul during their shot. Player B approaches the table to take ball-in-hand and picks up the cue ball without calling the foul or having the foul acknowledged by Player A. Player A calls a foul on Player B for disturbing the cue ball.
Ruling: Foul on Player B under Rule 1.33 (7a) & Rule 1.23
Discussion: Any foul not called and acknowledged before the next stroke is considered to have not occurred. Player B’s foul occurred when Player B disturbed the Cue Ball. In general, if one or more fouls is committed by each player during the same shot, the last foul overrides the earlier fouls and is the only foul enforced.
Do not ignore the player calling a foul!
It is considered unsportsmanlike conduct to purposely ignore your opponent to try and trap them into fouling when they call a foul against you.
Have Open and Friendly Communication
I want to remind everyone this is not just a competitive league, it is a league that facilitates good times with other pool players. This is why so many players love to shoot in our league! Good sportsmanship lies at the heart of any endeavor involving competition. We encourage you to dedicate yourself to open and friendly communication during your match.
For those about to rack, I salute you!….Jeff Brooks, President of Sarasota ACS Pool League.
