CSI Rules

RULEBOOK

  • Ever since Billiards Congress of America (BCA) sold its pool league interests to Mark Griffin at Cue Sports International (CSI) in 2004, there has been regular confusion re: BCA vs. BCAPL rules.

    The former are the original rules the Congress created. Today, if you search for these rules, you get a BCA page that refers you to the World Pool Association (because BCA is no longer in the league business). You’re asked to follow the “World-Standardized Rules.” The latter are the rules CSI uses in its BCAPL and USAPL pool leagues. CSI made a substantial commitment in creating the most complete and intentional rulebook the amateur game has seen, and that continues to evolve through its applied rulings section, plus current topics like sharking, delayed progress (a subset of slow play), and more.

    To resolve any confusion, links to the two sets of rules are below. The latter (CSI Rules) are the ones actively being used by sanctioned BCAPL leagues around the globe.

    Billiard Congress of America (BCA)
    Cue Sports International (BCAPL)

  • The following was featured on AZ Billiards in 2014 as a simple resource to players re: understanding key differences in rules, APA vs. BCAPL.

    Call Shots

    BCAPL: Yes, call shot (simply “ball and pocket,” not every aspect of he shot).
    APA: No, slop counts — except the 8 ball, which must be marked.

    8 Pocketed on Break, no Cue Ball Scratch

    BCAPL: Shooter has the option to spot the 8Ball and accept the position of the cue ball where it currently rests, or re-rack the balls and break. Racks aren’t won on slop.
    APA: Shooter wins the rack.

    8 Pocketed on Break with the Addition of a Cue Ball Scratch

    BCAPL: Shooter’s inning ends. Opponent has the option to spot the 8Ball and take ball-in-hand anywhere on the table, or re-rack the balls and break.
    APA: Shooter loses the rack (this rule applies regardless of whether the 8-ball was pocketed during the break or at a later point in the rack). 

    “In-game” Cue Ball Scratch on the 8 (the closing shot, after the break)

    BCAPL: If the shooter also pockets the 8, then it’s a loss. If the 8 isn’t pocketed, then it’s simply ball-in-hand for the opposing player.
    APA: Shooter loses the rack.

    Pocket Ball on the Break

    BCAPL: The table remains open, and you can shoot any ball to establish suit.
    APA: You have to shoot the suit you make (e.g., pocket a solid, shoot solids).

    Jump Cues

    BCAPL: Yes.
    APA: No.

    Legal Break

    BCA: If you don't push four balls to a rail, then it's a foul. Incoming player re-racks the balls and takes the break, or allow the original breaker to try again.
    APA: If a ball isn’t pocketed and four balls (not counting the cue ball) don't touch a rail, then it’s a re-rack. Repeat until there's a legal break or the breaker fouls, at which time the other player breaks. No limit.

    Scratch on Break

    BCAPL: Ball in hand, anywhere on the table.
    APA: Opponent shoots from “the kitchen” (the area behind the break line).

    Ball off the Table

    BCAPL: It’s a foul and doesn't get spotted (unless it's the 9Ball or 10Ball in those rotation games). 8Ball off the table is a loss in 8Ball.
    APA: Spot the ball, no foul.

    Accidentally Move a Single Object Ball (Hand or Stick)

    BCAPL: Your opponent has the option to leave it in its current position or return it to its previous position. The shooter shouldn’t grab for the disturbed object ball. Moving it back without communication with your opponent is a foul.
    APA: Ball must be moved back by your opponent to the original position. The ball may remain in its current position only if the moved ball contacts the cue ball, which is a ball-in-hand foul.

    Touching an Object Ball

    BCA: It isn’t a foul if you accidentally touch or disturb a single stationary object ball with any part of your body, clothing or equipment —unless the disturbed ball has an effect on the outcome of the shot.
    APA: It isn’t a foul. However, if you accidentally move any other balls during your turn at the table (including the 8Ball), and it in turn comes in contact with the cue ball, then it’s a foul.

    "Effect on the outcome of the shot" means that either the disturbed ball makes contact with any ball set in motion as a result of the shot, or that the base of any ball set in motion as a result of the shot passes through the area originally occupied by the disturbed ball. That area is defined as a circle approximately seven inches in diameter centered on the position originally occupied by the disturbed ball.

    It is also a foul (or worse) as you disturb additional balls in BCAPL: 1) if you disturb the cue ball; 2) if you disturb more than one object ball; 3) if a disturbed ball contacts any other ball; 4) if you disturb a ball that is in motion; 5) If the game-winning ball is disturbed in conjunction with a violation of (1) through (4) and falls into a pocket, then it’s loss of game.

    Call Safe on Pocketed Ball

    BCA: Yes, and your opponent must shoot next.
    APA: No.

    Practice During Match

    BCA: No, it’s a foul if you practice at any time during your match, including during timeouts and periods of suspended play.
    APA: Yes.

    Object Ball on Floor

    BCAPL: An object ball knocked on the floor is a foul and the ball(s) stay down.
    APA: It isn’t a foul unless the shooter fouled in some other fashion. The balls would be immediately spotted unless the shooter also pocketed one of their object balls at the same time. In that case, the ball is NOT spotted until — they miss, or if the ball knocked off the table is their suit, until they have shot all of their other object balls. It is then spotted and they continue their turn at the table.

    Judging Whether the Cue Ball or an Object Ball Can Fit Through a Gap

    BCAPL: Shooter may only use only vision to judge whether the cue ball or an object ball would fit through a gap, or to judge what ball the cue ball would contact first. You may not use any ball, cue, rack, or any other equipment or other part of your body as a width-measuring device.
    APA: The shooter may measure the distance with part of body or equipment. Shooter can also remove a dropped ball and check if ball fits in gap. It would not be a foul if object ball is moved, it must be moved back before shooting.

    Here’s an additional Reddit thread on the topic, if you’d like to see other takes on these rules differences and more.

  • VNEA and BCAPL have practically identical rules.

    TAP rules mostly mirror BCAPL rules, but with the following exceptions:

    8 Pocketed on Break, with no Cue Ball Scratch

    BCAPL: Shooter has the option to spot the 8Ball and accept the position of the cue ball where it currently rests, or re-rack the balls and break.
    TAP: Shooter wins the rack.

    8 Pocketed on Break with the Addition of a Cue Ball Scratch

    BCAPL: Shooter’s inning ends. Opponent has the option to spot the 8Ball and take ball in hand anywhere on the table, or re-rack the balls and break.
    TAP: Shooter loses the rack (this rule applies regardless of whether the 8-ball was pocketed during the break or at a later point in the rack). 

    “In-game” Cue Ball Scratch on the 8 (the closing shot, after the break)

    BCAPL: If the shooter also pockets the 8, then it’s a loss. If the 8 isn’t pocketed, then it’s simply ball in hand for the opposing player.
    TAP: Shooter loses the rack.

  • Rulebooks are crucial in sports and designed to foster fair play. They provide a framework for competition, outlining what is and isn't allowed. They promote a structured and predictable environment for athletes and spectators alike.

    FAIR PLAY

    Rules level the playing field, ensuring that all participants adhere to the same standards, which advances a sense of fairness and equal opportunity.

    SAFETY

    While not a key reason for rules in billiards, rules are often designed to minimize the risk of injury.

    CLARITY + STRUCTURE

    Rulebooks provide a clear understanding of how a game is played. This includes scoring, time limits, and acceptable behavior.

    DIFFERENTIATION

    Specific rules distinguish one sport from another, defining the unique characteristics and gameplay of each.

    ACCOUNTABILITY

    Rules provide a basis for organizers and officials to make decisions and enforce penalties, promoting accountability and sportsmanship.

    PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

    Understanding and following rules helps athletes develop strategic thinking and learn to adapt to different game situations.

    RESPECT FOR THE GAME

    Adhering to the rules demonstrates respect for the sport: its players, its fans, its sponsors, and its officials.

  • When rules are abused in sports, the first thought most have is that it promotes illegitimate success and champions. However, other negative consequences arise. These include the degradation of overall sporting values, potential injury to athletes, and a decrease in the enjoyment and general respect of the sport. Furthermore, athletes themselves may experience emotional distress and psychological harm, affecting their well-being and potentially leading them to leave the sport. This is perhaps the worst and most lasting outcome.

    Here's a more detailed look at the likely consequences when rules are allowed to be manipulated are avoided:

    EROSION OF SPORTING VALUES

    Abuse of rules undermines the principles of fair play, respect for opponents, and adherence to the spirit of the game.

    This can lead to a decrease in the overall integrity of the sport and damage its reputation.

    RISK OF PHYSICAL INJURY

    Though not a common concern in billiards, certain rule violations can put athletes at risk of serious injury.

    Furthermore, emotional and psychological abuse can have long-lasting effects on an athlete's mental health.

    DIMINISHED EXPERIENCE

    Abuse of rules creates a negative atmosphere and discourages fans and players from enjoying the sport.

    When athletes are seen to prioritize winning at all costs, rather than playing fairly and respecting the rules, it can easily damage the sport's appeal.

    PSYCHOLOGICAL + EMOTIONAL HARM

    Athletes who are subjected to abuse, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, often experience a range of negative psychological effects. These include low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.

    These effects can negatively impact their performance, relationships, and overall well-being.

    POTENTIAL FOR REPORTING + INVESTIGATION

    Organizations like the U.S. Center for SafeSport and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) are responsible for investigating and addressing reports of abuse in sports.

    They have the power to impose sanctions, including bans and suspensions, on those who violate their codes of conduct.

    SOCIETAL IMPACT

    Abuse in sports can have broader societal implications, as it can normalize harmful behaviors and send a message that winning is more important than fairness and respect.

    This can have lasting negative consequences for the sport and for society as a whole.

  • From pages 38-9 of the CSI Rulebook:

    “You must not commit any act that is unsportsmanlike in nature. This includes, but is not limited to: actions that are embarrassing, disruptive, or detrimental to other players, spectators, referees, event officials, or the sport in general, or any act that makes a travesty of the game. Offering to gamble with opponents or spectators during your match is specifically defined as unsportsmanlike conduct.

    You are responsible for your actions at all times while you are present at the event venue, whether playing or not.

    You may be penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct with or without warning. Penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct are at the discretion of the referee or other designated event officials, and may vary based upon the referee’s or event official’s judgment of the severity and nature of the unsportsmanlike act. A player’s pattern of behavior from prior events may also be considered.

    A foul with a specified progression of penalties may have a more serious penalty applied early in the progression if it is committed willfully or in an unsportsmanlike manner, or if it is committed intentionally in consecutive matches.

    Unsportsmanlike conduct warnings and penalties carry forward and are cumulative during the entire event.

    Disqualification from any CSI event for unsportsmanlike conduct will result in forfeiture of any prize money, trophy, or award won by that player or team. In addition, any championship recognition will not be entered in the official records of the event.”

See something? SAY SOMETHING!

Common sense and human decency should always prevail when rules are actively broken. Passivity in the face of rules violations prolongs bad behavior. It escalates matters by breeding future manipulation. We can’t be present in all places, at all times. Rest assured we’re mindful, listening, and concerned about integrity.