The game is known as Eight-Ball
Pool. It is expected that players will always play the game in the true spirit
and in a sporting manner. The referee will take whatever action is necessary to
ensure that the spirit and rules of the game are observed.
Equipment
The game of Eight-Ball Pool
is played with:-
A "Cue Ball" - being
a white ball.
Fifteen "Object balls"
- consisting of:-
"Colours" - being
a group of seven red balls (or balls numbered 1-7) and a group of seven
yellow balls (or balls numbered 9-15).
The "Eight-Ball"
- being a black ball marked with a number "8".
A six pocket rectangular
Pool Table with general characteristics as follows:
The cloth will be
marked with a "Spot" at the position where a straight line drawn diagonally
from the centre of a side pocket to the centre of a corner pocket would
intersect with a straight line drawn from the centre of the opposite side
pocket to the centre of the other corner pocket.
The cloth will be
marked with a "Baulk Line" being a straight line drawn from cushion to
cushion, parallel to, and one fifth of the length of the table from, the
face of the cushion that lies the greatest distance from the spot.
Definitions
Shot: A "Shot" begins
when all balls stop moving from the previous shot. A player "Plays a Shot"
by striking the Cue Ball with the tip of the cue. A "Shot" ends when all balls
stop moving from the current shot.
Play: To "Play" and Object
Ball is to play a shot that results in the Cue Ball's first contact with another
ball to be with that Object Ball. To "Play" the cue ball is to strike it with
the tip of the cue.
Ball On: At any time
during a frame, a ball "On" is any Object Ball that the player may play without
incurring a penalty.
Pot: A ball is "Potted"
when it leaves the bed of the table, enters a pocket and remains in that pocket.
Visit: A "Visit" comprises
one shot or a series of shots. Each visit lasts until the player fails to
pot a ball "On". (Or until a foul is committed or the frame ends).
Turn: A players "Turn"
at the table comprises one visit or, after most fouls committed by the opponent,
two visits.
Frame: A "Frame" is one
game of Eight-Ball Pool between two players or two pairs of players. A frame
is played from the opening break and usually through until the Eight-Ball
is potted. (Note: there are other ways that a frame may end - see "Loss
of Frame").
Match: A "Match" is a
predetermined number of frames of Eight-Ball Pool between two players, two
pairs of players or two teams of players.
Player in Control: A
player (and the player's partner in doubles) is deemed to be "In Control"
of the frame from the time that the balls stop moving from the final shot
of an opponent's turn until the balls stop moving from the final shot of the
player's turn. There can be no instance, once a frame has commenced, that
someone is not in control.
Object
of the Game
The object of the game
is to win by being the first player to Pot a group of colours in any order
and in any pocket and the Pot the Eight-Ball in any pocket.
When "On" a group of
colours, potting more than one ball of that Colour in the same shot is allowed.
But a separate shot must be played to pot the Eight-Ball and win the game.
Playing
from Baulk
"Baulk" is the rectangular
area of the table that is bordered by the Baulk Line and the three cushions
at that end of the table.
When playing from Baulk:-
The centre point
of the Cue Ball must be in Baulk when a shot is played. If the centre
of the Cue Ball is directly on the Baulk Line it is not deemed to be in
Baulk.
The Cue Ball can
be moved into position by hand or with the shaft of the cue, but when
touched by the tip of the cue, a shot is deemed to have been played.
The Cue Ball may
be played in any direction.
After an "In
Off" the referee will recover the Cue Ball and hand it to the incoming
player or place it on top of, and in the centre of, the cushion at
the Baulk end of the table for the player to retrieve by hand.
If a player wishes
to play from Baulk after a "Foul Snooker", "Foul Jaw Snooker", or
"Time Foul" the player must verbally advise the referee of this choice
and the referee will then recover the Cue Ball and hand it to the
player or place it on top of, and in the centre of, the cushion at
the Baulk end of the table for the player to retrieve by hand. If
the player touches or recovers the Cue Ball it is a Standard Foul.
{see Standard Fouls (21)}.
After an "In Off","Foul
Snooker","Foul Jaw Snooker", or "Time Foul" the player must endeavour
to position the Cue Ball so as not to create a Foul Snooker. If the player
claims a Foul Snooker from Baulk, the referee may choose to move the Cue
Ball around to determine if there is any position in Baulk where the player
would not be Foul Snookered. Whether such a position is found or not,
the referee will announce the result and hand the Cue Ball back to the
player or place it on top of, and in the centre of, the cushion at the
Baulk end of the table for the player to retrieve by hand.
The Break
The object balls are
racked with the Eight-Ball on the Spot.
In the absence of any
competition / tournament rules to the contrary, a coin will be tossed to determine
which player will break. If a series of frames is to be played (A Match),
the break of each subsequent frame will alternate.
The first shot of a frame
is called the "Break". To "Break". the Cue Ball is played at the triangle
of Object Balls from Baulk. The frame is deemed to have commenced the instant
that the Cue Ball is played.
The Break will be
deemed a "Fair Break" if:-
At least one
Colour is potted.
and/or
Four Object Balls
(at least) are driven to a cushion.
If the Break is not
a Fair Break it is a Non-Standard Foul and:-
The opponent
is awarded two visits.
The balls are
re-racked.
The opponent
re-starts the game and is under the same obligation to achieve a Fair
Break.
If the Cue Ball
is potted on a Fair Break it is a Non-Standard Foul that is penalised
by the turn passing to the opponent.
If the break
is not a Fair Break and the Cue Ball is potted, the penalty for failure
to perform a Fair Break applies. (see (b) above).
If the Eight-Ball is
potted on any break, the balls are re-racked and the same player will break
again. When the Eight-Ball is potted on the break, all other aspects of the
shot are ignored. (Except if a Serious Foul or breech of the "Spirit of the
Game" occurs).
Legal
Shot
On all shots, the player
must:-
Cause the Cue Ball's
initial contact with a ball to be with a ball "On",
AND THEN
Pot a ball "On" OR
Cause the Cue
Ball or any Object Ball to contact a cushion.
Failure to play a Legal
Shot is a Standard Foul.
Exceptions:
On the Break, the
conditions of a Legal Shot do not apply. (see The Break)
When playing out
of a Total Snooker a player is only obliged to meet the conditions of
(1)(a) above. (see Total Snookers).
Interpretations:
If the Cue Ball's
initial contact is with an Object Ball that is touching a cushion, simply
forcing that Object Ball into the same cushion does not constitute a Legal
Shot.
If the Cue Ball and
the Object Ball are touching the same cushion, simply forcing the Cue
Ball and / or that Object Ball into the same cushion does not constitute
a Legal Shot.
Deciding
Colours
General
When Colours have
not been decided the table is deemed to be "Open". When the table is open
a player may play at either group of Colours.
Colours can never
be decided on a foul shot.
Once Colours are
decided, the player remains "On" that coloured group for the duration
of the frame. The opponent remains "On" the opposite coloured group.
Playing a shot after
neglecting to nominate a choice of Colours is a Standard Foul. Any balls
potted on such a shot are left in the pocket and ignored for the purpose
of deciding Colours.
On the Break
If no Colours are
potted on the break the table is "Open".
If one or more Colours
are potted on the break the player then has a right and obligation to
verbally advise the referee of a choice of Colour before proceeding. Failure
to do so is a Standard Foul. If a player is fouled under this rule the
opponent faces an "Open" table.
if the player
nominates a Colour that was potted on the break, the player is on
that Colour no matter what happens next.
if the player
nominates a Colour that was not potted on the break, to be on that
Colour, the player must pot a ball of that Colour on the next shot.
After the Break
If a player pots
one or more balls of the same Colour, the player is then "On" that Colour.
If a player pots
one or more balls of different Colours, the player then has a right and
obligation to verbally advise the referee of a choice of Colour before
proceeding. Failure to do so is a Standard Foul. If a player is fouled
under this rule, the opponent faces an "Open" table.
Time Allowed
A player has a maximum
of sixty seconds to play each shot.
The Referee will start
timing when all balls have come to rest from the previous shot.
If the first thirty seconds
elapses before a shot is played, the referee will call "Thirty Seconds Remaining"
as a warning to the player. This call must be made the instant the thirty
seconds has expired. A Referee should not postpone the call because it appears
that the player is about to play a shot.
If a shot is not played
within sixty seconds it is a Non-Standard Foul. The oncoming player is awarded
two visits from:-
Where the Cue Ball
lies, OR, if the player wishes
From Baulk
The referee may decide
to grant "Time Out". being a period when timing ceases:-
At the request of
a player. (For example, something is obstructing the player or the player
needs to leave the playing area.) AND/OR
Because the referee
deems that it is warranted. (For example, the referee may call time out
when making a close foul snooker decision or when searching for a piece
of equipment requested by a player.)
Fouls
There are four types of foul.
Standard Fouls, Non-Standard Fouls, Serious Fouls and Loss of Frame Fouls. A player
can only be penalised for one at a time. If two or more fouls are committed during
a shot, the foul that carries the most severe penalty will apply.
Standard
Fouls
Standard fouls are to be called
by the referee as soon as they occur and the fouled player immediately loses control
of the table. The referee then wards two visits to the opponent.
Potting an opponent's
ball. (except when it is the properly nominated ball following a Foul Snooker
or Foul Jaw Snooker)
Failing to cause the
Cue Ball's initial contact with a ball, to be with a ball "On".
Accidentally striking
the Cue Ball with any part of the cue other than the tip.
Accidentally striking
an Object Ball with any part of the cue.
Playing a shot before
all balls have come to rest from the previous shot.
Playing a shot before
any balls that require spotting, have been spotted.
Touching the table
while having a cigarette (lit or unlit) in hand or mouth.
Causing a cigarette
(lit or unlit) to touch the table or enter the space directly above the
table.
Touching the table
while having a beverage container in hand.
Causing a beverage
container or beverage to touch the table or enter the space directly above
the table.
Touching the table when
not in control of the frame. {see Definitions (9) - Player in
Control.} Exception - When a player's turn is finished, that player has
a maximum of 10 seconds to move away from the table. (see 11 below)
Not moving away from
the table within 10 seconds of the time that all balls stopped moving from
the final shot of a turn at the table.
Coaching:- During a frame,
a player is required to play without receiving any advice from other persons
relating to the playing of the frame. Should a team member or bona-fide supporter
of a player offer advice, the referee will issue a "First and Final Warning"
to that person that a repetition will result in the player being penalised
via a Standard Foul. Because it may not always be possible for the Referee
to hear if a statement made to a player is advice, the referee may issue the
First and Final Warning on the grounds that a ny statement made to a player,
other than general barracking, is deemed to be coaching. In a tournament setting,
a First and Final warning may be given once only, before the commencement
of the day's play as a block warning to all players and spectators
Leaving the playing area
without permission. If a player needs to leave the playing area during a frame
or match, "Time Out" must firstly be granted by the referee. {see
Time Allowed (5)}
Playing a shot after
neglecting to nominate a choice of Colour when the obligation and right to
do so existed. {see Deciding Colours (1)(e)}
Playing a push shot or
Double Hit of a type defined in (O) Push Shots and Double Hits.
Non-Standard Fouls are to be
called by the referee as soon as they occur and the fouled player immediately
loses control of the table. The referee will then impose the relevant penalty.
Non-Standard Fouls are so called because the penalty and / or options of the incoming
player may vary.
Serious Fouls are to be called
by the referee as soon as they occur and the fouled player immediately loses control
of the table. The referee will replace the balls as near as possible to the positions
they were in before the Serious Foul was committed and award two visits to the
opponent.
Playing a shot out of
turn (accidentally or deliberately). A player who plays a shot at any time
during a frame when the right to do so does not exist has played out of turn.
(For example, A player who plays a shot immediately after playing a foul or
immediately after the referee has called a foul on that player, has played
out of turn.)
Deliberately striking
a ball other than the Cue Ball with the tip of the cue.
Deliberately causing
any ball or balls to be moved in a manner other than that which may result
from playing a normal shot.
Deliberately striking
the Cue Ball with other than the tip of the cue.
Causing the Cue Ball
to jump over any ball. (If the Cue Ball leaves the bed of the table and misses
an Object Ball that would have been struck had the Cue Ball not left the table
on an otherwise identical shot, the Cue Ball is deemed to have jumped over
that Object Ball.)
Deliberately interfering,
by word or action, so as to disrupt an opponents play.
Loss of
Frame Fouls
Committing a foul in
the same shot that the Eight Ball is potted. (Except on the Break).
Potting the Eight Ball
when a ball or balls of the player's own Colour are still on the table. (except
on the Break)
Potting the Eight Ball
and the last ball or balls of the player's own Colour in the same shot
Committing two Serious
Fouls in the one frame.
Committing a Serious
Foul that disrupts the balls to such an extent that the referee deems it impossible
to replace them as close as possible to their original positions. (Exception
- a shot played out of turn accidentally. In this case the Referee will give
the opponent the choice of either playing the balls from where they lie or
replaying the frame. If the frame is replayed, the same player is to break
again.)
Any deliberate attempt
to prevent the opponent from potting the Eight Ball, when the opponent is
on the Eight Ball, by way of a Serious Foul or other unsporting manoeuvre.
If a player breeches
the "Spirit of the Game" to such an extent that the frame (or match) should
be awarded to the opponent.
Push Shots
and Double Hits
Definitions: Most shots
commonly known as "Push Shots" in the game of "Snooker" are allowed in the
game of Eight-Ball Pool. Generally, any shot played with speed will not be
deemed to be a Push Shot regardless of the fact that the cue tip may have
come into contact with the Cue Ball more than once.
Exceptions that are Standard
Fouls:-
When, during the
playing of a shot, the tip of the cue strikes the Cue Ball twice and the
referee is able to actually see each contact.
When, during the
playing of a shot, a player plays the cue so slowly through the Cue Ball
that the cue tip remains in contact with the Cue Ball so as to be visibly
pushing it along.
When the Cue Ball
is played into a touching Object Ball. {see Touching Balls}
Snookers
Definition: A player
is Snookered when it is impossible to play the finest cut possible on both
sides of any of that player's own Colour by way of a "straight-line" shot.
Snookering an opponent is not a foul.
A player cannot be Snookered
by a ball of the player's own Colour. That is, if one of the player's own
coloured group is an obstructing ball, it will be ignored for the purposes
of determining a Snooker.
A player cannot be Snookered
on an Object Ball if the Cue Ball is touching that Object Ball.
A player cannot be Snookered
by the straight sections of the cushions. If a straight section of a cushion
is preventing the finest possible cut on the side of an Object Ball, that
section of cushion will be deemed not to exist for the purposes of determining
a Snooker on that Object Ball.
If an Object Ball is
partly obscured by a curved section (Jaw), this in itself does not constitute
a Snooker.
Total
Snookers
Definition: A player
is in a Total Snooker when it is impossible to play any part of any of the
player's own Colour by way of a "straight line" shot. Leaving an opponent
in a Total Snooker is not a foul.
If a player believes
that a Total Snooker exists, the player may ask the referee for a ruling.
If the referee rules
that a Total Snooker exists, the player's obligations under the "Legal Shot"
rule are relaxed as follows:- The player need only cause the Cue Ball's initial
contact to be with a ball "On". The requirement to pot a ball and / or cause
a ball to strike a cushion is waived.
Foul Snookers
Definition: When an opponent
plays a foul shot and this results in the incoming player being snookered,
the incoming player is deemed to be Foul Snookered.
If a player believes
that a Foul Snooker exists, the player may ask the referee for a ruling.
If the referee rules
that a foul snooker exists, the player initially has the following options:-
Play the Cue Ball
from where it lies. {see (4)(a) below} OR
Ask the referee to
remove the Cue Ball so as to allow the player to play from Baulk. {see
(4)(b) below }
If the player
chooses to play the Cue Ball from where it lies, the player may, if
the player wishes, nominate the Eight Ball (but see (5) below) or
any one of the opponent's Colour. The player can nominate a particular
ball by verbal description of it or its position or by pointing at
it. The Referee may ask for further information if any doubt exists
as to which ball has been nominated.
Once nominated,
a ball is deemed to "become one" of the player's Colour for the first
shot of the first visit. The player may then play any of the player's
own Colour or the nominated ball. If any of the player's Colour and/or
the nominated ball are potted, the player continues with the first
visit.
If the player chooses
to play the Cue Ball from Baulk, a Foul Snooker may no longer exist. In
this case the procedure under the heading (E) Playing from Baulk (2)(d)(2)&(2)(e)
should be followed. If the referee decides that a Foul Snooker does still
exist, the player may nominate a ball and follow the procedure in (4)(a)
above.
If the Eight Ball is
nominated it may be played, but potting it will mean loss of frame.
If a player is "On" the
Eight Ball and Foul Snookered:- The player may play a nominated ball or the
Eight Ball and pot either or both of these balls, directly or indirectly,
in any pocket or pockets.
Assuming the player does not commit a foul:-
If neither the Eight
Ball or the nominated ball is potted, the player's first visit is complete.
If the nominated
ball is potted and the Eight Ball is not, the player continues with the
first visit.
If the nominated
ball and the Eight Ball are potted, the player wins the frame.
If the Eight Ball
is potted and the nominated ball is not, the player wins the frame.
If a Foul Snooker exists
and the Cue Ball is touching an opponent's ball or balls, the player may,
but is not obliged to, nominate one of those touching balls.
Foul Jaw
Snookers
If an opponent fouls and the
Cue Ball come to rest on or near a Jaw (curved part of a cushion), and that jaw
is preventing the player from playing the finest cut possible on both sides of
any of that player's own colour by way of a "straight line shot, the player is
deemed to be Foul Snookered and all the rules pertaining to a Foul Jaw Snooker
will apply.
Touching
Balls
General
If the Cue Ball is
touching an Object Ball, the player is obliged to "Play Away" from that
Object Ball at an angle of not more than 90 degrees. (That is, play the
shot without causing the Cue Ball to make any initial further contact
with that Object Ball)
If, when playing
away from a touching ball, the touching ball rocks or moves without being
contacted further, but simply because the Cue Ball is no longer there,
no penalty will apply.
When Colours have been
decided:-
Playing away from
a touching Object Ball of the player's own Colour:-
The instant a player plays away from a touching Object Ball of the player's
own Colour, the player is deemed to have played that ball. Therefore,
the player needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a
cushion to fulfill all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
Playing away from
a touching Object Ball of the opponent's Colour The player must play away
from the touching ball and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
Playing away
from the touching Eight Ball when "On" the Eight Ball:- The player
must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then need only cause
any ball to strike a cushion to fulfill the requirements of a Legal
Shot.
Playing away
from the touching Eight Ball when not "On" the Eight Ball.:- The player
must play away from the touching Eighth Ball and the meet all the
requirements of a Legal Shot.
Playing away from
two or more touching Object Balls:-
If any of the
touching Object Balls are of the player's Colour, the player will
be deemed to have played away if the player plays away from any one
of the touching balls of the player's Colour. That is, the player
may play into any of the other touching balls. The player needs then
to only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfill
the requirements of a Legal Shot.
If none of the
touching Object Balls are of the players coloured group, the player
must play away from all the touching balls and then meet all the requirements
of a Legal Shot.
When Colours have yet
to be decided:-
Playing away from
a touching Coloured Ball:- The instant a player plays away from a touching
Object Ball the player is deemed to have played that ball. Therefore,
the player needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a
cushion to fulfill all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
Playing away from
a touching Eight Ball:- The player must play away from the touching Eight
Ball and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
Playing away from
two or more touching Object Balls:- If the player plays away from any
of the touching Coloured Balls the player is deemed to have played that
ball. That is, the player may play into any of the other touching Object
Balls. The player needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike
a cushion to meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
Balls
off the Table
It is Standard Foul if
a ball leaves the playing surface (other than being potted) and remains off
the playing surface or doesn't return by its own means.
Definitions / Examples
"Playing Surface":-
The playing surface of the table is the flat part of the table between
the cushions.
"By its own means":-
It is not a foul
if a ball leaves the playing surface, runs along the top of a cushion,
drops back on to the playing surface and comes to rest there or falls
into a pocket.
It is a Standard
Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, comes into contact with
a person or object that is not a part of the table and then returns
to the playing surface.
"Off the Table":-
It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface and comes to
rest on other than the playing surface. (e.g. On the floor or on the top
of a cushion)
"Spotted":- A ball
is spotted when its centre point is placed on the spot or, if this is
not possible, as near as possible to the spot in a direct line between
the spot and the centre point of the cushion that lies the greatest distance
from the Baulk Line. If any of the following balls require spotting, they
are spotted in the following order:-
Eight Ball
Red Balls in
any order (or balls numbered 1 to 7 in numerical order)
Yellow Balls
in any order (or balls numbered 9 to 15 in numerical order)
Spotted balls should
be placed as close to each other and any intervening balls as possible,
without touching.
If a ball leaves the
playing surface and remains off the playing surface, it shall be returned
to the table:-
If it is a Cue Ball
it is to be played from Baulk.
If it is an Object
Ball (or Balls) it is to be Spotted.
Balls
Falling Without Being Hit
The Player in Control
{see Definitions (9)} is responsible for any stationary ball
that subsequently falls into a pocket without being hit by another ball.
If one of the player's
own Colour falls the player is deemed to have potted that ball and the
player in control continues with that visit.
If one of the opponent's
Colour falls into a pocket without being hit, while a player is in control,
it is a Non-Standard Foul this will result in end of visit.
If the eight ball
or the cue ball falls at any time without being hit, it is replaced as
near as possible to its original position. If any other balls are moved
in these circumstances they shall also be replaced as near as possible
to their original positions and the player in control continues with that
visit.
Interference
If any balls are moved
during a frame:-
By a person other
than the players taking part in the frame or,
As a direct result
of one of the players being bumped or,
Due to any other
event deemed outside the players' control such as:-
"An Act of God"
such as an earthquake etc
Tip falling off
a cue or end falling off a spider etc,
The referee will replace
the balls as near as possible to the positions they were in before the
incident occurred, no penalty shall be imposed on either of the players
and the frame shall continue.
The referee will
prevent any unauthorised marking of the table. If a player causes a block
of billiard chalk or other foreign matter to be on any part of the table
it is not a foul. However, the referee will ensure that the item is removed.
If a player repeatedly
causes a block of billiard chalk or other foreign matter to be on any
part of the table the referee may deem that the player has breached the
Spirit of the Game and award the frame to the opponent.
A situation may arise during
a frame where it is impossible for a player to play a shot without fouling. In
such a situation the player has no other option but to commit a foul.
Stalemate
The referee shall declare a
Stalemate if both the player and the opponent have three turns in succession where
the Cue Ball fails to make contact with an Object Ball. In such a case, the frame
will be replayed with the same player breaking.
Referee's
Guideline and Duties
The Referee's Duties and Guidelines
listed below supplement those directions contained in various other sections of
these rules.
The Referee's decision
is final except where players have been advised that it is possible to appeal
to a Head Referee or other higher authority.
Information to be disclosed
/ not disclosed by a referee:-
A player is responsible
for knowing the rules of the game. It is not the referee's duty to explain
or quote the rules to a player.
A referee, if asked
by a player, may divulge certain information pertaining to the frame in
question under the guidelines of the "Past, Present and Future Rule".
A referee may divulge information relating to any past event or present
situation in the frame. For example:- "Who's turn is it?" - Present. "Was
that a foul?" - Past. Which Colour am I On?" - Present. However, "If I
play this shot will it be a foul?" is a question regarding the Future
and the referee should advise the player that the referee cannot answer
this type of question.
The referee shall toss
a coin to determine the break and announce the result.
If an Object Ball (or
balls) is potted on the break the referee will advise both players of this
fact by announcing "Ball (or balls) potted". When a player has a right and
an obligation to nominate a choice of Colour, and does so, the referee will
announce "Player 'A' On Red (or Yellow) Balls". When that player's turn is
complete the referee w ill advise the incoming player of the situation by
announcing "Player 'B' on Yellow (or Red ) Balls".
The Referee will
call fouls as soon as they occur and the fouled player immediately loses
control of the table.
The call for
a Standard Foul is "Foul, Two Visits".
The call for
a Non-Standard Foul is "Foul, (and announce the relevant penalty)."
The call for
a Serious Foul is "Serious Foul, Two Visits".
The call for
a loss of Frame Foul is "Loss of Frame".
After a player has
been awarded two visits the referee will make no call until the player
fails to pot a ball "On". (Except for 30 second time warnings and for
any fouls that may occur) The referee will then call "Second Visit" to
advise the player that the first visit is complete and the second visit
is about to begin.
The referee will call
any instance when the Cue Ball is touching a ball "On".
In the absence of any
competition / tournament rules to the contrary, two referees will referee
each frame. One referee will make the standard calls such as "Second Visit"
and a "Player a on Red (or Yellow) Balls" while the other referee will keep
the time. Both referee's will be involved in the refereeing of the frame and
either can call fouls. If one referee calls afoul, the other referee can not
overrule the call. That is, the two referees have equal authority.